Herbert Smith Freehills Germany has completed its first transaction since the firm opened offices in Frankfurt and Berlin last month, advising transport, logistics and freight forwarding company Norbert Dentressangle on its acquisition of Fiege's logistics operations in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

The all-cash financed deal, which was signed on 24 May 2013, will enable Norbert Dentressangle to rapidly increase its critical mass in southern Europe and strengthen the company's market leadership in the European logistics market.

As part of the transaction Norbert Dentressangle will acquire Fiege Borruso and FLI spa (Pharma)'s Italian operations, which serve a wide range of industries including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail and pharmaceuticals. The deal will create Italy's fourth largest player in the logistics market. Norbert Dentressangle will also acquire Fiege Iberia and Fiege Iberia Operador's Spanish and Portuguese operations, which serve the FMCG, industrials and healthcare industries, thereby strengthening the company's position in the Iberian market and particularly as a major transport player in Spain.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by Frankfurt and Berlin-based partner Ralf Thaeter and Paris partner Louis de Longeaux. Norbert Dentressangle's in house team was led by General Counsel Gaultier de la Rochebrochard.

Ralf Thaeter comments:

"We are pleased to have completed our first transaction in Germany since launching the Frankfurt and Berlin offices last month. One of our principal goals is to build a high quality German corporate offering that is fully integrated into the firm's global network, and we look forward to announcing further cross-border deals as our German team continues to grow over the coming months."

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