Ashurst advised Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG (Berenberg Bank) on the financing of the acquisition of confectionery specialist Hussel by Munich-based private equity fund Emeram Capital Partners. The loan agreement was signed on 25 April 2014. Berenberg acted as super senior lender. The loan was provided by debt fund Avenue Capital in the form of a unitranche. The parties have agreed not to disclose the financing volume. Hussel was sold by Douglas Holding.

Hussel has 1,000 employees and over 219 branches in Germany and Austria as well as 24 further branches in Portugal.

The Ashurst team was led by banking partner Dr Tom Beckerhoff. He was assisted by counsel Tobias von Gostomski, associate Michael Schuhmacher and transaction manager Dominique Blaurock (all banking, Frankfurt).

Ashurst regularly advises Berenberg Bank on acquisition financings. In February 2014, a team led by Dr Tom Beckerhoff acted for the bank in connection with the financing, together with Bayern LB, of the acquisition of Mercareon GmbH by Transporeon GmbH, a portfolio company of private equity firm Riverside.