Clifford Chance has advised UniCredit Bank AG and ING as mandated lead arrangers on the financing of the aquisition of d&b audiotechnik by Ardian from the investment companies Odewald & Compagnie and COBEPA. The parties have agreed not to disclose further details of the transaction. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.

d&b, based in Backnang, Germany, was founded in 1981 and is one of the world’s leading providers of professional premium audio technology. The company develops and produces high-quality sound systems for mobile and permanently installed applications.

The investment company Ardian currently manages assets worth US$55 billion for investors in Europe, North America and Asia. Ardian maintains a global network with more than 410 employees.

The Clifford Chance team was led by partner Barbara Mayer-Trautmann (Banking & Capital Markets, Munich) and comprised partner Thorsten Sauerhering (Tax, Frankfurt), senior associate Susan Kelly as well as associates Jennifer Seipelt, Alexander Lang and Ololade Oni (all Banking & Capital Markets, Munich).

Assistance in relation to Luxembourg law matters was provided by partner Marc Mehlen and associate Laurence Licata (both Banking & Finance, Luxembourg), while partner Avroham Gelber (Tax, New York) and counsel Daniel Winick (Banking & Finance, New York) advised in relation to US law matters.