International law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Crédit Agricole and UniCredit on the £452million bridge term loan for the financing of Steinhoff International's public bid for Poundland Group plc, which is listed in London and announced on 13 July 2016.

Steinhoff owns UK retail businesses including Harveys and Bensons for Beds. Last year, South African billionaire Christo Wiese, Steinhoff’s largest shareholder, acquired majority stakes in Virgin Active, the fitness group, and New Look, the UK clothing chain.

The team was led by Finance Partner Will Nevin supported by Associates Stacey Pang and Megan Whittaker and Trainee Pritika Advani.  Corporate advice was provided by Mark Bardell and Sophie Lenox.