International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer worked alongside BT's legal function to advise BT Group, one of the world's leading communications services companies, on the acquisition of ESPN’s UK and Ireland television channels business. These primarily comprise the ESPN and ESPN America channels and their live sports rights portfolio, including the FA Cup, Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League, UEFA Europa League, and the German Bundesliga.
The transaction is expected to complete on July 31, 2013. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory clearance.

Corporate partner Natasha Good led the Freshfields team advising BT on the transaction, supported by a cross-practice team of employment, tax, intellectual property and antitrust, competition and trade lawyers.

This deal highlights the firm’s experience in advising clients in the telecoms, media and technology sector and longstanding relationship with BT. Freshfields has previously advised on its recommended cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Tikit Group, an independent provider of IT software, solutions, consultancy and services to legal and accounting firms in the UK, North America and mainland Europe.

http://www.freshfields.com/en/deals/Freshfields_advises_BT_on_acquisiti…