International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has advised British engineer Invensys on a recommended offer by France’s Schneider Electric to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Invensys.

The offer is to be effected by means of a scheme of arrangement and is subject to shareholder approval. It is intended to help boost the integrated company's position as a global leader in software provision.

Freshfields partners Barry O’Brien, Ben Spiers and Claire Wills led the team advising on the deal supported by senior associate Giles Rowbotham. Simon Evans and Andrew Murphy also provided employment and pensions advice. Rod Carlton and Katrin Gassner advised on antitrust aspects while Alan Mason advised on French law matters. Bob Schlossberg, Bryan Bloom and Christine Laciak (all Washington, D.C) also advised.

Barry O’Brien said, ‘This is a major milestone for our long-standing client Invensys. The deal follows the £1.74bn sale of its rail division to Siemens and the subsequent return of cash to shareholders, on which we also advised, and which helped pave the way for this transaction.’