Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie is advising Saudi Arabian listed bank Alawwal bank, whose largest shareholder is a consortium made up of RBS, Santander and a Dutch governmental entity, on its merger with fellow Saudi listed bank, The Saudi British Bank ("SABB"), whose largest shareholder is HSBC. The share for share merger has a deal value of approximately US$4.9 billion, making it the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia between two listed banks and one of the largest mergers of two Saudi listed companies.

Davis Polk advised the underwriters in connection with an SEC-registered offering of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.100% fixed-rate senior notes due 2023, $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.550% fixed-rate senior notes due 2028 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of floating-rate senior notes due 2023 of ING Groep N.V.

ING Groep N.V. is a global financial institution based in the Netherlands that offers banking services worldwide to more than 37 million customers in over 40 countries.

Global law firm White & Case LLP has advised Muzinich & Co Limited on the acquisition of 100 percent of the share capital of Springrowth SGR S.p.A.

Springrowth is an independent Italian alternative investment fund manager specializing in the management of credit funds.

The White & Case team which advised on the corporate and regulatory aspects of the transaction comprised partners Michael Immordino (London & Milan) and Leonardo Graffi (Milan), associates Angelo Messore and Nicola L'Erario and lawyer Alessandro Piga (all Milan).

International law firm Ashurst advised Commonwealth Securities Limited, National Australia Bank Limited and Crestone Wealth Management Limited, as joint lead arrangers, of the proposed initial public offering by Heart and Minds Investments Limited to raise up to A$500 million and listing on ASX.

Gide has advised the banks syndicate composed of HSBC Bank plc, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, J.P. Morgan Securities plc and Natixis in connection with the issuance of Tier 2 subordinated bonds by Groupama Assurances Mutuelles for a total amount of EUR 500 million at a rate of 3.375 per cent. and due 2028.

Gide’s team was led by partner Hubert du Vignaux and counsel Laurent Vincent, assisted by associates Mariléna Gryparis and Stéphanie Trost.

Stephenson Harwood (Singapore) Alliance has advised Minsheng Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (Minsheng Financial Leasing) in relation to the refinancing of a portfolio of 10,000 marine containers, through a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) with head lease and sub-lease structure.