Choudao Equity, an online equity crowd-funding platform of Shanghai Zhongniu Network Technology Co., Ltd., was officially launched as one of the first eight equity crowd-funding agencies approved by CSRC.
Debevoise & Plimpton has advised Baring Private Equity Asia on the formation of The Baring Asia Private Equity Fund VI. The fund, which was heavily oversubscribed, held its third and final close on February 24, 2015 with $3.988 billion in commitments. It is believed to be the largest private equity fund ever raised by an Asia-based manager.
Gide advised Ecomobility Ventures, a European Investment fund dedicated to innovation in sustainable mobility, on the investment of Air Liquide (via its subsidiary Aliad) and Michelin in its capital. Air Liquide and Michelin join SNCF, Total and Orange in the capital of Ecomobility Ventures, set up in 2011 and which contributes to the development of sustainable mobility by supporting innovation between start-ups and larger groups.
The team offering legal counsel to Ecomobility Ventures comprised partner Anne Tolila and associate Arnaud de Keulenaer.
Pinsent Masons has advised Persimmon Homes on a landmark property deal that will create hundreds of stunning new homes at the former Selly Oak Hospital site gets the go-ahead.
Developer Persimmon Homes South Midlands and the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust have exchanged contracts on a multi-million pound land deal for the former Selly Oak Hospital site.
A Travers Smith team, led by private equity partners Lucie Cawood and James Renahan, has advised long standing client 3i Group plc ("3i") on their investment in Aspen Pumps in a transaction valued at £105 million.
Aspen Pumps is based in Hailsham, Sussex and is the global market leader in condensate removal pumps (its products being available in over 100 countries). 3i plans to work with Aspen Pumps to support its international growth and expand its product range, as well as supporting complementary acquisition opportunities.
A Travers Smith team led by private equity partner Helen Croke has advised Bridgepoint Development Capital on its investment in MVF, a UK technology company which specialises in online customer acquisition and lead generation.
DLA Piper has advised The Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) with its acquisition of a 30% interest in Globeleq Africa (Globeleq), an operating power company focused on developing energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa. Globeleq currently has eight major generating assets in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania with a total gross capacity of 1,095 megawatts. Following receipt of governmental and third party consents, Globeleq will be owned by Norfund in partnership with CDC, the UK development finance institution.
Ashurst advised Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG ("Berenberg") on the financing of an investment of The Riverside Company in Bike24 GmbH. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price and financing volume. Dresden-based Bike24 GmbH is an online retailer of bicycle components, accessories and sporting goods.
Watson Farley & Williams has announced that it has advised Humphrey Julian Nokes on the acquisition of a 35,33% shareholding in PRINCIPIA S.G.R. – Società di gestione del risparmio S.p.A., from MAZ&COS Venture S.r.l..
Humphrey Julian Nokes is a venture capitalist and the founder of ETV Capital, which has investments of over £300 million in more than 190 venture capital-backed technology, biotechnology and healthcare companies across Europe.
DLA Piper has advised the shareholders of Bike24 GmbH on an investment by The Riverside Company.
Bike24 is one of the leading online dealers for cycling requirements and related equipment for customers in Europe and around the world.