Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm, has entered into an agreement to acquire approximately 35% shareholding in the Avaloq Group AG. Avaloq is an internationally leading FinTech company based in Switzerland. With its integrated business process outsourcing services, Avaloq is the only independent provider for the financial industry that does both, developing and operating its own software. Closing of the transaction is expected in the second quarter of 2017.

Addleshaw Goddard's Dubai Corporate team has advised Kasamar Holdings, a newly formed Abu Dhabi family office, in relation to its first investment, the acquisition of a significant minority interest in the leading regional cultural retailer, Gallery One.

Fieldfisher has advised Wirex on a US$3m investment from Japanese VC SBI Holdings

The Hong Kong and New York offices of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP have advised VIG Partners (“VIG”) on the formation of VIG Partners Fund III (“Fund III”). The fund has reached final closing, raising $600 million, exceeding the original target of US$500 million with strong support from both existing and new investors.

VIG secured commitments from a globally diversified investor base of investors from Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific. Fund III is composed of leading banks, family offices, insurance companies, fund of funds, and pensions

Clifford Chance advised Privat Equity company 3i on an investment of EUR 120 million in Lampenwelt, the largest European online specialist in the lighting space. 3i will invest alongside management and one of the current owners of the business, Walter Neumüller. In addition, 3i will provide a short term refinancing loan to Lampenwelt of EUR 54 million.

Osborne Clarke has advised Smartlane on the closing of its Series A financing round.

The Smartlane software collects and uses “smart mobility data” to enable a dynamic order and tour management. The funding team aims to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions that come from surplus transport, setting a new standard for service logistics.

The six figure investment comes from the family office Ideenschaft Invest GmbH & Co. KG and will be used for further technology development and expansion.

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised Arvato Financial Solutions on its seven figure investment in Berlin-based technology company solarisBank AG. The financing round, spearheaded by Arvato Financial Solutions, will allow solarisBank to roll out its banking platform internationally. In total, solarisBank has raised €26.3m in this investment round.

Vinge has advised Thomas Betong AB (which is part of the Thomas Concrete Group) in conjunction with the acquisition of Kewab’s cement operations. The transaction has strengthened Thomas Betong’s position in Värmland.

Vinge’s team consisted of responsible partner Olof Jisland and associate Kristoffer Larson.

The London office of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has advised Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) in its investment in Datamars, making it the company's largest shareholder.

Following the transaction, current owners Columna Capital, as well as the management of Datamars, will remain shareholders and partners in the business.

Baker McKenzie has advised European banking app Centralway Numbrs on its substantial investment from the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the principal investment arm of the government of Dubai. The investment will support the company's future growth plans, as it also announced plans to launch in the UK early in 2017, building on the 1.5 million bank accounts in Germany that are currently managed through the app.