King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has acted for Ascott Holdings Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, on its A$180 million acquisition of a 60% stake in Quest Apartment Hotels.

This acquisition will increase Ascott’s stake in Quest from 20% to 80%, making the Singapore-based company the largest serviced residence provider in Australasia.

The KWM team advised Ascott on all aspects of the acquisition. Partner Adrian Perkins led the transaction and was supported by Kate Lindner, Daniel Dressler, Angus Morris and Sam Monk.

Clifford Chance has advised Omni Bridgeway on its acquisition of ROLAND ProzessFinanz from ROLAND. ROLAND ProzessFinanz can expect to receive a substantial amount of investment from its new owner and is likely to expand its international operations. OmniBridgeway has added an established and respected company from the DACH region to its portfolio.

Simpson Thacher is representing AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE: AXS) in connection with its announced acquisition of UK Insurer Novae Group plc (LON: NVA) for £468 million. The move will create an approximately $2 billion player in the London specialty market and a top 10 insurer in the Lloyd’s market. Under the terms of the acquisition, Axis will pay 700 pence per share for Novae, a 20% premium to the share price on July 4 and a multiple of one and a half times Novae’s net tangible book value.

Shearman & Sterling advised Vivendi on the acquisition of a 60% majority stake of the Bolloré Group in Havas. This strategic transaction will allow Vivendi to accelerate its building of a leading world-class content, media and communications group and will afford the newly created group a unique position in an environment in which content, distribution and communications are converging.

Bird & Bird ATMD has acted for SGX-listed United Global Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary United Oil Company, in the acquisition of 95% of the issued and paid-up share capital of Indonesia-based lubricant manufacturer PT Pacific Lubritama Indonesia. The sale is for $18.2 million which will be financed through its internal resources and proceeds from its listing of shares on the SGX Catalist.
 
The team involved in the transaction was led by Marcus Chow (Partner, Singapore) who was assisted by Jolie Giouw (Counsel, Singapore).

Ashurst is advising Credit Suisse International and Fenchurch Advisory Partners LLP in relation to the £467.6 million recommended cash offer for Novae Group plc by AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, announced today. 

Addleshaw Goddard has advised Sheffield-based independent game developer Sumo Digital on its acquisition of design studio Atomhawk Design Ltd.

The acquisition strategically supports Sumo Digital's plans to become a powerhouse for high quality creative and development services and will bolster Atomhawk's growth ambitions, which include plans to open a second studio in North America.

Charles Russell Speechlys has advised Rockpool Investments on the management buy-out of Cheltenham-based Cotswold Collections, a high-quality women’s unique fashion brand aimed at affluent mature women. Cotswold Collections has offered exclusive quality clothing and accessories for twenty four years.

Fieldfisher's corporate team in Manchester has acted for Conservatory Outlet Group on its acquisition of retailer Clearview Home Improvements.

Partner Mary Erb and Solicitor Alexandra Keane led the deal, with support from other fee earners across the firm.

This is the second acquisition Conservatory Outlet Group has made this year, boosting revenues to more than £40m.

Irwin Mitchell Advises On Transaction

High Wycombe based Montrose Holdings Ltd, through its Swedish parent company Bufab, has announced the acquisition of Thunderbolts Group Limited.