Fingerprint Cards expands its reach in biometrics by acquiring Delta ID, the world’s leading supplier of iris recognition technology, for USD 106 million (approximately 938 MSEK). The acquisition of the Californian-based company means that Fingerprint Cards expands its business and its technology portfolio with biometric security solutions based on the human eye. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close during spring 2017.

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier advised Colday E S.à r.l., a company controlled by funds managed by Colony NorthStar, in the sale of its stake in Edenred, the world leader in prepaid corporate services.

The transaction was carried out, among others, through a private placement by way of an accelerated book building to institutional investors of 5.68% of Edenred’s share capital for a total amount of approximately 257.5 million euros. UBS Limited acted as bookrunner on the transaction.

Weil represented MOL, an integrated, international oil and gas company, and one of the largest corporates headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, in the acquisition of a majority interest in the OT INDUSTRIES Group, a key market participant of the Central and Eastern European oil and gas industry with its main profile in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) project implementation. The transaction also involved a joint venture arrangement between MOL and the minority shareholder. The transaction closed on January 31, 2017.

The Migros Group, through Mérat & Cie. SA, has acquired Tipesca SA, a company incorporated in the canton of Tessin. Tipesca offers a wide range of fish products.

Walder Wyss acted as legal advisor to the Migros Group. The team was led by Alexandre Both (Counsel, Corporate/M&A) and further included Adriano Antonietti (Managing Associate, Corporate/M&A), Dirk Spacek (Managing Associate, IP), Alex Domeniconi (Associate, Corporate/Commercial) and Louis Christe (Trainee, Corporate/M&A).

Roschier represented Thunder Software Technology Co., Ltd. in its EUR 64 million acquisition of Rightware Oy, a leading provider of automotive user interface software from Inventure Fund Ky, Nexit Infocom LP, Visteon Global Electronics Inc., Finnish Industry Investment, management and a number of private sellers.

The transaction was announced on 19 December 2016 and is expected to close in early 2017.

The Squire Patton Boggs Global Corporate Practice has advised the shareholders in Hometrack, a property data company that provides automated property valuations, on its acquisition by the Zoopla Property Group Plc, in a £120 million deal.

Taylor Wessing has advised ATTRAQT Group plc, a leading provider of visual merchandising, e-commerce site search and personalised recommendation technology, on its conditional £25 million reverse takeover of its peer Fredhopper BV.

In order to fund the acquisition, ATTRAQT will raise up to £28.5 million by means of a significantly oversubscribed placing and open offer. The combined group will be re-admitted to AIM on 7 March 2017, subject to shareholder approval at the general meeting on 6 March 2017.

Client name
Parcom Capital  - purchaser

Other parties involved
MGG Group B.V.; MGG Holding B.V.

Nature of transaction
Parcom Capital acquires a majority stake in MGG Group, a cutting edge and high quality manufacturer of advanced aluminium sand-castings and sub-assemblies, that currently generates annual revenues of approximately EUR 100 million. The management of the company co-invests alongside Parcom Capital.

Date deal was announced
1 February 2017

De Brauw involvement
Lead counsel

Deal value

We have advised Vhi, the largest private medical insurer in Ireland, on its plan to acquire Centric Health’s 50% interest in the Vhi SwiftCare Clinics, subject to the approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The Vhi SwiftCare Clinics were established in 2005 as a joint venture between Vhi and Centric Health as Ireland’s first walk-in, urgent care clinics, providing rapid assessment, treatment and advice for patients with a range of minor injuries and illnesses.

Dusseldorf/Cologne – Dutch energy company Eneco acquires a 50 per cent interest in German energy and IT firm LichtBlick. Eneco was leg ally advised by Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft during the entire transaction process.