On February 17, 2017, the co-founders of LUZ, Inc. (LUZ), a leading language service provider for the life sciences industry, completed the sale of 100% of LUZ to RWS Holdings Plc. The transaction value was USD 82.5 m. Based in San Francisco, CA, LUZ utilizes its cloud-based AURORA platform to manage the process of translating critical documents for Pharma and MedTech companies.
Vinge assisted EQT V Limited (”EQT”) in connection with the sale of shares in AcadeMedia AB (publ) (”AcadeMedia”) through an accelerated bookbuilding process carried out on 13 February 2017. In total, 12 million shares were placed at a price of SEK 58 per share, corresponding to a total value of SEK 696 million. Following the transaction, EQT holds approximately 41.6% of the shares in AcadeMedia.
Vinge’s team consisted of Dain Hård Nevonen, Erik Sjöman and Sofie Bjärtun.
Mobilis Kapitalförvaltning AB, which offers services within fund saving with three active funds mainly within pension saving, has been sold to Coeli Holding AB. Mobilis started its business in 2005 and is located in Helsingborg. Ragnar Lindqvist, partner of Mannheimer Swartling, has been the chairman of the board of the company since its establishment.
Mobilis' founders and owner group were advised by Mannheimer Swartling in the transaction.
Olswang has advised London and LA-based film, television and digital sales company Content Media Corporation Plc (CMC) on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Kew Media Group Inc, a Canadian special purpose acquisition corporation focused on the media sector. The deal is expected to complete in March.
Allen & Overy LLP has advised TUI AG in connection with the sale of Travelopia to funds controlled by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. ("KKR") for an enterprise value of GBP 325 million. The transaction is still subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Baker McKenzie advised the Crown Property Bureau, the Bangkok-based agency responsible for managing investments of the Kingdom of Thailand, on the sale of a majority shareholding in the Kempinski Hotels Group to a co-investor from the Kingdom of Bahrain. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction was signed and completed on 15 and 16 February 2017.
We advised the sellers in the sale of Idean Enterprises Oy to the global IT services group Capgemini. The sellers include CapMan's subsidiary Norvestia. The transaction is estimated to close by the end of February 2017.
Idean is a global design & strategy firm focused on delivering valuable customer experiences through user research, digital design, and front-end development. Idean combines its Scandinavian design heritage with Silicon Valley tech expertise to provide its clients with a comprehensive perspective on digital design and customer experience.
Gleiss Lutz advised Siris Capital Group, LLC (“Siris Capital”) on the sale of Xura Secure Communications GmbH to the Swedish company CLX Communications. The transaction was closed on 16 February 2017. Xura Secure Communications GmbH is a subsidiary of Xura, Inc., a leading provider of digital communication services which Siris Capital had taken over in August 2016.
Linklaters is pleased to have advised long-term client BBVA on the sale of a US$590 million stake in China CITIC Bank. Goldman Sachs was the sole placing agent for the sale.
Linklaters Hong Kong-based partner Gilbert Li, commented: “This is yet another example of Linklaters leading position in the market as we recently acted on PCCW’s US$1.1 billion block sale of 11% in HKT – the region’s biggest block trade in 2017."
Global law firm Reed Smith advised Graphite Capital and Micheldever Group Ltd. (MTS) on the acquisition of MTS by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (SRI), Japan’s sixth largest tyre manufacturer. The sale was made for £215 million, 3.7 times the original investment made by Graphite in 2006.
MTS is the second largest distributor of car, 4x4 and motorcycle tyres in the UK. Graphite Capital is a leading independent private equity house focused on UK mid-market investments.