Ashurst advised Fusion IP plc, the AIM-listed company established in 2002 to commercialise university-generated intellectual property, on the recommended all-share offer made by IP Group plc for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Fusion IP. IP Group, which currently owns a 20.1% stake, has agreed to buy the remaining 80% stake in Fusion IP. Under the terms of the Offer, Fusion IP shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.446 IP Group shares for every share held, which represents a premium of approximately 27.4%, a deal that values Fusion IP at 80.2p per share or about £87.8m.

Both IP Group and Fusion IP have a reputation for building businesses based on intellectual property primarily sourced from leading scientific research institutions and both companies are also recognised as key opinion leaders in this emerging asset class.

The Ashurst team was led by corporate partner Nigel Stacey, assisted by senior associate Sian Williams.