Ashurst is advising Oxford Instruments plc, a leading provider of high technology solutions, information and services for industry and research, on the disposal of its Industrial Analysis business to Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation for a consideration of £80 million on a cash and debt free basis.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Austria, regulatory notification of the share transfer filing in China and completion of a pre-sale reorganisation to carve out the relevant businesses. Assuming satisfaction of these conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of Oxford Instruments' 2017/18 fiscal year. 

The Ashurst team is being led by London corporate partner Nick Bryans, assisted by senior associate James Fletcher, and associates Hetty Downer and Aimee Carroll-Hewitt. Partner Mark Lubbock and counsel Brian Murphy are providing intellectual property advice. Partner Crowley Woodford and associate Emma James are providing employment advice. Partner Neil Cuninghame is advising on the competition aspects of the transaction. The Ashurst finance team is being led by partner Tim Rennie. Partner Alex Cox is providing tax advice on the transaction.