Dentons advised Finatem Beteiligungsgesellschaft on the acquisition of lichtbasis meissner – spahn gmbh. The purchase was effected including a reinvestment of the previous shareholders/management and, therefore, is at the same time a management and owner buy-out. The transaction was carried out through a financing provided by BHF-Bank AG. The parties agreed not to disclose the volume of the transaction.

Finatem is one of the leading independent holdings in Germany focusing on mid-sized companies. Investments are mostly—and in this case as well—done in cooperation with the management of the portfolio companies. With lichtbasis, Finatem expands its portfolio by one more industry leader. lichtbasis was founded in 2000 and is one of the European market leaders among wholesalers, solely specializing in lighting technology. lichtbasis sells high-quality lamps and luminaires for professional purposes only. A broad and diversified client base profits from knowledge in lighting, high supply capability and the planning services for lighting. For 2014 the company expects a turnover of about €65 million. The staff currently consists of 60 employees.

The Dentons team, coordinated by partner Robert Bastian, advised Finatem on all legal questions regarding the acquisition. This included the due diligence for lichtbasis, the tax structure for the acquisition, negotiation of purchase price and loan agreement as well as the management participation.

Advisor to Finatem Beteiligungsgesellschaft:
Dentons (Frankfurt): Robert Bastian (Partner, coordinating, Corporate/M&A), Michael Graf (Partner, tax), Dr. Constantin Rehaag (Counsel, IP), Prof. Dr. Friedrich Toepel (Counsel, M&A), Thomas Voss (Counsel, Tax), Judith Heimbürger (Associate, IP), Jochen Hörth (Associate, Corporate/M&A)

Dentons (Berlin): Dr. Josef Hainz (Counsel, antitrust), Mathias Stelzer (Counsel, Labour Law), Judith Specht (Associate, Corporate/M&A)