The stock-listed Legrand group with its headquarters in Limoges (France) has acquired the internationally operating IME group. Amongst others, the complex cross-border transaction included a parallel transfer of shares in Germany, Italy and France. The parties have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction.

Both companies are active in electrical engineering. The Legrand group is a global leader for low voltage products with a focus on the commercial and industrial field. Legrand has subsidiaries in more than 80 countries and is active in more than 170 countries via a distribution network. The acquired IME group is a leading provider of measuring technology in analogue and digital measuring engineering, with a comprehensive range covering almost all measuring technology tasks.

GvW comprehensively advised the Legrand group on the acquisition process of the German IME division. The GvW team with lawyers from the Frankfurt and Düsseldorf offices consisted of: Eric Messenzehl (lead lawyer, M&A), Benjamin Schwarzfischer (M&A), Dr Daniel Komo (M&A), Christof Kleinmann, Karsten Kujath (both labor law), Christian Kusulis (competition and antitrust law), Dr Joachim Mulch (IP) and Dr Frank Tschesche (tax).