King & Wood Mallesons has advised Astorg Partners and the other sellers on the sale of its stake in Linxens to CVC Capital Partners.

Main shareholder since 2011, Astorg Partners entered into exclusive discussions with CVC Capital Partners to acquire Linxens. The completion of the sale is subject to its Works Council and regulatory approvals.

Linxens is the world's leading manufacturer of connectors for smartcards. It operates in France, China, Thailand and Singapore. The group employs 800 people and generated a turnover of €253 million in 2014.

The KWM team was composed of Corporate partner Christophe Digoy, with associates Thomas Dupont-Sentilles, Imen Moustafid and Rémi Pagès; Tax partner Fanny Combourieu, counsel Gwenaël Kropfinger, with associates Thomas Guillier and Etienne Bimbeau, and Real Estate associate Géraldine Palais. The French team was supported by partner Simon Meng and associate Collin Wong in China and Hong-Kong. Thai and Singapore legal aspects were covered by Rajah & Tann and Vovan & Associate.