PARIS – Dechert LLP is advising infrared technology company HGH Infrared Systems on its exclusive negotiations with U.S.-based private equity company The Carlyle Group for a proposed acquisition of a majority stake in HGH alongside the management team. The proposed transaction remains subject to customary employee consultations and regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of the year.

HGH Infrared Systems develops, assembles and sells electro-optics systems and software for security, defense, oil & gas, energy and various industrial applications.

A team led by Hamburg-based partner Dr. Johan Schneider advised Viessmann Group on the acquisition of insolvent wibutler GmbH in Münster, a manufacturer of smart home solutions. The acquisition complements Viessmann’s product range in the smart home sector. Both the wibutler brand and the development and production site Münster, where management and jobs are retained, will be strengthened by the transaction.
 

Gilbert + Tobin is pleased to have advised LifeHealthcare Group Limited (LifeHealthcare) on its A$211 million scheme of arrangement with private equity heavyweight, Pacific Equity Partners (PEP).

Gilbert + Tobin advised LifeHealthcare on the scheme of arrangement that was implemented on Friday 25 May 2018, under which Pacific Health Supplies BidCo Pty Ltd, an entity owned by funds managed or advised by PEP, acquired 100% of LifeHealthcare’s shares.

Charles Russell Speechlys has advised oil & natural gas producer Predator Oil & Gas Holdings plc on their standard listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

The company has a Trinidad based enhanced oil recovery project as well as exploration acreage offshore Ireland. The group will raise £1.3million of new capital, with new shares being sold at a price of 2.8p.  The placing was “significantly oversubscribed”.

DLA Piper has advised a consortium comprising China’s Qumei Home Furnishing Group and Huatai Zijin Investment on the acquisition of Ekornes, the largest furniture manufacturer in the Nordic region, for an total consideration of approximately NOK 5.1 billion (US$630.75 million).

International legal business DWF has advised the management team of Kindertons on the acquisition of the business by ExamWorks, a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners from Sovereign Capital Partners.

Led by Frankfurt partner Jochen Seitz Hogan Lovells has advised Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft (Technical Lead), DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Erste Group Bank AG and Bankhaus Lampe KG on the placement of mortgage bonds of Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG with a total volume of EUR 500m.

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised M&G Real Estate (acting via its general partner) on its forward funding of a new build-to-rent residential development in Reading.

Thames Quarter, Reading is a development of 315 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, which will be ready in 2021.

Osborne Clarke Partner Rajindh Mangat said: “Our team has supported this residential fund on a number of exciting BTR deals during the last few years and the market in this sector continues to grow.”

Mishcon de Reya has advised Rwanda Development Board (RDC) on a three-year sponsorship and partnership agreement with Arsenal FC.

The deal will be RDB's first sleeve sponsorship, and will see the "Visit Rwanda" logo on Arsenal's first team, Under 23s, and Women's shirts from the beginning of next season. It has been reported that this is the biggest sleeve sponsorship deal of its kind in the Premier League.

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of RDB said "We're thrilled to be partnering with Arsenal and showcasing the vibrancy and beauty of our country."

Travers Smith LLP has advised longstanding client Marlin Equity Partners ("Marlin") in connection with the acquisition of the NCC Group's Software Testing Division by the QualiTest Group, a Marlin portfolio group.

The QualiTest Group is the world's largest pure play software testing and quality assurance specialist.