Recently, advised by King & Wood Mallesons (KWM), the case where hundreds of Shandong fishermen (the “plaintiffs”) sued China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and ConocoPhillips China Inc. (COPC) for compensation for the fishery damages associated with the Penglai 19-3 oil spill was concluded. Through several hearings, Qiangdao Maritime Court (the Court) decided that the plaintiffs’ evidence was insufficient to prove that the oil spill was relevant to the alleged fishery damages and did not support their claims.

Herbert Smith Freehills is providing various legal services to Chinese-based Melbourne property developer Jinding Australia, which is focusing on becoming one of Australia’s leading property developers.

Over the past 6 months Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Jinding Australia on the expansion of its development portfolio to over $1.3 billion. The company’s recent acquisitions include:

Herbert Smith Freehills has advised the senior lenders, including entities managed by The Carlyle Group and affiliates of Värde Partners, on the A$1.2 billion restructure and recapitalisation of the Bis Industries group, an Australia-based resources logistics and materials handling provider.

Partner Matt Noon and associate Elan Iorwerth from Hill Dickinson’s Liverpool corporate team recently acted for longstanding client, Praetura, in relation to an investment into the Ellesmere Port based digital marketing agency, We Influence.

Hogan Lovells is representing Scottish Re in the implementation of a sale and restructuring plan for its Cayman Islands subsidiary, Scottish Annuity & Life Insurance Company (Cayman) Ltd. (SALIC), and SALIC’s U.S. subsidiary, Scottish Holdings, Inc. (SHI). The sale and restructuring plan is being implemented through the commencement by SALIC and SHI of U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on January 28, 2018.

Hogan Lovells successfully closed a US$200 million high yield bond offering by TBLA International Pte. Ltd., an offshore subsidiary of PT Tunas Baru Lampung Tbk (TBLA). The deal was led by CLSA and Indonesian bank Mandiri Securities, who were represented by Milbank Tweed. The transaction is one of Asia’s first high yield bond offerings of 2018.

Sanofi and Ablynx, a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of Nanobodies®, entered into a definitive agreement under which Sanofi will offer to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares, which represents an aggregate equity value of approximately €3.9 billion. Linklaters advised Ablynx on the deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will launch public offers to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares (including shares represented by ADSs), warrants and convertible bonds of Ablynx in cash.

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised ICS Group Holdings Limited (ICS Cool Energy) on its sale to Ingersoll Rand plc, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments.

Following its acquisition, ICS Cool Energy will be part of Ingersoll Rand’s Commercial Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) business.

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised Barratt Developments on 50:50 joint venture (JV) with Swindon Borough Council to develop approximately 250 hectares at Wichelstowe, South of Swindon. The scheme will deliver around 2,670 new homes over the next 20 years and includes two primary schools, a secondary school and an extensive area of open space.

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised Investec Bank plc on the successful £70 million placing for AIM quoted Blue Prism Group plc, a global leader in robotic process automation.

The fundraising comprised a primary placing by Blue Prism to raise £40 million to accelerate its global growth and a secondary placing by certain selling shareholders to raise £30 million.

The Osborne Clarke team that advised on the transaction was led by Partner Jonathan King who was assisted by Senior Associate Ed Nisbet.