Simpson Thacher recently represented the underwriters in the SEC-registered offering by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (“SMFG”) of $2.75 billion aggregate principal amount of its senior notes in three tranches due 2023 (floating rate), 2023 and 2028 (fixed rate). SMFG intends the senior notes to contribute to its total loss-absorbing capacity (TLAC) when TLAC requirements are introduced in Japan.

The Linklaters Warsaw Real Estate Team has advised UBM Development AG on the EU42m sale of another hotel in Poland to Union Investment, namely the recently opened 250-room Holiday Inn hotel located on Twarda street in the very centre of Warsaw. The hotel, officially opened in December 2017, is one of the most modern buildings in Warsaw with a facade inspired by the iconic Flatiron building in New York.

Simpson Thacher represented the underwriters, acting as sole international counsel, in the offering of US$300 million 3.5% Notes due 2023 by Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. The offering was conducted in reliance upon Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. is the largest tire manufacturer in Korea with global operations. Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and J.P. Morgan Securities plc were joint bookrunners for the offering.

Macfarlanes has advised the Ladbrokes Coral Group on the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA’s) wide-ranging investigation into online betting and gaming.

The CMA announced the results of its investigation on 1 February, with Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Limited - alongside a number of other operators - agreeing to make certain changes to its online gaming promotions. These changes will now need to be adopted by operators across the sector.

Global law firm Ropes & Gray has advised the founders of Thomas International, a leading international provider of psychometric assessment solutions, on the sale of a majority stake in the company to Palamon Capital Partners, a pan-European growth investor.  The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Schulte represented Marlin Equity Partners in its acquisition of Bazaarvoice Inc., a provider of consumer-generated content, advertising and personalization solutions. Helping brands and retailers find and reach consumers, each month in the Bazaarvoice network more than one-half billion consumers view and share authentic consumer-generated content across 5,000 brand and retail websites. Under the terms of the agreement, Marlin acquired each share of outstanding common stock of Bazaarvoice in exchange for $5.50 in cash for a total value of approximately $521 million.

Latham & Watkins advised CVC Capital Partners ("CVC") on CVC Fund VI's acquisition of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd’s international women's health assets. The transaction was agreed in Q3 2017 and closed on 1 February 2018.

Slaughter and May, Hong Kong, advised Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited, as manager, in relation to the HK$1.27 billion secondary placing of shares in Genscript Biotech Corporation held by KPCB China Fund, L.P. and KPCB China Founders Fund, L.P. The placing represents approximately 2.6% of the issued share capital of Genscript Biotech Corporation.

Genscript Biotech Corporation is a leading biotech company focusing exclusively on early drug discovery and development services and is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

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Travers Smith LLP has advised TAKKT AG on its acquisition of Equip4Work Ltd, a leading British online retailer for office furniture.

Equip4Work, which was founded in 2004, is based in Dumfries, Scotland, and specialises in the sale of office furniture such as desks, chairs and cabinets under its primary sales brand OfficeFurnitureOnline.

The company, which also sells warehouse and business equipment under the Equip4Work brand, generated £40 million in sales last year.

Latham & Watkins has advised Banca IMI and Credit Suisse, as Joint Global Coordinators, and Equita SIM, as Joint Bookrunner, in connection with the creation of Spaxs, a new Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) listed on AIM Italia. The offering received orders for €760 million and closed at €600 million.