Law firms

Deal watch: Corporate activity in July and August 2015

You're reading your free article. Your next one is available in 30 days. Log in or subscribe for full access.

PEARSON TURNS TO FRESHFIELDS ON SUMMER FT AND ECONOMIST SELL-OFF

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised Pearson twice over the summer. The publisher sold the Financial Times to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom client Nikkei and split its 50% stake in The Economist Group between Macfarlanes client and co-shareholder Exor, while Linklaters acted for The Economist.

 

A&O WINS ROLE FOR CARLYLE ON $8BN TECH BUYOUT

Allen & Overy advised The Carlyle Group on international aspects of its $8bn Veritas purchase alongside an investor group including Singapore’s GIC. Carlyle also used Covington & Burling, Latham & Watkins and Alston & Bird, while GIC turned to Ropes & Gray and Sidley Austin. Baker & McKenzie and Fenwick & West advised the seller, Symantec.

 

BLP AND A&O GET THE GIG ON LONE STAR’S £700M TAKEOVER OF WEMBLEY ARENA OWNER

Berwin Leighton Paisner advised Wembley Arena-owner Quintain Estates and Development on its £700m acquisition by Lone Star Funds. Allen & Overy advised the US private equity firm while Ashurst advised the buyer’s financial adviser, Morgan Stanley.

 

SLAUGHTERS AND ROPES TAKE THE LEAD ON SHIRE’S $30BN BAXALTA APPROACH

Slaughter and May acted for Shire in the UK as it looked to acquire Baxter’s spun-off unit Baxalta for $30bn. Shire turned to Ropes & Gray for US matters, while Baxalta’s board used Kirkland & Ellis as it turned down the offer.