Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises IMI on the acquisition of EPIQ subsidiaries in Europe and Mexico

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has advised Philippines listed company, Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI), on an agreement with Belgium company EPIQ NV, to buy EPIQ's electronics manufacturing business in Bulgaria, Mexico and the Czech Republic. The purchase consideration of approximately €43 million (US$ 62 million) is a combination of cash and newly-issued IMI share. The parties completed the transfer of the EPIQ Group on 29 July 2011.

IMI is a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation and a leading provider of electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and power semiconductor assembly and test services. It serves diversified markets that include those in the automotive, industrial, medical, solar energy, telecommunications infrastructure, storage device, and consumer electronics industries. IMI has manufacturing and engineering facilities in the Philippines, Singapore, China and the United States.

EPIQ is an EMS provider that designs, produces and sells electronic and electro-mechanical systems and sub-systems. ‪

Clifford Chance Munich Partner Jan F. Wrede, who led the team advising IMI said "This is an important acquisition for IMI as it looks to expand its business in Europe and the Americas."

Clifford Chance Singapore senior associate and head of the firm's Philippine Focus Group, Antonio Chan said "We're delighted to have worked with Ayala Corporation, the oldest and largest conglomerate in the Philippines, on this transaction. Our ability to offer local knowledge and understanding coupled with an international network of expertise allows us to play a significant role as advisors to Philippine companies looking to expand internationally, and this is exactly the type of deal where we can add the most value."

The Clifford Chance team was led by partner Jan F. Wrede (Corporate, Munich) and included senior associates Antonio Chan (Corporate, Singapore) and Dr. Maia Welters (Corporate, Munich), partner Marc Besen and associate Dr. Dimitri Slobodenjuk (both Antitrust, Düsseldorf) and associate Annika Schnell (Employment law, Munich). Clifford Chance teams in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and France as well as local law firms in Bulgaria and Mexico advised on national law aspects.