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Clifford Chance advises Haier Group on the global antitrust filings for its strategic acquisition of Autohome shares

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:22:00 GMT

Lead partner Yong Bai said, "We are pleased to support our longstanding client Haier Group and its subsidiary on this important milestone."

Yong was supported by counsel Dayu Man in Hong Kong, senior associate Michael Yan, and associate Ziwen Wang in Beijing. The transaction also involves local counsel from other jurisdictions.

Founded in 1984, Haier is a global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions.

Autohome provides occupationally-generated, professionally-generated, user-generated content, and AI-generated content, a comprehensive automobile library, and extensive automobile listing information to automobile consumers, covering the entire car purchase and ownership cycle.

The firm's antitrust team regularly advises on major M&A transactions, including Haier on its acquisition of controlling stake in Shanghai STEP and Haier Smart Home for its acquisition of Carrier's Commercial Refrigeration business, which involves the first ever merger filing made by a Chinese company before the European Commission under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation regime.

Clifford Chance advises banking consortium on successful issuance of a €1.25 billion Tier 2 bond by Munich Re

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:30:00 GMT

The Clifford Chance team was led by partner Cristina Freudenberger and further included counsel Henrik Gildehaus as well as transaction lawyers Felicitas Fischer and Lilli Neubauer (all Capital Markets, Frankfurt).

With this transaction, Clifford Chance underlines its leading role in advising on complex capital markets transactions in the German and international market.

Clifford Chance Advises Dream Residential REIT on its Acquisition by Morgan Properties

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Global law firm Clifford chance advised Dream Residential REIT on its definitive agreement to be acquired by Morgan Properties in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately US$354 million.

This transaction marks the conclusion of the REIT’s previously announced strategic review process.

Dream Residential REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust that owns a portfolio of garden-style multi-residential properties, primarily located in three markets across the Sunbelt and Midwest regions of the United States.

The cross-practice US team advising on the transaction is led by Partner Andrew Epstein (Capital Markets), Partner Paul Seraganian (Tax), and Senior Associate Stephanie Kilmer (Corporate/M&A) and includes lawyers from New York, Washington, DC, and Houston:

Tax: Counsel Hannah Richard and Associate Sharon Yu
Corporate/M&A: Associate Maria Fernanda Gadea Rivera
Real Estate: Counsel Meny Elgadeh, Senior Associate Dawn Goldberg, and Associate Nick Mitchell
Environmental: Partner Ty’Meka Reeves-Sobers and Associate Kami McFarland
Executive Compensation and Benefits: Partner Reuven Falik and Associate David Walsh

Clifford Chance advises EVS on strategic acquisition of Telemetrics Inc

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:19:00 GMT

With this acquisition, EVS will expand its automation solutions and product assembly capabilities in the US market.

Partner Kevin Lehpamer and associate Peter Guinnane are leading the transaction with support from associate Alana McAndrews in New York and partner Niek De Pauw, counsel Gillis Waelkens and lawyer Chloé Petit in Brussels. The wider team included partner Reuven Falik and associate David Walsh (Employment & Benefits), partner Paul Seraganian and associate Gil Shauly (Tax), and partner Violetta Kokolus and associate Molly Margiotta (IP).

Clifford Chance advises Grenergy on the sale to CVC DIF of the fourth phase of the energy storage project Oasis de Atacama

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:34:04 GMT

This phase, named Gabriela, comprises 272 MW of installed solar capacity and 1,100 MWh of battery storage and represents 10% of the total Oasis de Atacama megaproject, the largest battery storage project (BESS) worldwide. The transaction could reach an enterprise value of up to $475 million, including earn-outs and financial adjustments.

Together with the transaction completed with ContourGlobal in December 2024—also advised on by Clifford Chance—this deal covers 33% of the original Oasis de Atacama project. Grenergy retains 1.2 GW of installed capacity and 7.3 GWh of storage, accounting for the remaining 67% of the project.

The Clifford Chance team that advised on the transaction was led by Corporate / M&A partner Luis Alonso, counsel Javier Hermosilla and senior associate Juan Valcárcel.

Clifford Chance advises the owners of Vision Intelligence on their sale to Attalis Capital

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:18:00 GMT

Vision Intelligence is the largest provider of remote surveillance technologies across Australia and New Zealand, supporting key sectors including construction, civil infrastructure, government and mining.

Mark Currell, Managing Partner, Australia said: "This deal involved the execution of a complex multi-party transaction structure, resulting in management shareholders retaining a minority interest in Vision Intelligence and completing a management buyout of their former financial investors. We are delighted to have supported our longstanding client in this important and complex transaction".

Mark Currell led the deal, with support from associates Joshua Yan, Jae-Ho Kim and Nimesh Kularatne. Partner Mark Gillgren, senior associate Robert Edgar and graduate lawyer Ashleigh Won advised on debt financing aspects.

This transaction continues Clifford Chance's advisory role with ATF Services group. The firm previously acted for the management shareholders of the ATF Services group in their 2020 buyout from CHAMP Ventures.

Clifford Chance advises Euro-Composites S.A. on the sale to Schütz Group

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:45:00 GMT

Clifford Chance advised Euro-Composites S.A. and its group (“Euro-Composites Group”) on its sale to Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA (“Schütz Group”).

With its headquarters in Echternach, Luxembourg, and additional sites in Bitburg, Germany, and Culpeper, USA, Euro-Composites Group stands as a globally recognised leader in high quality and advanced composite materials. Employing approximately 1000 employees , the group plays a vital industrial role in its region and is widely recognised for its ability to deliver sophisticated composite solutions across a diverse range of industries.

Structured as part of a strategic transformation of the Euro-Composites Group, the transaction ensures the continuity of its business operations and facilitates a structured transition to a new ownership and financing framework. Completion remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including merger control and foreign investment clearance.

Schütz Group, founded in 1958 and headquartered in Selters/Westerwald, Germany, operates more than 70 production and service sites worldwide with over 7,000 employees. The acquisition of Euro-Composites Group by Schütz Group represents a strong endorsement of Euro-Composites Group’s expertise in highly specialised composite materials and ensures the continued employment of its skilled workforce, while further enhancing Schütz Group’s market position.

Clifford Chance advised Euro-Composites Group across all legal aspects of the transaction, delivering strategic guidance on contract negotiation, financing and regulatory compliance demonstrating the firm’s deep expertise in complex international cross-practice and cross- product deals.

The Clifford Chance team was led by Stefanie Ferring together with Stefan Sax and with the support of Simone Schmitt, Saskia Myners, Hilda Bertamé, Maxime Majerus, Kenza Yaici, Victor Hilbertz, Sébastien Schmitz, Alma Custovic and Charles-Henri Laevens in Luxembourg, Diana Schoch, Konstantin Kirchner, Simon Schmid, Simon Reitz, Nico Köhler, Pamela Skopp, Dimitri Slobodenjuk, and Johannes Lüer in Germany, Maja Zerjal Fink, Brian Lohan, Karalyn Mildorf, Reuven Falik in the US as well as several other lawyers.

Other involved advisors:

PricewaterhouseCoopers
SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz
Wellensiek
GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
Arendt (Luxemburg)
Cozen O´Connor (USA)
Rödl & Partner (Nürnberg)
A&O Shearman

Clifford Chance advises HERA United on becoming the first independent women’s professional football club in the Netherlands

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:52:00 GMT

Clifford Chance has supported HERA United on a pro bono basis since 2023, advising on the legal aspects of the Dutch regulations framework which only permitted women’s teams to compete professionally if affiliated with an existing men’s club. Clifford Chance worked closely with HERA United to advocate for reform. This resulted in a landmark regulatory change, allowing standalone women’s football organisations to participate in the professional football leagues as of the new 2025-2026 football season, and ensuring continuity for the players. Read more about it here.

Astrid van Ommeren, Counsel at Clifford Chance, says: "We are honored to have advised HERA United on this groundbreaking journey. This milestone represents a bold step forward for equality in sport, and we’re proud to have supported HERA United since its early days. This collaboration reflects our commitment to equal opportunities and to using the law as a tool for positive change.”

The Clifford Chance team was led by Astrid van Ommeren and further consisted of Floris van de Bult, Maria Boerman, Abe Van ‘t Hek (Employment), Wijnanda Rutten (Pensions), Roel de Jong, Luce Smithuijsen, Michael Serphos, Claartje Bulten (Litigation), Jurre Jurriëns (Antitrust), Robin Houtveen, Johan Anton Niesten (Tax) and Ilse van Gasteren (Restructuring).

Clifford Chance advises Sun King on US$156 million securitisation supporting the delivery of solar power for over a million consumers in Kenya

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:35:41 GMT

The transaction was arranged and structured by Citi, with Stanbic Bank Kenya Ltd (part of the Standard Bank Group) acting as placement agent. The securitisation is backed by ABSA, Citi, The Co-operative Bank of Kenya, KCB Bank Kenya Limited, and Stanbic Bank Kenya Ltd funding the senior tranche, with British International Investment, the Dutch development bank FMO, and Norfund (the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries) funding the mezzanine tranche.

Acting as English law review counsel, Clifford Chance advised Sun King on the structuring and execution of the transaction.

Krishna Swaroop, Global Chief Financial Officer at Sun King, commented:
“This milestone transaction is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in expanding energy access across Africa. By mobilising both local and international capital, we are able to accelerate the deployment of affordable, reliable solar solutions to millions of off-grid households and businesses. We are grateful to our financing partners and advisers for their commitment to our mission of powering brighter lives and supporting Kenya’s progress towards universal electricity access.”

Simeon Radcliff, partner at Clifford Chance, added:
“This landmark transaction demonstrates the power of innovative finance to accelerate universal energy access in Africa. As highlighted by the International Energy Agency, Kenya is leading the way in expanding electricity access through distributed solar solutions. We are very pleased to have supported Sun King and to have worked alongside our fellow advisers in delivering a structure that mobilises both local and international capital to drive sustainable impact at scale.”

The Clifford Chance team was led by partner Simeon, with support from senior associates Fadzai Mandaza, Inês Perez Sanchez, and associate João Ramalho Dias. Read more about the deal here.

Clifford Chance advises Lakestar on oversubscribed closing of US$265 million continuation vehicle, one of the largest in European venture capital

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:52:00 GMT

Lakestar is one of the leading pan-European venture capital firms. Lakestar’s mission is to find, fund and grow disruptive businesses that are enabled by technology and founded by exceptional entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond. Founded by Klaus Hommels in 2012, Lakestar has raised an aggregated volume of over US$2.5bn across different products.

LCF I was backed by a set of global institutional and professional secondary investors underscoring strong confidence in the underlying portfolio and Lakestar’s broader platform.

A selection of premium portfolio companies across four Lakestar funds was structured through a secondary process. Given the strength of the LCF I portfolio, Lakestar has predominantly sold portions of their holdings across multiple portfolio companies in order to preserve significant upside potential while providing liquidity events for Limited Partners in the corresponding Lakestar funds. In addition, this transaction enables Lakestar to continue supporting and financing portfolio companies so that they can take advantage of further growth opportunities.

Clifford Chance regularly advises Lakestar, most recently on the successful fundraising and closing of Lakestar's latest fund generation, Lakestar Early IV and Lakestar Growth II.

The Clifford Chance team advising Lakestar on this transaction was led by partner Sonya Pauls (Funds, Corporate) and supported by senior associate Lisa Giroux (Funds, Munich), senior transaction lawyer Alina Hochberger (Funds, Munich), senior law clerk (US) Kevin Merchant (Funds, London), partner Neil Barlow (M&A, London/ New York), associate Jacob Bruchez (Private Equity, London), senior associate Joshua Higgins (Private Equity, London), senior associate Caitlin Hagart (Private Equity, London), lawyer Sarah Bowe (Private Equity, London), associate Johannes Adam (Corporate, Munich), senior associate Joe Paddon (Regulatory, New York), partner Rebecca Pereira (Tax, New York), associate Joshua Thomas (Tax, New York), associate Rick Thoben (Tax, New York), director Clare Betteridge (Debt Finance, London) and many other national and international Clifford Chance colleagues.

Clifford Chance advises Guideline on data privacy, cybersecurity, IP and technology matters in its acquisition by Gusto

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:15:00 GMT

Tech partner Devika Kornbacher, who is Co-Chair of Clifford Chance's Global Tech Group, led the team along with partners Megan Gordon, Co-Head of US Data Privacy and Cybersecurity, Violetta Kokolus, US Head of IP, and associates Brian Yin and Xanadu Halkias. They were assisted by partner José García Cueto.

"We are pleased and proud to help Guideline execute this important transaction," Kornbacher said.

Clifford Chance advises Bain Capital on the acquisition of the Pullman Paris Montparnasse hotel from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:16:00 GMT

Located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, near the Montparnasse train station and tower, the hotel comprises 957 rooms. Rated four stars, it is one of the largest hotels in the city. The property reopened in 2021 following a multi-year transformation program.

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

Clifford Chance advised Bain Capital on the transactional and financing aspects, with a team including Alexandre Couturier (partner), Louis-Antoine Frentz (counsel), as well as Charlène Jouët, Maha Gharbi, Xavier Vaury, and Samuel Sellam (associates).

Clifford Chance advises SeaTown on formation of its third Private Credit Fund

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:33:00 GMT

Lead partner Kai-Niklas Schneider said, "We are delighted to support SeaTown once again as it expands its private credit platform. PCF III reflects the growing demand for bespoke credit solutions in Asia, and we are proud to contribute to SeaTown’s continued success in this space."

Kai led a cross-border Clifford Chance team in Singapore, Tokyo, London and New York, who advised on:

Private funds aspects: Partner Chloe Cheng, senior associates Rebecca Liu and Nicole Chua, and associate Rachel Low in Singapore;
Regulatory aspects: Partner Jeff LeMaster, counsel Luke Chen, senior associate Tomoki Goto and associate Andrew Nelson;
ERISA aspects: Partner Paul Koppel and associate Thomas Koh; and
Tax aspects: Partners Richard Kalaher and Rebecca Pereira, and associates Jonas Vogelberg and Jihyun Lee.

PCF III attracted a diverse and global investor base spanning the Middle East, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore. This transaction builds on SeaTown's growing private credit franchise and its successful deployments of PCF I and PCF II.

The firm previously advised SeaTown on the formation of PCF II.

Clifford Chance advises Jiaxin International Resources on its dual primary listing in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:56:00 GMT

Jiaxin is a tungsten mining company focusing on the development of the Boguty tungsten mine in Kazakhstan.

Chair of China Practice and partner Tim Wang co-led the deal with partners Jean Thio and Tianning Xiang, with support from counsel Qingqing Bu and Ying Chiang Chong, senior associates April Zhang and Yuer Shao, associate Joan Wang and trainee solicitor Jin Qin.

Tim said, "We are delighted to have supported Jiaxin on this listing. This transaction demonstrates the increasing connectivity between companies based in Central Asia and the international capital markets and highlights Clifford Chance’s ability to advise on complex, cross-border capital markets transactions for clients in the natural resources sector."

The firm continues to be a leading adviser of Hong Kong listings, having recently advised on the listings of SICC, Anjoy Foods and IFBH.

Clifford Chance advises OCBC on the establishment of its tokenised commercial paper programme

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:38:00 GMT

This Programme enables OCBC to issue US commercial paper, which will be tokenised on J.P. Morgan’s blockchain, via its Digital Debt Service, and offered in the United States pursuant to the exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Lead partner Gareth Deiner said, "We are delighted to support OCBC on this initiative, leveraging both our extensive knowledge of the client and our significant expertise in the tokenisation of assets. This transaction marks a significant milestone in the ongoing digital transformation of capital markets. By leveraging blockchain technology for the issuance of commercial paper, this programme is expected to deliver greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for both issuers and investors. Clifford Chance’s cross-border team delivered seamless legal advice across multiple jurisdictions, underscoring the firm’s market-leading expertise in digital assets and innovative financing structures."

Counsel Alexander Tollast said, "Congratulations to OCBC and J.P. Morgan on completing this exciting project. It was a pleasure to contribute with colleagues across the network and once again be at the forefront of innovation in capital markets."

Gareth was supported by a cross-border team including partner Steve Gatti (Washington D.C.), professional support lawyer Joanne Pacewicz (Singapore), counsel Jesse Overall (New York), counsel Claire Neo (Singapore), counsel Alexander Tollast (Paris) and associate Veronica Valerio (Milan).

This mandate builds on Clifford Chance’s strong track record advising on pioneering digital asset transactions, including advising HSBC on the launch of market-first digital gold token for Hong Kong retail investors and Animoca Brands on the formation of its stablecoin joint venture with Standard Chartered and HKT.

Clifford Chance advises lenders on €240 million syndicated credit facility for ABO Energy GmbH & Co. KGaA

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:26:00 GMT

This is the first syndicated loan agreement concluded by ABO Energy. Seven banks participated in the agreement, led by Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft (Commerzbank) as documentation agent. The financing volume amounts to €240 million and is divided equally between traditional loans, revolving working capital facilities and guarantee lines. Commerzbank also acted as arranger and syndicate leader.

The credit facility serves to secure ABO Energy's liquidity and largely replaces existing loans and promissory notes. In addition, ABO Energy will be provided with financial resources to promote the development and implementation of innovative and sustainable wind, solar and storage projects, thereby contributing to the energy transition.

The Clifford Chance team was led by partner Simon Reitz and also comprised senior associate Nico Köhler (both Global Financial Markets, Frankfurt) and associate Pamela Skopp (Global Financial Markets, Munich), as well as partner Olaf Mertgen and counsel Steffen Waadt (both Tax, Frankfurt).

Clifford Chance regularly advises lenders and borrowers on financings related to renewable energy and energy storage solutions.

Clifford Chance a accompagné le Groupe Les Hôtels de Paris dans le cadre de sa sortie de redressement judiciaire

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:44:00 GMT

Acteur historique de l’hôtellerie indépendante à Paris, le Groupe Les Hôtels de Paris regroupe une quinzaine d’établissements situés dans les quartiers les plus prisés de la capitale. Touché de plein fouet par la crise sanitaire et ses conséquences économiques, le groupe avait été placé en redressement judiciaire il y a deux ans.

Grâce à une stratégie de restructuration maîtrisée, un retour progressif de l’activité touristique, et la mobilisation des équipes dirigeantes, le Groupe Les Hôtels de Paris est désormais en mesure de poursuivre son développement sur des bases solides. L’adoption de son plan de continuation par le tribunal des activités économiques de Paris permet au groupe de franchir une étape décisive dans sa relance.

Notre équipe était composée à Paris de Pierre-Benoit Pabot du Châtelard (associé), Guilhem Dardoize (collaborateur), Benoit Bénin (collaborateur) et Gwenvael Porsmoguer (juriste) sur les aspects liés au financement, Gilles Lebreton (associé) et Alexandre Merle (senior counsel) s'agissant des aspects liés au droit des sociétés, et d'Alexandre Lagarrigue (associé), Rémy Lefebvre (counsel) et Théo Piazza (collaborateur) s'agissant des aspects fiscaux.

Le bureau de Luxembourg est également intervenu avec une équipe composée de Marc Mehlen (associé), Adnes Muhovic (counsel) et Pierre Bellec (collaborateur) sur les aspects financement, Saskia Myners (associée), Simone Schmitt (counsel) et Maxime Majerus (collaborateur) sur les aspects droit des sociétés ainsi que de Geoffrey Scardoni (associé), Josselin Badoc (counsel) et Simon Paran (avocat senior) sur les aspects fiscaux.

Clifford Chance advises Egypt Kuwait Holding Co SAE in relation to a majority investment into a UK-based company engaged in the development of pyrolysis projects in the UK

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:40:18 GMT

Pyrolysis is a developing waste-to-energy technology which converts waste plastics to pyrolysis oil via thermal degradation. The pyrolysis oil produced can be used as a sustainable, high value, naphtha substitute. Pyrolysis thereby reduces the amount of waste plastics that would otherwise be sent to landfill, while also facilitating a reduction in fossil fuel usage in petrochemical feedstocks and road transport fuels, in alignment with global recycling and emissions reduction goals.

The project represents the development of one of the first-of-its-kind waste plastic pyrolysis plants in the UK and involved the careful consideration of critical issues associated with this emerging technology. Clifford Chance advised Egypt Kuwait Holding Co SAE on all aspects of the investment documentation and shareholder arrangements, in addition to feedstock, offtake, land, construction, employment and other operational arrangements. The investment reflects EKH’s publicly stated strategy to expand sustainable, circular-economy solutions across its portfolio and advance its clean energy agenda.

The deal team advising Egypt Kuwait Holding Co SAE was led by Energy and Infrastructure partners Bryony Theaker and John Wilkins, with support from senior associates Neha Siddiqui and Will Martin, and associates Samantha Goh and Miguel Domingo. The cross-practice team also includes Construction partner Sandy John Hall and director Irina Steinberg, Real Estate partner Ian Painter, and lawyer Isabelle Booth. The Intellectual Property team includes partner Vanessa Marsland, and senior associate Sean Wood, and from Employment and Incentives partners Chinwe Odimba-Chapman and Andrew Patterson, and director Florence Wong.

This transaction continues Clifford Chance's longstanding work in this developing area, including advising Iqony on the sale of Iqony Waste to Energy to Danpower earlier this year.

Clifford Chance advises lenders on the financing of the Çeşmeli-Kızkalesi Motorway Project

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:54:00 GMT

This strategically important 52-kilometre motorway will offer a high-standard, uninterrupted link between Mersin’s principal tourism destinations and the national road network. Upon completion, it is anticipated to deliver significant savings in both time and fuel, alleviate congestion, and reduce carbon emissions, whilst supporting regional economic growth.

The Clifford Chance team advising on this multi-jurisdictional financing was led by Sait Eryılmaz (Partner, Istanbul), Nikolai Eatwell (Partner, Paris) and Qudeer Latif (Partner, Dubai), supported by Gökçe Uzun (Counsel, Istanbul), Başar Kırka (Counsel, Istanbul), Ali Can Altıparmak (Senior Associate, Istanbul), Berke Avarkan (Associate, Istanbul), Aykan Karpuzcu (Associate, Istanbul), Melisa Mengü (Associate, Istanbul), Büşra Altuntaş (Associate, Istanbul), and Alper Eski (Trainee Lawyer, Istanbul), with Marius Fritz (Senior Associate, Dubai), and Salma Mowlid (Associate, Dubai) advising on ICIEC aspects, Sandy Hall (Partner, London) and Jonathan Forrest (Senior Associate, London) advising on EPC matters., David Neu (Partner, Munich) and Christopher Banks (Senior Associate, Munich) advising on hedging aspects.

Clifford Chance advises on proposed take-private of Kangji Medical by TPG-led consortium

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:25:00 GMT

This transaction is one of the largest private equity-led take-private transactions in Asia this year and underscores continued investor interest in China's healthcare sector. Hangzhou-based Kangji Medical is a leading Chinese medical device manufacturer which designs and manufactures minimally invasive surgical instruments.

The Clifford Chance team is led by M&A partner Alex Bidlake and counsel Chloe Choy, with support from partners Liyong Xing and Michael Pallaras, senior associate Jia Yin Leong, associates Priscilla Au-Yeung, Adam Boulanger and Kin Kan Chan.

This transaction builds on Clifford Chance’s strong track record advising on high-profile take-private transactions, having recently advised on the privatisations of ENN Energy, Beijing Capital Grand Limited and L'Occitane International.