Private Equity
White & Case has a growing Private Equity Practice that is going from
strength to strength through its innovation, attention to detail and a “get it
done” approach.
We take a strong position, advising in a commercial, pragmatic way and guiding you through
the key judgement calls that have to be made.
We give precisely the right level and type of support at each stage of the deal. Starting with
strategic advice on alternative structures through negotiation and documentation, keeping your
deal on track.
We represent private equity firms and other parties involved in private equity deals through
the complete cycle.
We advised the current management and a new CEO in the Castle Harlan Partners IV-backed
management buy-out of Polypipe Building Products Limited
We assist private equity funds in initial fund raising, and building the private equity
investment fund
We advise private equity firms in their portfolio investments
We act for private equity funds in the day-to-day management of their portfolio companies
including restructurings, refinancing of existing debt, add-on acquisitions and management
incentive schemes
We assist private equity funds and other investors in exiting their investments, whether by
sales or recapitalisations of portfolio companies or by taking companies public
Working closely with our strong Acquisition Finance practice, we advise on innovative
financing structures (including senior, mezzanine, high yield, vendor loan, structured finance
and securitisation techniques)
We act for management teams and entrepreneurs
Innovation, attention to detail and a “get the deal
done” style are hallmarks of our approach
Selected notable transactions
Exchequer Software Limited
Acting for the shareholders in the sale of Exchequer
Software Limited to Blue Minerva Limited (backed by HG
Capital).
UnitedGlobalCom, Inc.
We advised UGC in its joint venture acquisition of an 87.5%
stake in Zone Vision Networks, a satellite TV channel, from
the company’s founder and Advent International.
Actis Capital LLP and African Infrastructure Star
Communication Ltd
We advised Actis Capital LLP (via Actis Starcomms Ltd)
and AIG African Infrastructure Fund LLC (via African
Infrastructure Star Communication Ltd) on the acquisition
of a controlling stake in Starcomms Ltd, a fixed/wireless
telecommunications company in Nigeria.
Management of Tragus
We acted for the management in the Legal & General
Ventures-backed MBI of Tragus Holdings Limited, one of
the UK’s largest independent restaurant businesses,
including the Café Rouge and Bella Italia chains.
Management of Aqualisa
We acted for the management of Aqualisa, led by Harry
Rawlinson, in their MBO of Aqualisa, backed by Close
Brothers Private Equity.
Imagine Homes Limited
Acting for Grant Bovey in relation to the JV with HBoS
Integrated Finance establishing a £250 million residential
property portfolio company.
Adare Group
We advised in the MBO of the Adare Group, a print
management, mailing and packaging group consisting of
the target and various subsidiaries, from Allen McGuire and
JP Morgan funds and individual shareholders.
The Carlyle Group and Eurazeo
In connection with the US$1 billion sale of Terreal.
Starwood Capital Group
In connection with the acquisition of €2.6 billion Groupe
Taittinger and Societe Du Louvre.
EQT Partners AB
In connection with the acquisition of Sanitec Oy, a sanitary
equipment company, from BC Capital.
Red Diamond Capital Inc.
We advised Red Diamond Capital, Inc. and its affiliates in
its acquisition together with management of Avon Rubbers
PLC.
Polypipe
We advised the current management and a new CEO in the
Castle Harlan Partners IV backed Management Buyout of
Polypipe Building Products Limited.