Work in EU and Competition

We acted for American-French software company Business Objects S.A. (NASDAQ/Euronext Paris) on its successful application to the European Commission for merger clearance of SAP AG’s €4.8bn takeover offer.  The union will bring together two of the world's leading information technology companies. Together, SAP and Business Objects intend to offer high-value solutions for process- and business-oriented professionals. The solutions will be designed to enable companies to strengthen decision processes, increase customer value and create sustainable competitive advantage through real-time, multi-dimensional business intelligence. We advised Business Objects on the EU’s merger clearance and also advised on and coordinating merger clearances in other jurisdictions. 

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We acted for K3 Business Technology Group (K3), an AIM-quoted IT solutions provider, on its acquisition of Manchester-based software solutions business, McGuffie Brunton, and related institutional placing through K3's Nomad and broker Daniel Stewart & Co and debt financing with The Royal Bank of Scotland.  The total consideration was £12.5m. 

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We advised Canadian mining metals company Inco on the European competition aspects of its $19bn offer for Falconbridge.

We advised Dell on the European merger control aspects of its acquisition of Alienware Corporation.

We advised Transport for London on the OFT investigation into distribution of the "Metro" newspaper and the commitments by Associated Newspapers and on the procurement process for distribution on London Underground and London Buses of a free afternoon newspaper.