May 22, 2014
Leading independent private investment company Ardian acquires Germany's Schleich from European private equity investor HgCapital.
On May 18, it was announced that Willkie client Ardian, a leading independent private investment company formerly known as AXA Private Equity, has acquired German toy manufacturer Schleich from European private equity investor HgCapital. The transaction was facilitated through Ardian’s € 2.4 billion LBO Fund V, which the company closed in October 2013. Schleich management has acquired a substantial stake in the company as part of the acquisition. Known for its lifelike figurines, Schleich is one of Germany's biggest toymakers with products sold in more than 50 countries. Founded in 1935, the company has more than 340 employees and posted sales of €106 million in 2013.
Financing was handled by partners Jan Wilms, special European counsel Daniel Stengel and associates Tobias Daubert and Mario Bammann, and national partner Rolf Hünermann handled merger control aspects of the deal. Corporate matters were handled by Ulf Renzenbrink (Renzenbrink, lead) and Willkie corporate partners Mario Schmidt and Dr. Stefan Joergens.
