August 2, 2018
The firm advised on the first lien financing for the Astorg-backed group, SGG’s acquisition of First Names Group from AnaCap Financial.
Willkie represented Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, HSBC Bank plc, Jefferies Finance LLC, National Westminster Bank plc and Nomura International plc on the first lien financing for the Astorg-backed group, SGG’s acquisition of First Names Group from AnaCap Financial.
The financing included a €344 million and £125 million term loan B, together with a €50 million revolving credit facility and €30 million committed acquisition facility. Additionally, an €80 million second lien facility was pre-placed with investors. The transaction closed on July 18, 2018.
Jersey-based First Names Group provides private client, corporate, and fund services. Astorg-backed SGG Group provides compliance, administration, and asset services to alternative investment funds, international companies, high net worth families, and entrepreneurs. The acquisition is designed to strengthen SGG Group’s reach and capabilities in key markets such as Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Switzerland, Cyprus and Ireland. The acquisition makes the combined group the world’s fourth-largest provider of trust, corporate, and fund services, with more than 1,700 employees and a presence in 22 jurisdictions.
The Willkie team was led by partner Mark Fine and associates Aymen Mahmoud and Nicholas Jupp in London. Partner Paul Lombard and associate Mathilde de Wiljes in the Paris office also assisted.
