January 11, 2019
Paris office advised OpenGate Capital on the acquisition of the silicon carbide division of Saint-Gobain.
On January 9, Willkie client OpenGate Capital announced that it had entered in exclusive negotiations with Saint-Gobain to acquire its silicon carbide division with production sites in Belgium, Norway, Brazil and Venezuela. The contemplated transaction is subject to consultation with Saint-Gobain’s Works Council and satisfactory clearance from relevant competition authorities and is expected to take effect during the first half of the year.
OpenGate Capital is a global private equity firm specializing in the acquisition and operation of businesses to create new value through operational improvements, innovation and growth. Established in 2005, OpenGate is headquartered in Los Angeles with a European office in Paris.
Founded in 1665 (originally as a mirror manufacturer) in Paris, Saint-Gobain is a French multinational corporation that produces a variety of construction and high-performance materials. The company is present in 66 countries and is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
The Willkie team was led by partner Lionel Spizzichino and included associates Hugo Nocerino and Marie Aubard.
