Andy Robinson

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) is advising CVC, a leading global private markets manager, on its acquisition of a majority stake in leading infrastructure manager, DIF Capital Partners, with a commitment to acquire the remaining shares over time. This combination creates a global private markets manager with seven complementary strategies and approximately €177 billion of total assets under management. This strategic acquisition provides CVC with a leading infrastructure platform, directly adjacent and highly complementary to its existing private equity, secondary and credit strategies. In addition, this acquisition accelerates the growth of DIF. The Freshfields team is being led in London by partners Andy Robinson, Charles Hayes, David Sonter and Jill Gatehouse and in Amsterdam by partners Hanneke Rothbarth, Menno Verboom and Eelco van der Stok.

Sep 6

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields is advising CVC, one of the world’s leading private markets investment firms, on its acquisition of Marathon Asset Management, (‘Marathon’) a leading global credit manager. Following completion, the combination of CVC’s existing credit business and Marathon will create a world-class, multi-asset global credit manager with scaled investment capabilities across both Private and Public Credit. The addition of Marathon materially broadens CVC’s credit offering and significantly enhances its ability to scale and serve clients across Institutional, Private Wealth, and Insurance channels globally. The transatlantic Freshfields team is being led by partners Andy Robinson, David Sonter, Charles Hayes and Neal Reenan, senior associate Ted Haxby and associate Andrew Rondeau on M&A, with partners Emily Szasz and Joe Soltis on tax.

Jan 26

1 min

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ('Freshfields') has advised on the sale of Crestbridge’s private equity and real estate fund administration business to Gen II Fund Services, LLC (‘Gen II’), a leading independent private capital fund administrator. The transaction is expected to close in due course following customary regulatory approvals. Crestbridge provides a broad range of outsourced administration, accounting, corporate governance and compliance services to many of the world’s leading fund sponsors and is recognised for its private markets expertise. The combination further establishes Gen II as one of the world’s largest independent private capital fund administrators, expanding its jurisdictional reach to include the UK, Jersey, Ireland and other international markets. The Freshfields team is being led by corporate partners Edward Cole and Andy Robinson, and counsel Holly Baker.

Jul 13

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) is advising the Modern Slavery Intelligence Network Limited (‘MSIN’), an information sharing network comprised of a number of food manufacturers, agriculture producers and major national retailers. MSIN and its members aim, by sharing knowledge, information and experience, to disrupt and prevent actual or suspected worker exploitation, modern slavery and associated risks. This not-for-profit, victim centric membership organisation aims to interrupt any activity that results in the servitude or exploitation of workers within the food and agriculture sector. Freshfields advised on the creation of a bespoke governance and data sharing structure as well as the incorporation of MSIN as a company limited by guarantee. Paul Willgoss, Independent Chair, MSIN: "We are indebted to the team at Freshfields for the diligence and expertise they have brought to setting up MSIN. Their advice and support in navigating the creation of a new organisation with such a strong victim centric purpose, and ensuring the right governance processes, has been invaluable." The Freshfields team is being led by partners Richard Hart, Andy Robinson and Rachael Annear.

Jul 17

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has advised Tesco on the proposed sale of its banking operations across credit cards, loans and savings, and the entry into a long-term strategic partnership with Barclays. Tesco expects to receive £600m in proceeds from the sale. The sale allows Tesco to remove significant capital-intensive assets and liabilities from its balance sheet and focus on its profitable, capital-light businesses, such as insurance, ATMs, travel money and card cards, which are complementary to its core retail offering. Under the partnership, Barclays will offer Tesco branded products and services and will provide Tesco with annual income for the use of its brand, growing the customer base through Tesco channels and as a result of Barclays’ participation in the Tesco Clubcard programme. The exclusive partnership will combine Tesco’s market-leading brand, physical & digital reach and relentless customer focus with Barclays’ deep financial services capabilities and expertise in commercial partnerships. The Tesco legal team was led by Group General Counsel Adrian Morris, Group Corporate Legal Director Andrew Magro, Head of Legal Lauren Cox, Senior Legal Counsel Charlotte Hart, Tesco Bank Legal Director and Company Secretary Fiona Burden and Tesco Bank Head of Legal John Murray. The Freshfields team was led by partners Claire Wills and Andy Robinson and senior associates Michael Black and Lucy Cliff. Partner Richard Lister and senior associate Tom Hingley led on advice on the long-term strategic partnership. Partners James Smethurst, Rikki Haria, Alice Greenwell, Andrew Murphy and Pete Allen advised on financial regulatory, anti-trust, employment, pensions and finance matters respectively.

Feb 9

1 min