David Arnold

Willkie is advising Levine Leichtman Capital Partners on its sale of Global Loan Agency Services (GLAS), a leading independent provider of loan agency and trustee services to the global debt markets, to Oakley Capital. On January 5, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners announced that it entered into an agreement to sell GLAS to Oakley Capital. Headquartered in London, GLAS offers mission-critical solutions to lenders and borrowers across syndicated loans, direct lending, and capital markets transactions, and has become a trusted partner for complex financing structures to clients across the globe. Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, LLC is a middle-market private equity firm that currently manages $12.6 billion of assets and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, London, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The Willkie team is led by partners David Arnold and William Buchanan and includes partner Komal Raina and associates Thomas Lane and Harry Buchanan.

Jan 5

1 min

Willkie recently advised Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) on its investment in Improve International Group in partnership with the company’s management team. Founded in 1998, Improve International is a world leader in veterinary postgraduate training and education. Improve International works with veterinary professionals globally to upskill them, while also providing content and training for ongoing Continuing Professional Development requirements. Improve International leverages state-of-the-art training facilities with engaging digital content to deliver courses in 20 countries and in nine different languages. Headquartered in Swindon, UK, Improve International has more than 170 employees, with offices in Germany, Spain, Portugal, the United States and France. Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, LLC is a middle-market private equity firm that currently manages $10.2 billion of assets and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, London, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The Willkie team was led by partner David Arnold and included associates William Buchanan, Megan Gairns and Julia Radaszkiewicz and trainee solicitor Jung Eun (Anny) Park.

Jul 25

1 min

Willkie recently advised Recochem, a leader in automotive liquid solutions and portfolio company of CapVest Partners LLP, on its acquisition of KIK Consumer Products’ Auto Care business, which comprises Prestone Products in North America and Holts in the UK. Prestone Products, Holts and their affiliates develop, manufacture and market antifreeze/coolant and other essential automotive fluids and car appearance products in North America and other key international markets. CapVest is a leading international private equity investor focused on investments in companies supplying essential goods and services. In November 2023, Willkie represented CapVest Partners in its acquisition of Recochem. The Willkie team was led by partners David Arnold, Neil Townsend, Patrick Sandor and Andrew Gray and counsel Sidney Nunez, and included associate Hayden Kursh.

Jun 27

1 min

Willkie advised Second Nature Brands, a leading portfolio of premium and better-for-you snacks and treats brands, on its acquisition of the Voortman cookie brand from The J.M. Smucker Co. On October 22, Second Nature Brands, a portfolio company of CapVest Partners LLP, announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Voortman Cookies Limited, a leading manufacturer and marketer of zero sugar cookies and wafer cookies, in a transaction valued at approximately $305 million. Second Nature Brands owns a growing portfolio of leading snack and treat brands. The acquisition of Voortman expands Second Nature Brands’ portfolio and better positions the company in the specialty cookies category. Willkie previously advised CapVest Partners on numerous transactions, including its acquisitions of Second Nature Brands and Natra, a European producer and distributor of chocolates and cocoa products. Willkie also previously advised Second Nature Brands on its acquisitions of Brownie Brittle and Sahale Snacks. CapVest Partners is a leading international private equity investor headquartered in London. The Willkie team was led by partners David Arnold and Ryan Giggs and included partners Russell Pinilis, Mark Holdsworth and Spencer Simon and associate R. Connor Brown.

Nov 4

1 min

Willkie advised Natra, a portfolio company of CapVest Partners, in connection with its acquisition of the Gudrun group, a leader in the development, production, packaging and commercialization of Belgian chocolates and truffles, from Down 2 Earth Capital. Natra is a leader in the production of chocolate bars, pralines, tablets and spreads, which it sells in more than 90 countries worldwide. Its ingredients division also supplies a wide range of cocoa-based ingredients to the international food industry. The company has over 1,000 employees across six production plants in Spain, Belgium, France and Canada. Willkie previously advised CapVest Partners on its acquisition of Natra in 2022. The Willkie team was led by partners David Arnold, Andrew Gray and associate Meghal Mehta.

Oct 1

1 min