Global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has advised AEA Investors on a majority investment in SCIO Automation. The closing of the transaction is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities. SCIO Automation is an international end-to-end automation platform with the mission to support companies on their journey towards Industry 4.0. As a system integrator, SCIO Automation automates production and logistics processes. As an innovator, SCIO Automation develops value-added and customised automation products for the autonomous mobile robots, software and cleanroom sectors, as well as for food intralogistics and industrial labeling. The SCIO Automation platform currently comprises ten company brands, totalling more than 1,100 employees at 30 locations in eight countries worldwide, all of whom play a part in implementing the smart factory concept for global players in a wide range of industries. The Freshfields team is led by partners Arend von Riegen (Corporate/M&A, Frankfurt) and Tim Wilmot (Corporate/M&A, London) and includes partner Toby Bingley (Finance, London), Senior Associate George Milne (Corporate/M&A, London), Associate Nick Surgey (Corporate/M&A, London), Principal Associate Christoph Becherer (Corporate/M&A, Berlin),  Associates Anna Dominke, Johannes Rogge-Balleer (both Corporate/M&A, Frankfurt), Antonius Gehringhoff (Corporate/M&A, Berlin), Senior Associate Kate Hatcher and Marie Boudard (both Finance, London).