The international law firm Milbank LLP advised the private equity investor Ardian on the sale of the Schleich Group. The sale took place as part of an auction process to Partners Group and is subject to antitrust approval. Milbank has previously advised Ardian on several matters, two of which included the acquisition of the d&b audiotechnik Group and sale of its stake in Schustermann & Borenstein.
Ardian is one of the world's leading independent investment companies with more than 610 employees in 15 locations in Europe, South and North America and Asia. The company manages approximately $90 billion of assets in direct funds, funds of funds, infrastructure, private debt and real estate.
Founded in 1935 in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, the Schleich Group today is one of the largest toy manufacturers in Germany and an internationally leading provider of realistic figures and play sets. The company, in which Ardian previously held a majority stake, sells its products in more than 50 countries worldwide and recorded gross sales of almost €185 million in 2018.
The Milbank team led by partner Norbert Rieger advised Ardian comprehensively on the corporate, tax, antitrust and financial law aspects of the transaction.
Advisor to Ardian: Milbank LLP
Norbert Rieger (lead), Sebastian Heim (both Corporate/M&A, Munich), Thomas Ingenhoven (Finance, Frankfurt), Matthias Schell (Tax, Munich), Alexander Rinne (Antitrust, Munich), Patrick Droese, Alexandra Schäfer (both Corporate/M&A, Munich), Thomas Möller, Achim Rohr (both Finance, Frankfurt), Moritz Philipp (Tax, Munich).
