Legal DealFolio - CHAMP Private Equity acquisition of Constellation Brands business

Leading international law firm, Clifford Chance today announces it is advising CHAMP Private Equity (CHAMP) on its acquisition of the UK business of Constellation Brands, Inc. (CBI), one of the world's leading wine companies. In late December 2010, CBI announced that it has signed an agreement to sell its Australian and UK businesses to CHAMP. The UK arm of the business is known for its supply and distribution of various wine brands into the UK and Europe including Hardy's, Stowells, Kumala and Echo Falls. CHAMP makes private equity investments across a broad range of sectors, including education, logistics, mining and industrial services, health, food and beverage, financial services and niche manufacturing. The transaction completed on January 31st. The transaction is valued at approximately A$290 million. CBI will retain a 20 per cent. interest in the business and receive cash proceeds of about A$230 million. The transaction includes virtually all CBI's Australian, UK, and South African brands, wineries, facilities, vineyards, and the company's 50 per cent. interest in Matthew Clark, the UK wholesale joint venture. The UK aspects of the deal were led from Clifford Chance's London office, by Corporate Partner Kathy Honeywood and Corporate Senior Associate Roseanne McCormick. Gilbert + Tobin is advising CHAMP on the Australian aspects of the acquisition. "This acquisition is another example of our strength in the consumer goods sector and our ability to field a multi-disciplinary team. We are seeing more and more beverage companies consolidating their portfolio by focusing on their key premium brands and ongoing enthusiasm of private equity players in the consumer goods sector" said Kathy Honeywood, Partner at Clifford Chance.

Deal Date:	17-02-2011	Practice Area:	Corporate and M&A
Deal Title:	CHAMP Private Equity acquisition of Constellation Brands business	Industry:	Beverages
Description:	Leading international law firm, Clifford Chance today announces it is advising CHAMP Private Equity (CHAMP) on its acquisition of the UK business of Constellation Brands, Inc. (CBI), one of the world's leading wine companies. In late December 2010, CBI announced that it has signed an agreement to sell its Australian and UK businesses to CHAMP. The UK arm of the business is known for its supply and distribution of various wine brands into the UK and Europe including Hardy's, Stowells, Kumala and Echo Falls. CHAMP makes private equity investments across a broad range of sectors, including education, logistics, mining and industrial services, health, food and beverage, financial services and niche manufacturing. The transaction completed on January 31st. The transaction is valued at approximately A$290 million. CBI will retain a 20 per cent. interest in the business and receive cash proceeds of about A$230 million. The transaction includes virtually all CBI's Australian, UK, and South African brands, wineries, facilities, vineyards, and the company's 50 per cent. interest in Matthew Clark, the UK wholesale joint venture. The UK aspects of the deal were led from Clifford Chance's London office, by Corporate Partner Kathy Honeywood and Corporate Senior Associate Roseanne McCormick. Gilbert + Tobin is advising CHAMP on the Australian aspects of the acquisition. "This acquisition is another example of our strength in the consumer goods sector and our ability to field a multi-disciplinary team. We are seeing more and more beverage companies consolidating their portfolio by focusing on their key premium brands and ongoing enthusiasm of private equity players in the consumer goods sector" said Kathy Honeywood, Partner at Clifford Chance.
Financial Center:	London	Value:	0.00-100.00
Advised Party:	Private Equity Investor	Law Firm	Clifford Chance
Target Company Jurisdiction	United Kingdom	Acquiror Jurisdiction	United Kingdom
Classification:	Financial Buyer Acquisitions Primary Buy-Out	Lawyer	Kathy Honeywood

Practice Areas -

Corporate and M&A Law Firms and Lawyers

Practice Areas - Corporate and M&A Law Firms and Lawyers