Ashurst

We have advised Citi and Goldman Sachs as joint financial advisers to Aviva on its recommended acquisition of Direct Line Insurance Group. The transaction values Direct Line’s entire diluted share capital at approximately £3.7 billion. Our team was led by Tom Mercer and Tim Rennie. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edr_EavE

Wherever you are and however you celebrate, we send our warmest wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

We have advised BNP Paribas on its entry into exclusive negotiations with La Banque Postale to establish a partnership for the distribution of a comprehensive mobility offering to the retail customers of La Banque Postale group. This possible partnership would foresee the creation of a digital platform accessible to La Banque Postale customers offering new and used low-emission vehicles, consistent with La Banque Postale's commitment to a low-carbon economy. Our team was led by anne reffay and Nicolas Quoy. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/enGdzJ_2

In just 25 minutes, our latest #podcast reveals what 2025 has in store for the UK’s real estate sector – and sheds light on the legal issues to keep on your radar: https://lnkd.in/dUzFUiFN Ashurst’s Alison Murrin and Richard Vernon take a macro view by explaining the ramifications of government policy (on infrastructure, decarbonisation, safety, and more) and they describe the outlook for logistics, data centres, ‘the living sector’ and commercial real estate. They also take a micro view by zeroing in on a number of specific legislative reforms and changes to watch out for. To listen to this episode and subscribe to our podcast series, search for ‘Ashurst Legal Outlook’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. #LegalOutlook     

We are further expanding our global private capital capability with the appointment of Maha Kaskas Osman as a partner in the Middle East. Maha has a wealth of experience in private capital investments, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. She works extensively with financial sponsors, including private equity investors and sovereign wealth funds, on a broad range of transactions. This appointment reflects our strategic focus on growing our private capital capabilities and signifies Ashurst's commitment to investing in its offering in the Middle East. Learn more about Maha and our Middle East corporate practice: https://lnkd.in/ejgdPe9H

We are supporting Ricardo plc and Ricardo Australia Pty Ltd on its AUD $101.4 million (£51.0 million) acquisition of 85% of E3 Advisory. E3 Advisory is an Australian infrastructure advisory firm, advising both government and private clients through the infrastructure project lifecycle, with expertise in transport, infrastructure (rail and road), clean energy, water, and mining and resources. Completion of the acquisition is conditional on the disposal of the Ricardo group's Defense Business, on which Ashurst is also supporting. Our cross-border team is being led by partners Kylie Lane and Tom Mercer. https://lnkd.in/eJKp3TF8

¿Quieres conocer las últimas novedades en materia de sostenibilidad? Nuestros equipos en Derecho Mercantil y Derecho Financiero de la oficina de Madrid han preparado una nota que recoge, entre otras cosas, la tramitación urgente del Proyecto de Ley de Información sobre Sostenibilidad. Descubre el contenido completo en el enlace: https://lnkd.in/gPj9eN4A

We have advised Pango Group on its merger with Total Security, combining their strengths to form Point Wild, a cybersecurity holding company offering solutions for consumers and enterprises of all sizes. Following the merger, Point Wild will generate approximately US$600M in annual revenue. Our multi-disciplinary team was led by partners James Fletcher and Tom Mercer. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eqsUvAH4

What sets us apart in the market is our people and how we work together; with our clients and one another, we share a strong desire to succeed. A huge thank you to Chambers and Partners and our clients for recognising our work with 67 firm rankings and 140 individuals ranked in the 2025 Chambers and Partners APAC Guide.

We have advised Hitachi Rail on a ten year contract with FirstGroup and Angel Trains to lease 14 new five-car Hitachi electric and bi-mode trains, advancing the green transition of the UK rail industry. These trains will expand FirstGroup’s open access services, delivering sustainable travel while retaining critical skills and securing jobs at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility. Our team was led by Naomi Horton. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/enn8ZAFs