Charles Russell’s Corporate Finance team goes from strength to strength in M&A 2008 – maintaining its record number of deals from last year, with deal values only beaten by last year and winning more new clients.

M&A highlights for 2008 include:

• Advising JPMorgan Cazenove and Canaccord Adams on emerald mining company Gemfields Resources plc’s US $120 million reverse takeover by Krinera and Greentop, owners of the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, together with a US$60 million fundraising.
• Acting for fully listed Abacus Group plc on its £42.2 million recommended cash takeover by Avnet Group.
• Advising Jefferies International Limited, as nominated advisor and broker, on the £60.7 million takeover by Gasol plc of natural resources company African LNG Holdings Limited and its re-admission to AIM.
• Acted for the sellers in relation to the sale of Groupe Rubicon Limited to A.G. Barr p.l.c. for a total initial price of £59.8 million. The Rubicon Group is a UK based manufacturer and distributor of branded exotic juice drinks.
• Acting for WH Ireland Limited and Hichens Harrison & Co. plc on the £30 million acquisition by River Diamonds plc of the 80% of the share capital of Viso Gero International, Inc. not already owned by River Diamonds. The acquisition constituted a reverse takeover under the AIM Rules
• Advising subsidiaries of Randstad NV, one of the largest recruitment groups in the world, on the acquisition of Pareto Law plc on the acquisition of the assets and business of Airline Maintenance Resources Limited and the remaining shares not already owned by Randstad in The Blomfield Group Limited.
• Acting for the shareholders of James Grant Media Group Limited on the £30 million sale of their shareholdings to Formation Group plc.

Simon Gilbert, Head of Corporate Finance at Charles Russell said "Our M&A team continues to justify its excellent reputation. Not only have we matched lat year’s record number or deals, but M&A deal value for 2008 is our second highest whilst we won even more new M&A clients last year. We have continued to advise on high quality transactions – many with an international angle."

Notes:

Charles Russell is a top 50 full service legal practice with offices in London, Guildford, Cheltenham, Cambridge, Oxford, Geneva and Bahrain. It provides a wide range of legal services for corporate and private clients. It is a member of The Association of European Lawyers www.europeanlawyers.org, and ALFA International www.alfanet.org.

These pages contain general information only and do not constitute advice on any specific matter.  No liability can be accepted by Charles Russell LLP for any action taken or not taken as a result of this information.

Charles Russell LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, registered number OC311850, and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A list of members is available for inspection at the registered office, 8-10 New Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1RS. Any reference to a partner in relation to Charles Russell LLP is to a member of Charles Russell LLP. For more information, visit www.charlesrussell.co.uk

More information:

Simon Gilbert, Head of Corporate Finance
Tel: 020 7203 5192
simon.gilbert@charlesrussell.co.uk

Daryl Atkinson, Director of Marketing
Tel: 020 7203 5119
daryl.atkinson@charlesrussell.co.uk