International law firm Bird & Bird assisted client Investec Bank plc (“Investec”) on its strategic minority investment into three Capitalmind International (“Capitalmind”) entities across France, Germany, and The Netherlands. The transaction builds the relationship between Investec and Capitalmind, representing an acceleration of both firms’ advisory strategies.
Investec’s parent company, Investec plc, is dual-listed in London and Johannesburg. Investec’s banking business works with growth companies, institutions, and private equity funds, providing clients with capital, advice, and treasury risk management. Capitalmind is a leading European financial advisory firm working with family businesses and entrepreneurs, private equity and corporates. The investment by Investec in minority stakes in each of the three entities provides Capitalmind with connectivity to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Asia, and Africa; whilst Capitalmind connects Investec’s advisory business to most of Western Europe, including Germany, France, the Benelux countries, Scandinavia, and Switzerland.
It was a collaborative team effort by Bird & Bird, working with the in-house team at Investec in London and providing a one-stop service across four jurisdictions. The firm’s international Corporate team was led by UK Corporate partner Clive Hopewell, who was assisted by senior associate Richard Bloomfield and associate Charlotte Hart. The French investment was led by partner Gildas Louvel, who was assisted by associate Pierre Lagresle, the German investment was led by partner Dr. Kai Kerger who was assisted by associate Johanna Schindler and The Netherlands investment was led by partner Michiel Wurfbain who was assisted by partner and notary René Rieter, as well as associates Nikita Gommeren and Musa Dinc.
Charles Barlow, who leads Investec’s cross border corporate finance business, says: “Bird & Bird understand what this transaction means for us strategically and with their pan-European office network, we’re glad to have them on-board supporting the development of our relationship with Capitalmind.”
Clive Hopewell, Corporate partner at Bird & Bird adds: “We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to successfully support Investec to complete this important strategic investment in European M&A advisory services. We wish the teams at both Investec and Capitalmind every success in developing this exciting new platform for M&A advisory services across much of Western Europe, especially at a time of significant anticipated demand post-Pandemic.”
