Links, Freshfields and A&O among firms on utility group buyout

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Allen & Overy (A&O) are among a line-up of top law firms to have taken roles on Melrose's £1.5bn acquisition of German utility meter manufacturer Elster Group.

Melrose, an engineering business that uses private equity principles to take control of manufacturing companies and improve profitability, worked with longstanding adviser Simpson Thacher.

The US practice fielded teams of lawyers in London and New York, with City corporate partner Adam Signy (pictured) advising on the debt and equity fundraising and New York corporate partner Eric Swedenburg handling the US tender offer.

Simpson Thacher worked alongside German firm Hengeler Mueller on local law, with Duesseldorf partner Bernd Wirbel in the lead role.

The target company – which manufactures electricity, gas and water meters in 130 countries around the world – turned to A&O, which fielded a team under Duesseldorf corporate partner Christian Eichner, who was assisted by teams in London and New York.

Although based in Germany and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Elster's main shareholder until now has been private equity group CVC Capital Partners, which instructed Freshfields on the sale.

The firm fielded a Frankfurt-based team led by corporate partner Kai Hasselbach. Fellow magic circle firm Linklaters, meanwhile, advised the underwriters and the lending banks.

Simpson Thacher's role comes a year after it advised Melrose on its unsuccessful bid for UK engineering company Charter, which was subsequently sold to US manufacturer Colfax in a £1.5bn deal.