Three large firms had roles in the Bertelsmann-Pearson deal in which German media conglomerate Bertelsmann paid €675 million ($741 million) to buy the remaining 25% of Penguin Random House from Pearson, giving the German company sole ownership of the world's largest trade publishing group.

Linklaters advised Bertelsmann, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised seller Pearson, and Hengeler Mueller advised investment bank BNP Paribas.

BNP Paribas, Fortis SA/NV, Barclays Bank Ireland PLC and National Westminster Bank PLC acted as mandated lead arrangers. The deal is subject to approval and is expected to close in the second quarter of this year.