Growth is the number one challenge for manufacturing and industrials businesses, whether through M&A activity or organically through improving volume, reducing costs and monetising R&D innovations.
We also recognise that businesses in this sector face an increasing compliance burden, in particular around environmental standards and workplace safety, with both legal and reputational consequences if the regulatory requirements are not properly navigated. Further, technology advances and cost pressures have ongoing implications for staffing requirements and associated industrial relations challenges. The changing nature of the market is exacerbated by the disruption and opportunities likely to arise from Brexit.
Our sector specialists understand these challenges and provide a full service across all key areas, including corporate and M&A, employment and pensions, ESG, real estate and planning, trade law, intellectual property, IT, and competition and regulation.
Acting for many of the world’s leading manufacturing and industrial organisations we are perfectly placed to help you succeed in the ever changing market conditions.
Experience
NINGBO JIFENG
Advising the Wang family, which controls the internationally active automotive component supplier Ningbo Jifeng Auto Parts (Ningbo Jifeng) on its strategic partnership with Grammer AG, a German components supplier serving the automotive and commercial vehicles industry.
SYNTHOMER
Advising on the proposed acquisition of OMNOVA Solutions Inc. for approximately £654 million. OMNOVA develops, manufactures and markets emulsion polymers, speciality chemicals and decorative products. It provides engineered surfaces for various commercial, industrial and residential end uses.
WEIR GROUP
Advising on the agreed £275 million sale of its Flow Control Division to First Reserve, a US private equity firm, following an auction process. Weir's Flow Control Division specialises in the design and manufacture of valves, pumps, and controls for the global power generation, downstream oil & gas and industrial sectors.
ZHEJIANG CANGNAN INSTRUMENT GROUP
Advising on its H-Share listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Zhejiang Cangnan Instrument Group is a leading precision measurement instrument manufacturer in China with over 40 years' industry experience.
AERNNOVA AEROSPACE
Advising on its acquisition of a leading aerospace components manufacturing business from GE Aviation. The business is a leading supplier of major civil and military aircraft structures in hi-tech composites, metallic, acrylics and hybrid structures and is likely to increase Aernnova's long-term predictable revenues by approximately US$200 million per year.
Related insights
Key contacts
Dr Sönke Becker
Partner, Head of Corporate Germany, Co-Head Manufacturing & Industrials, Germany
Veronica Roberts
Partner, UK Regional Head of Practice, Competition, Regulation and Trade, London