<p>Filter Knowledge</p>

To ensure that the UK has a functioning statute book after Brexit, many thousands of changes are being made by statutory instrument, with limited scrutiny from Parliament. 

Travers Smith LLP has advised long-standing client Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery which owns 323 pubs across the south-east, on a long-term exclusive partnership with leading Thai brewery Boon Rawd.

On 21 July 2019, the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”) came into force. This means new rules now apply when prospectuses are being drafted and approved.

Travers Smith has acted as lead counsel for Medicxi on the fundraising for Medicxi III LP, a new fund to invest in predominantly European life sciences companies.

Travers Smith LLP has advised long-standing client Bridgepoint and other selling shareholders on the sale of Estera to Inflexion-backed Ocorian for an undisclosed sum.

Travers Smith LLP has advised long-standing client Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone) on its agreement to acquire FirstPort, a leading UK residential property management company, from Epiris and Chamonix Private Equity (Chamonix).

The FCA recently published a feedback report on its 5 Conduct Questions programme. Although the 5 Conduct Questions programme (5CQ) has been running for some years, and was originally aimed at wholesale banks and subsequently extended to certain other wholesale firms, the FCA says that its feedback on 5CQ is now relevant for all firms. Therefore, all firms should consider "if and how" they can effectively incorporate 5CQ into their own organisations.

Travers Smith LLP has advised Marlin Equity Partners ("Marlin") and other selling shareholders, on the sale of a majority stake in QualiTest to Bridgepoint.

Travers Smith LLP has advised the Cambridge Education Group (CEG), backed by long-standing client Bridgepoint, on the separation and subsequent sale of its CATS Colleges division (CATS) to Bright Scholar.

Charlie Bischoff, a partner in our Finance team who co-heads our Fund Finance practice alongside Danny Peel, moderated the Covenantal Relationships Panel at the recent European Fund Finance Symposium in London last month. The panel consisted of Russell Evans (National Australia Bank), Kim Nguyen (Commonwealth Bank of Australia), Matthew Maguire (Park Square Capital) and Keith Pickard (InfraRed Capital Partners). The following are a selection of the key themes arising from the panel discussion.

Travers Smith LLP has advised Monument Re, the Bermuda-based reinsurer with a presence in Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, on its acquisition of Nordben Life and Pension Insurance Co. Limited ("Nordben") from BenCo Insurance Holding B.V.

The concept of "relational contracts" is not new but has recently started to crop up more often in judgments on contractual disputes. This matters because, as we explain below, a finding that your contract is "relational" can make a significant difference to the way it is interpreted by a court.

Travers Smith LLP has advised The Access Group, the UK's leading provider of software to growing mid-market businesses and charities, on its acquisition of Safety Media.

Travers Smith LLP has advised long-standing client Phoenix Equity Partners (Phoenix) on the acquisition of 1000heads Group Limited.

Travers Smith LLP has advised Ancala Partners LLP ("Ancala") on the acquisition of a 50% interest in Dragon LNG Group Limited ("Dragon LNG") from PETRONAS LNG Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad ("Petronas").

Travers Smith has today announced leadership changes in the firm.

Travers Smith LLP has advised management in relation to the acquisition by Bracco Imaging of Blue Earth Diagnostics, from Syncona Ltd (the investment arm of the Wellcome Trust) and management. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions including US antitrust regulations.

Key employment and business immigration developments for employers.

Travers Smith LLP has advised London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH) on its major new licensing deal with Paramount Pictures as part of the development of the multi-billion pound London Resort theme park planned for the Thames Estuary.