Two Orrick Transactions Honored as 2014 "Deals of the Year" by China Business Law Journal

Overseas M&A Deal of the Year: Dongfeng Motors’ Equity Investment in PSA Peugeot Citroën Group

Orrick advised FFP and its controlling company, Etablissements Peugeot Frères (EPF), the holding company of the Peugeot family, in a $4.1 billion capital investment in Peugeot SA, one of the world’s oldest car makers. Dongfeng Motor Group Company Limited, Peugeot’s historical manufacturing and sales partner in China, and the French State each contributed $1.1 billion to Peugeot, with the remaining balance raised by Peugeot in a rights offering. Upon completion, FFP/EPF, Dongfeng and the French State became equal partners in Peugeot SA, each holding 14% of the shares in the company. This transaction was the biggest offshore acquisition for a Chinese SOE in the automobile industry and the largest investment by a Chinese company into France to date.

The Orrick team advising FFP/EPF included M&A and private equity partners Jean-Pierre Martel and Etienne Boursican and corporate associate Thomas Forin, all resident in Orrick’s Paris office.

Private Equity and Venture Capital Deal of the Year: Domain Elite’s Investment in SMART Medical Systems and Medico

Orrick advised Domain Elite, a joint venture established by the US-based healthcare-focused venture capital fund Domain Associates, and China-based investor Elite Capital, in connection with its bifurcated investment in SMART Medical Systems Ltd. and its Hong Kong subsidiary, Medico (Hong Kong) Limited. Headquartered in Israel, SMART Medical Systems is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of innovative medical devices in the field of gastro-intestinal endoscopy.

The Orrick team advising Domain Elite included M&A and private equity partner Maurice Hoo and of counsel Connie Cheung in Hong Kong.