Leading international law firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is advising London Stock Exchange Group plc (“LSEG”) on its $2.7bn acquisition of Russell Investments from Northwestern Mutual and on its related $1.6bn rights issue. The transaction represents a rare opportunity for LSEG to acquire a high quality US business with a leading global brand providing index and investment management services.

LSEG client partners Andrew Hutchings, Mark Rawlinson, Simon Priddis and James Smethurst are advising on the transaction, working with Catherine Johnson, LSEG General Counsel, and Lisa Condron, LSEG Company Secretary. Partners Mark Austin and Sarah Murphy are advising on the rights issue, Thomas Ensign, partner, is handling US antitrust issues and Jocelyn Mitchell, partner, is advising on employment matters.

Commenting on the transaction, Andrew Hutchings said ‘we are delighted to help LSEG with another exciting and transformational deal in its successful diversification strategy’.