Herbert Smith Freehills has advised the United Spirits Group (USL) in relation to its £430 million sale of Whyte & Mackay Group Limited (Whyte & Mackay) to Emperador UK Limited, a subsidiary of Emperador Inc., the leading Philippines based integrated manufacturer and distributor of brandy and other alcoholic beverages. The deal was signed and announced on 9 May 2014.

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The new bank debt facilities comprise secured syndicated bank debt and bilateral facilities which range from a three to five year maturity. The facilities were self-arranged by Sydney Airport and raised over a very tight timeframe, with Sydney Airport taking advantage of favourable market conditions to achieve more competitively priced debt. The debt raising also demonstrated the strong support Sydney Airport continues to receive from domestic and international banks.

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Kirkland & Ellis LLP advised Akorn, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKRX) on its definitive agreement to acquire VPI Holdings Corp., the parent company of VersaPharm Incorporated, for $440 million in cash. More >>

Appleby acted as Bermuda counsel to CITIC 21CN Company Limited (the Company) on Alibaba Holding’s subscription of approximately 4.4 billion ordinary shares of the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Perfect Advance Holding Limited (the Investor). After the subscription, the Investor (together with parties acting in concert with it) holds approximately 54% of the enlarged issued share capital of the Company. Net proceeds of approximately HK$1.32 billion from the subscription will be used for future expansion and/or acquisition opportunities.

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National CineMedia, Inc., managing member of in-theatre digital network operator National CineMedia, LLC, announced this week that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with cinema advertising company Screenvision, for $375 million of cash and stock on a debt free, cash free basis. The merger will create a higher quality and more competitive video advertising network benefiting advertisers and theatre circuits alike.

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Latham & Watkins advised Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (“Etisalat”) –as guarantor– and White Falcon Finance Company Limited –as borrower– on a €3.15 billion multicurrency loan facility which will be used to acquire Vivendi SA’s 53% stake in Maroc Telecom.

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Shearman & Sterling advised Piraeus Bank S.A.—the largest financial group in Greece by assets, loans, and deposits—on its €1.75 billion equity offering led by Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs as joint global coordinators.

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Simpson Thacher represented the underwriters, led by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., in connection with the registered public offering by Apple Inc. of $12 billion aggregate principal amount of notes over seven tranches with maturities ranging from 3 to 30 years. The net proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including repurchases of common stock and payment of dividends under Apple’s recently expanded program to return capital to shareholders.

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Shearman & Sterling advised Piraeus Bank S.A. – the largest financial group in Greece by assets, loans, and deposits – on its €1.75 billion equity offering led by Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs as Joint Global Coordinators.

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Global law firm Proskauer represented Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. in the closing of a new $1 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, as well as a $250 million senior unsecured term loan facility, effectively restructuring the company’s existing revolving credit facilities.

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