On July 29, it was announced that Canadian retailer Hudson’s Bay Company (“HBC”) and U.S. luxury retailer Saks Incorporated (“Saks”) have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby HBC will acquire Saks for $16.00 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.9 billion, including debt.  Willkie represented Hudson’s Bay Company in the transaction.  The cross border acquisition is expected to increase HBC’s growth potential both in the U.S. and Canada, generate significant efficiencies of scale, add prime real estate to the company’s portfolio and provide substantial shareholder value.

More >>

Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) and Publicis Groupe SA (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577) today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement for a merger of equals, creating the world’s leading company in communications, advertising, marketing and digital services, with combined 2012 revenue of $22.7 billion / €17.7 billion. Based on closing prices on July 26, 2013, Publicis Omnicom Group will have a combined equity market capitalization of approximately $35.1 billion / €26.5 billion. The merged group of more than 130,000 employees will be exceptionally well positioned to serve clients’ evolving needs, helping them to build their brands and grow their businesses in the rapidly changing communications landscape.

More >>