The Firm represented BofA Merrill Lynch, BNP Paribas, and several other banks as underwriters in connection with a public offering by Virgin Media Finance PLC of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022. The notes are guaranteed by Virgin Media Inc. and certain subsidiaries. Virgin Media used the net proceeds from the offering to fund a tender offer for $500 million aggregate principal amount of 9.50% Senior Notes due 2016. The Firm represented Deutsche Bank and Goldman, Sachs & Co. as dealer-managers for the tender offer.

The Firm recently represented Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. (“Cengage Learning”) in certain refinancing transactions designed to address near-term maturities.  Cengage Learning entered into an amendment with the lenders under its existing senior secured credit facilities which, among other things, extended the maturity of certain of its term loans and revolving credit commitments thereunder.  Cengage Learning also completed a private placement of $725,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes due 2020 in reliance on Rule 144A and Regulation S.

Shearman & Sterling is advising long-time client Corning Incorporated in connection with its execution of a definitive agreement to acquire a majority of BD’s (Becton, Dickinson and Company) Discovery Labware unit for a purchase price of $730 million, payable in cash. The acquisition is expected to be completed later this year, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.