PLMJ advises on three major M&A deals

PLMJ has recently advised on three significant M&A transactions spanning Portugal, France, and Brazil. The firm assisted CSN Steel in acquiring Portuguese company GramPerfil, supported Ardian in its purchase of renewable energy producer Akuo, and advised Ascendi on the sale of Via Verde to Brisa. All details below.

CSN Steel buys GramPerfil

In the first deal, PLMJ advised CSN Steel, the Spanish subsidiary of the Brazilian CSN, on the acquisition of the entire share capital of GramPerfil, based in Pombal. Before this acquisition, the Brazilian group already had a presence in Portugal through Lusosider – Aços Planos, Lusosider Projetos Siderúrgicos, and Lusosider Ibérica. With this acquisition, CSN Steel will have access to a Portuguese company with a strong export profile, as 70% of its production is sold abroad.

The transaction was led by Diogo Perestrelo (pictured), co-coordinator partner of corporate M&A, with the participation of lawyers Ânia Cruz and Guilherme Martins Pereira.

Ardian acquires Akuo

PLMJ advised private equity fund Ardian on the acquisition of Akuo, a French renewable energy producer with multiple projects in Portugal. Ardian has been investing in renewable energy since 2007, positioning itself as a pioneer in the energy transition. This investment will accelerate the growth of Akuo’s projects and reinforce Ardian’s commitment to the energy transition.

The legal advisory involved a broad and multidisciplinary PLMJ team, which conducted due diligence on some of Akuo’s projects, as well as provided support on regulatory and transactional aspects and the contracting of W&I insurance. The team was led by Diogo Perestrelo with the participation of partner João Marques Mendes (head of the energy practice area) and lawyers Nuno Serrão Faria, David Cuba Topete (corporate M&A), Sofia Nogueira Leite (real estate and tourism), and Maria Gorjão Henriques (public law).

Ascendi sells Via Verde’s share capital to Brisa

Finally, PLMJ also advised Ascendi on the sale of Via Verde’s share capital to the Brisa Group. The transaction was led by Diogo Perestrelo with the participation of lawyers Elsa Pizarro Pardal and Carolina Inverno Branco.