Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer ('Freshfields') has advised Springer Nature, the global research and education publisher, on its acquisition of Atlantis Press, a leading open access proceedings publisher which currently has offices in Paris, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Beijing and Zhengzhou. The transaction closed on 9 March 2021.
 
Originally founded as a book publisher, Atlantis Press is a leading commercial publisher of scientific, technical and medical content with operations mainly in China, South-East Asia and Russia. In addition to proceedings, Atlantis Press also publishes open access journals and offers publishing services to societies and universities.
 
The Freshfields team was led by partner Lars Meyer, principal associate Saloua Ouchan and associate Pany Markou, with support from associates Lasse de Vooght and Cyril Courbon (Corporate/M&A). Antitrust advice was provided by counsel Maren Tamke and principal associate Uwe Salaschek. Senior associate Jan-Jaap Koningsveld and associate Auke Tadema advised on IP/IT matters, while associate Philipp Lehmann advised on a transitional services agreement. Associates Fan Li and Tracy Gu advised on Chinese law aspects of the transaction. Dutch employment advice was provided by partner Brechje Nollen and associate Babette Koning and partner Gwen Senlanne advised on French employment matters. Tax advice was provided by associate Daan van Schaik.