Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) is advising international private equity firm CVC Capital Partners (‘CVC’) in connection with an agreement for Partners Group to increase its stake in leading Swiss watchmaker, Breitling AG (‘Breitling’), in a transaction that will make Partners Group the largest shareholder of the Breitling group.

Upon completion of the transaction, Breitling group will continue to be jointly owned and controlled by Partners Group, funds advised by CVC Capital Partners and management of the Breitling group. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Freshfields advised alongside Bär & Karrer (lead counsel). The Freshfields’ team advising CVC is led by global transactions and financial sponsors group partner Charles Hayes, senior associate Maria Ledeneva and associate Emily Garland.

This latest acquisition carries on Freshfields’ long-standing relationship with CVC, having most recently advised CVC Fund VIII on its investment in the Spectrum Medical Group.