Freshfields advises Universal Music Group (UMG) on global merger control aspects of its successful acquisition of Downtown Music

Global law firm Freshfields has represented UMG on the global merger control aspects of its successful acquisition of Downtown Music (valued at US$775m), one of the largest M&A deals in the music industry in the past decade, which has now closed.  The Transaction was approved by the European Commission following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.  In addition to leading on this review, Freshfields led and coordinated regulatory engagement and filings across other key jurisdictions achieving timely clearances.  This role in one of the landmark deals of the year underscores Freshfields’ position as a leading advisor on complex cross-border music, media and technology transactions.

The Freshfields team was led by Partners Thomas Janssens, Thomas McGrath and Mary Lehner.

The multi-jurisdictional team further included Partners Maria Dreher and Paul van den Berg; Senior Associates Justin Chen, Rory Jones, Elizabeth Giordano, William Cooke, Christina Hinterschweiger, Felix Roscam Abbing; and Associates Terri Cliffe, Alexandra Forrest, Niccolo Piga, Toyosi Taiwo, Fabian Bickel, Marta Powolny, Julie Letort and Laurent de Canniere.