International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has advised private equity firm Warburg Pincus on its acquisition of Dubai-based specialist IT software, development and solutions business, mercator, from dnata (one of the world’s largest air services providers and a subsidiary of the Emirates group). dnata will retain a minority stake in mercator on closing. The transaction, which is structured as a mixed asset sale, comprises a significant and complex separation element

Warburg Pincus, founded in 1966, has more than $37 billion in assets under management. mercator provides products and support to more than 125 airlines in over 80 countries across the globe, with a focus on passenger solutions, baggage handling and cargo management.

Freshfields corporate partners Adrian Maguire (London) and Michael Hilton (Dubai) led on the deal, supported by counsel Philip Li, senior associate Rob Cant and associates Richard Johnson and Steve Jennings. Partner Andrew Craig and senior associate David Brooks advised on separation elements.

Adrian Maguire commented, ‘This is a highly strategic acquisition for Warburg Pincus. Cross-border with complex separation issues, this deal plays to Freshfields’ strengths and is another example both of the firm’s market-leading private equity credentials in the Middle East and our ability to successfully advise clients on their mission-critical deals.’

Freshfields also recently advised Warburg Pincus in Europe on the IPO of high street retailer Poundland and on its acquisition of a majority stake in European exchange traded product provider, Source Holdings.