• NI: DWF advises Sovereign on investment in Belfast data analytics specialist
  

Global legal business DWF has advised Sovereign Capital Partners on a significant investment into data analytics and data science services business AquaQ Analytics.

The investment into Belfast-headquartered AquaQ Analytics, which also has offices in the USA, Singapore and Hong Kong, will see Sovereign partner with the management team to expand the company’s global presence and develop its range of services.

DWF’s corporate teams in Belfast, Manchester and Liverpool advised buy and build specialist Sovereign on this latest investment.

Belfast partner James Morrison worked alongside partner Alasdair Outhwaite and associate Ciara Healy in Manchester and Liverpool partner James Cashman to deliver on the legal aspects of the investment.

Jonathan Thorne, director at Sovereign Capital Partners, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to back the AquaQ team at what is a really exciting time in this market and we are grateful to the DWF team for their legal expertise in completing this transformative investment.

“We look forward to working with the team to support the next phase of AquaQ’s exciting growth and further developing their expertise and range of services.”

Mr Morrison said: “We have worked with Sovereign for many years, advising on a multitude of exciting investments and transactions along the way.

“We are delighted to play a role in this latest technology-sector investment into AquaQ Analytics and we wish the management team every success with their future plans for growth.”

• Crowley Millar act on €21m sale of stake in Perigord Asset Holdings
  

Crowley Millar Solicitors LLP has acted in the €21 million sale of a 70 per cent stake in Perigord Asset Holdings Limited to Indian multinational Tech Mahindra Group.

Tech Mahindra will acquire the remaining 30 per cent of the shares from the sellers under a four-year earn-out at a valuation linked to the financial performance of the company during which the sellers will continue to lead the company.

The Crowley Millar deal team comprised of partners Emma Cafferky and John Carroll, consultants Denis Jacobson and Gerry O’Grady, and solicitor Neil Millar.

Managing partner Hugh Millar said: “We are delighted that Perigord and its management put their trust in us to advise them on this highly complex deal. This proves once again that Crowley Millar is the legal adviser of choice for high-growth companies.

“Despite the challenges of Covid-19, our corporate team continues to assist clients with high value cross border transactions, including the $400 million sale of Decawave to US semiconductor conglomerate Qorvo on which our team advised in 2020.”

• Simmons & Simmons support Auxiga Group in significant acquisition
  

Simmons & Simmons has worked alongside US firm Vinson & Elkins and French firm VOLT Associés to advise Auxiga Group on its acquisition of Vehicle & Asset Solutions (VAS).

French private equity-backed Auxiga acquired VAS, a market leader in the provision of outsourced independent vehicle and asset audits, governance and risk control services, for an undisclosed sum.

A cross-border team from Simmons & Simmons in Dublin, London and Paris advised Auxiga, including corporate associate Christine Quigley and managing tax associate Patricia McCarvill in Dublin.

• A&L Goodbody advises Sentenial on €110m acquisition by EML

A&L Goodbody worked with US law firm Goodwin to advise Irish-based Sentenial on its recent acquisition by EML Payments.

Australian payments company EML reportedly agreed to buy Irish-based Sentenial for up to €110 million, including an upfront payment of €70 million and an earn-out component worth €40 million.

Corporate and M&A partner Richard Marron led the ALG team including Kevin Dalton and Edel Daly in the corporate and M&A team, Philip McQueston in tax, Séamus Ó Cróinín and Colm Kelly in finance, and Michael Doyle and Bernard Martin in employment.

Arthur Cox and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advised EML, as reported in a previous deals roundup.