Our Corporate team has advised Edmond de Rothschild Equity Opportunities IV SLP, an alternative investment fund which typically invests in medium-sized companies in Europe and North America, on its participation in the proposed public to private acquisition of Alliance Pharma plc which was announced on 10 January 2025.

Edmond de Rothschild Equity Opportunities IV SLP is managed by Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity (France), its exclusive investment advisor is Elyan Partners.

Alliance Pharma, an AIM-listed consumer healthcare firm which sells over-the-counter drugs in over 100 countries, has seen its board recommend the acquisition unanimously. The acquisition is led by DBAY Advisors Limited, currently Alliance Pharma's largest shareholder with support from Edmond de Rothschild Equity Opportunities IV SLP. It is proposed the acquisition be implemented by a scheme of arrangement. The bid values Alliance Pharma at £349.7 million.

The deal team was led by Partner Ian Piggin and Principal Associate Róisín Bergin supported by Senior Counsel Jeff Elway, Associate Ruairi O'Grady (Corporate), Partner Sam Beighton (Competition Law & Antitrust) and Partner Chris Brierley (Banking & Finance).

Ian Piggin commented: "We're delighted to act for Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity (France). This transaction demonstrates the current trend for takeovers of British companies by private equity and asset management firms, which we're seeing greater demand for assistance on at the firm. We were able to utilise our private equity, public company and debt finance expertise from across the team to achieve the announcement timetable."

Laure Lamm-Coutard, Partner at Elyan Partners exclusive advisor to Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity (France), added: "The team at Gowling WLG offered valuable guidance for this transaction which will help to facilitate increased innovation, M&A, and internationalisation for Alliance Pharma. This is an exciting time for the business."

Our Corporate/M&A team provides excellent legal advice through a partner-led service of corporate lawyers, with clients ranging from the world's leading financial institutions and public companies to private businesses and entrepreneurs. The 200-strong team has extensive experience across the full range of corporate advice including equity capital markets on AIM and the Main Market, investment funds, private equity and both public and private mergers and acquisitions.