M&A awards 2014

sponsored by

“Being named Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year, USA

by Acquisition International is a tremendous honour” - Richard Tyler, CEO of Richard Tyler International, Inc.® Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA

“We’re delighted to be recognised as UK Business Intelligence Publishers of the Year. We’re very pleased to be the recipient of an award that recognises quality. A focus on quality, and being client-driven, are key to our product development so we’re pleased to be acknowledged like this and to have the opportunity to publicly reinforce these as our key aims.”

Louise Green - Bureau van Dijk Business Intelligence Publishers of the Year – UK

“The award represents recognition of our company’s efforts and achievements in measuring up to the expectations of multinational clients in Ghana with respect to secure insurance services backed by world-class client service.”

- Steve Kyerematen, Activa International Insurance

“It is always nice to be acknowledged for your performance, especially when involved in the service industry, as Columbia is. We owe our success to our people, both in the office and those on board our vessels.”

- Demetris Chrysostomou, COLUMBIA Shipmanagement Ltd

“Intralinks is honoured to once again be named Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year, as the recognition further reinforces our commitment to providing the best-possible solutions and services for enterprise needs.”

- Florence Viret, Intralinks

2014 M&A Awards | 3

Welcome to the Acquisition International 2014 M&A Awards Sponsored by

It’s that time of the year again when we turn our attention to the expert individuals, departments and firms whose tireless work helps organisations of all shapes and sizes to adapt, evolve and grow. We’re talking, of course, about the deal makers.

Whatever the market conditions, M&A professionals are the true reflection of an ever-evolving business landscape.

They’re the investors, advisers and services providers across the globe who, through hard work and unwavering dedication always see the deal through to the end.

In short, they’re the ones who keep the wheels of the business world turning.

So, why are the Acquisition International M&A Awards so prestigious? Because the winners are nominated and voted for by their clients and peers and the awards are given solely on merit to those most deserving for their outstanding work and achievements over the past year.

So read on to discover who has truly excelled in this highly competitive and specialised field and find out more about the businesses and individuals who have gone above and beyond to mark themselves out as worthy of being named Acquisition International Award Winners.

Richard Tyler International, Inc.®

Bureau van Dijk

Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA Page 8

Business Intelligence Publishers of the Year - UK Page 12

Activa International Insurance

COLUMBIA Ship Management

TRP Associates Ltd

Insurance Company of the Year - Ghana Page 16

Ship Management Firm of the Year Page 18

Treasury Consultancy Firm of the Year - USA Page 20

TRP Associates Ltd ACWA Power

Angle Advisors

Avascent

Infrastructure Industry Fundraising Team of the Year - Saudi Arabia Page 22

Cross-Border Investment Banking Firm of the Year - USA Page 23

Aerospace Strategic Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA Page 24

Angle Advisors www.acquisition-intl.com

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Avondale

BCM & Partners

Blacktrace B.V.

UK M&A Adviser of the Year Page 25

Credit Fund Specialists of the Year - Switzerland Page 26

Dutch Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year Page 27

BMC Group

Cavendish Corporate Finance

CloudOrigin Limited

Insolvency & Restructuring Team of the Year - New York Page 28

Media Sector Focused Corporate Finance Team of the Year - UK & UK Corporate Finance Team of the Year: Industrials Sector Page 29

Systems Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Page 30

CloudOrigin Destek Patent Inc.

Diligence Management Consultants

District Equity LLC

Intellectual Property Innovator of the Year - Turkey & Patent Consultancy Firm of the Year - Turkey Page 31

UAE Due Diligence Firm of the Year Page 32

Multinational Investment Firm of the Year - USA Page 33

EFG Fund Services

Elite Insurance

The Entrepreneur Law Center

Fund Administrator of the Year - Jersey Page 34

Insurance Company of the Year - Gibraltar Page 35

Business Planning Law Firm of the Year - USA Page 36

EthosData

FCAM Advogados

FiscalReps

Sustained Excellence in Data Room Services - UK, Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Spain & Data Room Provider of the Year - Asia Pacific Region Page 37

Structured Finance Law Firm of the Year- Brazil Page 38

Insurance Premium Tax Solutions Specialists of the Year - UK Page 39

Gareth Jones

GI Partners

Gloria James-Civetta & Co

Probate Barrister of the Year - UK Page 40

Healthcare-Focused Private Investment Firm of the Year - UK Page 41

Rising Stars in Business Law - Singapore Page 42

GoIndustry DoveBid

GSI Meridian

High Road Capital Partners

Asset Appraisal Firm of the Year – UK Page 43

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Page 44

Overall Private Equity Firm of the Year - USA Page 45

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 5

Hug Invest AG

Intralinks

Kessler International

Most Trusted Asset Manager of the Year Page 46

Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Europe & USA Page 47

Corporate Investigation Specialists of the Year - USA Page 48

KPMG Sweden

KPMG Zambia

Loeser e Portela Advogados

Most Trusted M&A Specialists of the Year - Sweden Page 49

Auditors of the Year - Zambia Page 50

Business Focused M&A Legal Practice of the Year Brazil Page 51

LXL LLP

Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh

Maravela & Asociatii

Oil & Gas Sector Focused Legal Team of the Year - UK Page 52

Mid-Market Equity Deal Adviser of the Year - Malaysia Page 53

M&A Law Firm of the Year - Romania Page 54

MERCAL Consulting Group

MilleniumAssociates AG

MoneySoft

Independent Management Consultants of the Year - Portugal Page 55

Independent M&A Advisory Team of the Year - Switzerland Page 56

Innovative Business Analytics Platforms of the Year - USA Page 57

Montreux Capital Management

Moroni & Partners

Netage Solutions

Boutique Investment Firm of the Year Page 58

Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year - Italy Page 59

Online Reporting System of the Year - USA Page 60

New India Assurance Company Ltd

Oxford Consulting

PKF Malta

Assurance Company of the Year - Mauritius Page 61

Commercial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Page 62

Auditors of the Year - Malta Page 63

Prime Advocates

The Chambers of R. Sivagnanam

Regulatory Strategies

Social Finance Consultancy Firm of the Year - UK Page 64

Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Page 65

Regulatory Consultants of the Year - UK Page 66

www.acquisition-intl.com CLIENT The Chambers Group JOB Logo DATE 18.06.2013

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S&P Capital IQ

Streamsowers & Kohn

URS

Real Time Data Specialists of the Year - USA Page 67

Dispute Resolution Specialists of the Year - Nigeria Page 68

Sustained Excellence in Environmental Due Diligence - UK Page 69

Verity Consulting Limited

WestBridge Capital

Camden Associates

Corporate Investigation Consultancy of the Year - Hong Kong Page 70

TMT Sector Focused Private Equity House of the Year - UK Page 71

Biotech Corporate Finance House of the Year – UK Page 72

Consolidated Shipping Agencies

De Simone & Partners

Dr. Ihlas GmbH

Offshore Logistics Firm of the Year - Ghana Page 72

Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property Law - Italy Page 73

Lawyers Choice Award: Insurance Broker of the Year - Germany Page 73

De Simone & Partners KPMG Ireland

Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano

Mediterra Capital Partners

Aviation Finance Team of the Year - Ireland Page 74

M&A Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines Page 74

Private Equity House of the Year - Turkey Page 75

Pamoja Capital

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Punongbayan & Araullo

Independent Corporate Finance Advisory Boutique of the Year - Kenya Page 75

Dealmakers of the Year - Vietnam Page 76

Client Focused Accountancy Firm of the Year - the Philippines Page 76

RBS Invoice Finance

Sturgeon Ventures LLP

Topgy Systems

Invoice Finance Team of the Year 2014 Page 77

Venture Capitalist of the Year - UK Page 77

Technology Focused Management Consultants of the Year - Ghana Page 78

Topgy Systems and Management Consultants Wakhariya & Wakhariya

Zenithe Insurance SA

Cross-Border Transactions Firm of the Year - India Page 78

Insurance Firm of the Year - Cameroon Page 79

Wakhariya & Wakhariya www.acquisition-intl.com

Zenithe Insurance SA

Please remember that recognition from rating services or publications is no guarantee of future investment success.

Working with an adviser, regardless of how highly rated, does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results.

These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluations.

Financial Lines Insurancebroker

The Dr. Ihlas GmbH is an Insurance Broker specialized in Financial Lines.

Our clients belong to the Top Companies and Financial Institutions.

We support their Inhouse Brokers, Risk Managers and Insurance Departments in Financial Lines. This is a challenging and very innovative area.

You might ask yourself, who in fact is a good Specialty Broker in the field of Financial Lines? Which kind of qualification will serve as a seal of quality, and how can that be verified? Answering these questions becomes a challenging task in Germany’s Financial Lines Market.

We offer: l Full support service concerning all Financial Lines l Complete attendance with respect to each line l Modular provision of services, as far as result oriented, definable and feasible l Cooperation, wholesale brokerage l No name service; we are taking the back seat Experience The Dr. Ihlas GmbH is specialized in complex financial risks.

We are an independent company. Our team has decades of full time experience in Financial Lines. We were already there at the very beginning of the Financial Lines Market in Germany during the middle of the 90s. We used to work for global market leaders in many years, who are leaders in Germany too.

We’ve been operating supra-regional, for Austria and Switzerland partially. We are in excellent contact with the senior underwriters and decisions-makers at the Insurers. Our underwriting experience and a former membership at the D&O task force of the German Insurance Association (GDV) are very useful. Tailor-made complex Financial Lines policies and programs are our core competence.

We are enthusiastic practitioners and specialists.

info@dr-ihlas.com

www.dr-ihlas.com Dr. Ihlas GmbH Burgmauer 68 50667 Cologne, Germany Phone: +49 (0)221 99 383 10 Fax: +49 (0)221 99 383 102 Commercial Register No.: HRB 66566 General Manager: Dr. Horst Ihlas Register No. for Brokers & Agents at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Cologne: D-M5NM-QFC3H-04

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Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA

Richard Tyler International, Inc.® Richard Tyler is CEO of Richard Tyler International, Inc.® as well as a diversified family of highly successful companies and services.

As “America’s Corporate and Entrepreneurial Business Expert,” he is a highly acclaimed speaker and author. Richard Tyler has been called “the world’s top sales trainer and management consultant” by his clients, students and peers.

With a worldwide reputation for his powerful educational methods and motivational techniques, as well as experience in all levels of business, corporate education and success training, Tyler has become one of the world’s most sought-after consultants, lecturers, teachers and trainers.

Richard Tyler International, which is based in the USA in Houston, Texas, offers customized business programmes on the topics of: sales; management; leadership; customer service; marketing; negotiation; market dominance; revenue generation; team building; project management; product management and interviewing and hiring. Richard Tyler International’s consulting practice assists clients in all areas of their business.

Being named Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year, USA by Acquisition International is “a tremendous honour,” says Richard Tyler, CEO of Richard Tyler International, Inc.

with induction into more than twenty prestigious national and international Who’s Who organizations. These include the Who’s Who Worldwide of Global Business Leaders and the Who’s Who in American Education.

Acquisition International’s award is, Tyler says, testament to the skills and consistent hard work put in by the company’s team of consultants – proven professionals with extensive experience ranging from Fortune 100 companies to business start-ups. This team of highly qualified and experienced businesspeople have, between them, a total of over 200 years’ experience in various areas of sales and management. AI’s award is “a critical recognition of a service well done” by the team, says Tyler.

Tyler has also received the coveted “Keeping America Strong” Award for outstanding contributions to the strength and growth of American business.

With 25 years’ work throughout the globe, Richard Tyler International is one of the world’s top sales training and management consulting firms. Having earned a strong, global reputation for delivering powerful sales education programmes and management consulting services, Richard Tyler International, which is based in Houston, Texas, teaches philosophies and techniques in a number of areas vital to success in any business. These include sales, leadership, management, customer service, marketing and quality improvement.

Richard Tyler International has consistently been named one of the top sales training and management consulting firms in the world. The company has been featured widely in the media, having been profiled on national television, as well as in articles in magazines and newspapers. Additionally, Tyler shares his success and “Excellence” philosophies with millions of individuals each year through keynote presentations, seminars, books, CDs and web-based programmes.

Tyler’s own journey to success began in earnest in 1984, when his dedication to his country and community led him to be named one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America.” This is an annual award, founded in 1934, which is given by the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) organization to ten Americans between 18 and 40 years of age who “exemplify the best attributes of the nation’s young people.”

Since 1993, Tyler’s vision and leadership have been recognised www.acquisition-intl.com

As well as participating on the advisory board of some of America’s most respected sales and management publications, Tyler’s “Commitment to Excellence” Sales Education Programme and his “Excellence in Quality and Service” Programme have been taught at university level.

Tyler is the author of twelve books, including Smart Business Strategies, Real World Customer Service Strategies That Work, Leadership Defined and Conversations on Success.

Fact File

“Being named Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year, USA by Acquisition International is “a tremendous honour,” says Richard Tyler, CEO of Richard Tyler International, Inc.

Furthermore, Leadership for Tomorrow is a youth education programme developed by Richard Tyler that teaches young men and women, between the ages of 12 and 18, the values of self-esteem and self-discovery, as well as how to take charge of their lives.

Away from sales training and management consulting, Tyler is on the advisory board, and was previously chairman of, the Be An Angel Fund, a charity which helps multiple handicapped and profoundly deaf children to have a better life.

Building success To be named Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year, USA by Acquisition International is an honour, says Tyler – but it has not happened without a lot of hard work. “The service we provide has to be consistently correct,” he says.

There are, of course, numerous challenges facing businesses at virtually every turn. The M&A market in particular, says Tyler, presents its own distinct set of challenges. When two companies undergo a merger, for example, it can at first be difficult to get them to blend together, he says. “You’ve got two separate corporate cultures.” The challenge is to blend those two dis-

Company: Richard Tyler International, Inc.® Name: Richard Tyler Address: 5773 Woodway Dr., Suite 860, Houston, TX 77057-1501, USA Phone: Tel: (+1) 713.974.7214 Web: www.RichardTyler.com www.SalesImmersion.com

2014 M&A Awards | 9

READ RICHARD TYLER’S NEW BOOK

SALES EXCELLENCE

Seven steps to achieving extraordinary SUCCESS in sales While Others Flounder in Mediocrity, You Can Flourish In EXCELLENCE.

Mediocrity or EXCELLENCE – Ordinary or EXTRAORDINARY. The choice is yours. If you opt for the latter of both, you will want to read this book cover to cover immediately and make it required reading for everyone in your organization. Follow every word for it gives you invaluable insight into successfully transforming ordinary sales success into Extraordinary Sales Success. And sales are the key to unlocking the doors to incredible career growth and to a growing, vibrant, profitable company.

Learn the secrets of America’s Top Sale Trainer.

In this book, Richard Tyler shares his sales secrets that have helped his clients increase their sales by billions of dollars and helped individuals go from ordinary performers to extraordinary ones.

What he did for them, he can help do for you! All for the investment in this Book.

www.acquisition-intl.com

10 | 2014 M&A Awards

tinct cultures, says Tyler. Companies undergoing M&A transactions frequently hire Richard Tyler International to come in and train staff in order to smooth this often difficult transition.

Within Richard Tyler International, the culture is exactly the same as what the company tries to develop in its clients, says Tyler – everyone is on the same page. “It’s a synergistic culture,” he says.

In the sales training and management consulting industry there has, over the past year, been a growing trend for compartmentalised online training, says Tyler. And it’s a trend, with companies continuing to cut costs, which is set to continue, he says.

“It has a place,” he says, “but companies increasingly want to do everything online.

They want to replace human interaction.”

It’s a wider trend that he’s noticed throughout society, particularly among the younger generation, who appear to prefer to do their socialising on a laptop or smartphone.

In Tyler’s opinion, leaving out the human element from sales training – thus ignoring vital factors such as body language – is resulting in billions of sales dollars being left on the table. “This will continue,” he says, “because training is a place where companies will continue to cut expenses.” But, he says, cutting costs in this area will always prove to be a false economy. “If the salespeople can’t sell professionally, then there will be no result for the company,” he says.

Richard Tyler International is a unique organisation in many ways. But one particular facet of the company that makes it stand out from the rest is its “Primary Sourcing philosophy.” This means that, when Richard Tyler International is called in to provide training at a company, everything is assessed and taken care of. As an example, Tyler talks about a steel and scrap metal company that was in particularly bad shape, and had hired Richard Tyler International to help turn the business around and make it profitable once again. On arrival, Tyler found that the metal company did not have the required personnel to make the turnaround, and so Richard Tyler International brought people in to run the company, including a general manager.

How to sell Richard Tyler International offers several different seminars covering the principles of sales, leadership, management, customer service, marketing and quality improvement.

But perhaps the two best-known programmes on offer are the world-renowned Sales Immersion® and Leadership Mastery™ programmes.

The Sales Immersion® sales training programme is a highly-intense, six-day sales training seminar. It’s aimed, primarily, at the professional who wants to improve their sales technique, to be successful and – importantly – expects fast results. But it’s also aimed at anyone, from people working in human resources to company presidents to people who simply “want to get more out of life and be more successful.”

Programme participants learn “master selling techniques designed to effectively close big sales; overcome the toughest sales objections; work at multiple levels of an organization from the front lines all the way to the CEO; define and deliver the right message; significantly reduce the sales cycle and effectively handle the competition.”

People participating in the sales training programme also learn how to systematically build a faster and more effective sales process, learning how to understand body language clues and what to do about them and mastering dozens of sales agreement techniques, among numerous other vital sales skills.

edge’.” A lot of organisations can teach sales structure, says Tyler, citing the often-used customer relationship management (CRM) system for managing a company’s interactions with current and future customers. Such systems, which have been covered in a vast number of books, ebooks, audiobooks and instructional videos available online, involve using technology to organize, automate and synchronize sales, marketing, customer service, and technical support.

But despite this wealth of information, such systems are not the right way to go about learning how to sell, says Tyler. “In reality it’s a human relationship,” he says.

Asked what sets Richard Tyler International apart from its competitors, Tyler says that the most important thing to think about is how our client is going to generate profit. “Everything starts with the mind-set of generating revenue for our clients. If a company is not profitable it cannot sustain servicing its clients’ needs,” he says.

Richard Tyler International examines a company from the ground up. “We look at the entire business model,” says Tyler. Everything in a company, even down to the way people look to a client, should all be focused on, he says. “It all comes from the sales philosophy.” “Every education programme we train and all our consulting is built on our sales and client satisfaction framework.”

Most firms have totally different philosophies for different areas of the business, he says, and sometimes a company will hire different training firms to train different parts of the organisation. This is an incorrect approach, says Tyler because often there are conflicting philosophies that confuse the employees. He adds, “A confused employee takes no action.” To help clients with this challenge Tyler developed his previously mentioned “Primary Sourcing™” philosophy. One aspect of this philosophy has Richard Tyler International working with all the clients training providers to insure consistency of teaching. Richard Tyler International aims to instil a “congruent philosophy,” whereby the main objective, for everyone throughout the company, is to satisfy the customer while generating a profit for the company.

A mistake companies make, Tyler says, is compartmentalising. In fact, he says, all employees have to play an active part in generating revenue for a company. “Most organisations don’t realise that everyone in the company, from senior executives all the way down, is in sales.”

Inspiring leaders As well as growing revenue and profits, one of the greatest challenges faced by organisations today is developing future leaders.

Today’s leader and/or manager, says Tyler, needs to master a set of moral and ethical philosophies, principles and values that can serve as the foundation to all their actions. The Richard Tyler International Leadership Mastery™ Programme, an intense, five-day training seminar, trains individuals and companies to be better leaders and managers.

Companies that invest in the development of leadership and management talent, says Tyler, will gain a competitive business edge. This will manifest itself in sustained growth and profitability, says Tyler.

There are a number of things that need to be done when shaping a leader, says Tyler. It’s important, firstly, to identify principles and learn critical skills used by successful leaders today. Then, a would-be leader has to learn the difference between excellent management and leadership and the role each plays in creating and sustaining success.

The concept of delivering top-quality service underpins the entire Richard Tyler philosophy. And, although he acknowledges that everyone in business wants to be profitable, it is counter-productive to concentrate purely on making money. Profitability is a by-product of delivering consistently great service, he says.

Tyler teaches his “16 Characteristics of Excellent Leaders and Managers”. Companies need to determine how to assess these characteristics, he says. The programme helps participants identify their leadership qualities, uncover their mind-sets and create a detailed development plan for their future to achieve significant leadership results. Furthermore, participants will also learn how to unleash the power and potential of people by gaining insight into Tyler’s “The 10 Principles of Supervision” and the “7 Basic Needs” of all employees.

Sales can’t be learned just from books and instruction manuals, and it’s not enough to simply know about the product. “We’re looking for an understanding of the sales process,” says Tyler. “That means ‘on-the-street’ sales – not just ‘product knowl-

It all may seem very complex – and a lot of hard work. But it’s always worth remembering that, as Richard says, “Your success tomorrow is in direct proportion to your ‘Commitment to Excellence®’ today.”™

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 11

A Selection of Motivational Quotes, by Richard Tyler “Leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary commitment to their objectives.”

“If you want to lead the band, get comfortable facing the music.”

“Success is the consequence of first having dreams and then acting upon them.”

“One of the secrets to success is to stop fearing failure and to start learning from it.”

“God plans for everyone to be successful. If we’re not, we’ve chosen to follow a different set of blueprints.”

“To lead you must follow. To follow you must believe. To believe you must trust.”

“Commitment is mental determination to accept only excellence no matter how difficult, uncomfortable, or stressful.”

“If you want to learn, stay outside of your comfort zone.”

“Effectiveness is best measured by results over time.”

“Opportunity is around us all the time; however, most call it a problem or an adversity.”

“Everything we do or don’t do communicates a message. Make sure it’s a message you want to communicate.”

Towering skyscrapers in Downtown Houston

www.acquisition-intl.com

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Business Intelligence Publishers of the Year – UK

Bureau van Dijk Bureau van Dijk are experts in company information, and particularly private company information.

Of particular note are: • Our global coverage – we currently cover over 130 million companies across over 200 countries • Our extensive corporate ownership structures • Our range of intelligence on companies including news, industry research, bespoke descriptions, the individuals managing them and links to PEPs and Sanctions associated with companies plus access to original filings and source documents • Our financial data is offered in standardised formats so you can search, and compare, companies across borders, plus we provide standardised financial strength indicators • Our integrated M&A deals and rumours.

Our clients are predominantly financial institutions and professional service firms but we are widely used in the public sector, the academic environment and the corporate sector. Orbis is our umbrella product that pulls our data into one solution. We have domestic products too, such as Fame covering the UK and Ireland, plus we have a specialist M&A database called Zephyr. We have also developed a range of Catalysts that help users with specific tasks such as credit risk or analysing suppliers. We’re currently finalising M&A Research Catalyst.

We’re delighted to be recognised as UK Business Intelligence Publishers of the Year. We’re very pleased to be the recipient of an award that recognises quality. A focus on quality, and being client-driven, are key to our product development so we’re pleased to be acknowledged like this and to have the opportunity to publicly reinforce these as our key aims.

For any business entering into a deal, it probably sounds obvious to say that there needs to be a good fit, especially in terms of making sure the target company’s activities are a good complement to the acquirer’s. But getting this right means that as well as having a good knowledge of your target, you have made the correct analysis of it against a comprehensive range of peers and its strategic field to help you choose the best fit.

So it’s key to use tools that help you identify peers and compare them against each other effectively. You need to have a good understanding of the financial performance and industry growth figures to help you determine the right price.

ships we work with our partners on quality levels and are sourcing new partners all the time, as well as, occasionally, alternative partners. This is a strength our sales teams are keen to discuss in sales meetings, as the quality of our data, and the wide variety of sources, are things they are very proud of.

In terms of our M&A data we have dedicated expert teams collecting this data for us in house. We have a far lower deal value threshold than other databases so offer broader coverage, and because we have the intelligence we can integrate financials and other data from our company dataset into our deal records We have a simple mission: we develop client-led products.

In practice this means that we actively listen to our customers and are quick to react to their needs. We have very flat structure which means client requests can be fed directly to our development team. One customer recently expressed the following during a call:

The depth and breadth of our coverage and also the corporate structures we offer are what differentiates Bureau van Dijk from its peers and competitors. It’s increasingly important to understand the group a company is part of and these structures are important in all the markets we sell into.

“You are unique in the way you evolve your products using both your internal ideas and external feedback. I mention things to Russell and Bobby on the helpdesk and you don’t just pay lip service you actually add these things into the products. You’re unparalleled in the way you listen and then set people the task to implement. And I see these things happen in the products.”

We work with over 120 information providers (most are specialists in a particular country) to create our products so they combine a lot of expertise from a lot of different places. This is one of the key things that set us apart as we’re able to work with partners who have different expertise and not rely on one dataset that may have areas of weakness.

We also have lots of genuine expertise in data, database structures and how they can be interrogated. We pull data together from so many sources we know a lot about how to link it together and help users interrogate it.

To make sure we’re getting full potential from these relationwww.acquisition-intl.com

We help people manipulate the data in the way they want to.

We understand that products need to be as easy as possible

Fact File

“We have a simple mission: we develop client-led products.

In practice this means that we actively listen to our customers and are quick to react to their needs. We have very flat structure which means client requests can be fed directly to our development team.”

Company: Bureau van Dijk Name: Louise Green Email: bvd@bvdinfo.com Web: www.bvdinfo.com Address: 10 Northburgh Street, London EC1V 0PP Telephone: 44 (0)20 7549 5000 Fax: 44 (0)20 7549 5010

2014 M&A Awards | 13

www.acquisition-intl.com

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to use, but we also offer sophisticated short cuts into analysing data to get more insight more quickly.

As the global market’s strength returns, we’ll continue to build client-led products, source quality information partners and create solutions that help users work more efficiently.

Current projects include the development of our M&A Research Catalyst where we’ll combine our deal data with our company data more effectively in one platform – a platform that helps users with valuations too. We’re also working on our ‘next generation’ interface and working closely with users on this project.

We’re the market leaders in our field. Most of our customers subscribe to our service and our renewal rates are high. Clients renew because they like our products and the service we offer. We also offer unique content – data that’s not available elsewhere.

Service is very important. We’re in contact with our customers throughout their subscriptions and we’re keen to help them get the most of our products.

Increasingly our clients are blending our data with their own in their own workflow, or other packages, and we help them with these integration projects making them as simple and transparent as possible.

Quality is key. Some information providers have partnered with us for over 20 years and we have developed strong relationships with them. Our UK company data partner, Jordans, is an example of such a relationship.

Helping our users be more efficient is key for us. It’s our ‘raison d’être’. We help users do laborious data work much more quickly than they would be able to do without our products, but we also help them do ‘clever things’ with data to give them insight.

For example, they can combine our intelligence with their own data to find out much more about companies they already know about, or they can aggregate an industry and identify a company’s market share, or rank similar companies by their own financial metrics…

The main challenges around international data are the variations in data disclosure and the lack of standardisation.

Standardisation is something that we’ve developed ourselves.

We have correspondence tables between activity codes, have created financial templates, offer local character and English names for companies etc. So our users can search and compare companies effectively.

Availability is more of a challenge, as is the education around this. In some areas of the world it’s becoming more standard that companies file data centrally. Some there is still a way to go.

Education is around customers understanding when data is simply not available, but also when it is. One of our biggest challenges is educating our American client base that private company data is filed in Europe to regulated standards.

When working with a new partner we will look at their data using three measures: coverage and timeliness, usability and relevance, quality and accuracy. We will look at their coverage, population and proportion of companies with recent accounts.

Sometimes we act as an information provider ourselves and we will collect or append the data we receive from our partners – particularly relevant for corporate structures. Our M&A data is entirely our own research and data collection.

We consider awards like the Acquisition International M&A Awards to be very important. Our own research teams will be appreciative of this recognition of the quality of their work and our product managers will similarly appreciate the recognition of the products they develop. Our sales teams will be keen to mention it to customers and prospects as a mark of quality.

Robust awards are good for the industry because they help customers review solutions.

In the coming months and years we see compliance becoming increasingly important. Regulated firms have had to do know your customer and anti-money laundering checks for a while.

Now a similar awareness is taken by unregulated firms too, with corporates careful to only have reputable companies in their supply chain for example.

M&A is also affected and due diligence processes are increasingly robust to include reputation protection and manage risk around companies with any negative associations. We have the corporate structures and PEPs and Sanctions data to help users with this process.

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16 | 2014 M&A Awards

Insurance Company of the Year – Ghana

Activa International Insurance Since its inception in Ghana, Activa has provided, and continues to provide, top-notch insurance services to all sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

Activa International Insurance Company (Ghana) Limited started operations in Ghana in 2009 by acquiring a South-African owned insurance company, Global Alliance Insurance Company which was incorporated and licensed to commence short term general insurance business in January 2005.

Activa International Insurance Company (Ghana)’s parent company is Activa Assurances based in Douala, Cameroun which is the second largest insurance company in Cameroun. The holding company of the group is Activa Finances incorporated in Mauritius and currently counts the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group as a shareholder.

Activa Assurances is the originator of the Globus Network, a grouping of 38 well-positioned and dynamic insurance companies in 38 African countries which enable multinational and global clients to enjoy expert and world-class insurance services and coverage with geographical presence across Anglophone, Arabo-phone, Francophone and Lusophone Africa. The Globus Network is the largest of its kind in Africa. Globus has a wide range of international business partners such as major western insurance groups, international insurance and reinsurance brokers, international commercial and industrial groups as well as other international insurance networks.

Since its inception in Ghana, the company has provided and continues to provide top-notch insurance services to all sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Due to the uniqueness of the company’s products and services, the company has, among its clientele; multinationals such as Newmont Ghana, Goldfields Mining, Chirano Goldmines African Mining Services, Diageo Plc, Nestle Ghana Ltd, Cardbury Ghana Ltd, Barclays Bank Ghana, Standard Chartered Bank Societe Generale Ghana, DHL Exel, Bollore Ghana, A.P. Moller, Maersk, Game Discount World Ghana, Heidelberg Cement, Shell Ghana, Fan Milk Ghana, Shoprite Ghana, Antrak Ghana, Delmas Shipping, GlaxoSmithKline, Stellar Ghana, among several other blue chip companies.

Activa specializes in short term insurance, underwriting of large corporate risks; industrial all risks, contractors-all-risks and other engineering insurance covers, motor fleet, workmen’s compensation, general and specialist liability covers, marine cargo and hull and niche insurance products. The company sells the Assets MultiMark III Insurance Policy, which has been adapted from the South African market. This policy provides 20 covers under one and the same policy.

Activa International Insurance Company (Ghana) Limited has done well to spearhead the establishment of Activa International Insurance branch companies in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Steve Kyerematen is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of both www.acquisition-intl.com

Activa International Insurance (Liberia) Ltd and Activa International Insurance (Sierra Leone) Ltd. Steve also serves on the Board of Activa Finances (in his capacity as Managing Director), UGAR-Activa ( Guinea) and LGV-Activa ( Guinea).

Fact File

The Board, management and staff of Activa are very pleased to be recognised as Insurance Company of the Year – Ghana by Acquisition International.

The award represents recognition of our company’s efforts and achievements in measuring up to the expectations of multinational clients in Ghana with respect to secure insurance services backed by world-class client service. Our achievement has been made possible by the quality and professionalism of board, management and staff of the company.

Awards such as these are very important in reassuring recipients that they are on the right track and same goes a long way to bolster the confidence of clients in the company and to reassure such clients that the services they receive from the company are recognized by international benchmarks.

In our business model we have focused on the top segment of clientele in the market, identified their needs and expectations and used modern business management systems and smart staff recruitment to ensure delivery of top-notch service. We have encountered on occasion some challenges in the business infrastructural environment however through the diligence of management and staff we have managed to overcome such challenges.

Our customer value proposition:

• We provide international client service backed by the best international financial security i.e. Munich Re, Swiss Re, Africa Re and Ghana Re among others • We are a core member of the Globus Network which is present in 38 African countries and we offer our clients dedicated access to quality and reliable insurance services across 38 African countries.

• We provide customized innovative client solutions based on benchmark insurance under-writing knowledge and specialized skills • Our service is delivered by a modern, dynamic, knowledge-based and efficient management system backed by the state of the art information technology (IT) systems Our values: • • • •

Listening is our leit-motif Satisfying our clients is our passion Innovation is our constant desire Pro-activeness and swift reaction is our daily demand

“The award represents recognition of our company’s efforts and achievements in measuring up to the expectations of multinational clients in Ghana with respect to secure insurance services backed by world-class client service. Our achievement has been made possible by the quality and professionalism of board, management and staff of the company.”

Company: Activa International Insurance Company Name: Mr Steve Kyerematen Email: s.kyerematen@ activa-ghana.com Web: www.activa-ghana.com Address: 3rd Floor, Heritage Tower, 6th Avenue, West Ridge, PMB KA 85 Airport, Accra Phone: +233 (0)302 686 352 Fax: +233 (0)302 685 176

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Clients must look for professional capacity, technical underwriting competence and an innovative outlook on the part of management and staff of companies providing services. These requirements have been met by Activa through smart recruitment and regular training for management and staff.

Activa has developed a performance management culture where management and staff strive to offer their optimum effort in an open and friendly atmosphere. The driving force of our company culture is driven by management’s open and caring attitude and backed by respect to staff and clients while being demanding on completion of individual staff tasks to a high standard. We strive to maintain the same standards of behaviour shown to internal as well as to external clients. Our clients and overseas partners often publicly complement us on the quality of our service.

Our modern knowledge-backed business management approach as well as our business strategy sets us apart from our competition. We insist on a flat structure which encourages the application of performance management systems. Internal information on our strategy executed through our balanced scorecard is shared openly with staff. Key staff are fully involved in the activities of the Globus Network and the benefits thereof in terms of client connections represent a differentiation factor for Activa. We communicate effectively our Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR) events cosponsored with our international partners within Ghana.

Interest in the Ghanaian insurance market from major international insurance players who have set up shop or have indicated express intentions to invest in Ghana such as M/s Allianz, Prudential of the UK, AXA, AIG, Sanlam and Old Mutual, Metropolitan Life and Hollard Group of South Africa. Interest may be focused on the nascent oil and energy sector in Ghana and indeed the retail market. On average the non-life and life insurance markets have been growing at not less than 25% per annum in the recent past.

Favourable factors which have been influencing foreign investors include socio-political stability, good economic growth, a growing young population, expanding middle class, the rule of law and a reliable judicial system.

The biggest opportunities and challenges over the coming year will stem from how well the government manages to maintain a healthy economy given the recent slight deterioration in the macro-economic fundamentals of the economy.

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18 | 2014 M&A Awards

Ship Management Firm of the Year

Columbia Ship Management Ltd Since 1978, Columbia Ship Management has stood at the forefront of global ship and crew management, by creating a unique portfolio of tailor-made and award winning services that have added value, provided solutions and delivered highly competitive advantages for our clients.

Trustworthy and strong relationships with clients are the result of our dedication to providing quality, safe and cost effective services – continually developing and enhancing environmental compliance, through competitive management services. This commitment to excellence has drawn recognition from major ship charterers and earned Columbia a reputation as one of the world’s leading ship managers.

Our 14,000 employees on land and sea share our company values of respect, loyalty, competence, accountability and passion. Coupled with sound, transparent and ethical working practices, they have characterized our growth and are the foundation upon which we have built a wide range of solutions, through technical, crew and commercial management, new building supervision, consulting and cruise vessel services.

We have supervised the building of a diverse and significant number of ships worldwide and today manage a growing fleet of all classes of commercial and passenger vessels – a fleet that is operated 24/7 through our network of offices and crewing agencies around the world, delivering a seamless and reliable service.

A unique expertise, passion for our work and a single-minded commitment to delivering quality of the highest level, combine to ensure that clients of Columbia Ship Management will always enjoy the finest ship management services and a trusted partner.

Columbia Ship Management forms part of a larger group and privately owned investment company, Schoeller Holdings Ltd. Founded in 1978, it operates a number of maritime-related operations such as ship owning, ship management and liner services - as well as non-maritime activities, like luxury hotels and restaurants. Aircraft maintenance through ACC Columbia Jet Services forms also part of the Group’s extensive portfolio of businesses.

The company has grown into a dynamic and multinational force, with its subsidiaries spread across the world. Schoeller Holdings enjoys a solid reputation within premier business and maritime circles and leading financial institutions.

It is always nice to be acknowledged for your performance, especially when involved in the service industry, as Columbia is. We owe our success to our people, both in the office and those on board our vessels.

We believe that awards like the Acquisition International M&A Awards are important in terms of not only individual acknowledgement but also in making the wider industry aware of the effort and commitment that goes into providing services which exceed the expectations of your clients.

We have always focused on investing in training our office staff and seafarers, ensuring quality and competence in their performance www.acquisition-intl.com

in providing services to our clients. Compliance with industry best practices is also important accompanied by continuous improvement of all processes.

Fact File

Recent challenges have included the dramatic economic situation and the very negative effects on shipping in general. Columbia has done its best to support and stand by its ship-owning clients through these difficult times with great effect.

Our philosophy is to keep our customers always satisfied, by providing them with the highest quality, safest, most environmentally-friendly and economical management and operation of their ships, in accordance with their needs and expectations and in full compliance with international and national legislation, as well as other industry standards and guidelines – fully committed to zero accidents, zero losses and zero harm to the environment.

When choosing a ship management firm, clients should be looking for quality ship management which exceeds minimum requirements at a competitive cost combined with tailor made services to meet the requirements of each individual client. They should be seeking relationships built on strong trust and transparency.

Columbia strives to ensure all clients whether big or small, will be provided with this level of service and personal care.

Columbia and its employees live by the following values across all offices and crew onboard our vessels. Through these values, our company vision, mission and policies, Columbia ensures the highest level of service to its clients.

As previously mentioned, Columbia Ship Management is not just a ship manager but is part of a larger, privately-owned group, Schoeller Holdings Ltd. Since Columbia is privately owned and its owners are also involved in ship owning and liner services, Columbia has an intimate understanding of ship owners’ requirements and builds this philosophy into it ship management services.

At the same time, Columbia has involvement in diverse non-maritime activities, like luxury hotels and restaurants and aircraft maintenance as part of the group’s extensive portfolio of businesses thus differentiating it from a many standalone ship management companies in the industry and demands performance at the highest level across all businesses and gains the advantages across all business, advantages of which are transferred to Columbia’s clients.

Over the past year we have started to see more joint ventures as consolidation becomes a means to compete or even survive.

Quality, for some, has taken a back seat to costs in an effort for financial struggling companies to stay afloat. Ultimately everyone is relying on the ship manager to continue providing high level services at a fraction of the cost.

“It is always nice to be acknowledged for your performance, especially when involved in the service industry, as Columbia is. We owe our success to our people, both in the office and those on board our vessels.”

Company: COLUMBIA Shipmanagement Ltd Name: Demetris Chrysostomou Email: shipmanagement@csmcy.com Web: www.columbiashipmanagement.com Address: 21 Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, Yermasoyia, 4042 Limassol - Cyprus Tel: +357 2584 3100 Fax: +357 2532 0325

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For ship managers, a growing fleet and more stringent regulations for operators will force more and more owners to move over the coming year towards outsourcing management to third party managers. This combined with changing owner demographics such investment funds and non-traditional ship-owners in the East, such as China, will further drive up the demand for ship management. A challenge that lies ahead with such opportunities is undoubtedly the shortage of qualified and experience crew to meet the demand.

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20 | 2014 M&A Awards

Treasury Consultancy Firm of the Year - USA

TRP Associates Ltd TRP Associates Ltd is an international senior level treasury consultancy and provider of interim services.

The company was incorporated 15 years ago and has a strong network of complementary disciplines. TRP Associates Ltd’s portfolio of projects and assignments includes working with a number of major international corporate and venture capital clients, as well as helping smaller start-up businesses to get established and grow profitably.

The company combines both strategic and hands-on roles and is a proven and effective partner in product and business development. It is a main resource for current practice and innovation in Treasury, and an enabler for adding significant value and creating win-win situations.

Trevor Parkinson, Director at TRP Associates Ltd, looks back on a hugely successful year for the company.

We are very proud to have been named Acquisition International’s Treasury Consultancy of the year 2014 for the US from amongst our peers, clients and professional community. It acknowledges our success in our international reach and follows on from our success in Acquisition International’s Legal Awards last year, when we were named Treasury Consultancy Specialists of the Year for the UK. This latest award is recognition of TRP Associates Ltd’s ability to partner effectively and to steer decisively through tricky situations, instilling confidence and driving change where necessary.

These awards are a heartening feedback on the efforts that have been put in over many years to develop our services. They are aimed at providing value to the client in the right way, at the right time and at the best price given the added value that is created.

We are honoured to have been nominated and to have won two awards in consecutive years, in two related peer disciplines and in two major markets for us. These are recognition of the value that Treasury adds to the business process and the vital role we play in transitioning situations and driving businesses forward. We are delighted to accept this award on behalf of our profession.

The financial crash produced very difficult times for many of our markets. We have worked diligently alongside clients to address the many and varied challenges and focus on appropriate strategies and solutions. We have also participated in several industry initiatives to work toward alternate and innovative treasury related solutions to address the systemic weaknesses that had been exposed. This combined both private and public sector counterparties and government departments.

In 2013, we saw some confidence returning and an easing of credit restrictions by the banks, although many of our colleagues in the financial institutions are having to come to terms with a much increased level of regulation and compliance. One of our key areas of activity has been dealing with the emergence of companies from difficult financial situations and working with venture capital partners in change situations. This helps drive change for the benefit of both the exiting company and the incoming investment.

Our approach is to “look, listen and learn”, and to offer up solutions and direction tailored to each individual situation. Where it is necessary, we are also able to call upon associate partners in the sector, industry or allied professions in order to achieve the optimal results for clients. This co-operation is readily reciprocated. This not only opens up a range of support but also ensures that we keep connected with the latest thinking and solutions available.

We receive regular feedback from our markets that clients are keen to focus on their core strengths and that these are effectively augmented at times with some specialist knowledge, expertise and support.

This can either be project related, handling change management, a

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Fact File

need for interim involvement or providing an avenue to appropriate specialist skills. We work hard, internally and with partners, to craft best of breed solutions to give our clients, in consultation, that leading edge.

The culture of TRP Associates Ltd is to maintain contact with leading solution providers and to ensure that integrity, technology and work ethic are foremost to enable the most efficient working for our clients in the most effective and cost efficient way. We listen hard but are not afraid to offer alternative views, with the aim of securing the best possible outcome. We are always conscious of the other factors that influence the space in which we work.

We consistently put the customer first and are always ready for the call to action. In addition, we are proactive in taking new developments and solutions out to our network.

There is a wealth of talent in the areas that we serve, and that talent is benefiting from the gathering momentum of increased positive activity. This is a key driver in an increasing need for intelligent, dependable and pro-active treasury resource to help shape and realise aspirations. There is widening recognition of the value that treasury can bring to a broader set of activities. This could range from risk management in its many forms to the importance of steering relationships throughout the all too crucial supply chain.

Major uncertainties lie in changing international legislation and country allegiances, not least the newly developing economies of Brazil, India and China, but also with the unsettled state of the EU. The use of the internet and remote working, the interconnectivity of organisations and finding new applications for evolving technology present both challenges and opportunities.

A notable example is the adoption of e-invoicing. We see our current level of activity in this area increasing significantly in the coming year.

In a fast-changing world, we will continue to use our experience and expertise to work with our clients to respond and adapt to change to achieve the best possible outcomes together.

“We are honoured to have been nominated and to have won two awards in consecutive years, in two related peer disciplines and in two major markets for us. These are recognition of the value that Treasury adds to the business process and the vital role we play in transitioning situations and driving businesses forward. We are delighted to accept this award on behalf of our profession.”

Company: TRP Associates Ltd Director: Trevor Parkinson Email: trevor@trpassociates.com Web: www.trpassociates.com Tel: + 44 (0) 7799 118 666

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22 | 2014 M&A Awards

Infrastructure Industry Fundraising Team of the Year – Saudi Arabia

ACWA Power ACWA Power is the leading international developer and operator of water and power projects. The company, which in business for around nine years, boasts a portfolio of 26 assets with a capacity of almost 16,000 MW of power and 2.4 Million m³/day of desalinated water. The portfolio has an investment value in excess of US$23 billion, and provides employment to more than 2,400 people in eight countries.

We are especially honoured to be named Acquisition International’s Infrastructure Industry Fundraising Team of the Year for Saudi Arabia because, while ACWA Power has received several awards in relation to its greenfield project development, AI’s award is a recognition of ACWA Power’s equally enterprising success in structuring and successfully funding complex acquisitions in a timely and efficient manner. One may attribute this success to our application of our experience of green field financing by implementing “out of the box”, yet bankable, limited recourse financing solutions for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Equally enterprising was the financial close of the 50 MWe CSP in South Africa, a market renowned for its high entry barriers to non-recourse financing imposed by a closely-knit and an inward focused banking sector.

These awards play an important role in fuelling entrepreneurial spirit amongst individual businesses and encouraging them to take on greater challenges. The ensuing public dissemination of transaction details would add to the industry’s knowledge base and promote best practices. This in turn boosts the overall transaction volume of M&A transactions as well.

ACWA Power’s culture is punctuated by its core values of integrity, rigour, fairness and ingenuity. These values are instilled among our staff, who recognise these being the key performance indicators against which they are continuously evaluated. As a result, our colleagues apply these values in their dealings with clients a well the results of which are evident from our successful growth.

ACWA Power is single-mindedly focused on being the lowest cost producer of water and power as a reliable supplier to its clients.

Based on this core philosophy we focus firstly on maximizing the economic benefit to the client in terms of savings vis-à-vis its alternate sources of supply, and secondly on ensuring a dependable and uninterrupted supply of utilities. Thirdly we focus on a “win-win” balance by concentrating on credit-worthy off-takers to mitigate against any payment issues.

Furthermore, ACWA Power believes in hiring and retaining the best talent and by creating a dynamic transactional oriented, out of the box thinking environment we are able to further foster the growth of talent.

The year in review was a remarkable one in ACWA Power’s history, as we successfully closed the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project in Morocco under a financing structure that imposed unique challenges in terms of its risk sharing framework.

The feather in the cap was in having successfully preserved the financing put in place for the 2,062 MW gas-fired Rabigh 2 independent power project in Saudi Arabia, while overcoming the challenge imposed by the off-taker’s decision to change the fuel post bid submission.

The only constant in ACWA Power’s strategy is the focus on improvement for the better. Our track record of winning bids is also made possible by our creativity in implementing ground breaking technical and financing solutions, fostering a trust based relationship with partners and stakeholders leading to setting of new benchmarks time and again.

Fact File

“We are especially honoured to be named Acquisition International’s Infrastructure Industry Fundraising Team of the Year for Saudi Arabia because, while ACWA Power has received several awards in relation to its greenfield project development, AI’s award is a recognition of ACWA Power’s equally enterprising success in structuring and successfully funding complex acquisitions in a timely and efficient manner.”

Company: ACWA Power Name: Rajit NANDA Email: rnanda@acwapower.com Web: www.acwapower.com Telephone: +966 11 283 55 11

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2014 M&A Awards | 23

Cross-Border Investment Banking Firm of the Year - USA

Angle Advisors Investment Banking LLC Having been named Acquisition Interna¬tional’s Cross-Border Investment Bank of the Year, Angle (www.angleadvisors.com) records its fourth year being recognized for M&A excellence by major news publications. Angle’s cross-border track-record includes 109 M&A transactions since 2009. With a focus on the vehicular industry, including auto, auto after-market, medium and heavy truck, bus, trailer, off-road-vehicle, marine and aerospace, Angle has followed its markets and matched its clients’ needs around the world. Angle’s offices in Detroit, Frankfurt and Shanghai provide M&A advisory services primarily to large corporations (spin-offs and divestitures) as well as privately owned companies and PE funds. As the vehicular industry enters its fifth year of re-growth, M&A activity continues to thrive.

The relatively strong run-up in vehicular industry values and interest has bolstered Angle’s key markets and can be attributed to the post-Great-Recession recovery in the United States. A period of slow-but-steady recovery in Europe and aggressive expansion of vehicular sales in China and Asia are also helping. Angle’s primary M&A markets were rocked in the 2009 timeframe by a precipitous drop in vehicular demand, causing hundreds of parts suppliers to close their doors. Productive capacity left the system quietly but en masse. However, beginning in 2010 market recovery has been progressive and steady. All regional markets are showing improved vehicular sales, some smooth and some lumpy, but all growing.

Truck, bus and off-road markets have lagged behind auto and light truck, but continue making progress.

The result of the recovery is a reach by M&A practitioners for market-share, capacity and technology. In North America there

is scarcely enough capacity to keep up with growing vehicle sales volumes. With acquirers from Europe and Asia targeting North America, and vice versa, the M&A activity levels among the vehicular parts suppliers is exceeding all levels of memory across the board. Nowhere is this more evident than on a cross-border basis.

Angle is working with a multitude of its corporate clients making selective acquisitions, divesting non-core assets, and assisting privately held and PE-owned companies to realize significant value accrued over holding-on and surviving these past 5 years.

Low interest rates and aggressive lending are also continuing to support the vehicular markets. In 2013, four of Angle’s 23 completed transactions were dividend recaps with enterprise values over $100mm. Benefitting from aggressive lending and low rates the shareholders achieved a better value through recap than by sale to PE funds. Since then, these companies have exceeded expectations and will again contemplate sale in 2015. Other transactions of note include the automotive aftermarket where Angle is especially active. Coming into 2014, Angle has completed two $100mm plus transactions in the aftermarket and is working on several more.

Light-weighting is the current word in the vehicular industry and its impact cannot be ignored. In the Iron, Steel and Aluminium Casting arena activity has reached a fevered pitch. With volumes up and capacity significantly reduced through the recession, the existing foundries have gone from hulking black caves to modern industrial foundries. Due to the extreme cost and regulatory process of opening new foundries, Angle is finding supply and demand inversions throughout the casting segment of the vehicular supply chain. These imbalances promote robust M&A activity, solid margins being realized by the producers, abundant cash-flow to fund acquisitions, and excellent lender backing.

Fact File “Having been named Acquisition International’s Cross-Border Investment Bank of the Year, Angle (www. angleadvisors.com) records its fourth year being recognized for M&A excellence by major news publications.”

Company: Angle Advisors Investment Banking LLC Name: Cliff Roesler Email: croesler@angleadvisors.com Web: http://angleadvisors.com/ Address: 700 East Maple Road, 4th Floor, Birmingham, MI 48009 Telephone: +1 800.690.1750

Plastics has also seen tremendous consolidation of capacity, with large-tonnage press sizes being in short supply and high-capacity plastics producers consolidating. Finally, in the Electronics and EMS space the activity continues to be robust (it always is) with transactions easily pushing into the 9x and 10x EBITDA pricing range driven by consistent strategic buyer activity to consolidate the markets and secure important technologies as they emerge.

Angle’s year was marked by a 12% growth in its staff, a 4th consecutive year of record revenues, and enjoyment of the regrowth that can certainly be tied to slow, but steady, economic recovery coming out of the 2009 recession. Angle will keep driving ahead through ingenuity, better processes, use of our registered “Fireside Chat” M&A process, and an emphasis on in-language M&A programs for our core, cross-border M&A practice. www.acquisition-intl.com

24 | 2014 M&A Awards

Aerospace Strategic Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA

Avascent Avascent is a leading management consulting firm in aerospace, government and defence markets, offering a full range of strategic, operational and financial consulting services. Most of Avascent’s work within the commercial aerospace domain surrounds commercial due diligence for strategic and private equity buyers.

Timothy Garnett, Managing Director at Avascent, talks us through the firm’s hugely successful last 12 months.

Being named Aerospace Strategic Management Consulting Firm of the Year by Acquisition International is a very fulfilling recognition of the time, energy and money we have put into building a world-class capability.

As a boutique consultancy in a focused set of industries, our reputation is everything. Being recognized by clients and peers for the quality of our work is a true honour. And it provides invaluable brand recognition and awareness.

As an industry-focused consulting firm, knowledge is power.

And much of the differentiated knowledge in commercial aerospace comes from proprietary data, analytics, and personal relationships. These are the areas in which we have been spending the most time and money over the past year in order to create a unique value proposition.

Client service drives the culture of our firm. Anyone can be paid to provide a consulting service, but becoming a trusted advisor is all about the above and beyond value proposition. It’s not enough to just appear when the client needs you, you need to be ahead of that need, helping them avoid problem situations and expedite opportunity capture. And in order to do that, you need to invest a lot of time and energy in building client relationships outside of specific engagements.

When seeking a consultant, clients should be looking for unique and fresh knowledge, combined with rigorous analysis. Every project is new and unique, and, while we leverage our deep knowledge and understanding, we never take it for granted.

Avascent is an incredibly energetic, entrepreneurial and knowledge driven firm. We recruit from the best schools from coast to

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coast, as well as industry leaders. The sense of accountability and ownership we entrust with our employees drives a quality and depth in the work that our clients greatly appreciate.

Our knowledge, experience and network are certainly door openers, but what I think makes clients come back is the quality and energy we invest in every engagement – and we make the experience enjoyable along the way both for staff and clients. This is what sets us apart from our peers and competitors.

Over the past 12 months, manufacturers in structures and components have been under significant pressure from their shareholders and customers to reduce cost. A significant amount of labour-intensive commercial content has been moved to Mexico and Eastern Europe. Other destinations such as India and Malaysia have participated in the trend but are being questioned as being less attractive than previously thought from a total cost perspective.

Over the coming year, the shift of high level production and final assembly into the US (specifically, the 777X wing and A320 FACO in Mobile, AL) should provide a boost to certain suppliers in the US. On the airframe and engine design side, incremental improvement has proven successful as a strategy, and the next year will be about execution, but how long can this strategy last? How many more 10% improvements can be squeezed out of traditional turbofan technology? 3D printing has garnered a significant amount of attention this year, and many of our clients are dipping their toes in the water. However, large scale integration into the new build and aftermarket supply chains seems many years away and the capital costs, threat to employee relations, and business model implications will be massive. Nevertheless, suppliers and MROs need to watch this carefully lest they fall behind the curve.

Fact File

“Being named Aerospace Strategic Management Consulting Firm of the Year by Acquisition International is a very fulfilling recognition of the time, energy and money we have put into building a worldclass capability.”

Company: Avascent Name: Timothy Garnett Email: tgarnett@avascent.com Web: https://www.avascent.com/ Address: 1615 L Street, NW #1200, Washington, DC, 20036 Tel: +202 452 6990 Fax: +202 280 6801

2014 M&A Awards | 25

UK M&A Adviser of the Year

Avondale Established in 1991, Avondale are masters in commercial business sales, shareholder value and acquisitions with the highest success rate in the industry. Avondale have genunione business acumen and are not only able to provide outstanding transactions but practical solutions and guidance to achieve, if not exceed, our clients’ expectations.

Established in 1991, Avondale have one of the largest and longest established, specialist corporate teams in the UK providing unrivalled coverage of the business sales and acquisitions market with the highest success rate in the industry.

Providing trusted advice and realistic valuations is a key part of Avondale’s culture and also crucial to their success. Avondale’s advisors have genuine business acumen and work closely clients to ensure they maximise transaction value, whether that be for larger clients, such as the recent Meter Provida deal or smaller clients, such as Delos Community. It may be that a client is not quite in the right position to exit to achieve the desired value, Avondale then works with them, providing their unique Value BuilderTM service to strategically and significantly increase business value.

Avondale tailors its Business Sales Framework, to ensure that all the prerequisite steps, skills and expertise are built into the process to deliver, if not exceed clients’ expectations. Tim Hardman, Avondale’s managing director explains, “Each client will have different objectives and needs and our focus is on meetings these.

We lead all stages of the process, reducing our clients’ involve-

ment allowing them to focus on their business. Each phase is as important as the next. For example, we prepare due diligence as early as possible to prevent potential pitfalls and handhold the deal all the way through, even at the final legal stages, to ensure successful completion. Our approach obviously works as we not only have the highest success rate in the industry but also our work is predominantly obtained via recommendation, a reflection of our technical abilities, strong service ethos and principles led approach.”

“Going forward, we see M&A activity further increasing with the acceleration of the economic recovery. The business community feels happier about the world with economic growth becoming a reality and no longer mere green shoots. In a survey recently conducted by Avondale 67% said that they were in growth mode rather than survival. 20% considered acquisition as their key route to growth and 33% were considering an acquisition in the next 2 years. The slow pace of the recovery ironically has a positive impact on M&A. In a slow economy, organic growth is difficult and acquisitions are a route to creating growth. We are certainly witnessing an increase in instructions at Avondale.”

Fact File

“We are delighted with the award; it is a reflection of our professionalism and our ability to consistently increase value and sell businesses above the expected transaction price in the circa £1m-£20m+ arena. The past year has been a record breaking year for us with exceptional deal values and volumes and, most crucially, our highest ever success rate of 81.6%. We would like to thank Acquisition International and their readers for their recognition.”

- Tim Hardman, MD, Avondale Company: Avondale Email: av@avondale.co.uk Web: www.avondale-group.co.uk Address: Chapter House, 33 London Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 9HZ Tel: 01737 240888 Fax: 0872 1107656

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26 | 2014 M&A Awards

Credit Fund Specialists of the Year – Switzerland

BCM & Partners BCM & Partners - part of the C-Quadrat Group with approximately USD 6.5 Billion AUM - operates through BCM & Partners LLP, based in London authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority and BCM & Partners SA, based in Geneva, providing marketing services. BCM & Partners offers investors two possible solutions to their financial needs: open ended investment funds managed out of the Group’s London office as well as tailor made portfolio management.

Being named Credit Fund Specialists of the Year by Acquisition International is a fantastic recognition of the knowledge and enthusiasm we devote to every one of our customers.

Financial markets are becoming more interconnected and reactive by the day, leaving no space for non- professionals. Awards like this are an important milestone for any strongly committed professional working in the industry.

BCM & Partners is one of the European most skilled counterparts in credit markets. To reach the level of recognition that this award represents, constant investments are made in talented portfolio managers and sophisticated risk management, including legal and IT. We believe no one holds a magic key that fits into every keyhole!

With this philosophy in mind, prior to giving advice to any investor at BCM & Partners we try to understand their needs in terms of liquidity, risk aversion, time-frame, knowledge and understanding of markets, background and so on.

When seeking a credit fund specialist, any investment in credit or fixed income should be viewed as a medium term commitment rather than a short term “lucky bite” into a successful trend. We always say that BCM & Partners’ clients should aim at capital conservation and capital appreciation over the medium term.

www.acquisition-intl.com

At BCM & Partners, clients’ satisfaction is our ultimate goal: not only do we rejoice when there are positive results—or feel the pain of negative performance—but we treat every customer as if it were part of our family. We provide timely feedback and explanation as well as a dynamic advice on the way we see the evolution of their portfolio in terms of optimisation.

What have been the most prevalent trends in your industry over the past 12 months?

Whilst in 2013 greater consensus lied around a bull market and a rotation had started away from credit into equities, current geo-political upheaval, the insurgence of financial bubbles and increased market volatility is driving yet and again investors towards a more balanced risk appetite hence favouring once more credit strategies.

However in a market that has been flooded with liquidity it is paramount not to sacrifice a dynamic and thorough bottom-up and top-down analysis just for the sake of providing an alluring yield.

Over the coming year, one of the biggest challenges for us will lie in increased regulation. This means accrued cost for the industry, and only players who can amortise and justify these costs on a big enough client base will maintain a relevant place in the industry.

Finally, we would like to thank anyone who has believed in BCM & Partners throughout these years and has allowed us to achieve this award as well as other important results.

Fact File

“Being named Credit Fund Specialists of the Year by Acquisition International is a fantastic recognition of the knowledge and enthusiasm we devote to every one of our customers.”

Company: BCM & Partners SA Name: Fabio Michienzi Email: fabio.michienzi@bcmp.ch Web: www.bcmpartners.eu Address: Rue du Général Dufour 12, 1204 Genève, Suisse Telephone: +41 22 819 4073 Fax: +41 22 819 4071

2014 M&A Awards | 27

Dutch Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year

Blacktrace B.V. Blacktrace is an independent M&A advisory boutique servicing larger international midmarket clients. The firm offers corporates, private equity firms and family-owned businesses top-notch assistance in various transaction driven situations like acquisitions, divestments, management buy-outs, corporate valuations, capital raising and corporate exits.

Blacktrace is delighted to be awarded with the title of Dutch Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year, and feels that this achievement reinforces the team’s dedication to provide clients with the highest quality services in the M&A market. We owe this success to our team, which exists of experts that all have their own talents and specializations. Combining these in the best possible way has led Blacktrace to where it stands today.

Blacktrace attaches great value to leading awards like the Acquisition International M&A Awards. They concretize firm success into a visible benchmark that enforces credibility towards our current and future clients.

Blacktrace strongly believes that specialization tops generalisation, and so the firm focuses solely on M&A transactions within a limited amount of sectors. These include business services, consumer products, industry, financial services, medical care and TMT. By its structure, Blacktrace is flexible and can respond to client wishes faster than a large corporate could. Client centricity and a pragmatic approach are key in the M&A market and Blacktrace offers its clients valuable specialism when needed most. We take care of the process from the beginning to end, and we are available to our clients on a 24/7 basis, which enables us to respond quickly when necessary.

When seeking an advisory firm, clients should first and foremost look for a firm that suits their wishes and demands. Firm culture often translates to likewise client handling. The advisory firm

should therefore fit the client’s culture. Blacktrace tries to be as transparent as possible in communicating its approach. Closed transactions, professional team members—and awards like the one from Acquisition International—are reassuring factors in choosing the right advisory firm.

Blacktrace is a dedicated team that works in a horizontal structure. For every new project, we assemble a team of the most suitable professionals by looking at both sector and case-specific characteristics. During the whole process, there are always two team members who are available full-time, with backing from the whole team. We experience this flexible structure as pleasant and clients give positive feedback.

Blacktrace distinguishes itself from its competitors with in-depth knowledge, sector expertise, cross-border experience, a broad international network and a thorough approach. Acting fast and in a solid manner is key to being a top player. Blacktrace does not aspire to be the largest corporate full service firm of the Benelux, but instead wants to stay a specialized pragmatic boutique advisory firm, upon which clients can build.

Due to the expanding team and growing demand for its services, Blacktrace has moved to a new location in the financial centre of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, in the southern Netherlands. Blacktrace expects this demand growth to continue during the year, coming from both the Benelux and outside. With several closed transactions and many projects still in the pipeline, we expect 2014 to be another fruitful year for Blacktrace.

Fact File

“Blacktrace is delighted to be awarded with the title of Dutch Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year, and feels that this achievement reinforces the team’s dedication to provide clients with the highest quality services in the M&A market. We owe this success to our team, which exists of experts that all have their own talents and specializations.

Combining these in the best possible way has led Blacktrace to where it stands today.”

Company: Blacktrace B.V. Name: Jaap Smits Email: jaap.smits@blacktrace.nl Web: www.blacktrace.nl Address: Hugo de Grootlaan 11 5223 LB ’s-Hertogenbosch The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0) 73 640 95 71 Fax: +31 (0) 73 644 13 53

www.acquisition-intl.com

28 | 2014 M&A Awards

Insolvency & Restructuring Team of the Year - New York

BMC Group BMC Group specializes in global information management services to collect, process, analyze and securely distribute data, empowering top-tier corporate, legal and financial leaders around the world to make informed and timely decisions. Our primary service offerings focus on mergers & acquisitions and restructuring. Our technologies and services support secure exchange of information, asset sales, financial restructuring, bankruptcy contingency planning, legal noticing, claims administration, corporate solicitations and disbursements. Our clients are corporates, Fortune 1000 companies, legal and financial advisors.

We are thrilled to have been named Insolvency & Restructuring Team of the Year because it is always a pleasure to be recognized for the work and service we provide to our customers. Our attention to the entire corporate life cycle drives the products and services that we provide.

The award will help to differentiate our company amongst the competitors in our space and proves that we are a true value-added business solution. Recognition broadens visibility.

There is clearly a need for the solutions we offer, and BMC Group places a premium on service while continuing to innovate and be a technology leader.

When dealing with clients we emphasize the value of our “software AND a service” solutions. We focus on the goal of providing timely, accurate information to drive informed decision making. By delivering top-tier technology and outstanding follow-the-sun service, we have found that we position ourselves as a valuable partner.

In terms of our company culture, at BMC we are opposed to the sales cycle that revolves around entertainment and buying business; we look to earn service provider market share by focusing on value propositions. We are constantly evolving our technologies

and we place an emphasis on incomparable service to support an aggressive, insurgent mentality.

Fact File

We stand out from our peers because we are continually evolving our products and services in response to market conditions. We are the only true end-to-end solution provider, and in each vertical we provide value added differentiators with functionality, service, and security.

“We are thrilled to have been named Insolvency & Restructuring Team of the Year because it is always a pleasure to be recognized for the work and service we provide to our customers. Our attention to the entire corporate life cycle drives the products and services that we provide.”

There have of course been challenges we have had to overcome to be named Insolvency & Restructuring Team of the Year. Strangely enough, over the past year we have more competition than ever, even in what has been considered one of the slowest restructuring markets in history.

Any person or business seeking a reputable firm in your industry should be focusing on the issues that really matter: security, service and innovative technology that change the way people do business. Once they take their eye off of those features they commoditize the solutions in their mind and thus risk the security and efficiency of their processes. BMC Group provides an end-to-end suite of products that helps to optimize the entire lifecycle of the M&A process, by placing an emphasis on those very features.

Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com

Company: BMC Group Name: Tinamarie Feil Email: tfeil@bmcgroup.com Web: www.bmcgroup.com Address: 477 Madison Ave 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022 Tel: 212.310.5900 Fax: 212.644.4552

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 29

Media Sector Focused Corporate Finance Team of the Year - UK & UK Corporate Finance Team of the Year: Industrials Sector

Cavendish Corporate Finance

During our 25 years, Cavendish has only acted for business owners. Over the past 12 months we have advised on the sale of 14 businesses, helping proprietors achieve the best possible price for their companies, in what remains a tough economic environment, and finding new owners who can take those businesses forward and accelerate their growth and performance.

Understanding the range of businesses and technologies to a micro level is the challenge we at Cavendish have set ourselves in the Industrials sector. Helping us achieve this objective are our specialist team led by experts with backgrounds in engineering and finance together with years spent in corporate finance.

The smooth conclusion of the sale of Fanstan Electric Group Limited shows the importance of bringing well-capitalised overseas strategic purchasers such as the Wabtec Corporation to the table through a controlled process. This has been the exit route for more than half of the 450 plus businesses Cavendish has been involved in over the past 25 years.

Central to Cavendish’s media expertise is our understanding of a broad range of media sector. At Cavendish we understand the medial and digital space and the convergence with others sectors. This has enabled us to achieve excellent prices for our clients across a broad range of media and digital businesses.

The sale of Double Helix to Interpublic group, New York and the sale of Opta, the sports data business to Perform, both exceeding our clients’ price expectations, illustrate our broad media sector expertise and reputation for achieving great results.

To achieve this success, against such a difficult market backdrop, we have developed an unrivalled knowledge of potential buyer pools and established teams of sector specialists, who are recognised authorities in their areas offering business owners expert advice on the best preparation, strategy and likely buyers to ensure a successful sale. Utilising our international network of M&A advisors we have continued to source overseas buyers, who typically pay a premium for UK businesses – about half of the companies we sold last year were to international buyers.

Fact File

There are almost no other firms that operate in the corporate finance arena that have the sole purpose of selling businesses; most represent buyers as well and this invariably begs the question by astute owners of business, are our advisors completely aligned with us? For 25 years, Cavendish’s answer has been unequivocally “yes”.

“To achieve this success, against such a difficult market backdrop, we have developed an unrivalled knowledge of potential buyer pools and established teams of sector specialists, who are recognised authorities in their areas offering business owners expert advice on the best preparation, strategy and likely buyers to ensure a successful sale.”

Company: Cavendish Corporate Finance Name: Linda Sullivan (Media) Email: lsullivan@cavendish.com Web: www.cavendish.com 40 Portland Place, London, W1B 1NB Tel: 44 (0) 20 7908 6000 Fax: 44 (0) 20 7908 6006 Company: Cavendish Corporate Finance Name: Philip Barker (Industrials) Email: pbarker@cavendish.com Web: www.cavendish.com 40 Portland Place, London, W1B 1NB Tel: 44 (0) 20 7908 6000 Fax: 44 (0) 20 7908 6006

www.acquisition-intl.com

30 | 2014 M&A Awards

Systems Due Diligence Provider of the Year – UK

CloudOrigin Limited CloudOrigin provides award-winning strategy, advisory and implementation services to end-users and providers to take advantage of this fundamental change in the business model of information technology brought about by cloud computing. This spans technology providers – from datacentre managers to software as a service firms – as well as intensive technology users across public and private sectors.

We have had another phenomenal year, working on some of the world’s largest buyouts, mid-range Private Equity investments as well as VC growth rounds, and we think this award is testimony to our clients and their continued confidence in the TMT sector in particular.

The Acquisition International M&A Awards are incredibly important to demonstrate the vitality of the industry and to showcase firms such as ourselves to a global audience. Our reputation and client list has been built on direct referrals, but we are now seeing interest across the globe and our recent awards have helped attract that attention and evidence our capability to investors we have yet to engage.

We put the business impact of technology foremost, and speak in a language that investors will understand. Secondly, build trust with the target to prove that we really understand the innovation and service delivery processes at the heart of their firm and the challenges they will encounter at each stage of evolution. Thirdly, give pragmatic actionable advice rather than simply flagging issues.

We have noticed that many of our clients previously discounted Systems and IT Due Diligence in the past, but we have been able to demonstrate the real value, by building relationships with targets, understanding the challenges facing those management teams and contributing significant upside opportunities post-transaction to accelerate growth while removing cost and reducing risk.

Across Europe in the TMT sector we have seen aggressive interest from US-headquartered trade buyers, while at the same time mid-range growth funding has become increasingly available from local and global PE and VC firms – indeed we have witnessed very similar risk appetite from both categories of investor.

For other segments, increasingly technology is enabling expansion and cost reduction, so robust diligence on current systems operations and future plans has been required in automotive, life sciences, retail, travel and transport as well as traditional intensive users in finance and telco.

Hence, deal volumes have surged, advising on over US$4 billion of potential transactions in the first quarter of 2014.

On the macro level, the full impact of regional data privacy and protectionist regulations has yet to be felt, especially in Europe, but we already see greater inbound investment and opportunities for local infrastructure providers.

Meanwhile, at the micro level, the abrupt commercial failure of key technology providers has cast a long shadow over IT procurement, with the realisation that bankruptcy is now just as likely an event as individual systems failure, hence greater thought on resilience and a multi-supplier strategy for vital infrastructure services is now necessary.

Fact File

C CloudOrigin

“The Acquisition International M&A Awards are incredibly important to demonstrate the vitality of the industry and to showcase firms such as ourselves to a global audience. Our reputation and client list has been built on direct referrals, but we are now seeing interest across the globe and our recent awards have helped attract that attention and evidence our capability to investors we have yet to engage.”

Company: CloudOrigin Limited.

Name: Richard Hall Email: richard.hall@cloudorigin.com Web: www.CloudOrigin.com Address: Exchange Building, London, UK Telephone: +44 203 642 5715

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 31

Intellectual Property Innovator of the Year & Patent Consultancy Firm of the Year - Turkey

DESTEK PATENT INC. Destek Patent was established in 1983 and has been Turkey’s leader in IP management and protection as Turkey’s top-ranked IP firm for more than 15 consecutive years according to official patent and trademark filing and registration statistics from the Turkish Patent Institute.

It has been among the world’s top ten IP firms for the past five years according to the international trademark filing statistics issued by the WTR 1000 and Markenfacts.

We are honoured here at Destek Patent to win three awards, namely “Business Excellence,” “Intellectual Property Innovator – Turkey” and “Patent Consultancy Firm of the Year – Turkey” by Acquisition International. This achievement represents our continuous commitment to strive for excellence in premium intellectual property management and protection services, built on trust, respect and ethical values with the mission to be an essential service to our clients.

It is not only proof of clients’ recognition but also a great encouragement to motivate us to attain even better service quality. We want to sincerely thank our loyal clients, as well as our hardworking, dedicated staff, for helping us to achieve this award.

With four partners, 50 patent and trademark attorneys and a total of nearly 200 professionals, Destek Patent has the larg-

est IP team in Turkey. It also has the largest office network throughout Turkey: Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Izmir, Konya, Gaziantep and Adana. It has experience and expertise gained from thousands of IP files – the firm has filed more than 100,000 trademarks, 10,000 patents and 70,000 designs since 1995.

In addition, Destek Patent was the first Turkish IP firm to implement total quality management, having held the ISO 9001: 2008 certificate since 2001.

Destek Patent offers enhanced collaboration in IP protection.

Our professionals contribute to Turkish IP associations as founding members, board members and presidents of organisations such as the Licensing Executives Society (LES) Turkey, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) Turkey, Uluslararasi Patent Birligi and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges Turkey Attorneys’ Assembly (TOBB).

The firm offers clients and associates interactive online services in a secure medium wherein IP searches, file tracking and application filings can all be carried out online. Our extensive database includes all IP applications and registrations in Turkey, and our honest, transparent and reliable services can be traced at any time.

Destek Patent contributes to IP knowledge dissemination by providing Destek Patent TV, online services, Turkish Patent News magazine through industry-specific inserts and a newsletter, as well as lectures at universities and seminars at business associations.

Destek Patent also provides exclusive IP services under the registered trademarks DESTEK PATENT TV – the first and only online Turkish IP television channel; INOVERSITE – university-industry collaboration projects; DESTEK AKADEMI – continuous training of clients and in-house personnel; TEKNOPROFIL – clearance searches, freedom-to-operate opinions and technology watch-up/analysis; MARKALARM – trademark watch services; PATSIS – setting up in-company research and development and patent management systems, and ALFASOFT – in-house IP software.

Kemal Yamankaradeniz

Fact File

“This achievement represents our continuous commitment to strive for excellence in premium intellectual property management and protection services, built on trust, respect and ethical values with the mission to be an essential service to our clients.”

Company: DESTEK PATENT INC. Name: Kemal Yamankaradeniz Email: global@destekpatent.com.tr Web: www.destekpatent.com.tr Address: Polaris Plaza Ahi Evran Cad. No: 21 Kat:17, Maslak - Istanbul 34398 - Turkey Tel: +90 212 329 0000 Fax: +90 212 346 0264

We understand clients’ needs and expectations regarding expert counselling, fast response, clear communication and cost-effective quality IP services, an independent indicator of which is our high clients’ satisfaction rate. www.acquisition-intl.com

32 | 2014 M&A Awards

UAE Due Diligence Firm of the Year

Diligence Management Consultants Diligence Management Consultants’ risk, security, investigations, and project management specialists advise and support diverse organisations operating in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Advising and supporting our clients from numerous industries, governments, and NGOs and aid donors, we apply our expertise in market entry, risk and crisis management, personnel and asset protection, business intelligence, risk reporting, and project management, as well as our distinctive cultural awareness, to ensure their success.

Over the past decade there has been a noticeable change in direction as EU and US based companies place emphasis on the emerging markets or the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Parallel to this there has also been a significant increase in the regulatory and compliance concerns that govern business from many of our client’s host nations, this has led to an escalation in the due diligence needs within these regions.

As emerging and under-developed areas, transparency isn’t often the greatest of assets that these markets offer. Publicly-available information is also quite scant and offers little value to the business considering new opportunities and relationships.

Over the past seventeen years working in these areas, Diligence Management Consultants have developed a wide network of resources that facilitate the increased due diligence needs that are demanded by regulatory and compliance bodies.

We have been successful in delving deeper into the local markets to obtain vital and project specific information for our clients that isn’t listed on databases—as business databases often do not exist in emerging market areas—and at digging into the often grey area of individual relationships, corporate relationships and PEP links.

In these crucial aspects of due diligence we have establish a niche service line and now service a great many EU and US based companies across all industries. We also service numerous financial industry businesses and a growing number of audit and accounting firms that act on behalf of their corporate client base but not have access to the same level of local source information.

As this market has grown for us we have continued to develop our networks across Africa, throughout the Middle East and into East Asia. Our client are now increasingly engaging our services for new markets including Russia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe where they are requesting that we develop similar reporting structures to assist their market entry and business development processes.

Having been named UAE Due Diligence Firm of the Year again this year honours the people that do all the work across our regions, not only those in the UAE. We have a truly multicultural team and insist on employing local nationals in each country. This has without doubt been crucial to our success in understanding the local business environment, the risk factors present and has enabled us to anticipate our client’s information needs often before they have been requested.

Our continued success relies heavily on those same people and our combined ability to adapt and enhance our services to support the future demands of our clients. Our awards without doubt display our dedication to provide a niche service that not only complies with our client needs but also adds value to their business across our region.

Dubai Marina

Fact File

“Having been named UAE Due Diligence Firm of the Year again this year honours the people that do all the work across our regions, not only those in the UAE. We have a truly multicultural team and insist on employing local nationals in each country. This has without doubt been crucial to our success in understanding the local business environment, the risk factors present and has enabled us to anticipate our client’s information needs often before they have been requested.”

Company: Diligence Management Consultants Name: Iliyas Campbell Email: icampbell@diligence.ae Web: www.diligence.ae Address: Dubai, UAE

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 33

Multinational Investment Firm of the Year - USA

District Equity LLC As a multinational investment firm engaged in unlocking value, District Equity is dedicated to growing small and lower middle market companies. Its investments are currently heavily focused within information technology, cyber, intelligence community and healthcare information management. Below, Maury W. Bradsher, CEO of District Equity, shares his ideas from corporate culture to the future of the industry.

On receiving the award...

On industry outlook...

We are truly honoured to receive such an accolade from a highly regarded publication such as Acquisition International. It’s very rewarding to be recognized by your peers and it’s a testament to the hard work of the good folks at District Equity.

Granted, as our industry continues to evolve, there will be changes – and with them opportunities and challenges. There’s a lot of liquidity in the marketplace and it’s all chasing some of the same deals. There are a number of private equity firms that have sprung up in the last 10 or 15 years which either manage or represent capital. So valuations get spiked because there’s fresh capital out there pushing price points higher and money is relatively cheap. With so much capital at play everyone is looking for yield and that can present a problem when you’re trying to come to a reasonable price point for a business.

On the whole, M&A doesn’t always enjoy a likeable public profile so this form of recognition helps to validate that what we’re doing really adds value. So awards like these can help shift the public consciousness and ultimately have a positive impact in the investment industry. From a business point of view, it raises our profile as a successful firm and better positions us, and firms like ours, for future investment opportunities and partnerships.

We have really solid people that we work with. Attracting the right personnel leads to a shared culture, better execution, a solid reputation and eventually you get recognized for your efforts, but it all starts with selecting the right people. So this is a shared award because of the contributions of many.

On dealing with clients and corporate culture...

That is to say, when dealing with clients we want to make sure that our long-term interests are in alignment and that we have the same end game. So when buying a business we look for cultural synergies, we confirm the deliverability of the operational team and we look to see if we can successfully integrate our project plan to unlocking value.

Internally we really try to put forth a collegial working environment where we embrace executing and getting things done, the right way. That approach is rooted in our business principles and we use those principles as a baseline for everything we do at the firm.

Fact File

With respect to the industry outlook and opportunities there are a number of indications of change. Here in the US we still have a slow growth public sector, however, our private sector continues to drive growth. Healthcare reform has ushered in a number of platforms from which to invest. Our natural resource landscape is ever changing which brings with it the prospects of energy independence in the US, and there are a number of investment opportunities there.

Furthermore, with the struggles in the European financial system we see currency opportunities and long-term real estate opportunities in places like Spain and Greece. We see technological changes having a significant impact on a wide range of areas in the global economy in the coming years.

All things considered, with our market position, our client facing and external relationships, we at District Equity are at the point of idea inception that we expect will provide more opportunities for our clients. We’re also comfortable working with businesses that may not be in the best shape so those situations give us the possibility of a bit more upside and potentially put us in a position to outperform.

“We are truly honoured to receive such an accolade from a highly regarded publication such as Acquisition International.

It’s very rewarding to be recognized by your peers and it’s a testament to the hard work of the good folks at District Equity.”

Company: District Equity, LLC Name: Maury W. Bradsher Email: info@districtequity.com Web: www.districtequity.com Address: 1100 17th Street, NW Suite 1140 Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: (202) 822-8100

Maury W. Bradsher

www.acquisition-intl.com

34 | 2014 M&A Awards

Fund Administrator of the Year - Jersey

EFG Fund Services EFG Fund Services provides fund administration, custodian, depositary and listing services to funds in the world’s leading fund domiciles. We have offices in Jersey, Guernsey, Luxembourg, Cayman, Miami, the Bahamas and Singapore. Our capabilities cover a diverse range of asset classes: private equity, venture capital, real estate, listed securities, debt, hedge funds and physical assets.

We are delighted to be named Fund Administrator of the Year, Jersey and recognised again for the quality of services. Our continued success is a result of having the right blend of people, systems and experience underpinned by our sustained focus on delivering a consistently high level of service to the funds and investment managers we work with.

Awards offer a marker to our quality and acknowledgement of the work we do for our clients. But, flattering though awards are, feedback from clients is always the most valuable form of recognition.

Our focus is on continually enhancing and improving what we do, ensuring our clients continue to receive the level of service they require. Regulatory developments such as AIFMD and FATCA have placed additional challenges on EFG Fund Services, as with other service providers.

We work with a diverse range of clients, both large and small investment managers across an array of asset types. No two funds are the same, so we leverage our experience and deep capabilities with a flexible, pragmatic, solution-focused approach.

The importance of the role of the administrator can sometimes be overlooked when the service providers to a new fund are being

assembled. The administrator is a pivotal appointment as it is so closely involved in ensuring the fund operates smoothly and the investment manager is able to focus on their own role. We believe an administrator should have a high quality, experienced team, a robust IT platform and be backed by an organisation of sufficient scale and strength to ensure it has the presence and capabilities to consistently deliver for its clients.

Within EFG Fund Services we have a highly service-focused culture, and we make it as straightforward as possible for our clients to do business with us. We encourage all levels of staff to interact with clients on a day-to-day basis which helps establish and maintain strong relationships. Many of our clients entrust us with the administration of multiple funds, which is a great testament to the effectiveness of our approach.

The key difference between EFG Fund Services and our competitors is the level of individual attention and focus we give our clients. We provide a personalised approach; offering a balance of robust, proven administration capabilities with a high level of flexibility to meet the requirements of our clients. We underpin personal service with market leading technology to drive efficiency and benefit the funds we service.

Fact File

“We are delighted to be named Fund Administrator of the Year, Jersey and recognised again for the quality of services. Our continued success is a result of having the right blend of people, systems and experience underpinned by our sustained focus on delivering a consistently high level of service to the funds and investment managers we work with.”

Company: EFG Fund Services Name: Neil Ginnis ACA Email: neil.ginnis@ efgwealthsolutions.com Web: www.efginternational.com Address: PO Box 641 No1 Seaton Place, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8YJ Phone: +44 (0)1534 605 755

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 35

Insurance Company of the Year - Gibraltar

Elite Insurance Elite Insurance has evolved rapidly to become one of Europe’s leading Insurers. A commitment to continual expansion and acquisition enables us to offer clients unrivalled expertise in many niche areas of insurance.

Successful businesses understand the need to evolve, especially in a changing marketplace. None more so than Elite Insurance.

Since its inception, in 2006, Elite has evolved into one of Europe’s most innovative insurers, delivering bespoke solutions across legal expenses, professional indemnity and general insurance.

Being named Insurance Company of the Year is a fantastic achievement for Elite, and without doubt we owe this to our dedicated staff and all the hard work they have put in to making Elite the company it is today.

Fact File

The company’s growth is defined by a commitment to expertise, expansion and acquisition. A commitment which has seen the company’s GPI rise to an impressive £112m in 2013.

Awards like this one are important on many levels. Internally, it is a pat on the back and deserved recognition for our staff. Externally, it makes the market sit up and take note and gives our clients renewed confidence that they have chosen well.

That expertise has been clear to see in the Legal Expenses marketplace with the introduction of Restore and Restore Plus products which demonstrate a clear understanding of clients’ businesses and a flexibility to adapt to ever changing needs. This innovative approach has seen revenue in the Legal Expenses class rise to over £54m.

In recent years our focus has shifted from our humble beginnings in the legal expenses insurance market to becoming a dynamic general insurer with a diverse book of niche lines. We have overcome changes in legislation that have crippled many others and during difficult economic times we have beaten the odds and continued to grow exponentially.

Following great success in the UK professional indemnity insurance market, Elite Insurance has also expanded into the Irish marketplace with phenomenal results. £2.6m was written in the first year alone bringing total PII revenue to a notable £5.37m in 2013.

Client relationships are key. We have always prided ourselves on being approachable and flexible and in so doing have built extremely strong relationships with our client network who know they can approach us with an idea which, if it has merit, we can make into a reality. We are always at the end of the phone and you will never peak to a machine.

“Being named Insurance Company of the Year is a fantastic achievement for Elite, and without doubt we owe this to our dedicated staff and all the hard work they have put in to making Elite the company it is today.”

It is important to do due diligence to ensure that you place your business securely. And for the record, a financial rating is not in itself an accurate measure of an insurer’s solvency! Elite has a proven history and a set of financial accounts which supports this.

We are extremely visible as an organisation with a user friendly and informative website which includes customer testimonials and case studies.

Company: Elite Insurance Name: Jason Smart Email: jsmart@elite-insurance.gi Web: www.elite-insurance.co.uk Address: 47/48 The Sails, Queensway Quay, Queensway Phone: +350 20 05 10 61

Other general insurance lines have shown great success and this arm of the business goes from strength to strength.

The company is regularly entered into industry awards and rapid growth in the UK, Spain, Italy and France has earned it a place in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100.

Elite is a warm and approachable place to work and to visit. We have an open door policy which extends throughout the company right to the door of CEO, Jason Smart. Our people are our most important asset and we ensure that they receive regular training, are developed throughout their careers and are rewarded for their hard work.

This has resulted in a dedicated and skilled workforce, who offer excellent customer service to our clients and in turn this has ensured productive relationships which have enjoyed mutual success.

Our approachability and flexibility are definitely our strengths and it is the relationships born of this attitude to business that set us apart from our competitors. These relationships ensure that we are our clients’ first port of call for any new business and the insurer they recommend to others.

Increased legislation and regulation are very much a factor in the insurance industry today. Sometimes these create great obstacles that must be overcome but we have never encountered a challenge yet that has knocked us from our chosen course. www.acquisition-intl.com

36 | 2014 M&A Awards

Business Planning Law Firm of the Year - USA

The Entrepreneur Law Center Acquisition International, a leading global magazine covering corporate finance, venture capital, and private equity has named The Entrepreneur Law Center, P.L. Business Planning Law Firm of the Year in the United States in their 2014 M&A Awards, the second consecutive year the firm has won the award.

The Entrepreneur Law Center this year expanded from Orlando and opened a second office in Tampa at the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator at USF CONNECT. USF CONNECT is the epicenter of Tampa Bay’s Innovation Ecosystem, which is a network of innovation-based companies, research, business development tools and government resources. The firm is well positioned to help the emerging cluster of high tech and biotech companies launching from incubator and has now established a permanent presence in Tampa Bay’s innovative ecosystem.

The firm’s multidisciplinary focus differentiates it from traditional law firms. The firm provides business planning, transactional, corporate, turnaround, and international services to companies ranging from middle market growth companies to start-ups and due diligence and transactional services to the venture capital, private equity, hedge fund, and angel investor community. Ken Hamner, the firm’s founder and managing partner, has enjoyed a career track very atypical of most attorneys. Having started his career nearly 25 years ago at Arthur Andersen and then moving on to Ernst & Young’s consulting practice, Ken later served as a CFO of an early stage international venture before becoming an attorney. As an attorney, before founding the Entrepreneur Law Center, he was the managing partner for a small full service model law firm. Ken is not only a practicing attorney, but has also studied in the prestigious programs such as MIT’s Entrepreneurship Development Program and earned a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies at the University of South Florida, a joint program between the engineering, medical and business schools at USF. He also holds a master’s degree in forensic accounting and an MBA. These additional skill sets provide a more wide ranging set of services than traditional law firms, a more encompassing strategic focus.

managing transpacific services for DHL Global Forwarding says, “I have worked with many attorneys both on a personal and professional basis and Ken was absolutely the best. Without a doubt his common sense approach coupled with flawless strategy produced positive results far greater than expected. Being a Chartered Merger & Acquisition Professional with the Middle Market Investment Banking Association, a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor, a Master Analyst in Financial Forensics, a Certified Business Intermediary, a Certified Due Diligence Professional, and a Certified Fraud Examiner are simply not skill sets commonly found in even large law firms, much less in one attorney directing his own boutique firm. I have called on Ken’s expertise to structure M&A deals, to conduct due diligence on acquisition targets, and for general business insight into a wide variety of matters over the years.”

www.acquisition-intl.com

“I have worked with many attorneys both on a personal and professional basis and Ken was absolutely the best.”

In closing, Ken said, “I truly enjoy helping my clients be successful. The increasing rate of globalization and the infusion of technology into all facets of business will inevitably increase the pace and scale of the global M&A marketplace. Companies that used to be too small to even consider global alliances or to sustain global customer relationships now can. My firm is living proof. I have clients reaching beyond Florida to New York, China, South Korea, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Morocco, Venezuela and Trinidad.

Tomorrow’s clients could come from anywhere.”

Company: The Entrepreneur Law Center, P.L. Name: Ken Hamner Email: khamner@ entrepreneurlawctr.com Web: www.entrepreneurlawctr.com Address: 250 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1200, Orlando, Florida 32801, USA Telephone: +1 407 601 4980

In fact, Ken didn’t begin practicing law immediately after law school, instead having served as CFO and General Counsel to two international steel trading firms before joining a full-service firm in Orlando, where he eventually became managing partner. In 2008, he left to launch The Entrepreneur Law Center to focus on building a multidisciplinary practice tailored to the needs of business clients. “My vision is to develop a firm that goes beyond being a litigation strategist or a transactional specialist to one of a long-term trusted advisor to clients, to see beyond the immediate needs of the client to help them build foundations for sustainable success.

It is imperative to maintain a habit of continuous learning and a dedication to building skill sets across a variety of disciplines to help my clients incorporate legal strategy into a more encompassing and cohesive business planning process”, Ken said.

Dennis Wilkinson, a longstanding client and veteran senior executive with numerous international logistics firms, including Worldlink Logistics, Hanjin, Kuehne + Nagle, and his current role

Fact File

Orlando downtown skyline over Lake Eola at dusk with urban skyscrapers and lights.

2014 M&A Awards | 37

Sustained Excellence in Data Room Services - UK; Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Spain and Data Room Provider of the Year - Asia Pacific Region

EthosData

EthosData is a global provider of Virtual Data Room for corporate transactions (M&A, IPO, placements) and confidential document sharing services.

With offices the UK, Spain, India, Hong Kong, China, Tokyo, Dubai and the US; EthosData serves a broad range of companies and firms, from large global corporations to young companies raising capital.

We are very proud happy that our clients, partners and the industry as a whole have named us as Data Room Provider of the Year in the Asia Pacific region, Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year in Spain and Sustained Excellence in Data Room Services in the UK. These awards are the best recognition to the continued work by our team to offer the best and most secure data room with the best professional service.

Last year we were awarded Best Up and Coming Provider in the UK and Best Provider in India. The impact of the awards was very positive and very important for our team giving us very good exposure to new clients and markets.

This year’s awards are a step up from last year’s. Being named best provider in Asia Pacific is testament to our strong local presence in India, China, Japan and Hong Kong. Being named as the Best VDR provider in Spain is the result of seven years working in some of the most important M&A transactions in the Spanish Markets. In all three cases, we believe that our clients are rewarding our focus on service and the quality of our recently launched new dataroom platform.

The awards are also very important for our industry as a whole as they help potential clients decide what provider to use. There are many players that call themselves Virtual Data Room providers and claim to have a high degree of service and security. An award such as Acquisition International’s helps clients differentiate.

During the past year we focused our efforts in launching our new platform and in continuing to build our global business.

We invested over 18 months building a better, faster and safer Virtual Data Room using our experience from the past seven years. We successfully launched the platform and converted all our clients in November. We have received very positive feedback from our clients.

We also made a very significant investment to increase our presence in the Asia Pacific region and in Spain where we recruited very talented professionals to lead our operations.

When seeking a data room provider, clients should focus on two simple things: service and platform.

When evaluating service. Clients should look for professional service—not just limited to technical support—this should be available 24/7 and included in the fee agreed with the provider. EthosData assigns a dedicated deal coordinator to each of its project.

The responsibility of the deal coordinator is to set up and manage all aspects of the data room for our clients. Clients can contact us 24/7 via a dedicated email, online chat or telephone.

When evaluating platform, clients should evaluate the security and ease of use of the platform. EthosData has always been one of the leaders in this area. The new launched platform builds on that leadership.

Since the creation of our Company in 2007, our philosophy has been to build a service that would help dealmakers do their job.

All the components of our technology and aspects of our services are built around that. All the founders of EthosData have very deep M&A experience. We are not a technology company trying to sell an existing technology into a function –rather we see ourselves as a specialized transaction services business.

Fact File

“We are very proud happy that our clients, partners and the industry as a whole have named us as Data Room Provider of the Year in the Asia Pacific region, Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year in Spain and Sustained Excellence in Data Room Services in the UK. These awards are the best recognition to the continued work by our team to offer the best and most secure data room with the best professional service.”

Company: EthosData Name: Francisco Lorca Email: francisco.lorca@Ethosdata.com Web: www.ethosdata.com

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38 | 2014 M&A Awards

Structured Finance Law Firm of the Year - Brazil

Ferraz de Camargo e Matsunaga Advogados Ferraz de Camargo e Matsunaga Advogados (FCAM) is a unique law firm, specialized in corporate and commercial law, baking and finance, merger and acquisition transactions and tax law (both in consulting and litigation). Although we are structured as a middle size law firm, our professionals have the necessary experience and knowledge that allow us to provide our clients the one stop shop legal services, embracing M&A, corporate general advice, business setting up, shareholders and JV agreements, investments, succession planning, corporate governance and tax. Our clients are much diversified and involve large multinational corporations as well as local large and middle market companies and family owned companies.

This award is an honour, and an essential motivation for us. It encourages and challenges our professionals to keep the distinctive high standard services we do. It is also an important tool to make our expertise well-known in the market.

It makes us to feel very proud and confident of our professional capabilities. Such success is the result of our high quality services, expertise and a cohesive team of lawyers focused on assisting our clients on their most important legal matters, with a multidisciplinary view.

Apart from our legal expertise, which is in a constant state of improvement, we have also focused on value-adding advice and efficiency – crucial factors in a constantly competitive market. The challenge is to remain ahead despite the high level of competitiveness.

Our philosophy is “know your client and your client’s business” – have their focus and be creative. A lawyer’s role firstly involves truly hearing the clients’ needs and the details about any case,

and then giving them the advice that is indeed necessary; do not commoditize legal advice. It is vital to give a client tailor-made advice in a timely manner.

Fact File

The clients should look for a law firm that sees him as a unique client and not just as only another client. A law firm that takes the case and thinks over the case. As a dedicated law firm we devote professional care and time to our clients, in a very cost-effective manner.

We are a cohesive team of highly-qualified and experienced lawyers focused on our clients. We encourage loyalty and fair-play interaction amongst our professionals, which means that our success is built as a group and not as individuals. Our strategy is to have a group sharing the same professional values and diversified profiles and capabilities. This team-work culture is evident to our clients, who feel comfortable and confident in such a highly-ethical professional environment.

We are very honoured and happy with the award. Now we want to repeat this achievement in the coming years.

“This award is an honour, and an essential motivation for us. It encourages and challenges our professionals to keep the distinctive high standard services we do. It is also an important tool to make our expertise well-known in the market.”

Company: Ferraz de Camargo e Matsunaga Advogados Name: Rodrigo Camargo Email: rcamargo@fcam.adv.br

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 39

Insurance Premium Tax Solutions Specialists of the Year – UK

FiscalReps FiscalReps is a firm focussed on delivering indirect tax compliance solutions to international businesses. The firm’s main area of operation is in the insurance sector, delivering IPT and VAT services to a wide range of international insurance companies, captive insurance companies, policyholders and intermediaries.

FiscalReps is a niche firm working in an industry dominated by large multinational organisations, and so to be recognised ahead of some of our larger, more illustrious competitors is a great achievement for us. Our success is a combination of hard work and dedication but also the ability to deliver a uniquely challenging service to over 250 international clients in an effective manner.

For us internally, being named Insurance Premium Tax Solutions Specialists of the Year in the UK by Acquisition International is recognition of the hard work that the team consistently puts in. Whilst it is great to be acknowledged by the industry as a market leader, we use it as a focus to push on and strive to improve our business and how we service our clients.

The outsourcing service, where we take responsibility for submitting tax returns on behalf of clients, remains our primary service and where most growth has been in the past 12 months. However, many insurers appear to be focussing on improvements in their internal processing systems and consequently demand for our consulting and technology services, directed at the delivery of improvements in accuracy and processing of premium taxes has shown a marked increase.

Our overriding philosophy within FiscalReps is to “do the right thing”.

When managing clients this means a focus on full compliance and a deliberately non-aggressive stance when it comes to tax planning.

We have created a learning organisation where all individuals are encouraged to pursue greater knowledge of the taxes and industry in which we operate.

The continued focus on corporate compliance and the scrutiny of the tax affairs of multinational businesses has created an environment where full tax compliance is not an option – it is a necessity.

The challenge for FiscalReps is to deliver a fully compliant tax solution but in a transparent manner, giving clients reassurance that they are compliant together with the evidence to demonstrate full compliance.

Compared to other IPT compliance services, FiscalReps’ key differentiator is the ability to deliver high quality services globally but through a single point of contact. Clients are able to contact their account director who is then able to direct resources internally to deliver the solution to the client. The team within the UK office is made up of tax, finance, insurance and accounting specialists who can speak 12 languages. Everything is set up to support clients wherever their business needs take them.

Tax compliance is principally concerned with getting the right taxes paid to the right tax authorities at the right time. Whilst the knowledge needed to be able to deliver this solution is absolutely necessary, so is the infrastructure to ensure a consistent delivery over the long term.

FiscalReps has focussed on building a team of indirect tax specialists who can provide clients with expert professional advice, but also a robust compliance process which will get your taxes paid on time, every time.

Fact File

“For us internally, being named Insurance Premium Tax Solutions Specialists of the Year in the UK

by Acquisition International is recognition of the hard work that the team consistently puts in. Whilst it is great to be acknowledged by the industry as a market leader, we use it as a focus to push on and strive to improve our business and how we service our clients.”

Company: FiscalReps Name: Mike Stalley Email: mike.stalley@fiscalreps.com Web: www.fiscalreps.com Address: 10 Fenchurch Avenue London, EC3M 5BN Phone: +44 (0)20 7036 8070

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40 | 2014 M&A Awards

Probate Barrister of the Year - UK

Gareth Jones Gareth Jones is a specialist in wills and probate, especially contested wills, construction applications, pre death transactions (undue influence, donations mortis causae, trusts and estoppels) and contested trust applications. Called to the Bar in 1991, he has since 2008 been a member of Civitas chambers, based in Cardiff. More recently since 2013 he has combined this with a tenancy at Tanfield Chambers on of London’s leading sets and one which contains its own dedicated private client team.

In being named Probate Barrister of the Year I owe a debt of gratitude to a fantastically loyal client base, who are enormously supportive and flatteringly kind.

It is very nice to be noticed and recognised, and even better to be recommended. I am sure awards like this encourage people to try even harder and give even more of themselves for the sake of the client.

To get to where I am now I have had to build a specialist practice in a part of the world (Wales and the west of England) that is by no means friendly to the specialist practitioner. But expansion into London has really helped. Convincing other members of chambers that this is a good area to support and expand upon has also helped.

I aim to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It does not always come to that, thank goodness, but being available is the first step. I also spend a lot of time on keeping up to date and brushing up on legal knowledge. It is no good simply being reactive on that – you have to know it.

Probate is a distinct specialism with its own language, rules and laws. Clients need someone who focuses closely on the relevant areas of law and procedure.

Within Civitas Law and in Tanfield Chambers there is a positive and collaborative atmosphere. Probate attracts quality practitioners and that means you get to the real issues quickly. There is not much room for showboating or acting the fool; people like that get found out and do not last long.

Fact File

In addition to offering approachability and speed of response, I aim to offer a practical way forward to all clients, avoiding the need, where possible, for court proceedings.

Sadly, the recent trend towards formalism seen in the Mitchell line of cases is a real threat to justice. Can you imagine if the effect of Mitchell were to be to allow forged wills or wills made by people that obviously lack capacity to be admitted to probate? But that seems to be something that could happen, in the present climate.

Over the coming year there is no doubt that the growth in deputyship and the increasing role of the Court of Protection is something that will impact on wills more and more. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to further hone my skills at Tanfield, where the clerking and other back up are second to none

“It is very nice to be noticed and recognised, and even better to be recommended.

I am sure awards like this encourage people to try even harder and give even more of themselves for the sake of the client.”

Cardiff Bay, Wales

Name: Gareth Jones Email: gareth.jones@civitaslaw.com Web: www.civitaslaw.com Address: Global Reach, Celtic Gateway, Cardiff Bay, CF11 0SN Phone: 0845 0713 007 Fax: 0845 0713 008

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 41

Healthcare-Focused Private Investment Firm of the Year - UK

GI Partners Established in 2001, GI Partners is a leading middle market private equity firm managing over US$10bn in capital commitments through private equity and real estate separate account strategies for recognized institutional investors across the globe. In Europe, GI Partners focuses on thesis-based, control-oriented, platform build-ups in both healthcare and real estate. The team seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by targeting investments that GI believes provide significant downside protection, as well as the opportunity for significant value creation post- investment through strategic and operational improvement. Within its European private equity efforts, GI has invested US$1.4bn in 14 platforms across three private equity funds.

We are delighted to have won Healthcare-Focused Private Investment Firm of the Year – UK. Healthcare has been a core focus of GI Partners since inception. We believe our dedicated European Healthcare team of five investment professionals deploys a differentiated strategy in this sector and we appreciate the recognition.

We owe a large portion of our success to the management teams with whom we have worked in the past. We are fortunate to have worked with such dynamic and driven individuals who are willing to strategically collaborate with us.

Recognition of this kind is particularly significant for firms like ours, as well as the talented management teams of the companies we support, as it celebrates the hard work and dedication that goes into building sustainable, successful businesses.

For the past 10 years, GI has been actively focused on the Healthcare Services sector. 2014 has been a landmark year for our healthcare activities with the £530m IPO of Cambian Group plc, an entity formed via the merger of three of our portfolio companies: Cambian Healthcare, Care Aspirations and Advanced Childcare.

Organisational health is a top priority for GI Partners Europe. We invest a significant amount of time thinking about it and trying to improve it. We also believe our professionals must be aligned with

our core values. They must demonstrate intellectual rigour, they must actively care, and they must be level-headed. We seek these same core values in the management teams with whom we partner.

We believe GI Partners Europe is differentiated in its approach to investing in Healthcare in the following ways: a) Focus – We focus on one specific sector within Healthcare, namely Healthcare Services. b) Asset Heavy and/or Asset Light - We like both. We have deep experience investing in both the operations and real estate of our businesses. This is a real differentiator when the evolution of a service is dependent on the creation of a new physical environment. c) Scalable Platform Creation - We seek to augment and improve management teams to build scalable platforms that embed high quality. d) Quality not Quantity – We believe in focusing our efforts on fewer platforms and having a higher degree of involvement in their evolution.

We believe the overarching trend across Healthcare Services is the quest for measurable quality and measurable value. Growing demand for healthcare presents challenges to those who fund it and transparency in delivery and outcomes is key.

Fact File

“We are delighted to have won Healthcare-Focused Private Investment Firm of the Year – UK. Healthcare has been a core focus of GI Partners since inception. We believe our dedicated European Healthcare team deploys a differentiated strategy in this sector and we appreciate the recognition. We owe a large portion of our success to the management teams with whom we have worked in the past. We are fortunate to have worked with such dynamic and driven individuals who are willing to strategically collaborate with us.”

Company: GI Partners Email: info@gipartners.co.uk Web: www.gipartners.com Address: 35 Portman Square, 5th Floor, London, W1H 6LR Tel: 020.7034.1120 Fax: 020.7034.1156

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42 | 2014 M&A Awards

Rising Stars in Business Law - Singapore

Gloria James-Civetta & Co Gloria James-Civetta & Co (GJC Law) is an established Singapore law firm. Managed by Gloria James and Gustavo Civetta, GJC Law has affiliate offices in London, Malaga, Madrid and Rotterdam. Over the past 12 months the firm has expanded from a sole-practitioner law firm to an office of six lawyers, dealing with areas of law covering both local and foreign cross-border matters.

The firm’s lawyers have legal expertise in the Asia Pacific, UK and European markets, including local and expat cross-border divorces, family law matters, estate law, corporate law, employment law, civil and commercial law, criminal law (white and blue collar crimes) and other litigation and solicitor’s work matters.

GJC Law is your lawyer, mediator, trusted advisor and caring professional for all your legal needs. While the law may seem complex to you, GJC’s philosophy is simple: to provide a personal legal service and peace of mind for you.

When you engage GJC Law, you can count on extensive face-to-face contact with lawyers who will listen, offer guidance and be consistently prepared to take decisive action aligned with your goals. Costing, of course, is always taken into consideration.

We are honoured to have been named Rising Stars in Business Law by Acquisition International. We owe this success to our many satisfied clients.

Awards like this provide recognition and satisfaction that clients like to use our law firm services. To win, we have focused on ensuring that our clients’ satisfaction is consistently met, delivering sound advice and practical solutions. First and foremost, we aim to provide the very highest quality of service.

GJC Law is a firm where experience and results matter. Our experience provides the results that our clients expect.

At GJC Law we ensure client care and sound advice, providing ample information to clients and including them in every stage of

the legal process. As skilled mediators we consistently carry out successful negotiations on behalf of our clients.

Fact File

Our international connections and strong interpersonal approach provides client with the confidence and assurance they need that their case is in safe hands.

We are a growing firm and our reputation far and wide speaks for itself. Clients of all backgrounds know their needs are taken care of – they can trust in our experience.

Over the coming year we feel we will see a definite change in attitude within our profession: a conscious choice to mediate, and not litigate. Thus we have also set up another company dealing with mediation and providing mediation services to clients.

“We are honoured to have been named Rising Stars in Business Law by Acquisition International.

We owe this success to our many satisfied clients.”

Company: Gloria James-Civetta & Co Name: Gloria James-Civetta E-mail: gloria@gjclaw.com.sg Web: www.gjclaw.com.sg Address: 5 Coleman St. #03-06 Excelsior Hotel Shopping Centre Singapore 179805 Tel: +65 6337 0469 Fax: +65 6337 0463

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2014 M&A Awards | 43

Asset Appraisal Firm of the Year - UK

GoIndustry DoveBid GoIndustry DoveBid (Go-Dove.com) has a long history dating back to 1877 as a leading marketplace for surplus commercial assets. The company was acquired by Liquidity Services Inc. in 2012. As the market leader, our unique approach to providing smart solutions for surplus assets –including comprehensive investment recovery services, industry leading online marketplaces, global market data, and strategic asset management and valuation solutions – provides business and government clients with an unparalleled competitive advantage.

It is an honour to have been named Asset Appraisal Firm of the Year and be included as one of the top names in the business. We are thrilled to be acknowledged. Our team is focused on providing value to clients, and we believe that by acting in the best interests of our clients to help them to accomplish their strategic goals, we are providing best-in-class service.

Credibility makes all the difference in the valuation industry, and we maintain a high level of transparency with our clients through mechanisms such as regular reporting. It’s important to set the standards for the industry and provide organizations with an understanding of the level of service and benchmarks that set the industry leaders apart. Awards like this do just that.

Our focus has always been, and continues to be, on providing client satisfaction – both in providing a comprehensive and scalable service offering and going above and beyond in its implementation. Each project has its own nuances and challenges and we continue to draw on our past experiences and deep sector experience to apply the right approach to each plan.

We believe in applying the right solution to the right scenario at the right time. For clients, this means listening to their needs and

understanding the challenges they are facing around a particular project or situation and ensuring that the solution provides a clear path to achieve the intended goals.

It’s important that valuers adhere to professional standards with affiliations to organisations such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) and the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).

We maintain these memberships, as well as ensuring we provide accurate and timely data which strengthens any course of action while meeting relevant legal requirements.

Our business culture is based on trust, accountability and shared success. It’s critical to maintain a high level of integrity both in the way business is conducted and in our daily interactions with customers and business partners, focusing on solutions that will benefit clients while adhering to appropriate industry standards.

As part of Liquidity Services, we have unparalleled scale across more industries than any other company in the industry. Additionally, our buyer base of 2.5 million people across more than 200 countries and territories is an incredible strength that represents a deep level of trust and established industry experience.

Fact File

“It is an honour to have been named Asset Appraisal Firm of the Year and be included as one of the top names in the business. We are thrilled to be acknowledged.

Our team is focused on providing value to clients, and we believe that by acting in the best interests of our clients to help them to accomplish their strategic goals, we are providing best-in-class service.”

Company: GoIndustry DoveBid Name: Email: Web: www.go-dove.com Address: Suite 107, First Floor 1 Alie Street, London, E1 8DE Telephone: +44 20 7098 3700 Fax: +44 20 7098 3795

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44 | 2014 M&A Awards

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Turkey

Göksu Safi Işık Attorney Partnership Göksu Safi Işık Attorney Partnership (GSI) provides legal services in a wide range of areas to both national and international companies doing business in Turkey and the wider region. GSI renders services in the following areas and sectors: Projects/project finance, corporate and M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, privatization, energy, media, litigation and dispute resolution, penal litigation, arbitration, intellectual property, real estate, labour and employment, immigration, competition.

GSI has a team which consists of around 80 employees. We work only with the most skilled lawyers with a wide range of specialties, all of whom hold degrees from reputable universities in Turkey and abroad, including MSc, LLM, PhD and JD. GSI also works, on a full-time or part-time basis, with leading legal scholars who are university professors.

As for our clients, we provide services to both national and international leading firms operating in Turkey in a wide range of industries, but our clients have a particular interest in the energy, telecommunications, media, banking, construction and aviation sectors.

We are very proud to be named Turkey’s Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year by Acquisition International. We believe that our success comes from working diligently and devotedly. We see our clients’ professional problems and issues as our own, and pay utmost attention to details. More importantly, we have an accountable system of service provision that enables the client to foresee the options and possibilities that they may face both in terms of legal service and their relation with us.

We think awards like this are useful in two senses: one is that it is helpful for newcomers. Foreign clients entering the Turkish market for the first time certainly takes into account these kinds of awards when evaluating their options. Secondly, it’s a great motivation for our lawyers, especially the younger ones who like good performance to be appreciated and recognized.

We are dedicated to providing a very high quality, time-efficient and cost-effective service. Our firm is propelled by the partners’ shared vision of progress. In order to preserve our expected standards and instil a shared firm culture based on cooperation, teamwork and innovative practice, we have embarked on continuous training programs and invested in the most advanced technological internal infrastructure for the firm’s members and clients.

Based on our experience of dealing with many foreign clients over the years, we believe that clients generally wish to receive correct and satisfying answers to their queries, and they also expect to receive service in a high-quality approved format. That means, for example, they should always be able to easily follow documents and correspondence. The client would of course expect to be responded to on a timely fashion, so that they have an idea about what they can expect in terms of service. And, naturally, the client expects to receive this quality service at a reasonable, and ideally low, cost.

GSI is very much aware that knowledge is the most valued commodity, and, as mentioned before, we run regular in-house training programs for our lawyers by leading experts or academics.

We have a very strong conventional and digital library, to which all members of the firm have access, as well as a pool legal database through which our members can share their experiences with each other. Most importantly, we have a periodical, titled GSI

www.acquisition-intl.com

Articletter, covering various hot and controversial legal matters in every issue. This is produced solely by our own lawyers.

We have a Quality Assurance Department which scrutinizes every document prepared by GSI. Additionally, we have a customized automation system as well as a document management system.

Our Quality Assurance Department does not only deal with the format but also keeps an eye on deadlines and makes sure that all correspondence, as well as queries, are dealt with on time. Our fee policy is also very reasonable and competitive compared to other firms of a similar size.

We try to maintain a culture of self-motivation and self-development within the firm, based on our core values: professionalism, integrity, reliability, confidentiality, diversity, respect, expertise and loyalty.

We instil in our members the idea that the more effort they give and the more they develop their skills, the more they will get back in terms of their career and professional benefits. We use a kind of promotion system that distinguishes extra efforts and self-advancement and we also support our members in any way possible when they invest in their work and professional training.

Additionally, we consider diversity of background, compatibility with teamwork and innovative practices to be very important. Innovative practice is particularly important, because we claim that we are dedicated to provide tailored solutions to individual matters by combining breadth of knowledge about global business operations with local customary practices and sector-specific expertise, in order to address our clients’ needs with the most responsive approach and best solutions available.

That culture brings a very positive dynamism to our interactions with our clients, because they feel that their matters are paid unique attention – not just looked at through the lenses of templates. Also, our lawyers see them as their own clients, rather than as the client of the firm. This comes as a result of our self-motivation culture, and the willingness of our lawyers to take one extra step when needed – and that brings success.

Fact File

“We are very proud to be named Turkey’s Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year by Acquisition International. We believe that our success comes from working diligently and devotedly.

We see our clients’ professional problems and issues as our own, and pay utmost attention to details. More importantly, we have an accountable system of service provision that enables the client to foresee the options and possibilities that they may face both in terms of legal service and their relation with us.”

Company: GSI Meridian Name: Mahmut Erbay E-mail: merbay@gsimeridian.com Web: www.gsimeridian.com Address: iTower Bomonti Merkez Mah. Akar Cad. No:3 Kat: 21, 34381 Şişli / İSTANBUL Tel : +90 212 777 89 00 Fax : +90 212 777 88 99

2014 M&A Awards | 45

Overall Private Equity Firm of the Year - USA

High Road Capital Partners High Road Capital Partners (www.highroadcap.com) is a smaller middle market US private equity firm headquartered in New York. High Road is currently investing from its second fund and has $470 million of capital under management.

High Road’s focus is on buying smaller sized companies, with EBITDA of $2 million to $10 million, and building them through a combination of organic growth initiatives and add-on acquisitions to take them to the next level. We believe that companies in this size range are abundant and present the best opportunity for capital appreciation through proactive value creation. The core of our philosophy is to work hard to add value while taking the high road in everything that we do.

High Road is extremely proud to have been named Overall Private Equity Firm of the Year. Since its founding in 2007, High Road’s team of highly experienced investment professionals has completed 31 transactions. Through a combination of disciplined investing and the diligent execution of growth initiatives, High Road has been recognized as a top performing smaller middle market fund.

High Road has dedicated operating partners who work hand in hand with the management teams at its portfolio companies to improve operations and infrastructure. High Road is a generalist firm, investing across industries including manufacturing, services, value added distribution, healthcare and media.

Investing in private equity at the smaller end of the middle market is not glamorous. Companies in this size range often have rudi-

mentary control systems and lack both the capital and expertise needed to complete add-on acquisitions. Yet that is where the opportunity to create value arises, and these are the opportunities we seek. High Road acquires well performing companies that are leaders in some niche in the marketplace. We look to build on that leadership as we grow the companies through product line extensions, geographic expansion, capacity additions, enhanced sales and marketing efforts, and add-on acquisitions. The add-ons that are completed typically offer cross-selling synergies and improve the strategic positioning of the company. Our goal is not simply to make the companies bigger, but to make them qualitatively better and growing more quickly than when they were acquired. We expect to double or triple the size of the companies during the course of our ownership.

The markets always present challenges. Sometimes the economy is soft and business performance declines. Sometimes the economy is robust and it is difficult to acquire companies at reasonable valuations. It takes the steady hand of experienced professionals to navigate waters that always seem choppy in some way. Our belief is that if we work hard and do the right thing, we will ultimately succeed, and we are grateful to have been recognized as Overall Private Equity Firm of the Year.

Fact File

“High Road is extremely proud to have been named Overall Private Equity Firm of the Year.”

Company: High Road Capital Partners Name: Robert J Fitzsimmons Email: rfitzsimmons@highroadcap.com Web: www.highroadcap.com Address: 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 825, New York, NY 10020 Phone: (212) 554-3265 Fax: (212) 554-3284

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46 | 2014 M&A Awards

Most Trusted Asset Manager of the Year

Hug Invest AG Hug Invest AG is an independent asset manager based in Zollikon, Switzerland. Our client base includes entrepreneur families, wealthy families and selected institutional investors. We offer investment management and advisory mandates as well as family office services.

The award of the Most Trusted Asset Manager of the Year is a great honour for us; in particular because our clients’ trust is one of our most important assets. We believe that we owe this success primarily to our client focus and investment discipline.

We strive to meet or exceed our clients’ expectations: We take the time to listen to our clients, align client portfolios with investment objectives and preferences and strive to deliver what we have promised.

Awards are an important recognition for delivered work. We are very proud that we have won a number of awards over the last years.

The overriding principle in our client work is full and unconditional alignment of interests with our clients. We achieve this as follows: Firstly, we do not accept retrocessions for transactions or products: We never transact unless a transaction creates value for our client; and we always use the investment instrument that is best for our investors.

Secondly, we do not work with companies that we invest in. Avoiding these conflicts of interest is key for any investor, as these conflicts almost always result in a lower performance.

Client focus and performance discipline are the result of many small steps: we strive to deliver them every single day. If we succeed, the result is a satisfied client.

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What sets Hug Invest AG apart from your competitors and peers and how do you use this differentiation to your advantage?

We differentiate ourselves through the mentioned alignment of interest and through a careful approach to investment risk and investment cost. We take only those risks that are likely to deliver an appropriate performance contribution; all other risks (for example foreign exchange) we hedge.

We also manage investment cost very carefully, for example through the use of institutional investment products for all our clients. Both, risk and cost, are key drivers of strong long-term performance.

A smart investor will be looking for an asset manager that delivers on promised results, with fully-aligned interests. We avoid any conflict of interest through proper incentives and we try to under-promise and over-deliver.

In so far as the most prevalent trends in our industry over the past 12 months, our industry needs to cope with an increasing number of regulatory requirements; this comes often with higher cost and the need for more focus.

The current investment environment is challenging. Low interest rates, lower economic growth and elevated equity valuations make it harder to achieve performance than two decades ago. This is a challenge as well as an opportunity: only the best asset managers will be able to achieve their clients’ objectives. We work hard to be among those asset managers.

Fact File

“The award of the Most Trusted Asset Manager of the Year is a great honour for us; in particular because our clients’ trust is one of our most important assets. We believe that we owe this success primarily to our client focus and investment discipline.”

Company: Hug Invest Name: Matthias Hug Email: matthias.hug@huginvest.com Web: www.huginvest.com Address: Höhestrasse 67, 8702 Zollikon, Switzerland Phone +41 (0)44 390 32 00 Fax +41 (0)44 390 32 07

2014 M&A Awards | 47

Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Europe and USA

Intralinks Intralinks pioneered the world’s first virtual data room (VDR) – a technology that paved a path for enterprise collaboration unlike any before it.

Today, Intralinks’ VDR technology has expanded across a wide breadth of industries, from strategic transactions, to life sciences, to alternative investments and more – all with a mission to keep your sensitive information as secure as possible.

Intralinks is honoured to once again be named Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year, as the recognition further reinforces our commitment to providing the best-possible solutions and services for enterprise needs.

The success we’ve had this year can be directly attributed to the dedicated efforts of each and every one of our employees. More than 2.7 million professionals at 99% of the Fortune 1000 companies depend on Intralinks’ experience. With a track record of enabling high-stakes transactions and business collaborations valued at more than US$23.5 trillion, professionals at the 50 largest global banks and 25 largest law firms use Intralinks.

Awards like this serve to build the ethos of an organisation in an increasingly over-saturated market. Although Intralinks pioneered the Virtual Data Room (VDR), its ease and success in the market has encouraged others to create their own versions. With recognition as the Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year, current and prospective clients are assured of the credibility and quality of our products.

One of the areas we’ve focused predominately on over the past year is to ensure absolute document security. We want our customers to have complete peace of mind when collaborating across firewalls and working with sensitive or confidential documents.

Since the 2008 financial crisis, dealmakers have changed the way they evaluate M&A transactions, and Intralinks Dealspace™ enables them to take control of the deal making process, from deal preparation to due diligence through to negotiation and deal closing – all while maintaining the security they need.

Intralinks clients come first. We provide the best-possible solutions and services and proudly support a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year live customer service hotline to serve our clients’ needs. Best-in-class service means no downtime, and providing the answers to questions any time, day or night. We strive to provide these to our customers all over the globe.

our effort to build and maintain the Intralinks community. Through offsite events, employee training sessions and community events we strive to create an inclusive atmosphere for our employees.

Transparency and collaboration are some of our most widely-held values, and we’ve been sure to extend those values to our clients in addressing their needs.

The standout feature of Intralinks products would be our information security measures. With newly acquired documents rights management capabilities, and the development of customer-managed encryption keys, we ensure absolute security for all of your sensitive information. We also offer document control through the entire lifecycle of the deal making process, especially with regards to due diligence.

Aside from technical capabilities, Intralinks boasts both a social deal sourcing platform, Intralinks DealNexus™, as well as a global M&A landscape tracker that measures early-stage M&A activity in order to project the strength of global M&A. These all combine to create Intralinks’ unique offering – a comprehensive toolkit for deal makers and M&A professionals.

Over the last 12 months, there has been a concentrated effort to go global in the VDR market. With M&A activity picking up around the world, especially so in EMEA and Asia Pacific, VDR providers are seeking to expand their global footprint in order to capture some of that business.

We’re beginning to see a transitional shift in the collaborative landscape – more and more businesses are turning to digital means of collaboration instead of the traditional brick-and-mortar route. In turn, the value of VDRs is steadily rising. However, when it comes to information security regulations and laws, we’re in a very nebulous place. As information security regulations become stricter and more organizations adopt electronic means of sharing information, VDRs will need to build their entire foundation on security measures – an opportunity for Intralinks, already ahead of the game.

Fact File

“Intralinks is honoured to once again be named Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year, as the recognition further reinforces our commitment to providing the best-possible solutions and services for enterprise needs.”

Company: Intralinks Name: Florence Viret E-mail: fviret@intralinks.com Web: www.intralinks.com Address: 150 East 42nd Street 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017 Tel: 212 543 7700 Fax: 212 543 7978

When seeking a data room provider, document security is the most paramount feature clients should be looking for. We’ve entered an age of digital collaboration and with that level of sharing comes an even greater level of vulnerability. Hackers, individual or otherwise, stand to make huge gains from accessing confidential business information, while organizations face both regulatory compliance laws and the potential loss of brand equity if their information gets out. Guaranteeing the sanctity and security of information should be of the utmost importance to data room providers.

Intralinks maintains a culture of inclusivity. Over the past year we’ve increased our ranks, while simultaneously acquiring document rights management provider docTrackr, and have doubled-down www.acquisition-intl.com

48 | 2014 M&A Awards

Corporate Investigation Specialists of the Year – USA

Kessler International Kessler International is a global corporate investigation firm established in 1988. The Firm was founded by President Michael G. Kessler, and over the past twenty six years has grown to become a multidisciplinary services firm which retains top professionals and provides innovative services of the highest possible calibre. Our firm specializes in corporate investigations worldwide, with specialized divisions for forensic accounting, computer forensics, brand protection and investigations.

Kessler International is thrilled and humbled to receive this honour. It is a testament to our years of service and diligence for our worldwide client base of Fortune 500 companies, prestigious law firms, businesses and prominent individuals.

We firmly believe that the vetting and voting processes are crucial to upholding the standards in the corporate investigative industry.

Without customer loyalty and referrals, we would not be where we are today, and there is no better way to relay the quality of our service to potential customers than for them to realize that we are at the pinnacle of the field in winning this award.

Kessler International has thrived in the investigative field for over 25 years due to a steadfast commitment to a high ethical standard of quality, work product and exceptional customer service. Kessler focuses on people and technology, hiring top industry experts in all disciplines and ensuring that they have access to cutting edge software, tools and technology.

Honesty, integrity, responsibility and trust: these are the pillars of Kessler International’s corporate ethics policy.

Kessler International acquires the types of investments required to address both the audit and investigative challenges of today and those of tomorrow – investments in methodology, technology, knowledge, learning systems and people.

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When choosing a corporate investigative specialist, we advise clients to look for capability, experience, diligence and ethical behaviour before all else.

At Kessler International, we take pride in our impressive track record of successful investigations. Our success is the direct result of our unique combination investigative abilities, our supremely qualified personnel, technical resources and the highly effective team approach to each case.

Our people are our most important resource. Our professionals come from top positions in government and private corporations across major industry groups. When they join Kessler International, they gain access to revolutionary methodologies, cutting edge technologies, knowledge sharing, and learning so they can attain their individual best.

Many challenges lie in certification and licensing, and with our staff on the board of many certifying bodies and as involved members in licensing authorities, Kessler is working to protect the public from the unscrupulous activities of unlicensed entities. This happens with strict enforcement, reporting and accountability from everyone in the industry.

Fact File

“Kessler International is thrilled and humbled to receive this honour. It is a testament to our years of service and diligence for our worldwide client base of Fortune 500 companies, prestigious law firms, businesses and prominent individuals.”

Company: Kessler International Name: Michael G. Kessler Email: mkessler@investigation.com Web: www.investigation.com Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza - 20th Floor, New York, NY 10111-2099 Telephone: (212) 286-9100 Fax: (212) 730-2433

2014 M&A Awards | 49

Most Trusted M&A Specialists of the Year - Sweden

KPMG Sweden In addition to being an integral part of KPMG as a Big Four firm, our Corporate Finance and M&A Advisory practice is a global leader in its own right as the leading adviser by number of deals over the past decade or so.

We provide a comprehensive set of services in M&A to privately owned companies, governments and financial sponsors. We typically advise on mid-market deals with cross-border elements. We also work extensively on acquisitions and in securing financing for clients through our Debt Advisory team.

We are obviously delighted to have been named Most Trusted M&A Specialists of the Year. For our Swedish M&A team in particular, the award is a confirmation of our stability in terms of a team that has worked together over a number of years. We also have the integrity to tell clients to back away from a deal: most of our team members have a long track record as deal makers, and we are in it for the long run. We can’t afford to give short-sighted advice or to give clients unrealistic views.

Over the years, the M&A and transaction processes have become well known, to the point where some clients and intermediaries have perhaps underestimated the level of commitment and experience required to be able to close a deal in a turbulent market.

Awards and recognitions are one way we can stand out from the competition and a way for clients to identify leadership.

There have been challenges. In some sense, the lower volumes, over the past few years, in “plain vanilla” mandates have been challenging. Competition can be quite intense for certain projects, but our wide service offering and the access we offer to a global deal flow tend to work in our favour. By choice and experience we

excel in some sectors also locally in Sweden, including some sectors and deal sizes where others may find it challenging to make a good living.

First and last, we are absolutely passionate about our clients. If you want to work here, that is non-negotiable. You need to remember that our clients trust us in situations that are critical to their own success. This of course means that we have to respond and rise to the occasion, but also that we have no trouble in finding motivation or going the extra mile.

A clear opportunity over the coming year is that the IPO exit window seems to be opening up even more in the Nordics. As a firm, we obviously provide services around that type of exit as well, but we think it will mean good things also for private M&A sellers going forward. The IPO as a competing alternative to the private auction process tends to have a positive impact on price, but it also means that the target companies need to be prepared for sale to a much greater extent.

The key concerns for buyers and sellers of companies are around financial recovery in Europe as well as any further effects from the situation in the Ukraine.

We tend to find that a very negative or a very positive market situation brings a lot of business for us as a firm, whereas a steady “wait and see” market is much more challenging for us.

Fact File

“We are obviously delighted to have been named Most Trusted M&A Specialists of the Year. For our Swedish M&A team in particular, the award is a confirmation of our stability in terms of a team that has worked together over a number of years.

We also have the integrity to tell clients to back away from a deal: most of our team members have a long track record as deal makers, and we are in it for the long run.

We can’t afford to give short-sighted advice or to give clients unrealistic views.”

Company: KPMG Name: Bjorn Hallin Email: bjorn.hallin@kpmg.se Web: www.kpmg.com/se Address: Tegelbacken 4A, Box 16106, 103 23 Stockholm Phone: +46 (0) 8-723 91 00 Fax +46 (0) 8-10 52 58

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50 | 2014 M&A Awards

Auditors of the Year – Zambia

KPMG Zambia KPMG Zambia is a member of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International. With 60 years’ experience of operating in Zambia, we are in the business of providing excellent audit, tax and advisory services.

Our industry specialisation helps KPMG people to develop a rich understanding of clients’ businesses, acquire insight, skills and resources required to address industry-specific issues and opportunities.

Being named Auditors of the Year – Zambia is a great compliment and achievement for us as a firm, especially as we are aware that our competitors are also upping their game. This serves as a reward for the hard work invested and encourages us to provide excellent service. It is also an affirmation that we are on the right track and will continue to improve and strive for excellence.

This achievement would not have been possible without our people as well as our clients. Our people have continued to provide deep specialist skills to our clients. Quality is one of our strategic imperatives and we have invested heavily in training, covering both the KPMG methodology, which is based upon International Standards on Auditing, and International Financial Reporting Standards. We follow the standards to the letter.

Our clients have allowed us to build meaningful relationships with them and have seen us as their trusted advisor. Our clients enable us to win in a changing world by cutting through complexity, allowing us to provide simple, practical answers to their challenges.

These awards are important to us and the wider industry as they promote a culture of continuous improvement and focussing on innovation if we are to remain relevant in today’s fast changing world.

KPMG Zambia recently rebranded. We have focussed on enhancing our staff recruitment policies as well as quality control procedures to ensure zero tolerance to less-than-excellent service. Our new structure allows us to bring to our clients a wide range of professional services in the most efficient and effective manner.

We are facing challenges on all fronts, including increased competition, ongoing regulatory developments, managing the expectation gap as well as professional pressures due to increased scrutiny and accountability that the public expects from us.

These developments mean that our stakeholders are equally facing challenging times and they expect more from us.

We put our clients - for audit, tax and advisory - at the heart of everything we do. We always aspire to build “trusted advisor” relationships with them.

We believe that when it comes to providing the best possible service you have to listen to the clients’ needs, understand what they want from you and help facilitate their decision making by adding value and having an impact. www.acquisition-intl.com

We would advise the client to look for: • A firm that will help them grow their business by bringing solutions that are innovative or tried and tested.

• A firm that is willing to have a long term relationship.

• A firm that brings its best people at all times and invests heavily in training and audit quality control procedures.

• A firm that acts with integrity and is ready to have tough conversations with its clients.

Our clients have direct access to outstanding professionals who pride themselves on high standards of work and personal value.

We have a high performance culture. Our vision is to be the most preferred firm to work with, for our people, our clients and communities. In order to achieve our vision, we have our values to define what we stand for and how we do things, our attributes to describe the very qualities that clients most value and our global behaviours to make it clear exactly what each of us need to do for KPMG to be known by our client for being globally-minded, forward-thinking, value adding passionate experts.

Our values are: • We lead by example • We work together • We respect the individual • We seek facts and provide insight • We are open and honest in our communication • We are committed to our communities • Above all, we act with integrity At KPMG, the client is king. We are therefore strong on values and emphasise that to our staff. Our aim is to incorporate client service best practice tools and techniques into our daily working lives.

KPMG has never been static: we are continuously evolving to meet the demands of a fast-moving world and changing client needs.

When you make a list of the various global trends and developments that affect our business, you start to understand how complex the landscape has become. On the other hand, this spells opportunity for KPMG because we have the strength to thrive in this environment. We have professional that can help our clients through these challenging times.

What are the implications of these changes? For one thing our clients are demanding more, better, faster, without necessarily paying more. The competitive landscape is becoming more intense. Our communities and stakeholders are questioning the role that we play. And, importantly, we need to invest in professional development to ensure that our skills and expertise stay ahead of the market. But again, this all means more opportunities for us to do more of what we’re superb at – and more of what we enjoy.

Fact File

“Being named Auditors of the Year – Zambia is a great compliment and achievement for us as a firm, especially as we are aware that our competitors are also upping their game. This serves as a reward for the hard work invested and encourages us to provide excellent service. It is also an affirmation that we are on the right track and will continue to improve and strive for excellence.”

Company: KPMG Name: Jason Kazilimani Email: jkazilimani@kpmg.com Web: www.kpmg.com/zm Address: First floor, Elunda 2, Addis Ababa Roundabout, Rhodes Park, Lusaka, Zambia Telephone: +260 211 372900

2014 M&A Awards | 51

Business Focused M&A Legal Practice of the Year - Brazil

Loeser e Portela Advogados Loeser e Portela Advogados was founded in 1989 with a natural vocation in Business Law, due to the solid experience of its founding partners in the practice of tax law. Currently, our law firm is focused on both the litigation and transactional practice in fields such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Tax, Corporate, Foreign Investments, Infrastructure, Project Finance, Public Law, Real Estate, Contracts, Immigration, Civil Law, Intellectual Property, Anti-corruption, Labor and Social Security.

The firm’s clients portfolio includes several local and international clients, which represent a wide range of business sectors, such as financial institutions, manufacturers, retail companies, services in general, public utilities, mining, automobile, food, entertainment, information technology and telecommunication, among others, served by professionals specialized in various fields of practice.

Our team is really honoured to be granted this award, particularly as it implies a recognition of our consistent hard work and team effort to provide tailor-made legal services and solutions to our clients. We see this award as a motivation to continue providing our legal services with the excellence required.

M&A is clearly one of the main fields of practice of the law firm.

The law firm has participated in many important M&A transactions in Brazil and abroad in a wide range of sectors and industries, and has gained significant expertise in this field of practice throughout the years. Helping our clients to get over the legal obstacles existent in a somehow complex legal environment such as the Brazilian´s, no matter what their segment is, has been a constant challenge we have overcome to make it possible for our clients to pursue their goals and implement their deals Our primary objective and overriding philosophy towards our clients consist of providing high-quality tailor-made services that cope with their specific business needs. Quick reaction, a business and legal comprehensive approach and face-to-face person-

al and close interaction with clients are some of the ingredients we have found to be vital in a client-counselor relationship, and are essential elements in an M&A focused legal team.

We believe that a successful team is one that works together notwithstanding the different fields of expertise. We put great emphasis on the wellbeing of the team and attempt to ensure that everyone feels a valued part of the work group. Also and more importantly, we put ourselves in the place of our clients in order to fully comprehend what is that they expect from us and from the transaction, to support our course of action. Consequently, we treat each transaction as unique, which requires special attention like any other, no matter what is the amount involved in the deal.

To outstand in an increasingly competitive market, we count on a very skilled and business-oriented team of M&A professionals.

In the last 12 months there has been a significant growth in M&A activities. Sectors such as the chemical / petrochemical (mainly due to the potential of pre salt activities), services, retail and IT were in the spotlight.

The M&A market is expected to continue growing in segments such as the chemical / petrochemical, IT, energy, telecomm and services, and specially in segments focused on infrastructure projects following the increasing demands and investments required (and expected) in these fields. That is where a substantial part of opportunities for the M&A legal practice is also expected to lie.

Fact File

“Our team is really honoured to be granted this award, particularly as it implies a recognition of our consistent hard work and team effort to provide tailor-made legal services and solutions to our clients.

We see this award as a motivation to continue providing our legal services with the excellence required.”

Company: Loeser e Portela Advogados Name: Enrique Tello Hadad Email: enrique.hadad@lpadv.com.br Web: www.loeserportela.com.br Address: Av. Francisco Matarazzo, 1400 - 16º andar - Torre Milano 05001-903 - São Paulo SP - Brasil Phone: (11) 3879 2800 Fax: (11) 3879 2801

Dois Candangos Monument ,Brasilia

gary yim / Shutterstock.com

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52 | 2014 M&A Awards

Oil & Gas Sector Focused Legal Team of the Year – UK

LXL LLP LXL LLP is a boutique international energy law firm based in London. Founded in 2003, we are fortunate to represent some of the largest oil and gas companies in the world, acting for state-owned companies and commercial enterprises on their most interesting and significant energy projects and all types of commercial transactions in the oil and gas chain, as well as representing them in high-value disputes.

We are absolutely delighted to be named Oil & Gas Sector Focused Legal Team of the Year in recognition of the work we have been doing in the last 12 months. We are particularly grateful to all our clients, old and new, and to SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad for having instructed us on its first ever upstream acquisition.

LXL’s ethos is to provide our clients with specialist legal advice, in a manner which is discreet and personable. We are able to offer our clients a competitive and flexible approach to price, based on certainty and transparency. Due to the size of the firm, transparency is easily fostered as the clients deal with all of the firm’s members in an environment which is focused on understanding and getting to know our clients as individuals as well as understanding their respective organisations’ corporate goals.

Our objective over the years has been to deliver partner-led specialist advice working alongside our clients’ legal teams. As lawyers we believe that we have to be acutely aware that clients expect much more than just good legal advice – our aim is to understand their business and to ensure we build strong long-lasting relationships, providing support in a way which adds real value without being too over-bearing.

We believe that when choosing a legal team clients look for good

quality legal advice within their specialised industry, but such advice has to be responsive to their needs. The size of the firm is not necessarily a determining factor, but a smaller industry-focused firm naturally fits better specialised sectors such as energy and clients are increasingly aware of this. They also realise that boutique firms can provide the advice they need without having to pay for the high overheads which may burden larger law firms. We think this trend is only going to increase in the next few years.

LXL operates in an essentially non-hierarchical environment which is not driven by hitting billing targets. This in turn promotes client confidence, whilst encouraging a culture for our lawyers internally which is based on the sharing of knowledge and “speaking up” regardless of position or seniority.

All our lawyers specialise in energy and in all aspects of the energy chain. We truly do believe that “small is beautiful” and our clients’ feedback over the years has been very supportive of the model we have been developing. At every stage they are always aware of who is dealing with a certain matter - or a particular aspect of it – and they know the importance to us of gaining their confidence and building strong relationships over time. Gaining that trust and forming those relationships are at the heart of how we operate as a firm.

Fact File

“We are absolutely delighted to be named Oil & Gas Sector Focused Legal Team of the Year in recognition of the work we have been doing in the last 12 months. We are particularly grateful to all our clients, old and new, and to SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad for having instructed us on its first ever upstream acquisition.”

Company: LXL LLP Contacts: Guilia Carloni Email: gc@lawxl.com Alan Jones Email: amj@lawxl.com Web: www.lawxl.com Address: 1 Blake Mews, Kew Gardens, Richmond Surrey, TW9 3GA Phone: + 44 20 8439 8810 Fax: + 44 20 8439 9868

Bench under the tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens in London

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2014 M&A Awards | 53

Mid-Market Equity Deal Adviser of the Year - Malaysia

Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh Since its founding in 1975, Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh (MKP) has provided legal representation and services to a wide range of corporate and individual clientele. With a team currently consisting of 25 lawyers, MKP provides a full range of corporate and commercial and property and banking legal advisory services, as well as litigation and dispute resolution legal services to a wide cross-section of corporate and individual clientele ranging from local entrepreneurs and emerging businesses to multi-national conglomerates.

We are honoured to be named as Mid-Market Equity Deal Adviser of the Year by Acquisition International. The award is a good recognition of our strong presence in the Malaysian legal market, particularly in mergers & acquisitions and capital markets work – for which MKP has been recognised as by several leading international legal publications such as Legal500, Chambers Asia, IFLR1000 and Asialaw Profiles as a leading/recommended firm – as well as serving as welcome encouragement to all of us at MKP to continue to provide legal services of the highest quality.

The award from Acquisition International represents further recognition of our strong involvement in the Malaysian corporate and commercial legal services sector, with MKP having earlier been named by Mergermarket (an international transaction league table publication) as the leading Malaysian mergers and acquisitions firm by number of deals for South East Asia in 2013.

No transaction can be completed alone by any single person, and we strongly believe that this recognition is a result of a collective team effort displayed and practiced by each member of MKP. This award affirms and recognises our legal expertise firstly in respect of our existing transactions and clients, and on a wider scale, serves as recognition of our contribution to the corporate and commercial legal services market in Malaysia and our leading role as an equity market legal adviser of choice. With the recogni-

tion offered by an award such as this coupled with our strong local and regional linkages, we are confident that we are well placed to continue to improve our service offerings further so as to advance our clients’ interests throughout Malaysia and the rest of South East Asia.

At MKP we are focused on providing quality corporate and commercial and civil litigation and dispute resolution legal services and believe that we are among the industry leaders in Malaysia in providing legal advice in our core practice areas of corporate and M&A, capital markets, property & banking and litigation & dispute resolution.

Staying true to our belief and firm motto that “we help you put the right pieces in place,” we believe that we, as a firm of trusted legal advisers, collectively demonstrate a broad cross section of abilities and backgrounds and our collective varied experience in advising on corporate and commercial law matters allows us to advise our clients with a wider perspective, offering solutions that are both legally sound and commercially viable.

MKP combines the exclusivity of a private legal practice with the professionalism of an international consultancy to meet the expectations and needs of clients who prize personal attention, knowledge and insight.

Fact File

“We are honoured to be named as Mid-Market Equity Deal Adviser of the Year by Acquisition International.

The award is a good recognition of our strong presence in the Malaysian legal market, particularly in mergers & acquisitions and capital markets work – for which MKP has been recognised as by several leading international legal publications such as Legal500, Chambers Asia, IFLR1000 and Asialaw Profiles as a leading/recommended firm – as well as serving as welcome encouragement to all of us at MKP to continue to provide legal services of the highest quality.”

Company: Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh Name: Adrian Koh E-mail: adrian.koh@mkp.com.my Web: www.mkp.com.my Address: 3A07, Block B, Phileo Damansara II, 15 Jalan 16/11, Off Jalan Damansara, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Phone: +603 7956 8686

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54 | 2014 M&A Awards

M&A Law Firm of the Year – Romania

Maravela & Asociatii Maravela & Asociatii is a one-stop-shop for legal, tax and insolvency services, acting for large multinational corporations, private investors, public authorities and State companies. The firm is led by prominent partners who have been at the forefront of some of the largest projects unfolded in Romania throughout the past fifteen years, having provided quality service on all areas of interest for businesses and public administration, and holding sound expertise in various niche industries including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, aviation, oil and gas.

We feel deep professional satisfaction in finding that the effort and passion we have invested in a practice area of great tradition for our team (firm partners played throughout the time a key role in numerous high profile M&A deals) have been recognized by a reputed international publication such as Acquisition International.

In addition, spanning the whole range of legal services from dayto-day legal needs to the most complex transactions and disputes, every aspect of our work focuses on upholding excellence as a backbone of our philosophy.

Awards, rankings and surveys are a strong tool when it comes to differentiating and selecting services and products. They furthermore provide leverage in terms of acknowledging a firm’s experience and abilities and help clients retain the most appropriate professionals for a certain task.

Quality of services provided and an astounding amount of successfully closed deals speak for themselves. We are business lawyers, in every sense of the word, dedicated to our clients’ interests, sparing no efforts in solving matters in a business friendly manner and seeking to ensure best value for money when it comes to our services.

Our M&A projects span a wide range of industries, the key approach being the ever increased focus on know-how and team training for a state-of-the-art handling of both due diligence and transaction documents in an intricate and rather unpredictable legal environment.

Our core advantage is our dynamic, qualified and highly motivated team, carefully selected based on the paramount criteria of strong legal knowledge and know-how, in-depth understanding of the business environment, the ability to think outside the box, initiative, dedication and character.

Another important feature of our team in this area is the ability to make deals happen, not only due to our recognized practical and pro-business approach but also by facilitating contacts and opportunities between businesses.

With us, lawyering equates to overcoming obstacles, building sustainable strategies and ensuring that the law works to our clients’ benefit.

Bucharest City Silhouette

Fact File

“We feel deep professional satisfaction in finding that the effort and passion we have invested in a practice area of great tradition for our team (firm partners played throughout the time a key role in numerous high profile M&A deals) have been recognized by a reputed international publication such as Acquisition International.”

Company: Maravela & Asociatii Name: Alina Elena Popescu Email: alina.popescu@maravela.ro Web: www.maravela.ro Address: Bucharest, District 1 Phone: (40-21) 310 17 17 Fax: (40-21) 310 17 18

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2014 M&A Awards | 55

Independent Management Consultants of the Year – Portugal

MERCAL – Gestão e Marketing Internacional Founded in 1996, Mercal has always been guided by high professional and ethical patterns, being officially accredited as a management consultancy company and certified by ISO 9001.

We specialize in M&A for middle-market companies and also deal with solutions for venture capital and equity funds, succession problems of privately owned companies as well as corporate restructuring.

Our clients range from public institutions and funds, to multinational companies, private equity firms, management teams, entrepreneurs and family companies. Our clients includes: CBE, Gasodata, Iapmei, Inosat, Meiostec, Petroiberica, Schneider Electric and Turismo Fundos.

Our philosophy is to develop withstanding partnership relations with our clients based on trust and qualified work and to be able to promote the business at a national or an international level.

We supply pragmatic and cost effective bespoke solutions to our customers, to enable them to reach their development goals. We focus on results and offer innovative solutions.

Our staff participates in an incentive scheme which is very competitive. Our most competent and highly motivated consultants are the ones that participate personally in the success of key projects and will accompany and advise our clients from the moment the first contact is established until the transaction is finally closed.

We are very pleased to be recognised by Acquisition International’s M&A Awards. Our teams deserve it as a reward for their hard work. Our success is due to offering best solutions to our clients, independently of their complexity and multicultural environment, which always bring a challenge and a highly rewarding experience for Mercal.

Our principal advantage is based on the fact that strategy consulting is our core business. We also have a solid business network and database in many industries and markets that allow us to benchmark how our clients perform compared to their respective industries.

Due to the economic situation in Portugal our challenges over the past year lay in providing our clients with a range of services, individually tailored to meet their specific requirements to face the crisis and generate sustainable growth.

Consultants must be open-minded, flexible and customer focused that face challenges in a friendly and creative way. For us it is of great importance to show responsibility and accountability to our clients every step of the way.

An award is an important way to motivate our staff for improve and continue acting with an entrepreneurial spirit in order to offer the best possible service. It is a way to commit us to improve our market position, bring awareness to our brand and set a clear path to aim at excelling in our industry.

Due to the economic situation, our main focus recently has been on acquisition of local businesses by foreign companies, capital and debt raising, corporate restructurings and re-financing. As the Portuguese economy is now growing we expect that M&A business to continue to grow due to strategic expansion and diversification needs, at a national and international level.

Fact File

“We are very pleased to be recognised by Acquisition International’s M&A Awards.

Our teams deserve it as a reward for their hard work. Our success is due to offering best solutions to our clients, independently of their complexity and multicultural environment, which always bring a challenge and a highly rewarding experience for Mercal.”

Company: MERCAL – Gestão e Marketing Int. Name: João Ribeiro Email: joao.ribeiro@mercal.pt Web: www.mercal.pt Address: Campo Grande, nº 35 - 6º A, 1700-087 LISBOA, Portugal Phone: (+351) 21 781 11 40 Fax: (+351) 21 781 11 49

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56 | 2014 M&A Awards

Independent M&A Advisory Team of the Year - Switzerland

MilleniumAssociates AG MilleniumAssociates AG is an independent international M&A and Corporate Finance Advisory firm based in Switzerland and the UK. Founded in 2000 and owned by its partners and management, it is uniquely positioned to offer independent and non-conflicting advice to its clients.

Its corporates & entrepreneurs practice specialises in supporting corporates and entrepreneurial business owners all over the world in their M&A needs, while its financial services practice focuses on transactions for the global financial services industry, in particular the global wealth, asset management, private banking and private equity sectors.

For a number of years, MilleniumAssociates focused on the financial services market, building a strong market reputation for M&A expertise. Over recent years the firm has capitalised on this extensive M&A expertise and, in developing their new specialist corporate and entrepreneur practice, they now manage any transaction, irrespective of size, industry or global location.

The team’s expertise is complemented by an international network of strategic partners ensuring that the company is able to offer full corporate finance advisory services beyond M&A advice, including IPO preparation and assistance in bond or capital market issues, enabling them to support clients with their expansion or divestment strategies, be they on a local, regional or global basis.

According to Ray Soudah, founder of MilleniumAssociates, “the team’s overriding philosophy when it comes to their clients rests on being exclusively focused on maximising value and getting deals done to the benefit of the client.

In addition MilleniumAssociates broader corporate finance expertise enables them to offer consultation services for those clients simply seeking to determine their ideal strategic options, be it partnerships, alliances and IPO or debt raising plans and arrangements. MilleniumAssociates, much like many of its clients, benefits from an entrepreneurial culture.

“Clients, be they global, regional or national organisations or entrepreneurs, often require a strategic solution that involves a global perspective,” added Mr Soudah. “MilleniumAssociates is proud to have exceptionally broad professional network and global investor base which enables us to identify and secure the best strategic option for the client.”

The company is owned by its partners and management and thus is totally independent enabling them to offer totally impartial advice, whilst their global professional network and nimble approach enables them to be suitably responsive to clients’ needs, and creative in finding them most the appropriate strategic solutions.

Fact File

“Being named Acquisition International’s Independent M&A Advisory Team of the Year is a clear validation of Millenium’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and client satisfaction, and we are delighted with the award.”

Company: MilleniumAssociates AG MilleniumAssociates (UK) Ltd Name: Ray Soudah Email: ray.soudah@ milleniumassociates.com Web: www.milleniumassociates.com Address: Kreuzstrasse 54, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.

23 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6HE Phone: +41 58 710 47 00 +44 20 3178 2030 MilleniumAssociates AG is a member of the Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association (SECA) MilleniumAssociates (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority

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2014 M&A Awards | 57

Innovative Business Analytics Platforms of the Year - USA

MoneySoft Investment bankers, advisors, accountants and middle-market business buyers use MoneySoft’s software solutions to perform business valuations and analyze the economics of M&A transactions without the need for time-wasting in-house spreadsheets. Since 1991, MoneySoft® has provided rigorous analysis tools that enable their client-customers to focus their attention on the significance of the numbers, the validity of future assumptions and, most of all, strategic thinking.

The Acquisition International M&A Award for Innovative Business Analytics Platform for 2014 represents a confirmation that dealmakers continue to look for ways to improve the efficiency and depth of their analyses in order to facilitate value-creating deals.

The award reflects the growing need within the M&A community for robust analytical tools that support middle-market M&A and valuation decisions.

The biggest challenge shared by technology creators like MoneySoft is to keep the focus on the customer and not the software itself. The software is merely a means to meet the objectives of the client-customer, which are ultimately to create and measure value.

The US domestic M&A software market includes numerous virtual data rooms and a handful of valuation packages for small and mid-sized businesses. However, these alternatives do not broadly address M&A transaction and investment analysis.

MoneySoft’s primary competitor is the ubiquitous in-house spreadsheet. As buyers, bankers and advisors find that their spreadsheets are consuming their time and do not provide a standardized platform for collaboration, they seek alternatives such as MoneySoft’s DealSense® Plus and Business Valuation Specialist systems.

MoneySoft’s client-customers have multiple goals and objectives with respect to the scope and purpose of their analyses depending

upon whether the user is a buyer, banker, advisor or accountant.

While the same technology is available to each group, the way they use and interact with the software depends upon their specific needs.

For instance, a buyer can use the DealSense Plus to value an acquisition candidate and then price, structure and finance the transaction. All transaction terms along with line-item financial statement assumptions are pulled together to evaluate the Free Cash Flow ROI and post-deal sustainability. Projected financials can also be consolidated with the parent in order to evaluate postdeal financial position and value creation (or destruction).

At the other end of the spectrum, a banker can use DealSense Plus as part of the pre-deal due diligence and pre-marketing preparation. The analysis can be used to advise the seller on matters of value and to prepare a highly effective Pitch Book (Confidential Memorandum) that contains the narrative and numbers that buyers must see.

Despite the different perspectives, MoneySoft’s client-customers find that the DealSense Plus platform helps them become more productive and effective by riveting their attention on critical success factors as opposed to spreadsheet management. The result is a tool that promotes value-creation, shorter transaction cycles, and provides new opportunities for collaboration between deal participants.

Fact File

“The Acquisition International M&A Award for Innovative Business Analytics Platform for 2014 represents a confirmation that dealmakers continue to look for ways to improve the efficiency and depth of their analyses in order to facilitate value-creating deals.”

Company: MoneySoft Name: Robert Machiz Email: machiz@moneysoft.com Web: http://moneysoft.com/

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58 | 2014 M&A Awards

Boutique Investment Firm of the Year

Montreux Capital Management Founded in 2010, Montreux Capital Management is a Swiss investment firm specialising in boutique, alternative funds.

With a global institutional client base, investors benefit from a specialist fund range which bears low correlation to the wider market, managed by our experienced partners.

Introducing funds to some of the world’s most respected global institutions and other well-informed, professional investors, Montreux understands the importance of a disciplined and sustainable approach in the investment process. By focusing on specialist asset classes and strategies, Montreux Funds aim to consistently generate returns regardless of movements in Equities, Bonds and the wider property markets.

Current funds include a Care Home Fund, involved in over 100M USD worth of assets which has recently received significant institutional investment, as well as a physical Commodity Trading Fund and a London actively managed Property fund.

Oliver Harris, Managing Partner of Montreux Capital explained that “our Funds are well managed and we like to think that our fund strategies provide investors with something different and compelling. For example, our Healthcare Fund is the only one in the market that, in addition to owning care homes, also owns and runs the operations of every home in the group, ensuring that investor value is maximised.”

He added: “It is a real testament to our focus, strategy and team effort, that we have received this award. I am delighted with what we have achieved to date and look forward to further significant growth over the coming years. ” Montreux has a global team and contact details and further information can be found at www.MontreuxCM.com or simply email info@MontreuxCM.com

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How does it feel to have been named Boutique Investment Firm of the Year and to what do you most owe this success?

Fact File

It certainly is an honour yes, we owe our success to the hard work and dedication to all those involved in Montreux. Our success comes from our positioning being unique and proposition timely.

Tell us about Montreux Capital Management AG’s overriding philosophy when it comes to your clients. What do you see as the most relevant and vital areas to focus on when it comes to providing the best possible service?

Information provison is key. We as a group pride ourselves on our openness and transparency.

What should clients be looking for when seeking an investment firm and how does Montreux Capital Management AG go about meeting these requirements?

They should be seeking a firm that looks to meet their objectives, who can demonstrate how they intend to meet these objectives and how they have done it before. We deal in real assets with tangible values and certainly feel we can demonstrate how we are looking to meet our aims.

What sets Montreux Capital Management apart from your competitors and peers and how do you use this differentiation to your advantage?

We are vastly different to the majority of offerings out there by nature of our strategies. We initially set up as a response to what we felt was a lack of unique and substantive offerings on the market in this particular sector.

“It is a real testament to our focus, strategy and team effort, that we have received this award. I am delighted with what we have achieved to date and look forward to further significant growth over the coming years.”

Company: Montreux Capital Management Name: Piers Sword Email: info@MontreuxCM.com Web: www.MontreuxCM.com Address: 2nd Floor, Baarerstrasse 14 -16, 6300 Zug, Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 41 561 3362 Fax: +41 (0) 41 561 3200

2014 M&A Awards | 59

Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year – Italy

Moroni & Partners Moroni & Partners is a leading Italian energy consultant, operating nationally and worldwide. Mauro Moroni, CEO of Moroni & Partners, talks to AI Magazine about winning the Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year – Italy.

Tell us a little about Moroni & Partners, your clients and the services you provide.

M&P guarantees the highest expertise in every area of renewable energies: photovoltaics, solar thermal, concentrating solar power, biomass, biogas, high-efficiency air conditioning systems, electrical systems, home automation and cogeneration. M&P three main divisions are: Technical Advisory, Engineering and Asset Management.

Tell us how it feels to have been named Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year - Italy and to what do you most owe this success?

We are extremely proud to have been named Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year – Italy, since it affirms once again and enhances, after last year’s award as “Renewable Energy Advisory Firm of the Year,” our powerful presence in this market.

Why do you feel awards like this are important to both Moroni & Partners and your wider industry?

Awards like this are important to both Moroni & Partners and our wider industry because they assign a sort of ranking at international level among operators, thus facilitating the selection process and allowing the market to make a distinction among them.

The award is the recognition of your outstanding contribution to your clients and your local and national economy; to what elements of your firm would you attribute this achievement?

We attribute it to three crucial elements: expertise, innovation and the ability to meet the client’s expectations. Throughout our activity we always bear in mind that our strength is to be a loyal and reliable guide for the client who can always count on us to meet his most strategic objectives.

As your industry continues to evolve, what changes to you see affecting Moroni & Partners and the wider industry over the next 12 months? Also, what do you see as being the major challenges and opportunities?

Our industry is continuously evolving: the Italian market, now more than ever, represents a secondary market where M&P is the main reference. In Italy we have entered powerfully also in the wind market and we are expecting considerable rewards from Concentrated Solar Power too.

We believe in two main approaches to the business: service mix and market mix.

Furthermore we follow global market trends and we are already operative in Romania, Thailand, Ecuador, Brazil, Panama, Jordan, UAE, Turkey and Australia.

What makes Moroni & Partners stand out from its competitors and peers and how does this differentiation allow you to provide better service to your clients?

The reason why we stand out is based on our technical specific competences and innovation of the services aimed at increasing performances and reducing costs for the Client. Moreover, we can be distinguished from our competitors because of our strong ability at delivering fast and effective assistance at national and international level.

What have been the main challenges you have had to overcome to be named Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year - Italy?

In a fast growing market, becoming a recognized and authoritative player in the appropriate way is a challenging task as it requires time. However we managed to find crucial and reliable partners who believed in us and after 10 years we have become the leading Italian advisor for renewable energy plants. Our competitors are the main advisors of Italian and international companies with more than 25 years of history, but we work with the guru of national and international finance and our main customers are banks, investment funds and companies.

What advice do you have for any person or business seeking a reputable firm in your industry? What should they be looking out for and how does Moroni & Partners strive to meet these needs?

We believe M&P has reached a significant result in terms of what should be sought in our industry: extremely high technical competences, experience, international vision and a strong, close, qualified team that will always do its best to meet the Client’s needs.

Any message you would like to leave to our readers?

I would like to tell young people that it is not true that studying is no longer needed: I firmly believe that investing in yourself and in your training is essential now more than ever. Do not give up, believe in yourself, look for niche business areas like ours. This crisis has also opened up many new opportunities. M&P staff is composed of over 50 people, who are 34-years-old on average and the graduation rate is higher than 90%. We strongly believe in quality education and training, and that is the reason why we delivered 1,600 hours of training to our employees during last year.

Fact File

“We are extremely proud to have been named Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year – Italy, since it affirms once again and enhances, after last year’s award as ‘Renewable Energy Advisory Firm of the Year’ our powerful presence in this market.” - Mauro Moroni Company: Moroni & Partners Name: Mauro Moroni Email: info@moroniepartners.it Web: www.moroniepartners.it Address: Via del commercio, n°14A, 60021, Camerano (AN) ITALY Tel: +39 071895023 Fax: +39 071732157 Mob: +39 3450155607

In order to enhance our worldwide presence in the energy market we are opening on office in UK and we are establishing a partnership with two important engineering and consulting companies operating in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

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60 | 2014 M&A Awards

Online Reporting System of the Year – USA

Netage Solutions Netage Solutions has been a leading provider of investor relationship management software and online reporting systems for the alternative assets industry since 1998. Our 280+ clients control over $650 billion in assets under management.

Netage’s Dynamo™ is a Cloud-based contact management system with an integrated Investor Portal that improves the productivity of deal, research, portfolio management, and investor relations teams through innovative automation and intelligent, complex relationship structuring.

We are thrilled to be named Online Reporting System of the Year.

Recognition from respected publications is essential for growing brand equity in the wider industry, and serves as a valuable guidepost for investment firms in discovering optimal solutions for online reporting.

Competition among vertical-specific providers is intense, and success in this marketplace requires a value proposition that appeals to a savvy user base. Our recent product releases have emphasized enhancing our Investor Portal to meet our clients’ needs.

We believe Netage is one of very few firms that will develop features with true utility for alternative asset managers, as opposed to superficial sales features, which has benefited both our industry reputation and consequent product adoption.

Our success can also be attributed to both our outstanding development team, as well as our deep collaboration with our clients.

Our interactions with clients at all levels of the company are responsible for sustaining our culture of constant innovation. Actionable insights into our sales, product development and client services processes have been produced by understanding our clients’ underlying goals.

Netage is further set apart by the Dynamo™ platform’s open architecture. Categories, data fields, and the user interface can be

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configured to any firm’s unique terminology and operations. Fluid integration with the Microsoft Office® suite offers Dynamo™ users a short learning curve for product adoption.

The Dynamo™ product suite’s integrated Investor Portal enables firms to provide their investors and partners with secure, 24/7 access to critical information while staying within our clients’ branded site. The fluid integration between the contact management platform and reporting Portal provide users an end-to-end reporting solution.

Adapting to the evolving regulatory environment is a top priority for Netage. There has been a shift in the power dynamic between general partners and limited partners over the past two years.

General partners now face increased compliance mandates, and final discretion is now held by limited partners that are requiring greater transparency in fund performance.

We are committed to streamlining the compliance experience for our users while continuing to be the competitive resource for all partners.

Netage is excited to have been recognized for our significant contributions to improving online reporting, and we look forward to Acquisition International readers learning more about Dynamo™.

Fact File

Netage Solutions’ 280+ clients, using the Dynamo™ product suite, collectively manage: •

Over 2,000 alternative asset funds

•

30,000+ users

•

500,000+ documents

Company: Netage Solutions Name: Jason Doring Email: jason@netagesolutions.com Web: www.netagesolutions.com Address: 400 Talcott Avenue, 3rd Floor, Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: (617) 393-0000 Fax: (617) 393-2371

2014 M&A Awards | 61

Assurance Company of the Year

New India Assurance Company Ltd The New India Assurance Co. Ltd was incorporated in the year 1919 with its Headquarters in India and thereafter spread across the Globe.

It was founded by Sir Dorabji Tata and same was nationalized in the year 1973 by Government of India. It is a fully owned Government of India Company.

The Company had started its operation in Mauritius in the year 1935 and it is steadily and constantly growing in the Island. It is the oldest company in the Island. We have a customer base of more than 30,000 in the Island and we offer all major policies like Material Damage, Loss of Profit, Aviation, Marine Cargo and Hull, Liability Insurance, Event Cancellation, Motor Insurance, Health Insurance etc.

We are extremely delighted to be announced as “Assurance Company of the Year” by the Acquisition International’s 2014 M & A Awards. It is an additional feather in our cap as we are continuously winning the Awards based on our overall performance. I feel that the credit of such Awards goes to our valuable and supportive customers, as we feel that our existence is because of the customers. Nevertheless, credit also goes to our sensitized Staff Members, Accredited Agents, Salespersons, Brokers and other Service Providers. It will definitely boost the moral of the staff members.

Awards not only encourages the Awardee but also encourages to the competitors to find out their place in the competition. This creates conducive environment for competitions and all players try their best to improve the services to the customers. This is good for not only to the society but also to the Industry as a whole.

The general insurance market in the Island is very strategic as there is cut-throat competition. In my opinion we should focus on the quality services to be imparted to the customers.

There are lot of challenges in the sector and we can overcome the challenges only if quality services are provided to the customers.

This is the “MANTRA” of success in the business.

High standard of public conduct and transparency in operation are our core values. We believe that each satisfied customer will bring more customers to the company, hence we take a due care while dealing with them. We believe that : Quote A customer is the most important visitor on our premises.

He is not dependent on us, we are dependent on him.

He is not an interruption in our work, he is the purpose of it.

He is not the outsider in our business, he is part of it.

We are not doing a favour by servicing him, he is doing a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.

Unquote This is our Customer Charter.

We firmly believe that our each customer is a Brand Ambassador to our Company. We know that customers are looking for their specific needs of insurance. Our Experts are going through the

specific needs of the customers and develop the products which suits the customers’ needs that is how The New India Assurance Co. Ltd is creating a goodwill amongst our customers.

Fact File

The New India Assurance Co. Ltd is a Professional Company managed by highly qualified and experienced professionals. It is in existence for last 95 years and Leader in General Insurance sector in Afro-Asian countries. Customer is always our focal point and can be exploited as a Brand Ambassador by earning his confidence by way of offering him good services.

Our vision is most respected, trusted and preferred General Insurer and our mission to develop the business in the interest of the community to provide financial security to individuals, trade, commerce and provide a high quality services at affordable cost.

We conduct the customers meet from time to time and interact with them to evaluate our performance, so that we can improve in the areas where we are lacking. Ultimately, it results into the goodwill of the Company amongst our customers.

We are always pioneer in introducing new products like Engineering policies, Satellite Insurance etc. Our Research and Development Department is proactive and systematically study the needs of the customers and introducing the product, that is how we are the Leaders for decades. It certainly gives us an upper-hand in the market as our Marketing Team encash the brand in canvassing the business.

The Regulator in Mauritius i.e. Financial Services Commission is bringing many changes in order to develop a healthy competition so that ultimately the customer is benefited. They are coming out with a rule “Competency Standard for Insurance Intermediaries”.

It will definitely help the market to grow in the positive way. Because of cut-throat competition, the rate has gone down during last two (2) years but we expect the stability in the market within a couple of years. It is very clear that unless and until the quality of services are improved, we cannot survive in the market. So, services would be playing a biggest role in the development of the industry as there is no other option. We are having an advantage of a highly professional company in the market. We look it as an opportunity to grow in the market.

Our company has been rated as “A-“ Excellent by AM Best, USA consecutively for the last eight (8) years.

We have been awarded as “Claims Initiative Award for the year 2012” by Africa Leadership Award.

We have been awarded as “Best Non-Life Insurance 2013” by WORLD FINANCE, LONDON.

“We are extremely delighted to be announced as “Assurance Company of the Year” by the Acquisition International’s 2014 M & A Awards.

It is an additional feather in our cap as we are continuously winning the Awards based on our overall performance.”

Company: New India Assurance Company Ltd Name: B. R. Barahate - COO Email: niasurance@intnet.mu Web: http://newindia.co.in/ Address: 5th Floor, Bank of Baroda Building, 15, Sir William Newton Street, Port Louis, Mauritius

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62 | 2014 M&A Awards

Commercial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK

Oxford Consulting Most commercial due diligence reports are ‘bland’, ‘lack useful insight’, and ‘do not help generate real value’ during the transaction. These are comments that a number of private equity and strategic investor firms have made to us in recent years, about some other commercial due diligence providers – both big global players and small niche boutiques – that they have used.

From a due diligence provider’s perspective, some of the reasons driving the production of bland or insipid reports are clear. Painful memories of over-optimistic projections prior to 2007, the desire to be cautious when offering full reliance to investors, and the complexity of the target’s operating environment can all conspire to create a situation where most due diligence firms are not prepared to offer clear, unambiguous conclusions. Too many due diligence reports end up being little more than a re-hash of publicly available information, data from industry reports put into complex charts, and summaries of interviews with a limited number of leading figures.

Although some of these due diligence reports might give a good background to the industry, the key drivers and the competitive landscape, they usually offer neither strategic insights, nor a clear view of what the acquisition target needs to do to be successful over the next five-to-ten years. The report might validate key assumptions in the Information Memorandum, but does it identify opportunities and issues that management hadn’t even considered? Investors are finding that due diligence providers often fail to give them the real clarity and the actionable insights that they need to help them decide how much to bid. Without clear findings and recommendations from due diligence providers, potential investors find themselves losing deals – or worse: overpaying for an

acquisition. These outcomes lead, in turn, to escalating costs at investment firms, and acquisitions that struggle to deliver a decent return on exit.

Obviously, in order to offer commercial and operational due diligence support to investors, a consulting firm has to be able to demonstrate capabilities such as in-depth experience in the sector, flexibility, a fact-based analysis approach, an ability to deliver to tight timescales, and the skills to synthesize a lot of information into a clear picture. However, these are just the minimum requirements. Oxford Consulting believes that all due diligence providers need to step up to match the real needs of investor firms, rather than just deliver ‘bland’ analyses with a series of caveats and provisos. Investors want clear and meaningful recommendations, backed up by detailed, fact-based analysis and deep expertise in the target’s industry. Investors need due diligence providers that have demonstrated time and again their ability to give meaningful advice.

Fact File

“Our clients tell us that it is the clarity of the rock-solid advice that we provide that makes Oxford Consulting stand out amongst all other UK consulting firms.”

Our clients tell us that it is the clarity of the rock-solid advice that we provide that makes Oxford Consulting stand out amongst all other UK consulting firms. We deliver detailed analysis for complex acquisitions, generating unambiguous recommendations and conclusions. Moreover; we have a reputation for getting it right!

Radcliffe Camera and All Souls College at the university of Oxford. Oxford, England Company: Oxford Consulting Associates LLP Name: Alistair Binnie Email: abinnie@ oxfordconsulting.org Web: www.oxfordconsulting.org Address: Mill Street, Eynsham, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, OX29 4JX Phone: +44 (01865) 465 808 Fax: +44 (01865) 465 909

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2014 M&A Awards | 63

Auditors of the Year – Malta

PKF Malta PKF Malta is a fast growing, progressive firm that will meet the technical standards that your organisation expects. As a member of PKF we provide services to a list of prestigious clients and have always enjoyed an excellent reputation which stems from our dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm to serve our clients. PKF Malta is a member of PKF International, a network of independent firms of accountant and business advisors with more than 440 offices in over 100 countries.

PKF Malta provides services to many different organisations – both in the private and public sectors – so, whatever your size, PKF Malta has the right expertise for you.

We focus on practical, realistic solutions tailored to each specific client – underpinned by both technical expertise and local knowledge.

Our clients acknowledge both our sound business judgment and our innovative and disciplined application of specialist skills, where quality of delivery includes not just technical expertise but also focused attention and a pragmatic, cost-effective approach.

Fundamental to our business philosophy is the harmonising of our services to provide the most effective solutions for our clients’ businesses. Our professional consultants, across all disciplines, are skilled in working together to deliver integrated results.

A wide range of services allows us to provide clients with constructive and proactive advice from inception of an idea, through its establishment as an operation, its growth and expansion, to the eventual realisation of capital. Specialists in each area enable us to provide clients with the best advice in a timely manner, thereby enabling them to take full advantage of opportunities arising.

We are proud to have been named Auditors of the Year by Acquisition International. We see it as recognition of the hard work we

have put in over the past year on new niche markets. Awards like this are an international recognition of excellence rewarding hard work and perseverance in difficult conditions faced with tough competition.

We have developed new skills in insurance auditing at international level by attending and speaking at major international events also we have secured a place as a firm which specialises in the upcoming new market of oil and gas both at the mainstream level and by learning how to attract logistics companies to Malta from such places as Aberdeen, Scotland, among others.

We look to provide a holistic professional level at a competitive price and look for avenues how to guarantee best value added services during all audit assignments.

When seeking an auditor, clients seek IFRS standards for their financial statements which will act as a passport for their companies for both domestic and export business potential. PKF Malta invests in year-round training for staff which includes short term secondments to international network of PKF offices so that staff will attain valuable hands-on experience. We take special interest in getting to know the business model used by clients. In this way we are better able to assess business risks for audit planning purposes and to reach an informed opinion on critical aspects.

Ancient walls and streets of Valetta- the capital of Malta

Fact File

“We are proud to have been named Auditors of the Year by Acquisition International. We see it as recognition of the hard work we have put in over the past year on new niche markets. Awards like this are an international recognition of excellence rewarding hard work and perseverance in difficult conditions faced with tough competition.”

Company: PKF Malta Name: Kinga Warda Email: kwarda@pkfmalta.com Web: www.pkfmalta.com Address: 35, Mannarino Road, Birkirkara, BKR 9080, Malta Telephone: 00 356 21 493 041 or 00 356 21 484 373 Fax: 00 356 21 484 375

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64 | 2014 M&A Awards

Social Finance Consultancy Firm of the Year - UK

Prime Advocates Prime Advocates (www.primeadvocates.com) is the unique confluence of a not-for-profit global consultancy, think-tank and regulated UK law firm (SRA: 573783); which provides strategic advisory and legal services to social enterprises, foundations, charities, NGOs, hedge funds and corporate or financial institutions engaging in sustainability, Social Finance and impact investing.

Anthony Murphy, the former head of EMEA prime brokerage legal at J.P. Morgan and Bear Stearns (a complex form of structured equity hedge fund financing) left a highly lucrative career to work in Social Finance? For Anthony, the founder and managing director of Prime Advocates, it was a simple choice “Social Finance”, makes sense … “it combined all of the innovation of progressive structured finance with true entrepreneurship and philanthropy”. Anthony noticed a significant gap in the market in 2011. As Social Finance transactions grew in volume and value to become a significant asset class in its own right, the market struggled to balance the intricacies of measuring social outcomes within complex structured finance arrangements. There was a significant need for expert, independent advice with world-class social impact acumen and structured finance expertise. Anthony was perfectly placed to bring the best of finance and philanthropy together in Prime Advocates.

Prime Advocates’ structure is, in itself, innovative like Social Finance. Rather than simply focusing on profit making or charity its structure provides comprehensive (end-to-end) support to social enterprises (charities, corporates or funds). Prime Advocates acts as an outsourced primary legal counsel, which enables corporates, charities, financial institutions and social enterprises to grow and deliver maximum social impact. Prime Advocates focuses on growing the impact investment sector and furthering organisations’ engagement in Social Finance. Prime Advocates’ clients reflect its ethos, for example Prime Advocates acts as Strategic Social Finance adviser to the innovative water foundation One Drop - an initiative of Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque Du Soleil.

The traditional model of charity based donation as a means of effecting revenue generation and social change, although necessary, is struggling to meet the demands of today’s modern global economy. Rather than relying on donations or giving programmes, Social Finance mobilises investment capital to effect fundamental social / environmental

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change. Although there will always be a need for pure charity and its ability to disregard ROIs or Social ROIs (SROIs), there is an increasing focus on the ability of Social Finance to apply market forces and efficiency to philanthropy and leverage traditional investment markets (private and public) to make profit and benefit people and the planet. Business sustainability practises, above the requirements of CSR, is the most topical mainstream commercial innovation this decade; Prime Advocates is leading this sustainability revolution through supporting its clients and the growth of the Social Finance market place.

The application of commerce/ business to address social failings like poverty and environmental issues reflected in the term “Social Enterprise” is a hybrid of business and charity. Prime Advocates straddles both markets and assists the growth of this third market.

Prime Advocates via its think-tank supports international student competitions and mentorship programmes (including advocating for the Kellogg School of Management and INSEAD’s – Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge). Prime Advocates encourages thought and business by leading a collaborative collective of leading law firms, including Linklaters, Weil and Allen & Overy, amongst others, to create industry social impact investment template transaction documents so as to solidify common good practice and overcome prohibitive legal costs and knowledge gaps which are stopping social enterprises from transacting and growing. As a not-for-profit, Prime Advocates is able to charge cost effective rates or pro bono rates and undertakes accelerating market progressive work (which take a macro long-term view) acting for the greater good of the Social Enterprise market-place. Prime Advocates’ model is based on partnering with a small number of long-term clients for whom Prime Advocates develops nuanced strategies and long-term market solutions. The combination of this methodology of operation and a team of highly experienced and skilled market leading experts makes Prime Advocates a unique global client solution; as one client states “a lighthouse in a sea of confusion”.

Fact File

The combination of this methodology of operation and a team of highly experienced and skilled market leading experts makes Prime Advocates a unique global client solution; as one client states “a lighthouse in a sea of confusion”.

Company: Prime Advocates Name: Anthony Murphy E-mail: anthony@primeadvocates.com Web: www.primeadvocates.com Address: 18 The Redhouse, 49-53 Clerkenwell Rd, London, EC1m 5RS, England Phone: + 44 (0) 7866768630

2014 M&A Awards | 65

Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia

The Chambers of R. Sivagnanam & Associates 15 years ago the firm’s core practice centred upon employment and public law. It has since aggressively diversified, leveraging on its influential corporate and institutional clientele. Today it is a leading boutique firm whose practice straddles dispute resolution and advisory services across various practice divisions.

We are delighted to have been named Malaysia’s Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year by Acquisition International.

Our practice divisions today covers a wide sphere in almost every economic sector and across major jurisdictions in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. These divisions include: Joint ventures; Company Law; the law governing fiduciary obligations; Employment Law; Public Law; International Commodity Trading and Capital Markets.

Our dispute resolution practice covers all these areas and includes the conventional common law practice of torts, including defamation, negligence and misrepresentation and contractual disputes.

Today, we host a clientele comprising of leading and influential multinationals, publicly-listed entities, sovereign funds, government-linked companies and state institutions.

Over the past years, we have continued to grow with our clients, and remain relevant to the evolution of their businesses, goals and aspirations. This has been a constant endeavour against a changing corporate and economic landscape.

While our practice divisions evolved with our client’s businesses our philosophy centred upon a number of imperatives: • a strong centre of research and legal technique; • a sound understanding of our client’s business, operations, culture and aspirations and with it the setting of goals which are in sync with them; • delivery though a partner-led practice.

We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the clients and their decision makers who have invested their trust and confidence in us. We are sincerely grateful to our team and our associated practices in all key jurisdictions who gave us a home ground advantage.

A client should seek a law firm that is able to combine competence in the hard edge of the law with a sound understanding of their strategic and commercial objectives. In dispute resolution, this means devising a strategy that brings about a practical and a commercially bankable result. It is never in a client’s interest to be drawn into the theatre of dispute resolution with an ill-defined end game.

Fact File

“We’re delighted to have been named Malaysia’s Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year by Acquisition International.”

CLIENT The Chambers Group JOB Logo DATE 18.06.2013

The culture of our firm is driven by the founding partners. It is a culture of resolution towards excellence and the continued enhancement of our delivery in every material respect. This does not happen by accident. It is something we work at consciously.

The imperative of speed is growing tremendously and in tandem with the complexity of transactions and the cross-border dimension of transactions. There is now a real need to mobilize across jurisdictions with a cohesive team of associated and multi-disciplinary practices.

Presently, our cross-border practice is led by arbitration and joint ventures, and we hope to build upon this while enhancing our presence in the wider region. Over the coming year the biggest opportunities – and challenges – for us will lie in evolving into a regional practice with a real sense of identity.

The Kuala Lumpur city skyline with both the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower

Company: The Chambers of R. Sivagnanam & Associates Name: Rutheran Sivagnanam E-mail: chambers@pd.jaring.my Web: www.rsachambers.com Address: 7th Floor Wisma Genting 28, Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 603-2732 9530 Fax: 603- 2732 9531

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66 | 2014 M&A Awards

Regulatory Consultants of the Year – UK

Regulatory Strategies Regulatory Strategies (www.regulatorystrategies.co.uk) was founded in 2009 by the former Director of Regulatory and Consumer Affairs at Experian plc, Mike Bradford, and Helen Lord, a senior plc-level consumer affairs and compliance expert, on a core “can do” philosophy, specifically to provide UK and international clients with highly practical and commercially focused consultancy around regulatory and consumer affairs, compliance and data protection to balance and minimise risk while at the same time driving bottom-line competitive advantage and market differential.

Working in close partnership with their clients, Regulatory Strategies are committed to providing pragmatic business-orientated advice and guidance, delivering real value and solutions tailored to specific sector, geography, market and business objectives.

Regulatory Strategies’ overriding client mission is to facilitate and enable business, not prevent it.

When setting up the consultancy, Mike and Helen had seen at first hand that when dealing with regulation and compliance it is all too easy to explain why something can’t be done. And equally it is all too rare to find the skills, creativity and insight, either in-house or externally, to work with the business to find a way of actually doing something that may at first appear to be “no-go”.

2014 has seen Regulatory Strategies maintain its retained client base as well as moving into new areas, including significant £multi million due diligence projects in the M&A arena.

Fact File

During the year Regulatory Strategies supported Big Issue Invest in developing a ground-breaking initiative to tackle the financial, social and digital exclusion challenges faced by tenants in the social housing sector.

Sarah Forster, Deputy CEO, Big Issue Invest, said: “Their technical and practical understanding of the data protection, regulatory and consumer environment has been pivotal to the success of the initiative and to securing the support of the Information Commissioner’s Office.”

It is this unique business-minded approach that separates Regulatory Strategies from other regulatory consultancies – and is something recognised by its clients, one of whom is Nigel Fine, CEO, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, who said: “Regulatory Strategies combine compliance expertise with a hugely practical and commercial approach to recommending and implementing solutions. Their business focus is refreshing and they have added significant value to both our data protection and data optimisation strategies.”

Over the coming year inevitably all organisations in the UK and EU will face much more demanding legislation around the uses of their core business asset, namely customer data.

Having the acknowledgement of an Acquisition International award is something Mike feels is recognition of building his consultancy through a period of tough market conditions for any startup business, like Regulatory Strategies, as well as for its growing portfolio of cross-sector clients , both UK and international.

And, equally, many financial services clients are having to face up to more intensive supervision under the Financial Conduct Authority regime – something Regulatory Strategies has moved into as a new line of consultancy over the past 12 months.

Regulatory Strategies is already working with a number of “data rich” businesses to equip them for the inevitable challenges that lie ahead - including the likely need to have to appoint an in-house or external dedicated data protection officer.

“Having the acknowledgement of an Acquisition International award is something Mike feels is recognition of building his consultancy through a period of tough market conditions for any start-up business, like Regulatory Strategies, as well as for its growing portfolio of cross-sector clients , both UK and international.”

Company: Regulatory Strategies Name: Mike Bradford Email: mike.bradford@ regulatorystrategies.co.uk Web: www.regulatorystrategies.co.uk Address: 14, London Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1TW

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2014 M&A Awards | 67

Real Time Data Specialists of the Year - USA

S&P Capital IQ S&P Capital IQ, a business unit of McGraw Hill Financial, is a leading provider of multi-asset class and real-time data, research and analytics to institutional investors, investment and commercial banks, investment advisors and wealth managers, corporations and universities around the world.

We provide a broad suite of capabilities designed to help track performance, generate alpha, and identify new trading and investment ideas, and perform risk analysis and mitigation strategies. Through leading desktop solutions such as the S&P Capital IQ, Global Credit Portal and MarketScope Advisor desktops; enterprise solutions such as S&P Capital IQ Valuations; and research offerings, including Leveraged Commentary & Data, Global Markets Intelligence, and company and funds research, S&P Capital IQ sharpens financial intelligence into the wisdom today’s investors need.

We are very excited to be named Real Time Data Specialists of the Year. S&P Capital IQ has invested heavily in technology, in part through the April 2012 acquisition of QuantHouse - an independent global provider of market data and end-to-end systematic trading solutions, to power new and innovative products and services for the entire company, and in the real time space.

Through the acquisition of QuantHouse S&P Capital IQ gained ultra-low-latency market data technologies, algo-trading development frameworks, proximity hosting and order routing services for hedge funds, market makers, proprietary desks and latency-sensitive sell-side firms. This acquisition allows S&P Capital IQ the components necessary to offer its clients comprehensive market data, expanded pricing capabilities while leveraging global technical infrastructure and extensive experience with exchange data to provide solutions for its clients.

Being recognised for your products and services is always welcome but when you’re in a market that has strong, recognised and established brands receiving an award is even more important as it helps show the market that there are alternatives to the traditional incumbents.

Over the past two years S&P Capital IQ has worked intensely on bringing global teams together in order to integrate and streamline technologies so we can make it easier for our clients to integrate market data into their downstream applications, such as trading and risk platforms or mobile systems.

At S&P Capital IQ our clients come first. With an unprecedented combination of capabilities under one roof, S&P Capital IQ is an integral part of global economies, industries, businesses and markets, and provides insight that few others can offer today. In order to be a preferred service partner across many asset classes, business and geographies, we focus on the expansive coverage of our data, and hold the entire firm and our employees to the highest ethical standards in support of clients. As a result, we remain among the worlds most trusted and respected market data and financial services institutions.

The main points of focus in selecting a data specialist should be the breadth and quality of the provider’s data and usability of their platform – S&P Capital IQ offers both. The S&P Capital IQ platform is a single source for a powerful array of financial data, analytics and research. Our web-based platform combines deep informa-

tion on companies, markets and people worldwide with robust tools for analysis, idea generation and workflow management.

S&P Capital IQ was created in 2010 in response to the rapidly changing and challenging needs of our global financial clients.

The firm brought together many of the key research, analytic and strategic capabilities of Standard & Poor’s with Capital IQ, an innovative provider of the most accurate and timely financial information. Headquartered in New York City, S&P Capital IQ has 7,000 employees in 20 countries, providing on-the-ground access to every economy, market and region on the globe. We combine what we learn from every corner of the world-millions of data points from millions of sources, and distil it down into one thing: the perfect solution at that precise moment for our client.

Our heritage has led us to create a company that is founded in accuracy with the innovation to move forward. Additionally, our clients appreciate that we understand their needs and act in their interest – meaning developing products and solutions that are tailored to their own business model. We have a focus on partnership, and a desire to constantly perform and deliver better, which also helps us attract like-minded colleagues from the broadest, most intelligent talent pool in the world. We hire trustworthy people who are driven to perform and hold themselves to the highest standards.

The quality of our data is S&P Capital IQ’s bread and butter. Our data includes industry-leading financials with over 5,000 unique financial data items and 2,500 industry-specific items. Our financials are adjusted for nonrecurring charges to enhance comparability and are auditable down to the source documents. Within S&P Capital IQ, you can view detailed profiles on over 3.3 million private and public company executives, board members, and investment professionals globally and use the Find Buyers and Targeting tools to search and rank potential buyers and investors based on investment criteria, stages of interest, transaction history and financials.

Fact File

“We are very excited to be named Real Time Data Specialists of the Year. S&P Capital IQ has invested heavily in technology, in part through the April 2012 acquisition of QuantHouse- an independent global provider of market data and end-to-end systematic trading solutions, to power new and innovative products and services for the entire company, and in the real time space.”

Company: S&P Capital IQ Name: Colin Mills Email: colin.mills@spcapitaliq.com Web: www.capitaliq.com Address: 55 Water Street, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10041 Tel: +1 888 806 5541

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68 | 2014 M&A Awards

Dispute Resolution Specialists of the Year - Nigeria

Streamsowers & Köhn Streamsowers & Köhn is a full-service commercial law practice, based primarily in Lagos but with branches in Port Harcourt and Abuja, two other major cities in the Nigerian jurisdiction.

We are well aware of the competitive nature of the legal services market especially in an emerging economy like Nigeria’s where business is flourishing. For this reason, we welcome any recognition of the unique approach we adopt in service delivery, and are delighted to be named Dispute Resolution Specialists of the Year for Nigeria. Our success is due to our commitment to acting institutionally in advancing the interests of our clients and society in general.

We play by the rules; we are firm but fair, resolute but courteous and are constantly seeking new and better ways to resolve disputes instead of sticking to timeworn trends. We believe that these are attributes which recommend any dispute resolution specialist.

In particular, we rely on our extensive research capacity and considerable experience to formulate innovative arguments on recondite issues in dispute resolution.

We believe in the work we have done and in the efforts we have expended to ensure that our clients’ best interests are satisfied. We also pride ourselves on being resolute and innovative in our service delivery, striving to adapt to changing circumstances without compromising on our values. To be rewarded for this our approach is a mark of achievement which bodes well for the practice of law in Nigeria and we hope to inspire the next generation of lawyers to do the same.

We keep a family atmosphere at the firm. Successes are celebrated at every level, whether personal or corporate, because we understand the value of both teamwork and individual effort.

Every member of staff finds time to interact with colleagues on a personal level. Every individual, including the non-fee earners are involved in intensive trainings to build competency in every area of the Firm’s practice. We consistently monitor individual and corporate performance, to determine the achievement of the Firm’s corporate vision and in ensuring that our clients’ are satisfied with our output.

At Streamsowers & Köhn, we focus squarely on our clients’ needs.

This is the cornerstone of our practice. This means that we strive to discover all our clients’ preferences and to exceed their expectations.

Over the past year we have acted for a number of clients in litigation who have eventually ended up with favourable out of court settlements. In particular, we have been involved in high-profile dispute resolution work for government agencies and public bodies which requires some considerable amount of dexterity and sensitivity in conflict management.

We understand the need to develop strong relationships with our clients. We also recognize that maintaining these relationships and strengthening our existing relationships with key players in our practice areas creates an information hub which is vital to our success. We also benefit from broad recognition as specialists in most of our practice areas, meaning that we continue to attract repeat custom from clients.

Fact File

“We are well aware of the competitive nature of the legal services market especially in an emerging economy like Nigeria’s where business is flourishing.

For this reason, we welcome any recognition of the unique approach we adopt in service delivery, and are delighted to be named Dispute Resolution Specialists of the Year for Nigeria.

Our success is due to our commitment to acting institutionally in advancing the interests of our clients and society in general.”

Company: Streamsowers & Köhn Name: Etigwe Uwa, SAN FCIArb Email: etigwe@sskohn.com Web: www.sskohn.com

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2014 M&A Awards | 69

Sustained Excellence in Environmental Due Diligence - UK

URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited URS provides comprehensive environmental, safety, engineering, operational, and technical (building structures) due diligence services, globally, to a wide cross sector of industrial and financial clients. Since 2010, URS has advised on deals valuing more than £19.5 billion. We look at potential liabilities and operational issues typically associated with industrial plants in key sectors including petrochemicals, chemicals, food & drink, pharmaceuticals and other manufacturing, as well as commercial portfolios including fuel retail. Through our network of offices in almost 50 countries we are able to provide quick response, co-ordinated due diligence support with local “on the ground” knowledge and experience.

URS is very pleased to have been recognised for our continued contribution to due diligence services. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of URS’ global due diligence team and demonstrates the high calibre clients and interesting and challenging projects which we are privileged to support.

Industry awards are important to URS and our wider industry. Because our clients and peers are involved in the nomination and voting process for such awards, they provide real word feedback of the regard in which the recipients are held, while also raising awareness of our services and encouraging healthy challenge for improvement and innovation.

URS focuses on delivering a high quality, consistent due diligence product, achieving the same high standards and deliverables, regardless of project location. We have expanded our due diligence offering to provide a more holistic client service by integrating operational and engineering due diligence such as plant and utilities integrity, plant capacity and the impacts these issues may have on our clients’ plans for the businesses.

Quality is URS’ over-riding philosophy. URS understand the pressures and requirements of our clients in M&A situations. We aim to consistently deliver high quality services which meet the timescales of the deal and provide our clients with easy to understand, comprehensive deliverables and follow-on support to facilitate progression of the transaction.

URS has a strong culture of team work, underpinned by our commitment to quality and safety. We pride ourselves on delivery a quality value-added product to our clients. We promote a culture of open and honest self-assessment and continuously review our ways of working and our products, taking on board client feedback and aiming to ensure that our M&A products continue to meet and adapt to client’s current and future requirements.

Fact File

We strive to understand and anticipate client’s requirements and expectations from the due diligence process and offer a comprehensive service of environmental, safety and engineering due diligence. Our global design engineering practice gives us access to specialist advice, offering cutting-edge solutions to real world M&A issues. Our M&A team consists of experienced consultants, former government regulators, and former industrial EHS professionals, allowing us to consider M&A issues from a range of stakeholder perspectives and to provide realistic advice and solutions as part of the due diligence process.

“URS is very pleased to have been recognised for our continued contribution to due diligence services.

This award reflects the hard work and dedication of URS’ global due diligence team and demonstrates the high calibre clients and interesting and challenging projects which we are privileged to support.”

These factors mean we can provide a higher degree of comfort regarding the magnitude and timings of potential EHS and engineering financial liabilities, not only better informing the M&A process but supporting our clients to rectify identified issues post-completion.

Company: URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited Name: Nicholas Howard Email: Nick.Howard@URS.com Web: www.urs.com Address: 600 Montgomery St, 26th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111-2728 USA Tel: +1.415.774.2700 Fax: +1.415.398.1905

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70 | 2014 M&A Awards

Corporate Investigation Consultancy of the Year - Hong Kong

Verity Consulting Limited Verity Consulting Limited is a Hong Kong based corporate investigation consultancy, dedicated to serve corporations by providing investigative solutions to prevent and mitigate risks with a focus in Hong Kong and Greater China. Whether due diligence, digital forensics, fraud, legal investigations and other related areas, the highly experienced team is always prepared and committed to assist clients’ evolving needs.

Verity was founded in 2009 by Kevin Ko. Kelvin’s extensive experience and well-honed insights in the industry were gained from the police force and multinational investigation firms. His expertise and capability has enabled him to effectively lead and manage the team towards a common goal – to improve and uphold integrity in the business world.

“Businesses are constantly encountering both incredible opportunities and risks in today’s competitive environment. Our dedication to help clients navigate challenges has led Verity to be named ‘Corporate Investigation Consultancy of the Year’ for Hong Kong,” said Kelvin. “We are honored for this recognition by Acquisition International; it is an affirmation of our staff’s hard work and contribution to Verity.”

According to Kelvin, the main areas that set Verity apart from its competitors are: • Professionalism – Experienced team members with proper qualifications and continuous training ensure only legal and ethical methods are used to obtain information.

• Reliability – Investigations are conducted by in-house full time investigators to ensure trustworthiness and confidentiality of all information given and intelligence obtained.

• Client Satisfaction – Continuous communication is maintained to ensure objectives are achieved and clients receive full support throughout the process.

There is a growing demand for preventive services rather than investigating the aftermath of business misconducts. “More awareness is raised with high profile cases and companies want to seek methods to minimize risks. Furthermore, global companies entering Asia markets even with proper risk management policies may still bring in threats without caution due to language and cultural barriers,” said Kelvin.

The rising challenge of the investigation industry lies with the tightening of privacy regulations. “Ascertain the information collected are credible and legal is critical throughout the process,” Kelvin said. “We do so by careful research and develop creative solutions to cases, while ensuring all actions abide by the law in order to strike a balance to meet both ends.”

The demand for Verity’s services has increased in the past 12 months. Kelvin believes the number will continue to grow with companies in the region increase complexity and risk exposure within their business operations and management.

Fact File

“Our dedication to help clients navigate challenges has led Verity to be named ‘Corporate Investigation Consultancy of the Year’ for Hong Kong.”

“We have a proven track record with leading international and domestic law firms, financial institutions, multinational corporations and insurance corporations mitigating risks through innovation and commitment. We will continue to strive for excellence, create value for our clients, and uphold integrity in the business world.”

Kelvin concluded.

Company: Verity Consulting Limited Name: Kelvin Ko, Managing Director Email: info@verity.com.hk Web: www.verity.com.hk Address: 4109 Hopewell Centre 183 Queen’s Road East Wanchai, Hong Kong Phone: (852) 2581-9696

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2014 M&A Awards | 71

TMT Sector Focused Private Equity House of the Year – UK

WestBridge Capital WestBridge Capital was founded in 2008. The business raised a £30 million fund which it is now investing in SME businesses that meet their key investment criteria, being established, profitable, leaders in their niche and with strong growth potential.

Naturally, we are delighted to have been named TMT Sector Focused Private Equity House of the Year. TMT is just one of the sectors in which we invest, however, we must acknowledge our chief investment officer Sandy Smart, whose extensive experience and expertise in the sector has, in a large part, led to the award.

Westbridge’s flat management structure means partners are motivated and empowered to make a full contribution to our success and that of our investee companies. We seek to leverage our complementary skills at every opportunity.

Results are clearly the most important indicator of success, however, it is still valuable to recognise businesses through awards. As well as boosting morale and confidence internally, such recognition is an endorsement in the wider market.

We have a genuine passion for supporting the development and growth of SMEs and have backed our own judgment with significant personal contributions to our investment fund. Our interests are completely aligned with investee company management and our fund investors

To win this award, we have stayed focussed on what we set out to do – invest in SMEs with established track records, high growth potential and ambitious management teams. By maintaining this focus, we’ve been able to perform well and are on track to deliver strong investment returns.

Over the past 12 months, cautious optimism about the economy has contributed to an upturn in the number of potential investment opportunities. This should be good news as the majority of our portfolio arises from business owners looking to exit and hand the reins over to the next tier of management.

Our overriding objective is to consistently deliver top decile investment returns to our investors. We do this by being rigorous about which businesses and management teams we support. Then we simply work closely with them to achieve the best possible results.

The biggest challenge we always face is ensuring the management teams we work with develop their skills in parallel with the growth of their business. Our biggest opportunity lies in capitalising on the number of investment opportunities in the SME sector.

When selecting a private equity investor, companies are looking for a proven track record, relevant experience and chemistry. It’s a partnership and both parties need to bring complimentary skills in order to succeed. With over 100 years’ collective expertise gained from working with SME businesses, our partners have consistently demonstrated the value WestBridge can bring to such a partnership.

Although WestBridge Capital is still relatively young, we have made a successful start. We hope to raise our next fund in 12 to 18 months and are confident this will see us mature into an more successful and respected mid-market private equity investor.

Fact File

“Naturally, we are delighted to have been named TMT Sector Focused Private Equity House of the Year. TMT is just one of the sectors in which we invest, however, we must acknowledge our chief investment officer Sandy Smart, whose extensive experience and expertise in the sector has, in a large part, led to the award.”

Company: WestBridge Capital Name: Guy Davies Email: guy@westbridgecapital.co.uk Web: www.westbridgecapital.co.uk Address: 29 Farm Street, London, W1J 5RL Phone: +44 (0)333 240 6500

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72 | 2014 M&A Awards

Biotech Corporate Finance House of the Year – UK

Fact File

Camden Associates Camden Associates is a corporate finance house with a particular specialty in international financing and a special emphasis on the following sectors: biotech, tech, real estate, as well as junior mining and exploration companies.

Camden is delighted to have been named Biotech Corporate Finance House of the Year – UK for the second year running.

We strive to develop trust with our clients through thorough and detailed consultation. This is what permits us to generate appropriate investment ideas and value-added services.

The more detailed our understanding of our clients’ needs and objectives, the better positioned we are to meet them.

Aligning the interests of all parties involved in a transaction which is what creates in the end optimal value creation.

Our ability to generate original, quality ideas for clients and investors positions us ahead of the competition.

Working effectively with businesses throughout their growth cycle is one of Camden’s key strengths. It enables us to support our clients from the early stages of their businesses’ development right through to their chosen exit event.

Based on the company’s business plan, we advise on financing structures and prepare information materials. We will solicit offers from suitable sources and manage the negotiation process. Securing optimal terms from the most appropriate financing partners is our goal.

The process of raising money is always time-consuming and can be especially daunting for entrepreneurs. Camden aims to ensure that the relationship between the management and its long-term financing partners remains productive.

You will get a different perspective from us. Few investment advisory boutiques focused on the mid-market can combine advice on international M&A and corporate finance with capital markets expertise.

Whether you are a private or public company, our aim is to use our experience, international reach and sector expertise for your benefit. Theravectys, a French private company intent on becoming a world leader in vaccines, or Inovio, an American-listed company pioneering novel vaccine technologies are good examples of our international reach.

“Camden is delighted to have been named Biotech Corporate Finance House of the Year – UK for the second year running.”

Company: Camden Associates Name: Jean-Claude Gonneau Email: jcg@camdenassociates.co.uk Web: camdenassociates.co.uk Address: 27 Hill street London W1J 5LP Phone: +44 (0) 20 7290 9812

Offshore Logistics Firm of the Year - Ghana

Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited was formed in February, 1996 and is wholly Ghanaian- owned by three shareholders. It continues to be one of the leading logistics, freight forwarding, and shipping companies in Ghana. With a workforce of 146, the company has been able to exceed the expectations of its valued clients in every area. The company takes safety, quality and performance very seriously. This has made us the best logistics company in the oil and gas industry today.

We see our clients as the lifeblood of the company, and as such attach a great deal of seriousness to satisfying their demands. In providing the best possible service to our valued clients, we strive to be on top of our service and delivery, to establish personal relationships, to maintain a positive attitude even when some clients are tough to handle, to ensure continuous and effective customer satisfaction and to make use of state of the art technology.

Conship has three branches in Ghana, located in Tema (head office), Accra and Sekondi/Takoradi.

Clients seeking an offshore logistics firm should check the past performance records of the company with existing clients. Conship can meet these requirements by ensuring effective communication, by building an intense working relationship, by regularly communicating and addressing problems promptly, by discharging jobs per the scope of works and by offering professional advice or solutions, to mention a few.

We are exhilarated to have been named Offshore Logistics Firm of the Year, Ghana by Acquisition International. We owe this award to our valued clients’ continuous dedication.

This award will help to make existing and potential clients believe in the capability of our company to perform beyond their expectations. As such, it will positively impact our business transactions. In so far as the wider industry, we think the award will make our competitors yearn to emulate Conship’s success.

Over the past year we have focused on good customer service and deliverables for our esteemed clients. We listened to them and acted on all the feedback we received. We addressed all their issues and provided a professional service for them.

Working in the oil and gas industry requires serious attention, and safety is paramount. We attain this through hard work and dedication, and this really pleases our customers.

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Within Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited, we believe in commitment to each other (building on mutual trust), integrity (applying the highest standards of professional conduct to all our activities), outstanding value to our market and clients (working as a team with our clients and market by offering innovative solutions), and strength from cultural diversity (being opened to new ideas and different perspective).

Over the coming year, the biggest impact on our industry will come from the new Local Content Law – if the government adheres to it – which will place indigenous companies like us in good standing, and will showcase more of our services. Challenges over the coming year will include having to rub shoulders with multinational companies in areas where local companies can excel.

Fact File

Company: Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited Email: shipping@conshiponline.com Web: www.conshiponline.com Address: Plot 21/22 Commercial Warehouse Area, Tema Harbour, Ghana Tel: +233 303 204016

2014 M&A Awards | 73

Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property Law - Italy

De Simone & Partners De Simone & Partners is a leading Italian firm focused on the protection of the intellectual property and intangible assets of its clients.

Domenico De Simone, founder and naming partner of the firm, has devoted himself to intellectual property, exclusively, since 1972. The firm has managed P business serving companies of various sizes, including many major multinationals active in such diverse businesses as mechanical engineering, electronics, pharmaceuticals, finance, biotechnology, chemicals, luxury goods, food industry, public services, ecotechnology, software, transport, engineering, education, health, communications, FMCG, advertising, copyright, entertainment, publishing and sports.

It is certainly a privilege for our firm to receive a recognition of our work, and to receive the award for Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property Law in Italy is a real honour. At the same time, it is an incentive to maintain our attention to details and to keep pursuing the client’s interests.

We always put the client’s interests first. We mainly work with large companies which have structured legal departments managing a large amount of information and cases. We always make a concerted effort to give the client the clearest frame and the best advice – trying to solve problems, rather than creating new ones.

De Simone & Partners offers a wide variety of services related to intellectual property, such as the filing and prosecution of patents, designs, trademarks and copyright. The competences of the firm also extend to custom protection, enforcement of IP rights before the courts and administrative bodies and drafting of licensing and distribution agreements.

We have a personalised approach. Each company has its history, structure and goals. When a new client arrives, we first try to understand him or her, before turning our attention to the legal issues.

Lawyers Choice Award: Insurance Broker of the Year – Germany

Fact File “It is certainly a privilege for our firm to receive a recognition of our work, and to receive the award for Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property Law in Italy is a real honour.”

Company: De Simone & Partners Name: Lorenzo Litta Email: llitta@desimonepartners.com Web: www.desimonepartners.com/it Address: Via Vincenzo Bellini, 20, 00198 Rome - Italy Tel: +39 06 853361 Fax: +39 06 85831764

Fact File

Dr. Ihlas GmbH Dr. Ihlas GmbH is an insurance broker specialising in financial lines, with clients belonging to the top companies and financial institutions.

We provide services for risk managers, in-house brokers, procurement and in-house counsels. We develop and improve wordings as a Wholesale Broker.

It feels so great to have been named Insurance Broker of the Year again. We could get used to it! But we have only a short moment left to celebrate. The summer holidays are quite near and the market is trying hard to get everything done in advance of the World Cup. Awards create happiness. They empower to overcome the next challenge, which is already waiting just around the corner. Within our network we may distinguish ourselves clearly.

As a niche player we have specialised in financial lines only, especially directors & officers, representations & warranties , employment practices, fiduciary and commercial crime. The campaign for Cyber gets stronger each year but only few buyers come.

one claims to have the “top secret best terms and conditions.”

We have service and quality targets prior to sales. The world wants to be deceived and our job starts sometimes with delivering sobering facts.

Insurance brokers and risk managers are our clients. They look for our expertise where they need non-standard services and products.

Our brand is based on recommendations and qualifications. They can be viewed at: www.dr-ihlas.com/en/references.html.

Over the past 12 months, the market has continued to soften, the capacity is cheap and the growing financial lines business is shopper´s paradise.

Company: Dr. Ihlas GmbH Name: Dr. Horst Ihlas Email: ihlas@dr-ihlas.com Web: www.dr-ihlas.com Address: Burgmauer 68, 50667 Cologne, Germany Tel: 0049 221 99 383 111

Dr. Ihlas GmbH is linked to a passion for research. We share and publish regularly. That is unusual in a broker market where everywww.acquisition-intl.com

74 | 2014 M&A Awards

Aviation Finance Team of the Year - Ireland

Fact File

KPMG Ireland KPMG Ireland works with clients in all sectors of Irish business, helping companies and individuals make the most of opportunities through its range of audit, tax and advisory services. Its 79 partners and more than 1,900 people are based in conveniently located offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Galway. KPMG Ireland is part of the global KPMG network which operates in 155 countries.

The firm’s Aviation Finance and Leasing Practice is the leading provider of cross-border advisory services to the international aviation sector.

The practice, comprising of 16 partners across audit, tax and advisory, is lead by Tom Woods. KPMG’s cross functional teams provide unrivalled experience, insight and knowledge. KPMG Ireland has been involved in all major aviation finance and leasing transactions, both locally and globally, over the last 35 years (right back to GPA). The firm has advised on transactions in more than 150 countries worldwide and has developed specific leasing expertise across its network. KPMG Ireland is internationally recognised as the Centre of Excellence for the industry and is the only professional services firm identified in the ‘Airfinance Power 30’ list of key companies in the industry. Almost every company involved in the sector is a client of the firm.

KPMG is delighted to be named Aviation Finance Team of the Year.

We continue to invest heavily in our people and in the work that we do with our clients. It is very encouraging to see that we continue to be held in high regard for the audit, tax and advisory services we provide to this sector.

There has been a significant amount of activity in the sector over the last 12 months, including a number of leasing business acquisitions. KPMG is delighted to have advised on all of these transactions including being the adviser to Aercap (seller), (AIG) and ILFC on the largest transaction to ever take place in the industry. There have also been a number of asset backed securitisations which our tax advisory, financial modelling, systems controls and audit practices have advised on. We hope to advise on more of these transactions over the coming year.

As the industry continues to grow and evolve, KPMG will continue to invest in its people, deliver value to its clients, broaden its experience and be at the forefront of the development of this dynamic industry. To find out what KPMG can do for you please do not hesitate to contact Tom Woods at +353 1 4102589 or tom.woods@kpmg.ie

M&A Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines

“KPMG is delighted to be named Aviation Finance Team of the Year. We continue to invest heavily in our people and in the work that we do with our clients and it is very encouraging to see that we continue to be held in high regard for the audit, tax and advisory services we provide to this sector.”

Company: KPMG Name: Tom Woods Email: tom.woods@kpmg.ie Web: www.kpmg.com/ie Address: 1 Stokes Place, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 4102589

Fact File

Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano The Philippine economy has experienced exceptional growth in the past few years. Leading law firm Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano (MVGS) has shared that journey. MVGS was formed in 2006 through the dynamic mix of young experts in the legal profession. The young team has since then managed to bring MVGS to the forefront of a growing legal environment previously dominated by large and older law firms.

The journey of MVGS to its position as a leading and tiered commercial law firm in the Philippines is attributed to its ability to adopt fresh, innovative and creative ways of addressing client concerns. This critical attitude manifests in the Firm’s successful projects as MVGS prides itself with a client roster that includes the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates and major players across various industries.

The Firm boasts of a much sought-after practice in M&A, projects & energy, capital markets and corporate finance. In the capital markets, the Firm has advised on the first two initial public offerings at the Philippine Stock Exchange for 2014, with a third offering just completing regulatory approvals.

The Firm is at the helm of the private sector’s participation in the Philippine Government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, a cornerstone of the Aquino Administration’s development agenda. Since December 2011, of the seven PPP projects awarded, the Firm advised on three – the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the School Infrastructure Project of the DepEd, and the Modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, with combined local and foreign investments of about US$1.2 billion.

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In the area of project finance, the Firm has in the past two years advised on financing projects with combined value of US$1.75 billion to fund a broad spectrum of industries, including power generation, water utilities, renewable energy, toll roads, airports and other infrastructure projects.

MVGS is delighted and appreciates its recognition as M&A Law Firm of the Year. The award recognizes the Firm’s significant role in the consolidation of the Philippine banking industry. MVGS is privileged to advise the Philippines’ largest bank, BDO Unibank, Inc. in its decade-long M&A deals, including its merger with Equitable-PCI Bank, and acquisitions of American Express Bank, GE Money Bank and Citibank Savings Inc. MVGS believes in providing value to its clients and this means asking the right questions, giving timely and responsive solutions, and facilitating seamless execution through adequate preparation. MVGS promotes a team culture, offering an environment for constant training, mutual learning and feedback. Shared experience and expertise prepare its junior members to complement senior lawyers.

The Firm will bring this culture to the coming ASEAN Integration in 2015. The Partners believe that this will be the Firm’s biggest challenge but also its biggest opportunity. The challenge is for MVGS to remain competitive in order to advise both local and foreign clients in entering the global market.

Firm: Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano Name: Atty. Mark O. Vergara Email: mark.vergara@mvgslaw.com Web: www.mvgslaw.com Address: Suite 2401 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas, Jr. Road Ortigas Center, 1600 Pasig City, Philippines Tel: +63 2 687 1195 to 96 Fax: +63 2 687 1197 This article was prepared by Mark O. Vergara, Senior Partner of Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano. Mr. Vergara heads the Firm’s Banking and Finance Practice Group.

2014 M&A Awards | 75

Private Equity House of the Year - Turkey

Fact File

Mediterra Capital Partners Mediterra Capital Partners I, LP (“Mediterra”) is a private equity fund, established in England, managed and regulated in Guernsey and investing mainly in privately-owned companies in Turkey.

We are immensely proud to be named Turkey’s Private Equity House of the Year. We see the award as recognition of the fact that 2013 was a transformational year for Mediterra.

At the start of last year we had two investments. But with a full team, adequate capital and a sole focus on investing, we rallied up our investment activity during 2013 and closed five acquisitions. That put us clearly on top as the most active private equity firm in Turkey for 2013.

Mediterra believes that Turkey presents a very attractive investment opportunity for mid-market companies targeting private equity. Turkey is unique, with a large economy in close proximity to Europe with a well-established and dynamic market economy. Although there seem to be a large number of players in the Turkish market, in terms of fully dedicated local funds acting in the middle-market segment there are actually only a few players. Mediterra is positioned as the only fully dedicated independent local mid-market private equity fund in Turkey, with a team that has invested more private equity capital in Turkey than any other midmarket funds.

Mediterra focuses generally on mid-market companies, where the fund can act as a catalyst for change to add value through active

governance in the portfolio companies. The fund also invests in SMEs. By contrast, other international private equity firms looking to invest in Turkey are typically present in the larger cap segment of the market, where deals are structured on a traditional leveraged buyout basis, and the companies are acquired mostly through auctions. In the mid-market segment, auctions are generally rare and deals are generally sourced and negotiated on an exclusive basis.

Companies in the mid-market segment are generally family or entrepreneur owned and therefore are typically less institutionalized. This allows the fund to be more actively involved in setting the management, board and internal processes of such companies. These are also more growth opportunities in this segment either organically or through bolt-on acquisitions where the fund will act as a driving force.

In order to execute an effective mid-market strategy, it is crucial for the private equity investor to be local in order to have proprietary deal sourcing and active governance at the portfolio company, post-acquisition. Compared to other players, Mediterra has a differentiated strategy. It is actively seeking investment opportunities beyond Istanbul, in greater Anatolia, which generates 60% of the Turkish economy.

Independent Corporate Finance Advisory Boutique of the Year - Kenya

“We are immensely proud to be named Turkey’s Private Equity House of the Year.

We see the award as recognition of the fact that 2013 was a transformational year for Mediterra.”

Company: Mediterra Capital Partners Name: Murat Erkurt E-mail: murat.erkurt@ mediterracapital.com Web: www.mediterracapital.com Address: Sehit Halil Ibrahim, Cad. No: 39 Istinye, 34460 Sariyer Istanbul, Turkey Phone: +90 (212) 323 54 00 Fax: +90 (212) 323 54 46

Fact File

Pamoja Capital Pamoja Capital is an independent corporate finance advisory boutique established in 2006, with offices in Johannesburg and Nairobi.

Our success is based on the great partnerships we have with our clients who have entrusted us with very important assignments. In addition, we are blessed with an excellent team who put the interests of the client first in everything we do.

Our focus is on delivering a superior execution experience and blending our local knowledge with international expertise and best practice.

We have had the benefit of having lot of referral business come our way through our extensive network. Our main focus area is to ensure that we can execute seamlessly and ruthlessly. Execution time frames are still quite long for deals and that presents a huge challenge for our industry.

Our focus is therefore to continue to win high quality mandates from clients and to execute them successfully whilst meeting client objectives.

Our overriding philosophy is to ensure that we offer value added services to clients and ensure they can meet their business objectives.

Clients engage advisors to do complex and challenging tasks, which they may not be able to implement on their own. Therefore, we must be committed to achieving these objectives despite the challenges and must seek out solutions even where it seems that it is not possible.

A competent and dedicated advisory team is essential for any client. We must be able to provide appropriate solutions for our clients and work under challenging time pressure to meet these objectives.

Secondly, we have to build a strong team in different product areas.

We have had the benefit of recruiting talented people and retaining them for long periods in which they are able to grow. We further invest in consistent training and development so that the advisors become well rounded.

The business is owner-managed, and this ensures there is strong commitment from senior executives in transaction origination, management and execution. Owner culture is very important to us and it must translate to everyone and in everything we do. Activity must translate to results. Every employee thinks like a business owner and we have empowered them to look at their projects like businesses.

Secondly, it’s very important that people get to enjoy what they do. You cannot succeed if you view corporate finance as a job - it’s more like a way of life. We believe that your dreams will actually come true if you stay the course at Pamoja Capital.

“We are greatly honoured to be named Independent Corporate Finance Advisory Boutique of the Year for Kenya. It is a reflection of the continuous growth of our firm.”

Company: Pamoja Capital Name: Geoffrey Gangla Email: gangla@pamojacapital.co.ke Web: www.pamojacapital.co.ke Address: Mayfair Centre 3rd Floor, Wing B Ralph Bunche Road, Upperhill P.O. Box 51718 -00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2721712 or +254 728 171760

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76 | 2014 M&A Awards

Dealmakers of the Year - Vietnam

Fact File

PricewaterhouseCoopers Company: PwC Name: Ong Tiong Hooi Director - Transaction Services Tel: +84 8 3823 0796 Ext. 1608 Mobile: +84 938 699 691 Email: tiong.hooi.ong@vn.pwc.com Address: PricewaterhouseCoopers (Vietnam) Limited, 4th Floor, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam Prime Minister 2013: ‘’Certificate of Merit for contribution to the tax consultancy profession’’ Vietnam Prime Minister 2011: ‘’Certificate of Merit for contribution to the independent auditing profession’’

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Name: Stephen Gaskill PwC | Partner | Advisory Tel: +84 8 3823 0796 Ext. 1600 Mobile: +84 909 229 467 Email: stephen.gaskill@vn.pwc.com Address: PricewaterhouseCoopers (Vietnam) Limited, 4th Floor, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

2014 M&A Awards | 77

Invoice Finance Team of the Year 2014

Fact File

RBS Invoice Finance RBS Invoice Finance (RBSIF) is part of The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and is one of the largest providers of invoice finance and asset based lending in the UK, with a network of offices across the regions. The experienced team can deliver a spectrum of products and experience from straight receivables finance through true non recourse to comprehensive Asset Based Lending as a standalone solution or part of a complete funding package from RBS. Chris Hawes, Director Corporate UK at RBS Invoice Finance said: “This award is a fantastic acknowledgement and one we are de¬lighted to receive. Our clients are the key voice of our success because without them we would not be here. Last year RBSIF as a whole supported 8,500 businesses. Our comprehensive ABL book grew strongly and we now have over £1.3bn in facilities available in this portfolio.”

“It is important to receive awards like these because they are voted for by our peers. It reinforces how well we are working with professionals within the market to deliver the best service across our client base.

“Looking ahead the development of our ABL proposition continues to be a key focus for us. We are very proud to offer our ABL solutions alongside other facilities provided by RBS to businesses with turnovers of £10 million upwards. It is clear that ABL financing is playing a significant role in boosting the UK economic recovery

and at RBSIF we take seriously our part in supporting UK businesses, being open and supportive of their growth aspirations.

“We have also invested heavily across our business through staff development programmes to ensure we employ high calibre teams with a broad range of experience across Invoice Finance and ABL. We’ve also been very conscious about trying to hire people from outside the ABL industry, as we want people around who understand different financing structures, who understand at a deep level the pressures and time constraints in an acquisition finance environment and people who are technically skilled in the legal process and documenting transactions.

“Access to the correct financial structures continues to be a key challenge for UK businesses and by working with our colleagues across RBS we deliver a combination of funding solutions to allow our clients to run their businesses in the best way for them. Our focus is on what works best for the client not the other way round.”

Venture Capitalist of the Year – UK

“This award is a fantastic acknowledgement and one we are delighted to receive.

Our clients are the key voice of our success because without them we would not be here.”

Company: RBS Invoice Finance Name: Christopher Hawes Email: Christopher.HAWES@rbsif.co.uk Web: www.rbsif.co.uk Address: Level 1, 280 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4RB

Fact File

Sturgeon Ventures LLP Sturgeon Ventures hatched in 1998, founded by Seonaid Mackenzie as a single family office for a wealthy American family. The family had strong ethics and a sense of social responsibility and the family office’s main investments were public and private companies for growth and capital preservation.

Following a tragedy in the family, Seonaid turned the business into a regulatory incubator and became the pioneer of what today is a paradigm shift in the industry and is a method that many corporate finance and investment managers use to begin their businesses. Sturgeon has incubated more than 70 companies since the turn of the millennium, offering this incubation in the UK to start-ups and overseas firms.

It is very exciting to have been recognised by the Acquisition International M&A awards for a second year running—last year we won Venture Catalyst of the Year—and 2013/2014 has been one of our fastest growth years since inception. We believe the strength of our brand and our longevity and trust in the industry and the amazing Sturgeon team have been the ingredients for our continued success.

Our service is above and beyond our competitors, because in addition to our vast experience in industry, compliance and operational due diligence we are very personable, as our core team are all working mothers, and we believe that gives us an edge. This is borne through our testimonials, many of which can be read on our website.

We believe this is a vital ingredient needed by start-ups – there are

no egos here, just lots of experience. We are all true entrepreneurs, so we have walked the walk – not just talked the talk. We believe this differentiation is key to our continuing to win great clients.

The growth of crowd funding, and the use of Enterprise Investment Schemes has fuelled the growth of entrepreneurial businesses in the UK, which in turn has really helped the corporate finance and M&A industry, along with the rising equity markets. The financial services industry feels like confidence in new start-ups have returned. I think this trend will continue at least up until the next UK elections.

Regulation changes in the UK, Europe and the United States will continue to have the greatest impact on our business. For us it is positive as we are at the cutting edge of knowledge and solutions, but for many it is one big headache, and for large institutions it is causing costs to rise.

All that remains to be said is that huge thanks must go to the entire team at Sturgeon Ventures for their continuing efforts, and we thank Acquisition International for this fabulous recognition of everyone’s hard work.

“It is very exciting to have been recognised by the Acquisition International M&A awards for a second year running—last year we won Venture Catalyst of the Year—and 2013/2014 has been one of our fastest growth years since inception.”

Company: Sturgeon Ventures LLP Name: Seonaid Mackenzie Email: sm@sturgeonventures.com Web: www.sturgeonventures.com Address: Linstead House 9 Disraeli Road, London, SW15 2DR

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78 | 2014 M&A Awards

Technology Focused Management Consultants of the Year - Ghana

Topgy Systems and Management Consultants Having been in the fixed asset automated tagging identification and barcode data capture business for five years, Topgy Systems has an unsurpassed knowledge of what will work best in different situations, for different organisations. With this wealth of knowledge on barcoding products, systems and integration, the company can assess the most appropriate technologies, including RF and RFID, to provide solutions for various business environments.

teams are available from analysis through development and documentation to deployment and support.

This is achieved by detailed project planning, including site surveys and investigating the latest development in barcoding products, software and management systems to ensure a project and its component parts are as investment-proof as possible.

A quick and effective response to product performance issues is integral to minimizing customer downtime and therefore gives enhanced return-on- investment time scales for every project planned, implemented and supported by Topgy Systems.

Topgy Systems has unsurpassed knowledge of management techniques as solution provider of auto identification, and offers multi- level, end- user support to numerous blue-chip clients on our physical asset and tracking software and barcode software.

Fact File Company: Topgy Systems and Management Consultants Name: Tokunbo Oshinyemi Email: contact@topgygroup.com Address: 20, Musoko Road, Kwabenya, Accra, Ghana Telephone: +233 243678342

It is important to have the right equipment to do the task at hand, so over the years Topgy Systems has developed strong partnerships with respected names in the world of Fixed Assets Tagging technology and barcoding technologies, offering access to a database of competitive products.

To fully realise the potential of a barcoding project, having the right software is paramount.The company’s software development

Cross-Border Transactions Firm of the Year - India

Wakhariya & Wakhariya Wakhariya & Wakhariya, Advocates & Solicitors, is a firm with a unique pedigree. Founded in 1998, by a young New York-trained lawyer, at a time when most of his peers looked askance at his decision to return to India, the efforts of 15 years are reflected in the warmth of the words of the firm’s clients and friends, which are quoted below.

Many ask, why Wakhariya & Wakhariya? The answer is simple – Saifuddin N Wakhariya, Shabbir’s father, was a legend in Mumbai’s (some have said India’s) legal circles – his retirement from the firm where he practiced for an entire lifetime and the founding of Wakhariya & Wakhariya coincided.

Mr Wakhariya Sr’s presence during the initial years gave the firm the credibility to find its roots. His passing was a loss to the profession, but his legacy for hard work and integrity in practice continues…

Simen Munter - Group General Manager Shared Services at ANZ: “Shabbir is a highly experienced law professional who is meticulous with detail whilst being able to keep the high level objective in mind. He is business oriented and well versed in relevant laws and procedures and has a very good track record in the market.”

H Thomas Davis - Partner at Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP: “Shabbir is a wonderful lawyer - he is smart, creative, hard-working and principled. He is admitted to practice law both in India and in the USA, which is a rare combination. I would trust him with any legal matter that I had.” www.acquisition-intl.com

Masood Alam - Country Head India, Novartis Vaccines: “Shabbir has a great sense of evaluating a legal situation from multiple perspectives and provide solutions which have high probability of closing the issue with a win-win approach including great focus on risk mitigation. I have worked extensively with Shabbir on various business issues including joint venture formation, acquisition, litigation and various business deals and collaboration agreement and each one of them Shabbir has added tremendous value.”

Ananth Nayak - Consultant - Strategic legal Initiatives and Solutions: “I have known Shabbir for over six years. Shabbir is extremely knowledgeable in his field and works diligently to seek favorable resolutions. Shabbir is articulate, smart and brings great judgment and integrity to his matters. I confidently recommend him.”

Khozema Anajwalla - Promoter, KNAV: “In-depth knowledge of the subject matter, eye for detail, punctuality and creative thoughts with implementation strategies provides clients associated with Shabbir Wakhariya the experience of a cutting edge legal advice.

He has solutions for the problems that clients approach him with.”

Fact File Company: Wakhariya & Wakhariya Advocates & Solicitors Name: Shabbir S. Wakhariya Email: shabbir@wakhariya.com Address: 810 Maker Chambers V, 221 Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 India Telephone: + 91.22.2283.5252 Fax: + 91.22.2283.5255

2014 M&A Awards | 79

Insurance Firm of the Year - Cameroon

Zenithe Insurance S.A. Zenithe Insurance was founded in 2005 by entrepreneurial Cameroonians with a strong belief in the future of their country and a commitment to contribute to its success. The company’s success since its inception is a testament to the founders’ commitment.

The diversity and loyalty of our customers, the strength of the sales force covering the entire country, the reputation of our reinsurers are tangible signs of our progress.

Committed to a policy that promotes excellence in customer service, Zenithe has a team of 250 employees deployed across the 10 regions of Cameroon, with 16 general agents and direct offices. Our network positions us in close proximity to our customers that allows us to be highly responsive –a quality our customers appreciate.

The strength of our management team, the professionalism of our staff and the modern management tools and procedures that we employ contribute to Zenithe Insurance’s relentless drive.

C CloudOrigin

Strategy

Advisory

Fact File Company: Zenithe Insurance S.A. Name: Martin Maxwelle Ndecham Chefon Email: contact@zenitheinsurance.com Web: www.zenitheinsurance.com Address: Koumassi Street, Bali / P.O Box: 1540, Douala, Cameroon Telephone: +237 33 43 41 32

Utility

CloudOrigin provides award winning Information Technology strategy, advisory and implementation services - including commercial, technical and operational due diligence - to Private Equity houses, Venture Capital firms and their portfolio companies.

From our London office we have worked on the largest global deals and transformation programmes alongside world leading accounting, legal and market research providers.

Specialists in the commercial impact of cloud computing and the evolution of software and infrastructure services, we will deliver clear analysis and pragmatic post-transaction recommendations whether IT is the core offering or simply a critical success factor.

We also build investment theses, identify M&A opportunities, alliances and go to market strategies in the converging worlds of digital brands, enterprise software, mobile apps and social networks.

We would be delighted to introduce our services and experience.

Call us on +44 (203) 642 5715 or email Info@CloudOrigin.com

London based

Cloud enabled

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(C) 2014 CloudOrigin Limited. All rights reserved. Registered in England 06893393

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80 | 2014 M&A Awards

100 Directory Automotive Due Dilligence/Transactional Advice

Automotive retail sector specialists ASE conduct M&A transactions on behalf of motor dealers and manufacturer networks throughout the UK and worldwide. After 40 years of operating within the automotive industry, ASE provide added value insight to offer more than a generalist firm.

Working with thousands of dealers, manufacturers and industry partners worldwide, ASE’s expert understanding of the sector, its operational processes and industry protocols, ensures a uniquely relevant and detailed service which goes beyond the normal Due Diligence reporting. This knowledge facilitates a prompt identification of areas of concern or focus and allows for tailored solutions to be immediately implemented as the transaction progresses.

ASE’s team of ex-motor trade and Big Fourtrained accountancy and tax professionals and automotive business consultants, combine to ensure the maximisation of any vendor opportunity and minimisation of risks associated for an acquirer. ASE provide the complete package including initial introductions, preparing Heads of Terms, advising on completion accounts, identifying transactional tax savings as well as managing the whole M&A process.

Accountancy & Consulting

Corporate Finance Advice

Financial Advice & Due Diligence

Founded in in 1996, Cabinet SEDDIK is an accountancy and consulting firm based in Casablanca and operating across all of Morocco. The business is home to 20 employees, including a number of multidisciplinary teams and high-level experts who specialise in a variety of industries, meaning that the firm is able to oversee each individual case and support every client to provide an efficient bespoke service.

Richard Taylor has, for the past 15 years, been providing corporate financial advisory services for privately-held businesses including part-time CFO assignments, turnaround guidance and M&A transactions including due diligence.

Salles Sainz- Grant Thornton, .S.C., can supply a wide range of services to underperforming business and their stakeholders. We focus on identifying and resolving issues affecting profitability, protecting enterprise value and, where necessary, recovering value for stakeholders.

The firm’s mission is to assist its clients in all areas of consulting, relying on appropriate skills while always remaining on the lookout for technological innovations.

Global Capital Advisors, LLC is differentiated from other financial advisory firms in that it provides (a) turnaround/restructuring/receivership guidance, (b) part-time CFO services, and (c) lower middle market M&A assistance through its affiliation with M&A Consultants, Ltd.

Its services cover various fields, ensuring that it always meets the demand of its customers and keeps its service consistent, integrated and harmonious.

The range of services offered include: • Audit and statutory audit and contributions • Management consulting • Support accounting • Financial planning and implementation • Legal and tax • Training and human resource development • Diagnostics support

ASE plc Rowan Court, Concord Business Park, Manchester, M22 0RR, UK www.ase-global.com Tel: +44 (0) 161 493 1930 Fax: +44 (0) 161 493 1931

Cabinet Seddik Experts Comptables Consultants185, Bd ZerktouniRésidence Zerktouni, 6ème étage, Casablanca 20100Morocco Telephone: + 212 (52) 225 4000 Fax: +212 (52) 277 4357 Web: www.cabinetseddik.com

Fund Administration

Financial Advice

He has been a financial officer for both large and small businesses, has owned his own business, and has substantial international experience.

Global Capital Advisors, LLC 3914 North Farwell Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53211 USA (414-975-0830)

Our assignments vary from financially robust companies seeking to acquire underperforming competitors, to distressed businesses requiring an urgent solution. We offer solutions and advice in the following areas: Accelerated M&A, Financial restructuring, Fraud Insolvency Division, Independent business reviews and strategic performance reviews.

Within the Grant Thornton International organisation, there are over 50 member firms in key business centres authorised to undertake specialist recovery and reorganisation assignments. Firms share best practice and methodologies to meet the legal, commercial and cultural challenges that cross-border projects present.

Whether you are in Mexico, Boston, Bucharest or Beijing (and all points in-between), a team can be built to meet your sector and geographic requirements perfectly.

Salles Sainz - Grant Thornton, S.C. Periférico Sur 4348 Col. Jardines del Pedregal C.P.04500 México. D.F. Tel: +52 55 54 24 65 00 Fax: +52 55 54 24 65 01 Email: Mauro.gonzalez@mx.gt.com

Advisory

SME Corporate Finance

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (“HHI”) is a Fortune 500 company and an industry leader in shipbuilding, offshore and plant engineering and construction, as well as construction and power equipment manufacturing. HHI is the parent of the HHI Group, a multinational conglomerate with a global network of branch offices and more than forty overseas affiliates. HHI’s legal team is comprised of lawyers with diverse common and civil law qualifications and a dedicated legal staff who are collectively responsible for project negotiations; contract risk analysis, mitigation and management; international trade disputes; intellectual property litigation; international arbitration and litigation, mediation and expert determination.

Isthmus Partners is based in Dubai, UAE. Our services include financial due diligence, business analysis, and financial strategy and modelling.

Our clients are SMEs and investors in SMEs at critical business junctures: new ventures, new management, ownership changes, restructuring or shift in strategy. We provide discrete services and work closely with our clients’ teams and consultants. Recent experience in real estate development, oil & gas services and security services.

Houdeshell Advisors, LLC Creating Value for Business Owners™

Heritage Fund Services is a full service fund administrator with offices in Guernsey, the UK and Malta. It has particular expertise in the establishment and servicing of private equity, property, infrastructure, emerging markets and esoteric (forestry, shipping, litigation) funds.

Heritage provides full onshore and offshore administration services including accounting, corporate governance, company secretarial, compliance and administration, as well as experienced and knowledgeable directors for fund and fund related company boards.

Its typical clients are those who have similar values and ethics integral to the company, and those whose strategy it believes in. Size or status is not a crucial factor in the first instance, although Heritage does look for a sustainable business that will grow over time.

With offices onshore in the UK and the recent launch of its depositary business in the UK, and shortly in Malta, the Group is well positioned to accommodate investment managers wishing to be AIFMD compliant.

Heritage Group Limited PO Box 225, Heritage Hall, Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4HY. www.heritage.co.gg Tel: +44 (0) 1481 716000

www.acquisition-intl.com

We are a hands-on advisory practice creating value by developing and applying innovative solutions to critical strategic issues. Monty Houdeshell has successfully completed more than 70 M&A transactions. Business combinations or divestitures are complex events that require a disciplined process, meticulous planning and precise execution to be effective. Houdeshell Advisors can provide professional assistance to ensure a successful transaction, including development of an acquisition strategy, transaction support, and post-transaction integration planning and implementation.

Houdeshell Advisors, LLC Web: www.houdeshelladvisors.com Email: info@houdeshelladvisors.com P.O. Box 6426 Laguna Niguel, CA 92607 Tel: 949-233-2474 Fax: 855-233-2484

HHI’s legal team is well-versed in dispute settlement practices in many jurisdictions and fora, including arbitration under all of the major institutional rules, and works closely with major international and regional law firms across Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East to pro-actively manage potential and active disputes.

HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD International Legal Department 1 Jeonha-dong, Dong-gu Ulsan, Korea 682-792 Direct: +82 52 202 0209 Fax: +82 52 202 9220

Isthmus Partners Name: Javier Cervino, CFA Email: jcervino@isthmuspartners.ae Web: www.isthmuspartners.ae Address: Fairmont Hotel, Suite 712 Office 10 Tel: +971 4 312 4908 Fax: +971 4 312 4909 Mob: +971 50 758 6599 City: Dubai Country: United Arab Emirates

2014 M&A Awards | 81

100 Directory Legal Advice

Over the last 120 years, Ichino – Brugnatelli Law Firm has evolved from being the chamber of a locally renowned lawyer to become one of the most highly praised law firms by domestic and international clients.

Our attorneys-at-law have practiced litigation broadly for many years, even before the National Highest Courts and the European Court of Justice.

Thanks to our deep experience in all main industry sectors, we provide sound practical and legal advice on a full spectrum of issues, bargaining practices, unions and social security matters.

Clients can rely on the expertise and skills of our people to solve any legal problem and to obtain adequate guidance in decision making.

From every attorney, they can expect sound experience, outstanding legal reputation, and tailored response to their needs even in such complex processes as cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

Ichino-Brugnatelli e Associati Via Mascheroni, 31 20145 Milan Tel. +39 0248193249 +39 0248193228 Fax +39 0248100102 E-mail: studio.legale@ichinobrugnatelli.it www.ichinobrugnatelli.it

Legal Advice, Legal Due Diligence, Tax Advice

Kampala Associated Advocates employs over 25 staff, including 18 lawyers, making it one of the largest legal practices in Kampala.

The firm’s expertise in corporate and banking financial services, corporate restructuring, revenue and taxation, employment, commercial litigation and arbitration is virtually unrivalled and the firm is proud of its core values that it believes sets it apart from many of its competitors. These are: • • • • • •

A client focused approach Integrity and confidentiality Understanding every client’s needs A quality and professional service Breadth of experience Providing comprehensive full service

Tax Advice

Advisory

M&A transactions are fundamental to strengthen your market position and to support your long-term growth strategy. These transactions constitute a real creation of value and significant tax savings may be realized. Meticulous analysis of the jurisdictions involved is key. M&A tax planning should be carefully monitored. With a global understanding and deep local knowledge of tax jurisdictions, our experienced tax professionals can provide a full range of M&A tax services to corporate and private equity investors.

The Gulf marketplace offers opportunity and risk in equal measure. The political, regulatory and commercial environment is complex and highly charged. In such an environment, some disputes are inevitable. We can help you with tactics for dispute resolution as well as the obtaining and preservation of evidence and analysis of routes to enforcement

KPMG Luxembourg Giuliano Bidoli Director, M&A Tax Tel: +352 22 51 51 5528 Email: giuliano.bidoli@kpmg.lu www.kpmg.lu

Kampala Associated Advocates also enjoys access to a network of offices and associates in the US, Europe, Russia and Central Asia, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa, thanks to its global partnership with Dentons, one of the 25 largest legal service providers in the world, with lawyers and professionals in 49 locations and 33 countries.

After exploring all appropriate avenues of alternative dispute resolution (including mediation and expert-assistance in all their guises), we can conduct litigation and arbitration of disputes concerning construction and infrastructure, commercial contracts, employment, licence arrangements, IT projects and intellectual property.

We represent companies, financial institutions and governments worldwide.

Pinsent Masons LLP Level 8 The H Hotel, Office Tower (formerly known as The Monarch Office Tower) One Sheikh Zayed Road P.O. Box 115580 Dubai United Arab Emirates t: + 971 4 373 9700 f: + 971 4 373 9701

Kampala Associated Advocates Name: David Mpanga Address: Nakasero Rd, Kampala, Uganda Email: dmpanga@kaa.co.ug Tel + 256 (0) 417 718106

Advisory

Legal Advice

Advisory

Legal Advice & Due Diligence

We have an extensive domestic and international arbitration practice. We advise our clients on a wide range of complex, high-value arbitrations, involving both English and foreign law, around the world.

For more than 160 years, Winston & Strawn London LLP has served as a trusted adviser and advocate for clients across virtually every industry.

In that time, through careful growth and fiscal management, the firm has built a law practice with tremendous breadth and a global reach. The firm is rightly proud of the many accolades it has received over the years - a tribute to its lawyers’ creativity, flexibility, depth of experience and commitment.

Many successful people have to assert or defend their legal rights at some time in their lives. Obviously winning is key but keeping the day to day disruption to a minimum is also a consideration.

YazıcıLegal has significant experience in M&A transactions and has been involved in many major M&A transactions and privatizations in Turkey, providing top-notch legal advices to its clients.

The scope of the services YazıcıLegal provides in M&A transactions include structuring of transactions, conducting legal due diligence, drafting and negotiating the transaction documents and dealing with related competition, capital markets and other regulatory compliance matters, as well as the obtaining of relevant regulatory approvals.

We advise across the full range of domestic and cross‑border arbitral proceedings including ICSID, LCIA, ICC, UNCITRAL, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, and SIAC arbitrations, as well as those conducted under the auspices of various trade associations or ad hoc arrangements. Our Hong Kong office handles arbitrations under the CIETAC Rules in Beijing.

We are regularly involved in advising on inter-dependent arbitration provisions and issues arising from cross‑border agreements, as well as the strategic implications of the deployment of arbitration and dispute resolution provisions.

Slaughter and May One Bunhill Row London EC1Y 8YY T +44 (0)20 7600 1200 F +44 (0)20 7090 5000

With 18 offices in key financial centres across the world, the firm brings an understanding of the global legal issues its clients face to both transactional and dispute-related matters.

As a business, Winston & Strawn London LLP strives to: • • • •

Provide its clients with creative solutions to their business problems — on time and on budget Serve the community and the public interest Promote diversity within the firm and throughout the legal profession Maintain a culture of teamwork and collegiality

For enquiries regarding our transactional practice and how we might assist you, please contact: Zoe Ashcroft/Nicholas Usher/Stewart Worthy.

Winston & Strawn CityPoint, One Ropemaker Street London, EC2Y 9AW England Phone: +44 (0) 20 7011 8700 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7011 8800 Web: www.winston.com

Our dispute resolution team understands that full scale litigation may not always be the best solution. We therefore try in most instances to help our clients find alternative solutions that stop short of appearing in court or before arbitration panels. Mediation is one of the lynchpins of our work.

When full-scale litigation is required, we aim at all times to provide clients with the qualities they expect: technical excellence, clear tactical, result-oriented advice, lateral thinking, sympathy and objectivity. But most important is ensuring our clients know that when things get tough we will support them all the way. withersworldwide Greenwich CT office 660 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT 06830, USA Tel: +1 203 302 4100

On top of its strong expertise in M&A transactions in the financial sector by advising on the M&A transactions of the leading Turkish banks and insurance companies such as Garanti, Finansbank, Denizbank, Millenium Bank, Garanti Sigorta, Garanti Emeklilik and Yapı Kredi Sigorta, YazıcıLegal has recently represented either sellers or buyers in M&A transactions from a wide range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, retailing, steel, movie theaters, confectionery and financial leasing services.

YazıcıLegal Law Office Levent Mahallesi Yasemin Sokak No 13 34340 Levent - Beşiktaş Istanbul / TURKEY Tel: + 90 (212) 269 02 27 Fax: + 90 (212) 269 02 28 E-mail: info@yazicilegal.com

www.acquisition-intl.com

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100 Directory - Litigation

Competition Litigation remains one of Addleshaw Goddard’s real strengths. We have one of the largest competition teams in the UK, which include over 20 specialists including a solicitor advocate.

We also have an accredited and trained mediator.

With expertise across the full range of competition issues, we have particular experience and an enviable track record in relation to all aspects of Competition Litigation. For decades, our partners have been actively litigating competition law disputes - breaking government sanctioned restrictive practices; defending companies implicated in cartels; and recovering £multi-million damages for those harmed by anti-competitive conduct. Our partners have conducted competition damages actions before the High Court, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) and in mediations.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP 100 Barbirolli Square Manchester M2 3AB United Kingdom DX 14301 Manchester Tel: +44 (0)161 934 6000 Fax: +44 (0)161 934 6060

Dispute resolution lawyers throughout our international network represent global businesses on litigation, arbitration, mediation and regulatory matters.

We also have broad experience in corporate risk management and conflict management, advising senior level board members and executives of substantial corporates and banks.

We provide a comprehensive service in most of the world’s major countries and have dealt with many of the problems generated by changes in the financial marketplace. Our global network includes many experienced former prosecutors, enabling us to represent clients effectively in the most difficult and sophisticated government investigations.

We actively pursue all avenues of dispute resolution available and advise clients on choosing the method most appropriate to them. Our main priority is to resolve disputes quickly and effectively with as little disruption to business as possible – recognition of this is central to how we approach any matter.

Ashurst’s clients benefit from the firm’s wide experience of resolving disputes in many business sectors, our expertise in the dispute resolution process and our unwavering focus on our clients’ business needs.

Our lawyers are experts in the conduct of litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.

We work with some of the world’s leading organisations to resolve their complex, high profile, commercial disputes.

We take a strategic approach to dispute resolution. We focus on the issues that matter to clients and how the dispute resolution process can be managed to deliver the optimum result for the client.

Ashurst Broadwalk House 5 Appold Street London EC2A 2HA UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7638 1111 Fax: +44 (0)20 7638 1112

Allen & Overy LLP Apollolaan 15 1077 AB Amsterdam PO Box 75440 Amsterdam 1070 AK Netherlands Telephone Number+31 20 674 1000

Recognized as one of the top litigation groups in the world, Cleary Gottlieb provides clients with creative and result-oriented litigation and arbitration counsel in matters ranging from major commercial disputes to sensitive internal, regulatory or criminal investigations. As a firm with established roots and experience worldwide, we handle local matters as well as multijurisdictional disputes. We are equally at home representing an African sovereign in an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration as we are defending a leading financial institution in U.S., UK, French, German or Italian courts.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 12, rue de Tilsitt 75008 Paris T: +33 1 40 74 68 00 F: +33 1 40 74 68 88

Our global network provides an exceptional platform for handling major cross-border disputes and in recent years we have helped our clients to achieve success in some of the most complex international disputes and investigations.

We offer a seamless, integrated service across our network of offices for cross-border disputes and investigations, with expertise in individual jurisdictions but also an understanding of the interplay between different legal systems and regulations.

Clifford Chance’s global Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice has around 500 lawyers based in the UK, Continental Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the United States.

Clifford Chance 10 Upper Bank St, City of London, Greater London E14 5JJ 020 7006 1000

As a leading litigation firm our lawyers deal with company-related issues on a day-to-day basis.

Our commercial litigation team predominantly acts for large corporate and plcs, advising them on a wide spectrum of disputes – from big ticket litigation and arbitration to smaller, though nonetheless, important, commercial disputes.

We understand the need to give straight-forward commercial advice within the context of the whole business. Emotions can run high in company-related disputes and we appreciate that a calm, analytical approach, focusing on practical legal points is required. Often, prolonged litigation suits no-one, particularly when there is a commercial relationship to preserve.

Clyde & Co LLP The St. Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AG. (for postal service, use EC3A 7AR) DX:160030 Lime Street 5 T: +44 (0) 20 7876 5000 F: +44 (0) 20 7876 5111 E: info@clydeco.com

Our team of commercial dispute resolution lawyers includes a broad mix of litigators experienced in project managing large commercial disputes, across a wide variety of industry sectors and in a range of commercial businesses. We are able to offer clear and concise advice on a full range of issues from contractual disputes and joint venture agreements to professional negligence claims, fraud and privacy and defamation actions.

At BLP, we consistently strive to develop innovative solutions for our clients. From the outset we, when appropriate, provide our clients with a cost effective advocacy capability utilising our barristers and team of 21 solicitor advocates, in order to advise clients from the receipt of instruction through to trial, working together to agree strategy and tactics, prepare the case and finally present in court. When external barristers are preferred or desired, we have extremely good relationships with leading Counsel throughout the London Chambers.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP London, Adelaide House Adelaide House London Bridge London United Kingdom EC4R 9HA Tel +44 (0)20 3400 1000

Business today can be a risky endeavour. You may find yourself confronted by a commercial or corporate dispute, whether it be a falling out with a joint venture partner, a shareholder who claims the company is being run in a manner prejudicial to its interests, a supplier who will not fulfil its obligations under a contract or a warranty/indemnity claim following a merger or acquisition.

Our commercial litigation team has the knowledge, skill set and experience to help you deal with the challenges posed by the full range of commercial and corporate disputes. Our disputes resolution experience makes us ideally placed to advise you on contractual and risk management issues that your business may be facing. We have a proven track record of providing practical and commercial advice to a wide range of clients at all stages of the dispute relation process from drafting dispute resolution clauses during pre-contractual negotiations, through to obtaining emergency injunctions in situations where assets may be at risk, to litigating complex multi-jurisdictional disputes and enforcing judgements and recovering assets.

CMS Cameron McKenna Mitre House 160 Aldersgate Street London EC1A 4DD T: +44 (0)20 7367 3000 F: +44 (0)20 7367 2000

www.acquisition-intl.com

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100 Directory - Litigation

Globalization of world markets has brought limitless commercial opportunities. However, it has also increased the potential for legal liability by exposing corporations around the world to financial and reputational risk across multiple jurisdictions.

Mitigation of those risks requires early engagement with experienced lawyers who understand the cultural as well as the legal and regulatory landscapes but who will also drive relentlessly to deliver results for their clients when a dispute or regulatory intervention is unavoidable.

Guenther J Horvath is a partner and head of the International Arbitration Group in the Vienna office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. He specialises in international commercial arbitration with a primary focus on energy matters and corporate disputes as well as industrial engineering.

With over 35 years’ experience as a lawyer he has excellent technical, procedural and interpersonal skills developed when acting as a counsel, chairman and party-appointed arbitrator in well over a hundred high-profile disputes.

DLA Piper’s global team of more than 1,400 disputes and regulatory lawyers is the largest dedicated disputes practice globally. We have the local knowledge to apply the regulatory, economic, political and cultural context to legal issues and develop case strategies. We regularly handle technically challenging and complex multi-jurisdictional matters. Our global reach allows us to provide you with fully integrated teams and consistent quality wherever you do business.

Dr. Günther J. Horvath Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP Seilergasse 16 1010 Vienna Austria T +43 1 515 15 305 F +43 1 515 15 405 www.freshfields.com

Through integrating our leading litigation capability with Herbert Smith Freehills’ other practice areas, we provide a unique full-service offering to clients. The breadth and scale of our practice enables us to act simultaneously on a number of cases at any one time and quickly draw together large teams in response to client needs.

We advise clients in every industry sector, ranging from multinational corporations and major financial institutions through to governments and high-profile individuals. We regularly advise on potentially contentious aspects of major corporate and financial transactions.

Our Litigation & Arbitration practice has a long track record of achievement in complex, high stakes, international disputes. With more than 700 lawyers based in 40 offices worldwide, we bring exceptional industry knowledge and provide leading edge advice. Because our lawyers are leaders in their local jurisdictions and function across offices as one team, we are positioned to deliver both local insight and global perspective to meet our clients’ interests in multi-jurisdictional matters. Our worldwide excellence and commitment to our clients is reflected in the top rankings we earn from leading legal directories and third parties.

We offer commercially focused and practical solutions for complex disputes affecting our clients’ interests across industries, geographic locations and jurisdictions, including cross-border matters at the intersection of domestic and international legal orders.

Hogan Lovells US LLP 875 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022 USA Phone +1 212 918 3000 Fax +1 212 918 3100

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP Central Plaza Rue de Loxum 25 1000 Brussels Tel +32 2 511 7450 Fax +32 2 511 7772

In an environment where regulation and its enforcement will only increase, we recognize that effective compliance and avoidance of regulatory intervention are business critical issues.

DLA Piper UK LLP 3 Noble Street London EC2V 7EE United Kingdom T: +44 (0) 8700 111 111 F: +44 (0) 20 7796 6666

Jones Day’s Global Disputes Practice offers clients a comprehensive international footprint with lawyers qualified before jurisdictions throughout the worldwww.jonesdayconstruction.com and prepared for any dispute, from jury trials before domestic courts to international arbitration, from complex commercial litigation cases to criminal or administrative proceedings. Our lawyers deliver deep legal and industry experience, and our track record contributes to our impressive reputation for successful dispute resolution wherever disputes arise.

Jones Day 222 East 41st Street New York, New York 10017-6702 (T) +1.212.326.3939 (F) +1.212.755.7306

Litigation and dispute resolution clients come to King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin to solve their business critical disputes quickly and efficiently.

An essential part of our approach to understanding their commercial drivers is listening. It means when we apply our expertise in court, in arbitration and across jurisdictions, the outcome is a win for the business. It makes us strategic problem solvers too. A truly international practice with centres of excellence in UK, Dubai, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, we are able to advise our clients in achieving the best outcome possible: resolving issues and minimising future disputes.

King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1BE England T: +44 (0)20 7111 2222 F: +44 (0)20 7111 2000

Kirkland & Ellis is renowned for its experience in complex litigation and arbitration. The Firm believes that the best litigation results — whether achieved in court or across the bargaining table — occur where the lawyers and client act on the assumption that Kirkland will try the case. Kirkland’s trial-oriented approach is possible because the Firm has a deep bench of senior trial lawyers and an uncommon commitment to training its young lawyers.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP 333 South Hope Street Los Angeles, CA 90071 United States Telephone: +1 213-680-8400 Fax: +1 213-680-8500

Lexing is the first international network dedicated to advanced technologies, of which Sébastien Fanti is one of the founders. Lexing allows international companies to benefit from the services of lawyers with skills in information technology law who are recognized in their respective countries.

A lawyer in the field of advanced (cloud computing) technologies, Sébastien Fanti operates within the Lexing international network of lawyers. An editor of legal journals (MEDIALEX, Law Journal Information Technologies at the University of Namur) and a member of the Committee on the Rights of the digital rights of the Union Internationale des Avocats, he participated in debates on the future of standards in this area.

Lexing Switzerland Sébastien Fanti sebastien.fanti@sebastienfanti.ch Telephone: 0041273221515 – 0041795031515

www.acquisition-intl.com

84 | 2014 M&A Awards

100 Directory - Litigation

Linklaters’ dispute resolution lawyers throughout the world have a reputation for succeeding in the most sensitive and complex litigation and arbitration cases.

The firm’s primary aim is to help clients, mainly leading multinationals and financial institutions, to avoid litigation wherever possible. When litigation is unavoidable, Linklaters focuses on the commercial objectives of clients, while assessing legal, commercial and reputational risk. The team analyses the negotiating weaknesses of opponents and devises optimum procedural tactics or creative settlement approaches.

Linklaters’ dispute resolution lawyers are as familiar with arbitration under all rules as with litigation. They settle disputes for clients in the most appropriate manner, whether by mediation, adjudication or expert determination.

Linklaters LLP One Silk Street London EC2Y 8HQ Telephone: (44 20) 7456 2000 Fax (44 20) 7456 2222

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is a 650-lawyer business litigation firm -- the largest in the United States devoted solely to business litigation and arbitration. Our lawyers have tried 2247 cases and won 1988, or 88.5%. When we represent defendants, our trial experience gets us better settlements or defense verdicts. When representing plaintiffs, our lawyers have won over $27 billion in judgments and settlements. We have also obtained four 9-figure jury verdicts, thirteen 9-figure settlements, and seven 10-figure settlements.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP 500 West Madison St., Suite 2450 Chicago, Illinois 60606 tel. +1 312-705-7400 fax. +1 312-705-7401

Mathys Schmid Partner is an established firm of attorneys and notaries with offices at Rittergasse 12, in the heart of Basel, Switzerland. We have gained a reputation amongst a demanding Swiss and international clientele for quality, competence and efficiency. We are a team of experienced and dynamic lawyers licensed to represent clients before all courts of Switzerland. Our main areas of practice are Dispute Resolution and Arbitration, Corporate/M&A, Contract Law, Intellectual Property as well as Restructuring and Insolvency.

In case of disputes, we examine whether an out-ofcourt settlement would be advisable and feasible.

In a second step, we assess the chances of litigation. If legal proceedings are to be instituted, we defend our client’s position in civil litigation as well as in arbitration proceedings with all due perseverance. We accept nominations to act as mediators, as arbitrators as well as party representatives before national and international courts of arbitration.

Mathys Schmid Partner Rittergasse 12 CH-4051 Basel Switzerland Tel.: +41 (0)61 270 99 00 Fax: +41 (0)61 270 99 05 E-Mail: basel@msp-law.ch Website: www.msp-law.ch

Mayer Brown International LLP 350 South Grand Avenue 25th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071-1503 United States of America T+1 213 229 9500 F+1 213 625 0248

Staying competitive locally and internationally, while managing and mitigating risk, are the key challenges to businesses operating in an ever-changing environment. Global commerce has inevitably led to global disputes. With more than 800 knowledgeable, skilled and focused litigation lawyers in our offices throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Reed Smith has the experience and capabilities to meet these challenges.

Simmons & Simmons’ international financial markets litigation group focuses exclusively on contentious work for financial institutions. Members of the group work alongside our noncontentious and transactional financial markets lawyers and have constant exposure to the business of financial institutions. As a result, they are not only first class contentious lawyers but have a real understanding of the financial markets and the needs of financial institutions.

We are trusted legal advisers to leading international businesses around the world, helping clients navigate the complexities of operating in this fast-paced and constantly evolving marketplace. Our clients include financial services firms, insurers, life science companies, health care providers, retailers, media companies, technology companies and entrepreneurs, energy companies, transport and logistics operators, communications companies, manufacturers, universities, nonprofits, real estate developers, and municipalities, that rely on our experienced global litigation team for their most complex and high-stakes litigation matters.

Our practice reflects the firm’s non-contentious financial markets practice. We therefore work mainly on high value, complex matters for investment banks, clearing banks, investment and fund managers, securities houses, commodities and futures brokers and dealers, general insurance and life assurance companies and other financial institutions operating in the international financial markets.

Reed Smith LLP Three Logan Square 1717 Arch Street, Suite 3100 Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.acquisition-intl.com

The lawyers in our Commercial Litigation practice have represented clients in virtually every type of business and commercial dispute. Our practice is built on the experience and skill of our trial lawyers. We have represented our clients in jury and bench trials across the Americas, Europe and Asia. We have handled dozens of commercial arbitrations and administrative hearings. Our lawyers take pride in their ability to move quickly and mobilize a team at a moment’s notice to handle emergency litigation, whether it be a TRO, a preliminary injunction or an emergency appeal. We have the ability to assemble teams that include lawyers from across the world with extensive experience in their local courts. And no other firm can offer a litigation practice that is so strongly supported at every step by the lawyers of our nationally renowned appellate practice and a group that specializes in e-discovery.

Simmons & Simmons CityPoint One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9SS United Kingdom T +44 20 7628 2020 F +44 20 7628 2070

We advise many of the world’s largest corporations and financial institutions on complex, high-value and sensitive multi-jurisdictional disputes. Our team of dispute resolution lawyers in London provides an integrated and high quality service to all our clients.

With experience in managing multi-jurisdictional litigation and international arbitration across all industry sectors, our lawyers both prevent and resolve disputes by giving practical, creative advice that focuses on our clients’ strategic objectives. We have particular strength in financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare.

We recognise that each dispute is governed by a unique set of variables, sensitivities and, most importantly, commercial factors.

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP 3 More London Riverside London SE1 2AQ United Kingdom

Our first class litigation and dispute resolution skills, coupled with our leading-edge competition law expertise, enable us to handle complex competition litigation matters. Our Competition Litigation group of cross-disciplinary specialists comprises lawyers from our Competition and Dispute Resolution practices. It is made up of eight partners and an adviser on regulated industries, Christopher Wright.

Together, we have extensive experience in appeals against decisions of competition and regulatory authorities. We act in competition litigation before English and other national courts, the General Court and the Court of Justice.

We are at the cutting edge of the current increase in private actions, acting in ground-breaking competition litigation before the English and European Courts. We also coordinate cross-border antitrust litigation strategies with the practices of our ‘Best Friends’ in other major jurisdictions.

Slaughter and May Square de Meeûs 40 1000 Brussels Belgium T +32 (0)2 737 94 00 F +32 (0)2 737 94 01

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100 Directory - Litigation

Our award winning litigation practice has a leading reputation in the market.

We have a track record for advising clients on their most complex and difficult disputes - and have over the years acted on many of the largest cases in the courts and tribunals.

We handle all aspects of litigation and arbitration, including financial and banking disputes, recovery and insolvency, professional indemnity, intellectual property, information technology, construction and engineering, fraud and asset tracing, property disputes, trust litigation and business investigations and regulation.

We are highly respected among our peers. In addition to the firm’s own clients, we are frequently referred work by top international law firms when they are faced with conflict situations.

Stephenson Harwood Level 6, Units 628-629 China World Office 1, No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing 100004, PRC. China T +86 10 65052477 F :+86 10 65052491

Disputes are both commonplace and highly disruptive. They can also be very costly. That’s why we believe in the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms – they resolve disputes more quickly and keep costs to an absolute minimum.

But it’s not just about resolving disputes when they arise. We also work with clients to ensure systems are in place that will minimise the risk of litigation happening in the first place.

However, where litigation or arbitration ensues, our Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice has extensive experience of successfully resolving increasingly complex and high value commercial disputes across a wide range of sectors worldwide.

In addition to our areas of expertise listed below, our lawyers have expertise in contentious trusts, professional negligence, product liability, and claims against directors, shareholders and investors.

Our litigation experience covers a wide range of business sectors and legal practice areas in the commercial sphere, including intellectual property and patent disputes, banking and insolvency litigation, professional negligence claims, disputes arising from the acquisition of businesses or companies, property and construction cases, trust and pensions litigation and financial services disputes. The broad spread of our commercial litigation practice and the strength of our reputation is such that we regularly attract instructions in high value claims not only from major UK entities (particularly banks and other financial institutions and major UK corporates) but also, increasingly, from international clients who wish to pursue claims through the English courts.

Travers Smith LLP 21, place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris T: +33 1 43 12 53 00 F: +33 1 43 12 53 09

The firm has a robust commercial litigation and dispute resolution practice that handles matters and disputes across our core Practice Areas all over Nigeria and where required, we also advise on issues for determination in matters before courts and arbitral panels in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other countries.

Wherever possible, we encourage our corporate and commercial clients to resolve their disputes without resort to litigation or arbitration.

Uzoma Azikiwe is a Partner and the head of the firm’s litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution team. He provides advice in maritime, aviation, employment and energy matters, and his specialisations include advising multinationals on oil, gas and environmental matters, the provision, manning and maintenance of vessels, cabotage issues, telecommunications, construction, administrative and constitutional law.

St Nicholas House, (10th & 13th Floors), Catholic Mission Street, Lagos, P.O.B. 53123 (Ikoyi), Nigeria.

Tel: +234 1 4622307-10, 8970622, 7467733 Fax: +234 1 4622311 Web: www.uubo.org E-mail: uzoma.azikiwe@uubo.org

Taylor Wessing LLP 5 New Street Square London EC4A 3TW United Kingdom DX 41 London Tel. +44 (0) 20 7300 7000 Fax. +44 (0) 20 7300 7100

WEITBRECHTLAW From standard commercial litigation to complex strategic disputes with substantial amounts at stake, from national courts to international arbitration, Weil & Associés has successfully acquired a broad range of litigation skills.

Transparency is key and there is no room for surprises. We therefore believe that it is important that you are confident you are in good hands by keeping you spontaneously updated from start to finish at every step of the trial.

Having represented clients in trials since 1974, our litigators have a strong litigation and arbitration experience. They have a long-standing and sound knowledge of the formal subtleties that sometimes allow defending a case without even addressing the merits before court. We know how a matter should be presented to the courts or an arbitration tribunal and our expertise as litigation lawyers is recognized by these authorities.

Weil & Associés 26, Avenue de la Grande Armée, 75017 Paris, France info@weil-paris.fr weil-paris.fr Tel: +33 (0)1 44 15 98 98 Fax: +33 (0)1 44 15 98 99

Private Damage Claims

Companies that have been damaged by an illegal cartel are obliged by corpo-rate law to pursue credible claims.

In most cases it makes sense for claimants to form an alliance with others who are similarly damaged by the same cartel.

WEITBRECHTLAW assists in the resolution of these claims using, wherever possible, multiparty arbitration and mediation.

WEITBRECHTLAW Prof. Dr. Andreas Weitbrecht Rechtsanwalt Bundeskanzlerplatz 2-10 D - 53113 Bonn aw@weitbrechtlaw.com www.weitbrechtlaw.com Tel: +49 228 2673 460 Fax: +49 228 2673 203

The world’s leading financial institutions, largest corporations, sovereign governments, executives and directors turn to our Global Commercial Litigation Practice for their most significant litigation matters. With a global team of more than 700 dispute resolution lawyers worldwide, the Practice has genuine depth and local law capability that few other major firms can match.

Our Practice includes our highly-rated litigators and regulatory practitioners experts across the United States (based in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, the Silicon Valley and Miami), ensuring that any exposure across your operations is handled by one team. In Europe and Asia, our team of more than 330 practitioners has significant and wide-ranging experience in litigation at all levels before national courts and judicial tribunals throughout these regions and before the European Courts in Luxembourg.

Trial skills matter—even in a world where few disputes ever see the inside of a courtroom. Winston & Strawn has built a reputation as a trial lawyers’ firm. Our litigators are fully prepared to defend our clients’ interests in court, both in the United States and around the world. From compliance counseling to mediation, settlement negotiation, motion practice, trial, and appeal, Winston offers a full-service litigation practice capable of meeting our clients’ business and legal objectives, whatever they may be.

Our litigators are some of the most seasoned in the industry, bringing extensive courtroom experience to every matter our firm handles.

Winston & Strawn LLP 35 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601-9703 +1 (312) 558-5600 +1 (312) 558-5700

White & Case LLP 1155 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10036-2787 United States

www.acquisition-intl.com

86 | 2014 M&A Awards

100 Directory - Arbitration

In today’s global marketplace, disputes are growing in number and complexity. Businesses are facing intense competition and must manage the risks and challenges in doing business locally and internationally. Higher accountability standards and tighter regulatory scrutiny increase exposure and vulnerability. We are uniquely positioned to help you navigate these complexities with confidence, while achieving your strategic and commercial objectives.

At Baker & McKenzie, you have access to one of the largest and most recommended Dispute Resolution practices in the world. Our practice includes more than 750 locally qualified practitioners, including many lawyers recognized as leaders in dispute resolution. Chambers Global ranks our practice in 32 countries/regions and we are also recognized as a leading firm in the area of cross-border disputes and international arbitration.

Baker & McKenzie LLP Hutchison House 14th Floor, Hutchison House 10 Harcourt Road, Central Hong Kong SAR

ADR is often required by a court or by the dispute resolution clause contained in the parties’ agreement. While ADR started in the areas of family law and workplace conflicts, it is becoming increasingly popular in the business world. In fact, ADR has grown exponentially in recent years as companies worldwide have pursued alternatives to costly and time-consuming litigation and arbitration.

Many of our attorneys also work as mediators, gaining valuable insights that they use when they counsel clients through the ADR process.

Our track record provides our clients with the means to resolve disputes often before the first pleading has to be filed. When an investigation or case involves publicity, our lawyers have unique experience understanding how to handle cases with legal, media and market issues.

DAC Beachcroft has market-leading insurance dispute resolution expertise. We are specialists in all forms of international and domestic dispute resolution including litigation at all levels, arbitration and all forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) with particularly extensive experience of mediation.

In addition to traditional litigation, our lawyers have a wealth of experience in alternative dispute resolution. We strive to gain an understanding of our clients’ business and legal needs in order to resolve disputes efficiently and expeditiously.

At times, the best solution involves cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation.

We handle cases across the UK, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. We assist clients in all industries, but are particularly well known for our insurance sector expertise.

The attorneys in our Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice are experienced in both national and international arbitration, mediation and private negotiation. We also counsel clients who wish to establish alternative dispute resolution programs and provide specialized training for those responsible for implementing them. Alternative dispute resolution techniques have been applied in a variety of practice areas including commercial, employment, environmental and product liability.

Disputes are a fact of corporate and commercial life, but at DAC Beachcroft, we stand by you every step of the way. We do everything we can to help you achieve the best commercial outcome, minimising costs, damage and disruption to your business and (in liability cases) ensuring the best outcome for your insured.

Chadbourne & Parke LLP 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 United States of America +1 (212) 408-5226

DAC Beachcroft LLP 3 Minster Court Mincing Lane London EC3R 7DD T +44 (0) 20 7894 6800 F +44 (0) 20 7894 6801

An integral part of the Firm’s dispute resolution capabilities is the International Arbitration Practice, which advises leading multinationals in arbitration proceedings across the world. Our lawyers are ranked as leaders in major directories, including Chambers Global and UK and PLC’s Which Lawyer?, and are frequent speakers and writers on arbitration topics. They have experience working with all major arbitral institutions and rules.

Our international arbitration group comprises litigation lawyers and experienced arbitration practitioners from across our international offices and our specialist industry sectors including oil and gas, financial services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, international insurance and reinsurance (including Bermuda Form arbitration) and construction and engineering.

Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP 111 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02199-7613 Tel +1 617 239 0100 Fax +1 617 227 4420

One Pacific Place 23rd Floor, One Pacific Place 88 Queensway Hong Kong SAR China T +852 2846 1888 F +852 2845 0476

Our market-leading international arbitration group is composed of over 120 specialists based in the key international arbitration centres, including Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Moscow, Paris, Singapore, the US and Vienna. Currently, we manage a caseload of over 200 claims, which span the globe and are being conducted under various arbitration rules. We advise clients in institutional and ad hoc proceedings involving energy and natural resources, telecoms, financial services, construction, joint ventures and sports.

In addition to our experience in commercial arbitration, we also have a very significant practice in investment disputes, arising from multilateral and bilateral investment treaties and in disputes between states.

Our team includes some of the world’s most prominent arbitration practitioners, who hold high-profile positions in the major arbitration institutions, governmental organisations and professional associations. Senior members of the group regularly accept appointments as arbitrators, and therefore are particularly well qualified to advise our clients on the optimal arbitration strategy for their cases, including the appointment of arbitrators.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 65 Fleet Street London EC4Y 1HS Tel: +44 207 427 3023 Fax: +44 207 108 3023 Website: www.freshfields.com

www.acquisition-intl.com

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Telephone House 2-4 Temple Avenue London EC4Y 0HB United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7071 4000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7071 4244

As international arbitration becomes the preferred form of dispute resolution in transnational commercial transactions our lawyers are experts in dealing with international arbitrations seated in major arbitral centres, including London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong and under the procedural rules of the ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, SIAC, DIAC, AAA, JAMS and LMAA. Lawrence Graham LLP 4 More London Riverside London SE1 2AU United Kingdom T: +44 20 7379 0000 F: +44 20 7379 6854 E: info@lg-legal.com

In today’s increasingly competitive and regulated world disputes have become a fact of business life. Recession has aggravated this for the simple reason that economic pressures lead to the break down of business relationships: When money is tight and access to liquidity is scarce, contentious issues rise to the surface. Difficult decisions have to be made about whether to maintain relationships with business partners, whether it remains viable to commit to an ongoing obligation or whether short term needs outweigh longer term planning.

We have seen a steady rise in the number and size of commercial disputes from previous years; a trend set to grow as the disputes arising out of the credit crunch come to be determined in London and beyond. When disputes do arise, the stakes are invariably high for all parties, with not only significant financial issues at play but also important reputational consequences for the parties involved.

Mishcon de Reya Summit House 12 Red Lion Square London WC1R 4QD Tel +44 20 7440 7000 Fax +44 20 7404 5982

2014 M&A Awards | 87

100 Directory - Litigation / Arbitration

Virtually all businesses will need to resolve disputes of some nature from time to time.

They may be perceived as a minor irritation but in more serious cases they can severely disrupt cash flow, the ability to win future contracts and affect the reputation of your business within the wider business community.

Our dedicated team provides realistic advice on the options available with regard to business dispute resolution; via mediation, arbitration, negotiation or litigation. We then pursue the appropriate course of action to resolve the dispute in the most cost-effective way. Wherever possible, we avoid the disruption and costs of litigation by encouraging parties to mediate or negotiate a settlement before the case reaches court.

We aim to resolve your business disputes and bring them to a successful conclusion but, when required, our services extend to providing full representation in the courts, at tribunals, inquiries (including public inquiries), mediations and arbitration hearings.

Andrew & Co Solicitors St Swithin’s Court, 1 Flavian Road, Nettleham Road Lincoln Lincolnshire LN2 4GR 01522 512123

For over three decades Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has maintained one of the world’s foremost international arbitration practices. We have two of the top-eleven leading international arbitration individuals in Chambers Global 2013, and a total of ten partners ranked among the top lawyers in various guides. Our lawyers handle a wide range of the most challenging disputes and lead professional organizations dedicated to arbitration.

At Debevoise, we pride ourselves not only on our victories for clients, but also on our continued devotion to improving arbitration practice. For example, in 2010 Debevoise issued a Protocol to Promote Efficiency in International Arbitration, which identifies 25 specific procedures intended to make arbitration more efficient. No other law firm has made such a public and specific commitment to promoting efficiency on behalf of our clients.

Rooted in our proud and distinguished history, yet embracing innovative ideas and practices, Debevoise continuously endeavors to establish the benchmark for international arbitration.

Our Litigation and Arbitration team is robust, pro-active and above all, commercial. Whether your problem is simply an unpaid debt or a complicated contractual dispute, we’ll adopt the best strategy to get a resolution as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

BHW are also experts in helping implement strategies to minimise risk.

We know when to litigate and when to negotiate.

Lisa Wainwright, who heads the Dispute Resolution Department, is both a solicitor and a qualified mediator.

Above all, we understand how important it is for our clients to know we’re on their side. We do whatever it takes to get the right result and our commitment is demonstrated in everything we do.

By working alongside the major insurance and reinsurance legal firms in London, Bermuda, the U.S.A. and Australia, Cranmore’s personnel have gained extensive experience of litigation and arbitration support work.

The Cranmore team has a proven track record in providing clients and their legal advisers with the technical support required in such situations – including the provision of testimony in both Court and Arbitration proceedings in the U.K., the U.S.A., Bermuda and Australia.

Cranmore America House 2 America Square London EC3N 2LU Tel: +44 (0)20 7680 4123 Email: enquiries@cranmore.co

BHW Solicitors 5 Grove Court Grove Park Leicester LE19 1SA Tel: +44 (0)116 289 7000 Fax: +44 (0)116 281 6229

In seeking expeditious and cost-effective resolutions for our clients’ disputes, we are committed to prioritising alternative dispute resolution. Yet litigation is the mainstay of our practice, covering multi-party disputes, debt/commodity recovery, liability from negotiations, conflict-of-laws issues, EU competition law, foreign judgments enforcement, injunctive protection, arbitration proceedings and enforcement of arbitral awards.

Resources from our banking, insolvency and employment practices are often brought in to ensure top value-adding client service in an extensive range of specialist litigation - one more factor contributing to our virtual 100% success record.

Elias Paraskevas Attorneys1933 Asklepiou Street 106 79 Athens - Greece Tel: +30 210 36 10 333 dparaskevas@paraskevaslaw.com

Fountain Court is one of the leading sets in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Members of Fountain Court are renowned for their expertise in this broad area. Commercial litigation is what members of Fountain Court excel at. All members of Chambers are involved in commercial litigation work on a day-to-day basis.

Members advise and appear in complex, high value disputes in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division as well as in commercial arbitrations here and abroad and in overseas Courts and arbitrations. In short, Fountain Court members act whenever clients require excellent advice and representation in major business disputes.

Fountain Court Chambers Fountain Court Temple London EC4Y 9DH Telephone: +44 (0)20 7583 3335

A significant focus of Cravath’s litigation practice is representing and advising international clients.

We practice only U.S. law, which means that our litigation activities are focused on actual and potential litigation in U.S. courts and arbitrations conducted throughout the world. From our New York and London offices, we are routinely called upon to represent non‑U.S. companies in many of the largest and most complex trials and appeals in federal and state courts, in domestic and international arbitrations (including ICC, LCIA, AAA and private arbitrations), before administrative agencies and regulatory authorities and in virtually every other type of proceeding, including internal investigations.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Worldwide Plaza 825 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10019‑7475 T: +1‑212‑474‑1000 F: +1‑212‑474‑3700

We provide legal, commercial and strategic advice on a wide range of business disputes. Our focus is on providing results-driven solutions that minimise the risks and realistically assess the potential rewards.

The team enjoys a high profile, independent position in the market, and rarely faces the kinds of conflict issues which mean that we cannot act against large institutions. We pride ourselves on being partner-led and ensuring that there is a strong and continued presence of the lead partner on every assignment.

Our lawyers are experts in all forms of dispute resolution and are well placed to recommend the best process to suit our clients’ particular needs.

Fox Williams LLP Ten Dominion Street, London, EC2M 2EE Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 2000

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 919 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022

www.acquisition-intl.com

88 | 2014 M&A Awards

100 Directory - Negotiation

Most legal cases can be resolved through constructive negotiations, and it is generally beneficial to settle a claim before taking the matter to court. Negotiation is far less formal than court proceedings.

Few organisations can avoid disputes in today’s business climate. We can advise you how best to present your arguments or defend your position, be it in negotiations, arbitration, litigation, mediation or tribunal proceedings.

Our Professional Practices Group includes specialist litigation and arbitration advisers, who are highly experienced in both UK High Court litigation and domestic and international arbitration in the partnership sphere.

Essentially, both parties are able to decide the outcome of your dispute usually at minimal costs compared to the costs in taking a matter to court.

The right advice, at the right time, can save you money.

The Dispute Resolution team attracts high-profile instructions from some of the largest firms and has an excellent client base, predominantly in the professional and financial services sectors. However, the team also acts for individual partners.

Negotiations can begin before a court claim has started or even after, but they must occur before the court makes a decision on the case. If negotiations have reached a deadlock, the parties mat turn to Mediation to attempt to resolve the issue before or during any court proceedings.

Negotiations however are not suitable in every dispute. If the time limit for making a claim is very close or if a dispute hinges on a point of law, negotiations may be fruitless. Even so, there would be opportunities to negotiate up to the time the court makes its decision.

Our Solicitors will negotiate on a ‘without prejudice’ basis, which generally means that anything discussed in the negotiation cannot be referred to in court. We will act in your best interest towards brokering the best solution for you.

We operate cost effective procedures to resolve issues that include going to the Court but also consider other methods of resolving disputes including mediation, arbitration and negotiation.

We will give you a free consultation over the phone to identify the nature of your problem and advise you of possible alternatives available to resolve it.

Getting the best advice quickly often saves considerable costs and time.

Our team is acutely aware that litigation or arbitration can be protracted, stressful and costly.

Where possible, we aim to resolve disputes without the need for proceedings either through negotiation or formal mediation. In some cases, however, urgent injunctive relief is required from the Court (for example, where expulsion is threatened), and the team has a great track record in obtaining such relief from the Court.

Eaton Smith LLP 14 High Street, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 2HA Tel: (01484) 821300 Fax: (01484) 821333

Fox Williams LLP Ten Dominion Street, London, EC2M 2EE Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 2000

We take a proactive approach to resolving commercial, charity and personal legal disputes, using negotiation and mediation wherever appropriate as a practical alternative to litigation.

Negotiation is part of everyday life. As with any endeavour, it can be effective or unproductive.

Everyone can become a better negotiator, regardless of skill level.

Our team of expert lawyers can help your business to address and manage your dispute whether internal or with consumers and suppliers.

If you are about to enter into a difficult negotiation, the experts at the Stitt Feld Handy Group can help you prepare for the negotiation so that you have the skill and ability to go into the negotiation and Expect Success. Our negotiation consultants use the Seven Elements of Principled Negotiation (created by Professor Roger Fisher at Harvard) to help you prepare for and conduct your negotiation and, if you wish, we happily participate with you in the negotiation itself.

Our expert lawyers have a huge amount of experience in representing clients at formal mediation as well as other forms of ADR. Indeed, we have two professionally accredited mediators within our team ready to advise on the challenges and pitfalls that ADR can often present.

We will explore all avenues to ensure that we achieve the best possible resolution for you and will tenaciously negotiate your corner, in order to achieve the best possible result. When successful, ADR can achieve extremely cost-effective results, which is rarely possible through court based litigation.

Hugh James Hodge House 114 - 116 St. Mary Street Cardiff CF10 1DY Tel: 029 2022 4871 Fax: 029 2038 8222

DLS Law Norfolk House East, 499 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 2AH DX 31410 MILTON KEYNES Telephone: +44 (0) 1908 924200

ADR provides a variety of methods for resolving disputes which can lead to their practical and cost efficient resolution when negotiation fails.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provides a number of methods for resolving disputes practically and, in many cases, time and cost effectively. The different forms of ADR on which Ince advises include dialogue, structured negotiation and mediation.

At Ince we explore the core issues between the parties and the most appropriate method of resolution. Globally we have over 80 partners and 150 assistants trained to advise clients in all forms of ADR and dispute resolution is at the heart of the firm Ince partners were at the forefront of the establishment of ADR in the UK. We are a founding member of The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), ADR Net and the Maritime Solicitors Mediation Services (MSMS), which focuses on disputes within the shipping and marine industries.

Ince & Co Tel: +44 (0) 20 7481 0010 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7481 4968 DX 1070 London City Ince & Co LLP International House 1 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1AY

www.acquisition-intl.com

Where litigation is the only option, we will take effective action to resolve the conflict in the best interests of your business.

Stone King 13 Queen Square Bath BA1 2HJ DX: 8001 Bath Tel: 01225 337599 Fax: 01225 335437

The Stitt Feld Handy Group 416-307-0006 or 1-800-389-0435 (from the Bahamas)

Disputes are a drain on business, requiring lawyers to develop a proactive strategy, one that focuses on our client’s needs and is designed to achieve the desired outcome in a timely and cost effective manner.

Our lawyers are therefore experienced in a variety of alternative dispute resolution methods including negotiation, mediation, expert determination and arbitration.

Used correctly these methods can help retain business relationships, deal with peripheral but important non-monetary issues and yet provide a binding, enforceable, agreement.

Ward Hadaway Sandgate House 102 Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX DX number: DX 730360 Newcastle upon Tyne 30 T: +44 (0) 191 204 4000 F: +44 (0) 191 204 4001 E: enquiries@wardhadaway.com

2014 M&A Awards | 89

100 Directory - Legal Costs

Abacus consists of a core team of six Senior Costs Draftsmen, including five Fellows of the Association of Law Costs Draftsmen (three of whom are also qualified Costs Lawyers), and a former Solicitor and Partner in a Nottingham law firm. The team have a combined experience of over 114 years in the legal costs profession, which puts Abacus in a strong position when advising clients on the ever changing areas of costs law.

Abacus is based in the City of London, enabling the company to provide costing services to its varied London client base, which includes global law firms, major insurance companies and accountancy firms, as well as other niche practices both in London and nationally. The City location also enables assistance to be provided to clients on costs matters at short notice, including urgent attendances at hearings and at the clients’ offices as necessary.

Abacus Law Costs Consultants Studio 33 4th Floor 1-13 Adler Street London E1 1EG United Kingdom T 020 7392 2044 F 020 7392 2105 DX 854 London/City info@abacuslawcosts.co.uk

Johnson & Johnson, Law Costs Draftsmen, Cost Lawyers, Cost Consultants & Negotiators was formed in 1989 when the proprietor, D.A. (Tony) Johnson decided that he wanted to provide a quality and bespoke service to solicitors who required the specialist help and advice needed to steer them through the arcane and complex maze that was then, and remains to this day, the world of detailed Bill preparation, Assessment proceedings and Costs negotiation.

Johnson & Johnson Law Costs Dratftsmen St.Austell Office 8 Church Street St. Austell PL25 4AT DX 81254 ST AUSTELL Tel: 01726 64729 Fax: 01726 69831 Email: info@jjlegal.co.uk

Cost Chambers Limited is a young and dynamic team of Legal Cost Consultants, who bring a fresh outlook and energetic approach to the world of costs.

Our services enable our clients to focus on their caseload and not get drawn into the secondary litigation of costs.

We have a personal and professional relationship with our clients and are committed to providing a service that will exceed expectations with respect to the recovery of their costs.

Our team includes individuals from a variety of legal backgrounds who demonstrate the depth of their knowledge and experience on a daily basis.

Cost Chambers Limited 25a Cemetery Road Southport PR8 6RH E-mail: enquiries@cost-chambers.com Telephone: 01704 504090 Fax: 01704 534564 DX: 728544 Southport 9

McCarthys is one of the older and more respected costs practices, having been founded in 1979 by David McCarthy, then a fellow of the Association of Law Costs Draftsmen (ALCD) and today a senior Costs Lawyer (ACL). The firm practised in Chancery Lane for 20 years, before restructuring and relocating to Chelmsford in January 2000.

McCarthys has worked for some of the most respected solicitors in the UK, from small firms through to Magic Circle firms, dealing with all aspects of costs from routine civil litigation, through to complex and novel cases at Supreme Court and European Court level and high profile multi-million pound commercial cases.

McCarthys Legal Costs Lawyers 9 Ayletts, Broomfield, Chelmsford, CM1 7LE TEL: 01245-442544 Email: mail@mlcl.co.uk

We are Gibbins Costs Lawyers. We are Costs Lawyers and Law Costs Draftsmen specialising in all aspects of legal costs, including bills for detailed assessment, Legal Aid claims, advocacy and negotiations.

Jennings was established in 1989 and along with our good reputation, has grown significantly. We provide comprehensive costs consultancy services to legal practices and solicitors throughout the UK.

Since 1976, our passion at Gibbins has always been about maximising the profitability of our clients, and that ethos remains central to our business aims today. However, a lot of other things have changed over the years and we have developed and expanded accordingly. We don’t just provide a bill-drawing service! Our services range from costs negotiating in PI and commercial cases to completing Legal Aid forms and everything in between (including drawing bills).

As trusted advisors to clients who rely on our skills and efficient working methods to maintain cashflow and accurately claim their costs, our clients number high profile practices as well as small independent solicitors, many of whom Jennings have worked with for a number of years and who see us as their ‘first call’ for legal services support.

Gibbins Costs Lawyers Freemans House Liquorice Way PONTEFRACT WF8 1DR Tel: 01977 701938 DX 22252 info@gibbins.net

We are proud of our status as one of the most experienced and respected teams of Costs Lawyers / Draftsmen in the region.

Jennings Costs Consultants T: 0870 7777 100 F: 0870 7777 600 E: info@jenningscosts.co.uk

We act for Solicitors, insurers and private individuals from all over the UK.

Based in Cambridgeshire, R Costings Limited is a leading firm of Costs Lawyers, Draftsmen and Consultants providing a comprehensive legal costs service to the legal profession, corporate organisations, trade unions, businesses and associations of all sizes.

Our role is often varied but whatever function we are performing we never lose sight of three fundamental aims. These are to add value, to recognise risk, and to find solutions for all our clients’ costs issues.

R Costings Limited has grown rapidly since it was formed in 2002 by its Managing Director Paul Reason, and now employs a number of Costs Lawyers, Law Costs Draftsmen and support staff, servicing the industry nationwide.

Renvilles Costs Lawyers & Consultants Ltd 5 Hammet Street Taunton Somerset TA1 1RZ

R Costings Ltd Tel: 01480 463499 Fax: 01480 463411 DX: 46405 St Ives (Cambridge) Email: info@rcostings.co.uk R Costings, James Hall, Parsons Green, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 4AA

www.acquisition-intl.com

90 | 2014 M&A Awards

100 Directory - Mediation

Commercial mediation is a practical yet sophisticated process designed to address the real issues and obstacles behind conflict in reaching a commercially viable solution.

ADR Group’s commercial mediators understand that for many individuals and organisations dispute resolution is a ‘distress purchase’. The cost in terms of business disruption and personal management time to manage conflict is often underestimated.

Our commercial mediation services provide an effective yet challenging alternative. The appointment of a professional third party neutral commercial mediator through the ADR Group will provide the structure within which a constructive and positive negotiation process can take place.

The decision to settle and terms of agreement rest with the parties themselves, not the mediator and not a judge.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a collection of dispute resolution processes and techniques employed with a view to resolving disputes, preferably at an early stage, thereby saving costs and avoiding expensive and time consuming litigation or arbitration. There are other advantages including confidentiality and the fact that the parties have found greater control over the dispute.

BL Resolve have a number of experienced dispute resolution specialists based at our offices in Southampton, Portsmouth, Oxford and London.

Blake Lapthorn Seacourt Tower, West Way, Oxford, OX2 0FB Tel: 01865 248607 Fax: 0844 620 3403 Email: info@bllaw.co.uk

Our mediators have established themselves as leaders in the rapidly developing world of commercial mediation both in the United Kingdom and internationally. They have conducted some 250 mediations in the last twelve months and have assisted in settling claims worth over five billion pounds.

Fenwick Elliott is a leader in the field of ADR and in particular mediation. We have been instrumental in promoting mediation, and a range of ADR techniques such as early neutral evaluation, project mediation and expert determination, and dispute boards throughout the construction and energy industries.

Mediation is a process whereby a neutral third party spends, typically, a day with the parties to a dispute and tries to facilitate a settlement. The process is confidential. The mediator does not act as a judge or arbitrator. He expresses no views of his own as to the rights and wrongs of the dispute or the likely outcome of any litigation.

We are firm advocates of ADR, recognising that used in the right place and at the right time, commercial mediation, for example, can resolve differences quickly and cost-effectively. Our specialist experience, whether as mediator or party representative involved in a multi party, multi million-pound negotiation, means that we can provide our clients with a sound risk management strategy to resolve their disputes.

The mediators at Brick Court Chambers have undertaken thousands of mediations and have long experience of helping parties design and plan the process for maximum effectiveness.

Brick Court Chambers 7-8 Essex Street London WC2R 3LD DX 302 London Chancery Lane Contact Numbers Telephone: +44 (0)20 7379 3550 Fax: +44 (0)20 7379 3558

ADR Group Grove House Grove Road Redland Bristol BS6 6UN DX: 99884 Redland Bristol T: +44 (0)117 946 7180 F: +44 (0)117 946 7181

Fenwick Elliott LLP Aldwych House 71-91 Aldwych London WC2B 4HN

IN PLACE OF STRIFE No one wants to be in a commercial dispute: they are both time-consuming and costly. Increasingly, facilitated mediation is the ideal way to resolve any dispute rapidly and effectively, without the need to go to court.

Our experienced mediation team has the expertise and experience to understand your issues when you find yourself in dispute, and actively help you to work towards a successful and speedy resolution.

We are active members of ADR Group and the Association of Midlands Mediators.

Freeth Cartwright LLP 1 Heddon Street Mayfair London W1B 4BD DX 37209 Piccadilly Telephone: +44(0)845 050 3200 Fax: +44(0)845 050 3250

www.acquisition-intl.com

In Place of Strife, The Mediation Chambers, helps people and companies resolve disputes quickly, confidentially and cost-effectively. We provide the services of some of the most experienced and effective mediators currently practising in the UK and internationally.

In Place of Strife’s Chambers mediators have a wide range of specialist skills underlying their mediation experience and our experienced case administrators will be able to advise as to the mediator who is best suited to your case.

While litigation is inevitable in certain circumstances, our litigators are also leaders in arbitration and the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques. Our lawyers are familiar with the entire range of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including neutral evaluation, appraisal arbitration, mediation, dispute review boards, and mini-trials. The breadth of our arbitration experience enables us to collaborate with in-house counsel to determine when and whether the use of arbitration or other ADR processes are more appropriate than full-blown litigation or trial.

In Place of Strife, The International Dispute Resolution Centre, 70 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1EU Tel: 0844 556 3510 Email: info@mediate.co.uk

King & Spalding LLP 1100 Louisiana Suite 4000 Houston, TX 77002 T: +1 713 751 3200 F: +1 713 751 3290

Littleton mediators have a vast range of litigation experience in commercial, employment, professional negligence and other areas of law. They bring their extensive specialist knowledge to the mediation process. They have the ability to absorb information rapidly, to analyse complicated law and facts, and to identify the key issues in a case at the mediation stage. They are always approachable, and are able to establish a relaxed rapport with clients and lawyers alike. They bring commercial reality and common sense to mediation. Littleton mediators work assiduously to help the parties find a resolution of their disputes, however complex or apparently intractable they may be.

Littleton Chambers 3 King’s Bench Walk North London EC4Y 7HR Telephone: 020 7797 8600 Facsimile: 020 7797 8699 DX: 1047 Chancery Lane Email: clerks@littletonchambers.com

2014 M&A Awards | 91

100 Directory - Mediation

LSM London School of Mediation

LSM is one of the world’s leading organisations for mediation training. We are unique in the support we provide for alumni, on the courses and afterwards through the transition into practice.

We are passionate about mediation and its role in business, for the workplace, in commercial and insurance disputes, medical matters, the community, property, employment and human rights. Let us pass that passion and enthusiasm on to you as part of a truly ethical vocational choice.

Separation and divorce usually involve a major crisis for a family. The same is true of commercial disputes where business can be disrupted and court costs astronomical. At Phillips Solicitors our specially trained lawyers act as mediators for both private individuals and commercial clients, and we have set up Town Gate Mediation specifically to offer these mediation services. You can call our mediation team on 01256 854627 or visit towngatemediation.co.uk for more information.

London School of Mediation 218 Strand London United Kingdom WC2R 1AT Telephone: 0207 427 0848

Phillips Solicitors & Towngate Mediation 38 London Street Basingstoke RG21 7NY t. +44 1256 354627 e. legal@towngatemediation.co.uk

Our mediators bring to the mediation process the skills which we have honed in our legal practices, including thorough preparation, objective risk analysis, commercial awareness and an in depth knowledge of litigation, combined with mediation and negotiation skills and a wide experience both as mediators and as representatives in mediation.

The disputes we mediate reflect the wide range of practice areas at Serle Court, covering disputes in the fields of company law, contractual disputes, banking, charities, employment, estates and probate, financial services, ICT, intellectual property, private international law, partnership, property, shipping and trusts.

Serle Court mediators have mediated disputes in and across several different jurisdictions, and often mediate in multi-party disputes. A number of mediators are also happy to act as co-mediators in difficult multi-party negotiations.

Serle Court 6 New Square Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QS, DX 1025 LDE Telephone +44 (0) 20 7242 6105 Fax +44 (0) 20 7405 4004 Out of hours +44 (0) 7714 853642

Mediation can be an effective way of resolving disputes without the need to go to court. It involves using an independent third party – a mediator – who helps both sides endeavour to reach a settlement of their dispute.

Mediation is a confidential process where the terms of the negotiation are not disclosed to the court or tribunal. If parties are unable to reach agreement, they can still go to court.

Stephenson Harwood’s litigation specialists advise clients on mediation, devise suitable processes and represent clients at mediations.

Stephenson Harwood LLP 1 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7SH United Kingdom DX 64 Chancery Lane T +44 20 7329 4422 F +44 20 7329 7100

Talbot-Garman Consultores Ltda

We know that clients are usually looking for a cost efficient, commercially attractive and speedy resolution of their disputes. Our aim is to understand the client’s commercial objectives from the beginning and to identify a strategy to achieve those objectives in an economic and expeditious manner. Our experience covers all forms of ADR including arbitration, adjudication, dispute resolution boards, expert determination, early neutral evaluations and mediation.

TLT provides a full mediation service, offering an efficient and effective process for resolving commercial disputes as an adjunct or alternative to formal litigation or arbitration.

Thirty Nine Essex Street 82 King Street, Manchester M2 4WQ Tel: +44 (0)16 1870 0333 Fax: +44 (0)20 7353 3978

TLT LLP One Redcliff Street Bristol BS1 6TP United Kingdom

Our mediators are experienced in a wide range of commercial disputes and have individual areas of specialism and sectoral expertise. They are used to handling cases of all sizes and complexity, including multi-party and cross-border cases.

Wragge & Co’s entire dispute resolution capability is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The core dispute resolution team of 160 lawyers includes experts in contract and commercial, engineering and construction, mediation and arbitration, regulatory litigation, IT, professional negligence, insurance and volume debt recovery.

Elsewhere in the firm are teams specialising in dispute resolution for competition, employment, pensions, intellectual property (IP) and real estate.

Wragge & Co’s innovative approach to resolving disputes begins before its experts have even been instructed. One of our dispute resolution experts will be happy to carry out an initial analysis of your case and discuss your options with you at no cost.

Wragge & Co LLP 55 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2AS England DX: 13036 Birmingham-1 Tel: +44 (0)870 903 1000 Fax: +44 (0)870 904 1099

Rupert Talbot-Garman LL.B. (Hons), LL.M. (Hons) (Maritime Law) (Soton.), Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales, MCIarb, MCIL, is an International Commercial Legal Consultant & Bilingual (English/Spanish) CEDR Accredited Commercial Mediator.

Rupert specialises in the resolution of international disputes relating to ships, shipping, international trade and commodities.

For details, please see Rupert’s websites (and his LinkedIn profile): Consultancy: www.talbot-garman.com Mediation: www.talbot-garman-mediator.com Contact details: Email: rupert@talbot-garman.com U.K. Mobile / Blackberry: +44 (0) 7834 597 248 Skype: ruperttalbot-garman Celular chileno: 5354 3046 Talbot-Garman Consultores Ltda. is the trade name of Asesorías Talbot-Garman Consultores Ltda.

www.acquisition-intl.com

92 | 2014 M&A Awards

100 Directory - Expert Determination

Chris Makin Expert Determination is the process whereby the parties agree to refer their disagreement to an impartial expert third party and that they will then be bound by his or her decision. Like adjudication and arbitration, the parties can choose who the appointed expert is.

Expert Determination is more commonly used in industries other than construction but it is a process that may be well suited to some types of construction related disputes. In the construction industry it is primarily used to resolve technical issues, such as defects or extension of time claims. As a guide, if a court would rely on expert evidence to resolve the dispute, expert determination will possibly be a viable and cheaper alternative.

Construction Dispute Resolution Service Ltd, 2 Court Close, Rollesby, Norfolk, England, NR29 5EX. E Mail: enquiries@construction-dispute.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1493 748048

Expert Determination is a private process involving an independent technical expert who makes a binding decision on technical rather than legal issues and who has the power to ask questions of the parties before rendering his or her decision.

The decision is binding unless it is agreed by the parties at the outset that the determination will not be. Expert determination is particularly suited to disputes of valuation or a purely technical nature across a range of sectors.

CEDR can assist by proposing suitable experts to act as the expert determinator from our panel.

We will also handle all aspects of the expert determination arrangements. These include arranging document exchange, administrating funds, resolving procedural difficulties and providing support and guidance to the parties and the Expert Determinator as required.

CEDR T: +44 (0)207 536 6060 E: adr@cedr.com

Chris Makin performs expert determination (“ED”) by private appointment, and from the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

It is a procedure where a dispute, usually of a technical nature, is resolved by an expert whose decision is final and binding. He is appointed under contract, either by a procedure set out in a previous legal agreement (the dispute resolution clause in a shareholder agreement, for example) or by agreement at the time of the dispute between the parties and the expert.

It is not arbitration or litigation, so their rules and precedents need not be followed; the expert must act under the terms of the contract with the parties in dispute, so the three – or more – of them can agree those terms to suit the situation.

Chris Makin 3 Gray’s Inn Square, London, WC1R 5AH Telephone: 020 7430 0333 Fax: 020 7430 0666 DX: DX 283 London Chancery Lane

Frequently, business sale and purchase agreements contain a mechanism for adjusting the “headline” price or value obtained, commonly through Completion or Earn-Out Accounts. However, these clauses often lead to a dispute.

To maximise chances to improve the final position, preparation for a potential dispute over such a price-adjustment mechanism needs to start early. In the earlier phases of a transaction much ground can be lost through inexperience and it becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to recover that ground at a later stage.

Our dispute professionals have extensive experience of such dispute situations, whether advising a party to the deal or acting as the Independent Accountant. We have acted in many different industries covering all sizes of dispute, from those involving a single item through to large multinational deals with over 100 separate items in dispute.

What we do When acting as the Independent Determining Accountant, our goal is to provide an efficient, effective, properly justified and objective determination of the matters in dispute.

Deloitte 2 New Street Square London EC4A 3BZ United Kingdom Phone number : +44 20 7936 3000 Fax number : +44 20 7583 1198

www.acquisition-intl.com

2014 M&A Awards | 93

and the winners are...

Albania Haydinni Law Office LPA Law Firm Albania

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Albania Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Albania

Algeria Mustapha Hamza Law firm

Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Algeria

Anguilla Webster

Law Firm of the Year - Anguilla

Argentina Brons & Salas Castro Sammartino & Pierini, Attorneys & Counselors at Law

Banking Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Argentina

EnterPricing Estudio Grispo & Asociados Estudio Viramonte & Asociados FGM - Fabrizio & Giménez Mathus Abogados Fundación Suma Veritas Hope Duggan & Silva Lauritsen & Asociados M. & M. Bomchil PLB - Pereyra de Olazabal & Bustillo Abogados Suma Veritas Tanoira Cassagne Australia Allied Business Accountants Aon Risk Solutions ArgyStar.com Atanaskovic Hartnell BEAM Corp.

Brett Slater Solicitors Charbel Nehme & Associates CIMB Corporate Finance (Australia) Ltd Clarendon Lawyers Condon Associates David Bennett Davis Advisory DibbsBarker EAC Partners Eagle House Law ERM Ferrier Hodgson Finlaysons Gadens Greenwoods & Freehills Hartleys Limited Henry Davis York Henry Davis York HopgoodGanim HopgoodGanim HopgoodGanim Hunt & Hunt Immigration Solutions Lawyers Johnson Lawyers Legal K&L Gates Kain C+C Lawyers Kelly & Co Lander & Rogers Maddocks Maddocks Maddocks McCullough Robertson Mckinley Plowman Minter Ellison Miro Advisors Moelis & Company Moyle & Associates Norton Rose Fulbright Ozvis Associates Piper Alderman Planned Professional Risks Underwriting Agency PwC PwC

Transfer Pricing Consultancy Firm of the Year - Argentina Insolvency Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Insurance Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Support Network Provider of the Year - Argentina Securities Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Transactional IP Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Media & Entertainment Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Non-profit Focused Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Social Network of the Year - Argentina Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year - Argentina Business Accountants of the Year: Australia Insurance Due Diligence Firm of the Year: Australia Commercial Mediator of the Year: Australia Contractual Disputes Law Firm of the Year: Australia Boutique Corporate Advisory Firm of the Year: Australia Overall Immigration Law Firm of the Year: Australia Specialist Entrants Firm of the Year: Australia Financial Services Provider of the Year: Australia Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year: Australia Forensic Accountants of the Year: Australia Constitutional Law QC of the Year: Australia Boutique Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Australia Healthcare Law Firm of the Year: Australia Divestment Advisory Firm of the Year: Australia Australian Business Consultants of the Year Environmental Due Diligence Advisory Firm of the Year: Australia Management Consultants of the Year: Australia Mid-Sized M&A Law Firm of the Year: Australia Performance Improvement Focussed Law Firm of the Year: Australia Tax Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year: Australia Capital Raising Firm of the Year - Resource & Energy: Australia Funds Management Law Firm of the Year: Australia Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Australia Resources Law Firm of the Year: Australia Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year: Australia Resources Law Firm of the Year: Australia International Relations Law Firm of the Year: Melbourne Migration Disputes Specialists of the Year: Australia Industrial Relations Law Firm of the Year: Australia M&A Competition Law Firm of the Year: Australia Commercial Law Firm of the Year: Australia Banking Law Firm of the Year: Australia Property Law Firm of the Year: Australia Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Australia M&A IP Law Firm of the Year - Australia M&A Law Firm of the Year: Australia Private Equity Law Firm of the Year: Australia Multi Disciplinary Business Advisers of the Year: Australia Client Choice Award: Most Trusted Australian Advisory Firm Capital Management Firm of the Year: Australia Recapitalisation Advisory Firm of the Year: Australia Boutique IP Law Firm of the Year: Australia Engineering Law Firm of the Year: Australia Retirement Visa Specialists of the Year: Australia Agribusiness Law Firm of the Year: Australia Professional Insurance Firm of the Year: Australia Tax Litigation Firm of the Year: Australia Pre-Transaction Due Diligence Firm of the Year: Australia

Queensland Bar Chambers Record Point RNG Lawyers See Well Law Sparke Helmore Lawyers Squire Sanders Taylor David Lawyers The Bar Association of Queensland Truman Hoyle Truman Hoyle UBS Austria Anton Becker Anwaltskanzlei Likar GmbH Anwaltskanzlei Thiele BLS Rechtsanwälte Boller Langhammer Schubert OG Burgstaller & Preyer

Arbitrator of the Year: Australia Best Independent M&A Bank of the Year - Australia Business Succession Advisory Firm of the Year: Australia Client-Focussed Law Firm of the Year: Australia Dealmaker of the Year: Australia Project Finance Law Firm of the Year: Australia Insolvency Law Firm of the Year: Australia Most Trusted Barristers of the Year - Australia Communications Law Firm of the Year: Australia Merger Control Law Firm of the Year: Australia Corporate Asset Management Firm of the Year: Australia Chinese Law Specialist of the Year - Austria Legal Due Diligence Advisory Team of the Year - Austria Boutique TMT Law Firm of the Year - Austria Commercial Disputes Law Firm of the Year - Austria

Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partner (SCWP Schindhelm) Schoenherr Rechtsanwaelte Specht Böhm Rechtsanwalt GmbH Völkl. Rechtsanwälte Völkl. Rechtsanwälte

Boutique Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year - Austria Aviation Law Firm of the Year - Austria Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Austria Most Trusted M&A Law Firm of the Year - Austria Rising Stars in M&A Law - Austria Employment Law Firm of the Year - Austria Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Austria Investment Bank of the Year - Austria Legal Due Diligence Advisory Team of the Year - Austria Public/ Private Partnership Firm of the Year - Austria Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Austria Rising Stars in Commercial Arbitration - Austria Business Law Firm of the Year - Austria Civil Law Firm of the Year - Austria

Bahrain Norton Rose Fulbright Sovereign Trust Consultancy (Bahrain) W.L.L. Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants

Construction Law Team of the Year - Bahrain Tax Advisory Firm of the Year - Bahrain M&A Law Firm of the Year - Bahrain

Bangladesh Assurance Maritime Bangladesh Limited Doulah & Doulah Advocates Hussain, Muhammad Jalal Ishtiaque & Associates

Marine Consulting Firm of the Year - Bangladesh M&A Law Firm of the Year - Bangladesh Leading Accountant of the Year - Bangladesh Overall Law Firm of the Year - Bangladesh

Belarus Advokat Alina Kalinovskaya Revera Consulting Group Sysouev Bondar Khrapoutski Vlasova, Mikhel & Partners

Corporate Law Legal Practice of the Year - Belarus Tax Law Firm of the Year - Belarus Commercial Disputes Law Firm of the Year - Belarus Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Belarus

Dr Veronika Kozak Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwälte Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwälte KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwaelte KWR Karasek Wietrzyk Rechtsanwaelte Platte Rechtsanwalt Raiffeisen Centrobank Rechtsanwaltskanzlei LIKAR GmbH

Belgium Afschrift ALTIUS ALTIUS Ambos Law Billiet & Co Kocks & Partner Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick PwC Enterprise Advisory RCAA Strelia Van Bael & Bellis Miriam Driessen-Reilly FCIArb

Tax Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Belgium M&A Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Litigation Team of the Year - Belgium Administrative Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Best Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year 2014 - Belgium Rising Stars in EU Competition Law Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Belgium Anti-Cartel Enforcement Team of the Year - Belgium Arbitrator of the Year - Belgium

Belize Bay Trust Belize

Sustained Excellence in Trust Formation - Belize

Bermuda Abbott Associates MJM Limited PwC Bermuda

Actuarial Services Provider of the Year - Bermuda Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Bermuda Deals Advisor of the Year (Financial Services) - Bermuda

Bhutan Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan Ltd

Most Dedicated Stock Exchange

Bolivia Becerra de la Roca Donoso & Asociados Becerra de la Roca Donoso & Asociados

Rising Stars in M&A Law - Bolivia Energy Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia

www.acquisition-intl.com

94 | 2014 M&A Awards

Bermúdez Bermúdez & Bermúdez - S.C. - Law Offices Bufete Aguirre Soc. Civ. Bufete Aguirre Soc. Civ. Criales Urcullo & Antezana Bosnia and Herzegovina The University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economics Brazil Advocacia Waltenberg AG3 Consulting Andrioli Giacomini Porto e Cortez Advogados Aoki Advogados Associados Azee Consulting Campos Mello Advogados Campos Mello Pontes Vinci & Schiller Advogados Carvalho, Machado, Timm e Deffenti Advogados Correia da Silva Advogados De Vivo, Whitaker e Castro Advogados Demarest Advogados Ferraz de Camargo e Matsunaga Advogados GUERRA, BATISTA ASSOCIADOS Karim Vakil & Cruz Vizaco Advogados Levy & Salomão Advogados Levy & Salomão Advogados Loeser e Portela Advogados Mendo de Souza Advogados Associados Moraes Pitombo Advogados Perrotti e Barrueco Advogados Associados Promare Sion Advogados Stocche Forbes Padis Filizzola Clápis Advogados TozziniFreire Advogados Wald e Associados Advogados Zulmar Neves Advocacia Zulmar Neves Advocacia the British Virgin Islands Folio Corporate Services Limited

Most Respected Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia Securities Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Bolivia Financial Focused Institute of the Year - Bosnia and Herzegovina Energy Law Firm of the Year - São Paulo Intelligence Consulting Service Provider of the Year - Brazil Contracts Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Immaterial Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Nordic M&A Deal of the Year - Hafnia Tankers Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Rio de Janeiro Sports & Entertainment Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Commercial Agreement Specialist of the Year - Brazil Life Science Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Contracts Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Structured Finance Law Firm of the Year- Brazil Brazilian Law Firm of the Year - Industrials & Chemicals Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Private Funds Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Business Focused M&A Legal Practice of the Year - Brazil Boutique Environmental Law Firm of the Year - Brazil White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Contract Law Consultants of the Year - Brazil Customs Law Firm of the Year - Brazil M&A Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Fully Integrated Firm of the Year - Brazil Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Pioneering Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Overall M&A Law Firm of the Year - Brazil Transport & Logistics Sector Focused Consultancy Firm of the Year - Brazil Offshore Service Provider of the Year - the British Virgin Islands

Brunei Cheok Advocates & Solicitors

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Brunei

Bulgaria Andrey Delchev & Partners - Eurolex Bulgaria Kambourov & Partners Kreston BulMar Ltd/Legalex Legalex Schoenherr Trifonov Law Offices Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners Tsvetkova Bebov & Partners Tsvetkova, Bebov and Partners

Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Securities Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Tax Practice of the Year - Bulgaria Tax Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria M&A Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Competition Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria Employment Law Firm of the Year - Bulgaria

Cambodia Angkor Certified Accountant PwC Cambodia

Auditing Services Firm of the Year - Cambodia Accountancy Firm of the Year - Cambodia

Cameroon ZENITHE INSURANCE SA

Insurance Firm of the Year - Cameroon

Canada Agilith Capital Inc Bennett Jones LLP Business Lawgix, LLP Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Deloitte Dentons Dr. Jeffrey A. Talpis, Notaire ENVIRO-LYNX INVESTIGATIONS Firmex Hogg Shain & Scheck Professional Corporation IJW & Co., Ltd. Inter-Act Management Inc

www.acquisition-intl.com

Private Client Choice Award: Fund Management Firm of the Year - Canada Intellectual Property Firm of the Year - Canada Cost Focused Law Firm of the Year - Canada Investment Management Innovator of the Year - Canada Canadian Buy-Side Advisor of the Year - Harland Financial Solutions Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Canada Recommended Individual of the Year - Canada Due Diligence Firm of the Year - Canada Sustained Excellence in Virtual Data Room Services 2014 - Canada Auditors of the Year - Canada Leading Financial Adviser of the Year Commitment to M&A 2014 - Canada

McCullough OConnor Irwin McMillan LLP McMillan LLP McMillan LLP McNamee Mediation Arbitration MDW Consulting Inc. Miller Thomson LLP MPS Transfer Pricing Consulting Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP REL Group Robbinex Inc. Andrew J. Szonyi - Canadian Resource Management Ltd & First Nations Equity Inc. Sun Life Financial Williams Moving International Cayman Islands APPLEBY Campbells Campbells Harney Westwood & Riegels Solomon Harris Summit Management Limited Walkers Global Central Europe 3TS Capital Partners Chile ACENDER Bofill Mir & Alvarez Jana Abogados Contacto Chile/HRS Estudio Juridico Otero Landmark Capital VIPACK CHILE LTD. China China Sunbow Law Firm Citic securities company limited CMS, China DaHui Lawyers EY Global Law Office Grandall Legal Group Haiwen & Partners Haiwen & Partners Jin Mao Partners

Securities Law Firm of the Year - Canada Structured Finance Legal Practice of the Year - Canada Business Bankruptcy Innovator of 2014 - Canada Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Canada Independent Mediator of the Year - Canada Most Trusted Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year - Canada Healthcare Focused Corporate/Commercial Practice of the Year - Canada Transfer Pricing Innovator of the Year - Canada M&A Law Firm of the Year - Canada Corporate Governance Innovator of the Year - Canada Stakeholders Choice Award: Trusted Advisor of the Year - Canada Mid Sized Focused Business Broker of the Year - Canada Technology Expert of the Year - Canada Actuary of the Year - Canada Corporate Relocation Firm of the Year - Canada Most Established Law Firm of the Year - the Cayman Islands Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - the Cayman Islands Investment Advisory Firm of the Year - the Cayman Islands Offshore Law Specialists of the Year - the Cayman Islands Top-Tier Law Firm of the Year - the Cayman Islands Advisory Firm of the Year - the Cayman Islands Sustained Excellence in M&A - the Cayman Islands Private Equity Firm of the Year - Central and Eastern Europe Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Chile Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Chile Corporate Relocation Specialists of the Year - Chile Labour & Employment Law Firm of the Year - Chile M&A Adviser of the Year - Chile Rising Stars in Corporate Relocation - Chile

Shimin Law Office Smith & Partners TriVista

Rising Stars in IP Law - China Most Influential Investment Bank of the Year - China Sustained Excellence in M&A Law - China Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year - China Corporate Tax Accountancy Firm of the Year - China TMT Focused Law Firm of the Year - China Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - China Anti-Cartel Enforcement Team of the Year - China Sustained Excellence in FDI Law - China Infrastructure & Construction Law Firm of the Year - China Independent Turnaround Firm of the Year - China Trademark Law Firm of the Year - China Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - China Public Finance Team of the Year - China Hedge Fund of the Year - China Employment Law Firm of the Year - China Environmental Consultants of the Year - China Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - China Sustained Excellence in Trademark Law - China Sustained Excellence in Turnaround Management - China Environmental Law Firm of the Year - China Sustained Excellence in Dispute Resolution - China Operation Due Diligence Provider of the Year - China

Colombia Abela Maldonado & Asociados Abogados Archila Abogados B&R Latin America - Trademarks & Patents Castellanos & Co Palacios Lleras Raisbeck Osman & Castro Raisbeck Osman & Castro S.A.S. Rodriguez - Azuero Abogados Rodriguez - Azuero Abogados

Most Respected Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Competition Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Patents Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Trademark Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Administrative Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Regulatory Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year - Colombia Sustained Excellence in Tax Law - Colombia Anti-Corruption Team of the Year - Colombia

Costa Rica Costa Rica ABC

Accountancy Firm of the Year - Costa Rica

JLA Asia Kangxin Partners PC Kangxin Partners, P.C. Kaufman & Canoles LBN Advisers Limited: LBN China+ Opportunity Fund Oldham Li & Nie Pacific Risk Advisors Shearman & Sterling Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

2014 M&A Awards | 95

Mesoamerica

Investment Specialists of the Year - Costa Rica

Croatia Divjak, Topic & Bahtijarevic Pecarevic & Relic Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwalte

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Croatia Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year - Croatia M&A Law Firm of the Year - Croatia

Cyprus A. Chrysanthou & Co. Limited Andreas A. Papadopoulos & Co. Advocates - Legal Consultans Beneficentia Ltd Chrysses Demetriades & Co COLUMBIA Shipmanagement Ltd GIPS Insurance Brokers Ltd Montanios & Montanios LLC, Advocates Nexia Poyiadjis Paschali Developers Ltd XBT Holding Xenofontos Legal Czech Republic Ambruz & Dark Deloitte Legal Ambruz & Dark Deloitte Legal Cermak a spol FANS JSC Glatzová & Co Gurlich & Co. Konecna & Zacha Nocarova Jasek & Partners Patria Corporate Finance, a.s. / Clairfield Pierstone PRK Partners Rott Ruzicka & Guttmann Švehlík & Mikuláš advokáti s.r.o.

Denmark Hoffmann Dragsted Knop & Co Kromann Reumert Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Nordea PUBLICURE Advokatfirma P/S Realkredit Danmark Schroder Partners A/S – Translink Corporate Finance Dominican Republic Castillo y Castillo Abogados Estrella & Tupete

Accountancy Firm of the Year - Cyprus IP Law Firm of the Year - Cyprus Alternative Asset Management Firm of the Year - Cyprus Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year - Cyprus Ship Management Firm of the Year - Cyprus Insurance Broker of the Year - Cyprus Competition Law Firm of the Year - Cyprus Business Consultants of the Year - Cyprus Property Developers of the Year - Cyprus Deal of the Year - 8 to Infinity transaction Civil Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Cyprus Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic Top Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic IP Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic Rising Stars in M&A - the Czech Republic Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property - the Czech Republic Arbitration & Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic Business Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic Investment Bank of the Year - the Czech Republic TMT Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic Full Service Law Firm of the Year - the Czech Republic Patent Specialists of the Year - the Czech Republic Corporate Law Specialist of the Year - the Czech Republic IP Consultancy of the Year - Denmark Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Denmark Sustained Excellence in Corporate Law - Denmark Insolvency Law Firm of the Year - Denmark M&A Law Firm of the Year - Denmark Investment Bank of the Year - Denmark Sustained Excellence in Gaming Law - Denmark Restructuring Team of the Year - Denmark M&A Adviser of the Year – Denmark Full Range Law Specialists of the Year - the Dominican Republic TMT Law Firm of the year - the Dominican Republic

Ecuador Arizaga & Co Bustamante & Bustamante Izurieta Mora Bowen Law Paz Horowitz Robalino Garcés

Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Ecuador Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year - Ecuador Rising Stars in Corporate Law - Ecuador Overall Law Firm of the Year - Ecuador

Egypt Laws Answer Nour & Taha Law Firm

Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Egypt Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Egypt

El Salvador Consortium Centro América Abogados

Legal Team of the Year - El Salvador

Estonia Aivar Pilv Law Office Deloitte Advisory AS DNB EY Glikman Alvin & Partnerid PwC Raidla Lejins & Norcous SORAINEN

Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Estonia Leading Tax Adviser of the Year - Estonia Corporate Bank of the Year - Estonia Tax & Legal Services Team of the Year - Estonia Corporate Advisory Firm of the Year - Estonia Accountancy Firm of the Year - Estonia Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Estonia Overall Law Firm of the Year - Estonia

Ethiopia EY

Leading Dealmaker of the Year - Ethiopia

Finland Alder & Sound Hammarström Puhakka Partners

Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - Finland Mining & Energy Law Firm of the Year - Finland

Asianajotoimisto Justeria Oy Asianajotoimisto Project Law Oy ATTORNEYS AT LAW BORENIUS LTD Dittmar & Indrenius Dittmar & Indrenius Excellentia Partners Oy IIZI Firstbrokers Oy JPD Capital Ltd. Oy Kalliolaw Asianajotoimisto Oy - Attorneys at Law Kauttu & Co Attorneys Ltd KPMG Oy Ab Lindblad & Co Ltd Magnusson Law Firm Midaxo Nordic Law Attorneys-at-Law Oy Ab Summa Capital Translink Corporate Finance France Artus Wise CALAO Finance

Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Finland Rising Stars in Commercial Law - Finland Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Finland Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Finland Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year - Finland Turnaround Consultants of the Year - Finland Insurance Broker of the Year - Finland M&A Strategy Firm of the Year - Finland Overall Law Firm of the Year - Finland Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Finland Corporate Tax Advisory Firm of the Year - Finland Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Finland Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Finland Post Merger Integration Advisers of the Year - Finland Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Finland Sustained Excellence in Investment Banking - Finland Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - Finland

Marks & Clerk Nomos PWC Shan Finance Valoris Avocats Welcome Real-time

Rising Stars in M&A Law - France Independent Private Equity Company of the Year - France Fundraising Advisory Firm of the Year - France Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - France Top Boutique Law Firm of the Year - France International Tax Law Firm of the Year - France Consumer & Advertising Law Firm of the Year - France Sustainable Development Team of the Year - France Private Equity Firm of the Year - France Placement Agent of the Year - France Commercial Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - France Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - France Competition Law Firm of the Year - France Corporate Relocation Advisory Firm of the Year - France Patent Law Firm of the Year - France Technology Law Firm of the Year - France Corporate Finance Team of the Year - France Investment Banker of the Year - France Sustainable Excellence in Corporate Law - France Growth Development Software of the Year - France

Gambia Farage Andrews Law Practice

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Gambia

Georgia BLC Professional Legal Services

Law Firm of the Year - Georgia

Capital Partner Chammas & Marcheteau Duhamel Blimbaum Gide Loyrette Nouel Granrut Avocats GSDP SARL Initiative & Finance Jasmin Capital K&L Gates Leonardo & Co Linklaters Management Mobility Consulting

Germany Angermann M&A International GmbH ARENDTS ANWÄLTE Arndt Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH AUCTUS Management GmbH & Co KG AURELIUS AG Berlinghoff Rechtsanwälte.

BMH Braeutigam & Partner BNP Paribas Board Advisors Deutschland GmbH Böhret Lindstedt Sehmsdorf & Partner Buntscheck Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH cf:M GmbH Dentons dompatent - von Kreisler Selting Werner Dr. Ihlas GmbH Ehlers Ehlers & Partner EuroConsult EY First Climate AG Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner Hecker Werner Himmelreich Hertin & Partner IEG – INVESTMENT BANKING Group Imprima Kanzlei für Verkehrsrecht Koch Law Latham & Watkins LLP Luther Marsh GmbH Mummert & Company Naegele Kanzlei für Arbeitsrecht

M&A Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year - Germany Rising Stars in Commercial Arbitration - UK Sustained Excellence in Environmental Law - Germany Industrial Sector Focused Private Equity Firm of the Year - Germany Most Innovative Private Equity Firm of the Year - Germany Most Respected Law Firm of the Year - Germany Contract Law Firm of the Year - Germany Investment Bank of the Year - Germany Corporate Planning Adviser of the Year - Germany Rising Stars in Financial Advisory - Germany Merger Control Advisory Firm of the Year - Germany Consumer Sector Focused Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year - Germany Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Germany Trademark Law Firm of the Year - Germany Insurance Broker of the Year - Germany Life Science Law Firm of the Year - Germany Sell-Side Advisers of the Year - Germany Corporate Tax Advisory Team of the Year - Germany Green Investments Specialists of the Year - Germany Sustained Excellence in Corporate Law - Germany German Dealmaker of the Year Patent Law Firm of the Year - Germany Corporate Finance Team of the Year: Recommended Hotels Ltd acquisition Sustained Excellence in Data Room Services Germany Criminal Law Firm of the Year - Germany International Business Law Firm of the Year - Germany M&A Law Firm of the Year - Germany Sustained Excellence in Insolvency Law - Germany Insurance Due Diligence Firm of the Year - Germany TMT Focused Corporate Finance House of the Year - Germany Social Security Law Firm of the Year - Germany

www.acquisition-intl.com

96 | 2014 M&A Awards

Orlando Management AG Platinum Partners PPR & PARTNER Preu Bohlig & Partner PwC Quadriga Capital Redeker Sellner Dahs Redeker Sellner Dahs Reiners Rogge Attorneys RiskCom GmbH Roche, von Westernhagen & Ehresmann RSB Deutschland GmbH RTS Relocation & Translation Services Scheidle Schmid v. Buttlar & Partner SKW Schwarz Speckin, Dembski & Partner Tilmann A. Muller Rechtsanwalt University of Heidelberg Vogel & Partner VoigtWunschHöller Wellensiek Rechtsanwälte WINHELLER Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH WINHELLER Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Ghana Activa International Insurance Company AIDEC Consultancies International Ltd COL KOFI ABAKA JACKSON Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited Enterprise Life Assurance Eric Morgan Consulting Firstview Consult Golden Star Resources, Ghana Grofin Ghana Metropolitan Insurance Company Limited Ntrakwah & Co. Ramseyer Credit Union Sigma Strategic Business Consult Ltd TANOE - The African Network of Entrepreneurs Topgy Systems and Management Consultants Gibraltar Nexus Fund Administration Services Elite Insurance Company Limited Hassans Greece A. & K. Metaxopoulos and Partners Law Firm Alexander Vassardanis & Partners Bahas, Gramatidis and Partners Elias Paraskevas Attorneys 1933 EXES Strategy Consultants Ltd KPP Law - Kerameus, Papademetriou, Papadopoulos Law Offices Metaxas & Associates Law Firm Nikos Frangakis & Associates POTAMITISVEKRIS V&P Law Firm V&P Law Firm Vayanos Kostopoulos Vilmar International S.A.

Client Choice Award: Independent Private Equity Firm of the Year - Germany Cross-Border M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Germany Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Germany Health Care Law Firm of the Year - Germany Overall Accountancy Firm of the Year - Germany Private Equity Firm of the Year - Germany Sustained Excellence in Competition Law - Germany Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - Germany Joint Ventures Law Firm of the Year - Germany Environmental Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Germany Rising Stars in Patent Law - Germany Relocation Firm of the Year - Germany Relocation Services Provider of the Year - Germany Rising Stars in Tax Law - Germany Rising Stars in Commercial Law - Germany Competition Law Firm of the Year - Germany Mediation Law Firm of the Year - Germany Rising Stars in Employment Law - Germany Leading Economic Faculty of the Year - Germany Multi-Media & Internet Law Firm of the Year - Germany Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year - Germany Turnaround Law Firm of the Year - Germany Non-profit Sector Law Firm of the Year - Germany Tax Law Firm of the Year - Germany Insurance Company of the Year - Ghana Management Consultants of the Year - Ghana Energy Research Experts of the Year - Ghana Offshore Logistics Firm of the Year - Ghana Life Assurance Experts of the Year - Ghana Advanced-Stage Growth Advisory Firm of the Year - Ghana Energy Consultants of the Year - Ghana Most Innovative Ghanaian Company of the Year - Mining Sector Development Financier of the Year - Ghana Most Innovative Insurance Underwriter of the Year - Ghana Banking Law Firm of the Year - Ghana Most Contemporary Financial Solutions Provider of the Year - Ghana Training Services Provider of the Year - Ghana Entrepreneurs Choice Award: Social Enterprise of the Year - Ghana Technology Focused Management Consultants of the Year - Ghana Fund Administrator of the Year - Gibraltar Insurance Company of the Year - Gibraltar Leading Law Firm of the Year - Gibraltar Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Greece Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Greece Sustained Excellence in Corporate Law - Greece Corporate Reorganisation and Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - Greece Strategy Consultants of the Year - Greece Trademark Law Firm of the Year - Greece M&A Law Firm of the Year - Greece Rising Stars in Commercial Litigation - Greece Employment Law Firm of the Year - Greece Shipping Law Firm of the Year - Greece Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Greece IP Rights Maintenance Firm of the Year - Greece Insurance Broker of the Year - Greece

Guatemala Diaz-Duran & Asociados - Central Law Mayora & Mayora SC SALAZAR-MUÑOZ, Despacho de Abogados SALAZAR-MUÑOZ, Despacho de Abogados

Mining & Energy Law Firm of the Year - Guatemala M&A Law Firm of the Year - Guatemala Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Guatemala Overall Law Firm of the Year - Guatemala

Haiti Lissade Law Firm

Most Respected Law Firm of the Year - Haiti

Honduras Zacarías & Asociados

Banking Law Firm of the Year - Honduras

www.acquisition-intl.com

Hong Kong A CAPITAL APPLEBY Asia Pacific Strategic Consulting Ltd Cheung Tong & Rosa Solicitors Compass Management Consultants & Co. Deacons Mayer Brown JSM Nixon Peabody Pacific Risk Advisors Proskauer Rose PwC Rebecca Lo & Co Shearman & Sterling LLP Tanner De Witt Total Credit & Risk Management Group Verity Consulting Limited

Leading Euro-Asia Private Equity Fund of the Year Most Respected Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Most Innovative Consultancy Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Leading Patent & Trademark Agency of the Year - Hong Kong Financial Consultancy Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Private Equity Law Innovators of the Year - Hong Kong Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong Risk Management Consultancy of the Year - Hong Kong Private Equity Real Estate Team of the Year - Hong Kong Overall Corporate Tax Team of the Year - Hong Kong Intellectual Property Team of the Year - Hong Kong Mining & Energy Sector Focused M&A Team of the Year - Hong Kong Insolvency Practice of the Year - Hong Kong Risk Management Innovators of the Year - Hong Kong Corporate Investigation Consultancy of the Year - Hong Kong

Hungary Danubia Dr. Fehér Tibor Dr. Simon Attila Ügyvédi Iroda Forgo Damjanovic & Partners Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm Gárdos, Füredi, Mosonyi, Tomori Law Office Hajdu & Pázsitka Law Office Lendvai Partners NECS Environmental Consulting Oppenheim PMX Consulting Group RSM DTM Hungary Sándor Szegedi Szent-Ivány Komáromi Eversheds Zimányi & Fakó SCWP Schindhelm Schoenherr Hetenyi Attorneys at Law

Patent Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Business Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Excellence in M&A Law - Hungary Contract Law Practice of the Year - Hungary Project Finance Team of the Year - Hungary TMT Focused Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Environmental Consultants of the Year - Hungary Competition Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Tax Consultancy of the Year - Hungary Leading Accountancy Firm of the Year - Hungary Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Employment Law Firm of the Year - Hungary Dispute Resolution Practice of the Year - Hungary

Iceland CATO Law Firm CATO Lögmenn Lagastod lögfrædiþjónusta ehf.

Land International Legal Services

Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Iceland Securities Regulation Experts of the Year - Iceland Property Law Firm of the Year - Iceland Overall Law Firm of the Year - Iceland

India Acquisory ALMT Legal ALMT Legal Amicus Ashwani & Associates, Chartered Accountants Auromaa Associates C&C PARTNERS CHITALE & CHITALE CreedCap DSK Legal Ernst & Young LLP EthosData Global Jurix H S Rustagi & Co H S Rustagi & Co Intelligere Jani Advocates Khurana & Khurana, Advocates and IP Attorneys Noida Kwatra Corporate Advisors Law Offices of B.S.Prashanth Lexygen MNK MX Capital Private Limited Neeraj Associates O.P. Khaitan & Co Prasanna Naganur & Associates S. S. Datta & Associates Selvam & Selvam, Advocates Seth Associates Seth Dua & Associates Sett & Lucas Subramaniam & Associates Sumanas Commerce Surana and Surana International Attorneys Talwar Thakore & Associates Thukral Law Associates

Due Diligence Experts of the Year - India Tax Specialists of the Year - India Dispute Resolution Specialists of the Year - India Legal and Tax Consulting Firm of the Year - India Independent M&A Advisers of the Year - India Patent & Trademark Law Firm of the Year - India Antitrust Experts of the Year - India Boutique Investment Banking Firm of the Year - India Business Law Firm of the Year - India Transaction Tax Specialists of the Year - India Data Room Provider of the Year - Asia Pacific Region Mid-Size Law Firm of the Year - India Auditing & Taxation Firm of the Year - India Mid-Size Accountancy Firm of the Year - India Most Trusted Due Diligence Firm of the Year - India Corporate Consultants of the Year - India Patent Litigation Specialists of the Year - India HR Consultancy of the Year - India Sustained Excellence in Notary Services - India Top Performing India Strategy Practitioners of the Year - India Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - India Investment Bank of the Year - India Innovative Legal Solution of the Year - India Commercial Law Firm of the Year - India Sustained Excellence in Corporate Law - India IP Law Firm of the Year - India Copyrights and Trademark Experts of the Year - India Cyber Law Experts of the Year - India TMT Practitioners of the Year - India Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year - India Patent Law Firm of the Year - India Leading Infrastructure Specialists of the Year - India Civil and Criminal Litigation Team of the Year - India Banking Specialists of the Year - India Constitutional Law Professionals of the Year - India

2014 M&A Awards | 97

Trilegal Unitus Capital Wakhariya & Wakhariya YES Bank Indonesia Hadiputranto Hadinoto & Partners Hadromi & Partners Hutabarat Halim & Rekan Iskandarsyah & Partners Januar Jahja & Partners KAP Razikun Tarkosunaryo Leks & Co. Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Mochtar Karuwin Komar Mochtar Karuwin Komar Mochtar Karuwin Komar MUC Consulting Group pb Taxand Soewito Suhardiman Eddymurthy Kardono Tumbuan & Partners Tumbuan & Partners Iran Faraznegar Iranian Company Ireland BDO Beauchamps ByrneWallace Campion Insurance Caroline Fanning Solicitors Company Bureau Formations Ltd DFMG Solicitors Environet Solutions Erwin Mediation Services Eugene F Collins FRKelly Holohan Law KPMG McEvoy Partners Phoenix Fund Services Providence Forensic Accounting Experts PwC William Fry Isle of Man Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd Cains Döhle (IOM) Ltd

TMT Team of the Year - India Investment Banking Professionals of the Year - India Cross-Border Transactions Firm of the Year - India Bank of the Year - India M&A Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Finance and Banking Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Mining Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia IP Focused Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Accountancy Firm of the Year - Indonesia Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Top Tier Employment Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Capital Market Specialists of the Year - Indonesia Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners of the Year - Indonesia Leading Consultants of the Year - Indonesia Tax Consultants of the Year - Indonesia Independent Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Overall Law Firm of the Year - Indonesia Leading Consultants of the Year - Iran Sustained Excellence in Corporate Finance - Ireland Sustained Excellence in Private Equity Law - Ireland Property Law Practice of the Year - Ireland Most Innovative Insurance Broker of the Year - Ireland Rising Stars in Intellectual Property Law - Ireland Company Formation Specialists of the Year - Ireland Intellectual Property Legal Team of the Year - Ireland Environmental Consultants of the Year - Ireland Mediation Services Boutique of the Year - Ireland M&A Law Firm of the Year - Ireland Innovation to Trade Mark Law - Ireland Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice of the Year - Ireland Aviation Finance Team of the Year - Ireland Leading Corporate Boutique of the Year - Ireland Bespoke Investment Administration Services Team of the Year - Ireland Forensic Accountancy Firm of the Year - Ireland Alternative Asset Management Practice of the Year - Ireland Tax Law Firm of the Year - Ireland

Equilibrium Pensions Ltd Mannbenham Advocates Montreux Capital Management Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants Quinn Legal

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - the Isle of man Insurance Specialist of the Year - the Isle of Man Ship Management Company of the Year - the Isle of Man Pensions Innovator of the Year - the Isle of Man Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - the Isle of Man Boutique Investment Firm of the Year - the Isle of Man Accountancy Firm of the Year - Isle of Man M&A Law Firm of the Year - the Isle of Man

Israel Barnea & Co Gornitzky & Co Gornitzky & Co Herzog, Fox & Neeman NTK - Neeman , Tsipori , Keynan & Co Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer Baratz Sonigo International Shipping, Packing & Moving, Ltd. Yehuda Raveh & Co. Zemah Schneider & Partners

Internet & E-Commerce Law Firm of the Year - Israel Sustained Excellence in Telecoms Law - Israel Overall Law Firm of the Year - Israel Joint Ventures Practice of the Year - Israel Capital Markets Firm of the Year - Israel TMT Law Firm of the Year - Israel Commercial Shipping Services Firm of the Year - Israel Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - Israel Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Israel

Italy 21 Investimenti SpA Biesse S.r.l.

Carnelutti Studio Legale Associato De Simone & Partners DVR Capital Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners IPSO Klecha & Co. Marco Polo Advisor Moroni & Partners Nunziante Magrone Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

Leading Private Equity Firm of the Year - Italy Patent Law Firm of the Year - Italy Joint Ventures Team of the Year - Italy Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property Law - Italy Merchant Bank of the Year - Italy Product Liability Defence Team of the Year - Italy Intellectual Property Firm of the Year - Italy Sustained Excellence in Corporate Finance - Italy Corporate Finance Advisers of the Year - Italy Energy Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year - Italy Dealmaker of the Year - Italy Antitrust Team of the Year - Italy

Studio Legale Maschietto Maggiore Studio Legale Stile Studio Uckmar Tonucci & Partners Benocci Studio Legale Valente Associati GEB Partners Vitale & Partners

Environmental Law Firm of the Year - Italy Excellence in Business Crime Defence Law - Italy Most Established Law Firm of the Year - Italy Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Italy Business Law Firm of the Year - Italy Tax Consultancy of the Year - Italy Transportation Law Firm of the Year - Italy

Japan Anderson Mori & Tomotsune Atsumi & Sakai bhp City-Yuwa Partners Koga & Partners Masuda & Partners Law Office RYUKA IP LAW FIRM Soga Law Office Soga Law Office South Toranomon Law Offices TMI Associates Value Workers, Inc.

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Japan Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Japan Venture Capital Firm of the Year - Japan Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Japan TMT Focused Law Firm of the Year - Japan Securities Law Firm of the Year - Japan IP Law Firm of the Year - Japan Cross-Border M&A Law Firm of the Year - Japan Commercial Litigators of the Year - Japan Most Established Law Firm of the Year - Japan Transaction Tax Team of the Year - Japan Appraisal & Valuations Advisers of the Year - Japan

Jersey Bois Bois Lawyers

Commercial Litigation Practice of the Year - Jersey

Jordan Hadidi & Co JC Law Zalloum & Laswi Law Firm Zalloum & Laswi Law Firm

Corporate Law Specialists of the Year - Jordan Litigation Specialists of the Year - Jordan Jordanian Law Experts of the Year Law Firm of the Year - Jordan

Kazakhstan Linkage & Mind LLP PwC

Leading Law Firm of the Year - Kazakhstan M&A Specialists of the Year - Kazakhstan

Kenya Migich Investments (K) Limited Mr. James Mangerere Pamoja Capital Ronalds & Associates Shah Patel & Company Veronicah & Miencha Advocates

Economic Consultancy Firm of the Year - Kenya Mediator of the Year - Kenya Independent Corporate Finance Advisory Boutique of the Year - Kenya Operational Audit Experts of the Year - Kenya Kenyan Leading Adviser of the Year: Auditing Services Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year - Kenya

Kosovo Gw Legal Llc

Law Firm of the Year - Kosovo

Kuwait ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners

M&A Specialists of the Year - Kuwait

Laos McDonald Steed Mc Grath Lawyers Co Ltd in Vientiane Cap. VDB Loi VNA Legal Sole Co. Ltd.

Corporate Due Diligence Specialists of the Year - Laos Tax Specialists of the Year - Laos Due Diligence Specialists of the Year - Laos

Latvia BLS Kronbergs & Cukste BLS Kronbergs & Cukste Borenius Citadele Bank Dr.iur. Lauris Leja, attorneys at law Law Office FORT Markvarte/Lexchange Norvik Banka Petersona Patents, Patent and IP Law Bureau

Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Latvia Baltic Business Law Firm of the Year Competition Law Firm of the Year - Latvia Bank of the Year - Latvia M&A Law Firm of the Year - Latvia Legal Team of the Year - Latvia Boutique M&A Law Firm of the Year - Latvia Commitment to M&A - Latvia Patent Law Firm of the Year - Latvia

Lebanon Smayra Law Office

Overall Law Firm of the Year - Lebanon

Lithuania Antano Damulio advokato kontora “Lexpert” Audifina UAB Dominas and Partners Law firm GLIMSTEDT Motieka & Audzevicius

Commitment to M&A - Lithuania Accountancy Firm of the Year - Lithuania M&A Law Firm of the Year - Lithuania Competition Law Firm of the Year - Lithuania Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year -Lithuania

Luxembourg Bonn & Schmitt Brucher Thieltgen & Partners Brucher, Thieltgen & Partners Brucher, Thieltgen & Partners PwC

Independent Law Firm of the Year - Luxembourg Business Law Firm of the Year - Luxembourg Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Luxembourg Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Luxembourg Real Estate Innovator of the Year - Luxembourg

www.acquisition-intl.com

98 | 2014 M&A Awards

Macedonia Cakmakova Advocates Cakmakova Advocates Kimova Law Office Law & Patent Office Joanidis Polenak Law Firm PwC Macedonia Malaysia Adnan Sundra & Low Ben & Partners Brijnandan Singh Bhar & Co. Christopher & Lee Ong Darshanni Raaj & Associates

M&A Law Firm of the Year - Macedonia Overall Law Firm of the Year - Macedonia Business Law Firm of the Year - Macedonia IP Law Firm of the Year - Macedonia Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Macedonia Big Four Advisory Firm of the Year - Macedonia

Ismail Sabri Wee & Wong Kadir Andri & Partners Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh Mohamed Ridza & Co Shook Lin & Bok Taxand Malaysia The Chambers of R. Sivagnanam & Associates Zaid Ibrahim & Co

Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year -Malaysia Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Overall Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Corporate Practice Team of the Year - Malaysia Most Respected Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Commitment to Infrastructure - Malaysia M&A Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Mid-Market Equity Deal Adviser of the Year - Malaysia Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Malaysia Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia Islamic Finance Law Firm of the Year - Malaysia

Malta Camilleri Galea Ltd Dr Edward Firman D.B.A. (Brunel), F.C.M.A., C.P.A Exigy Ltd Fenech & Fenech Advocates Fenech & Fenech Advocates Miloiu Ciprian Private Practice Lawyer & Mediator PiscoPartners PKF Malta

Accountancy Firm of the Year - Malta Strategic Management Consultancy of the Year - Malta Software Consultancy Firm of the Year - Malta Trust Formation Firm of the Year - Malta Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Malta Mediator of the Year - Malta Cross-Border Tax Planning Firm of the Year - Malta Auditors of the Year - Malta

Marshall Islands www.marshallislandslawyers.com

Law Firm of the Year - the Marshall Islands

Mauritius Banymandhub Boolell Chambers Kalexius (Mauritius) Ltd. Mardemootoo Solicitors New India Assurance Company Ltd Renesis Financial Services Ltd

Law Firm of the Year - Mauritius Legal Outsourcing Firm of the Year - Mauritius Solicitors of the Year - Mauritius Assurance Company of the Year - Mauritius Fiduciary Services Specialist of the Year - Mauritius

Mexico Arias Meurinne Orendain y Rodriguez Barrera, Siqueiros y Torres Landa SC Basham, Ringe y Correa, S.C. Berdeja Y Asociados Carrasco, Garcia Abogados, S.C.

Miranda & Estavillo Müggenburg, Gorches, Peñalosa & Sepúlveda Muñoz Manzo y Ocampo, S.C. PwC PwC Santamarina y Steta VARGAS MORGADO, S.C.

Complex Litigation Practice of the Year - Mexico Energy Sector Focused M&A Team of the Year - Mexico Overall Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Sustained Excellence in Project Finance - Mexico Tax and Administration Litigation Practice of the Year - Mexico Aviation Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Sustained Excellence in Competition Law - Mexico Most Respected Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Overall Accountancy Firm of the Year - Mexico Sustained Excellence in Banking & Finance Law - Mexico Insolvency Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Best-Positioned Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Business Consultants of the Year - Mexico Client Choice Award: International Business Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Sustained Excellence in M&A Law - Mexico Rising Stars in Corporate Tax Law - Mexico Tax Services Team of the Year - Mexico Leading Transfer Pricing Experts of the Year - Mexico Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Mexico Insolvency Practice of the Year - Mexico

Moldova ACI Partners

Law Firm of the Year - Moldova

Mongolia GN & CO., LTD. Mahoney Liotta

IP Law Firm of the Year - Mongolia Commitment to M&A - Mongolia

Chacón & Rodríguez SC Creel Garcia-Cuellar Aiza Y Enriquez SC Creel, Garcia-Cuellar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. Dumont Bergman Bider & Co.S.C. EY Gallastegui y Lozano S.C. Greenberg Traurig, S.C. JATA – J.A. Treviño Abogados Kreston CSM Miranda & Estavillo

Morocco Juristructures LLP Lefèvre Pelletier & associés, Avocats

Management Team Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Morocco Real Estate Law Firm of the Year - Morocco

Mozambique Amaro Arquitectos e Associados Lda

Sustained Excellence in M&A - Mozambique

www.acquisition-intl.com

Myanmar MAA Consultants Co.

Consultancy Specialists of the Year - Myanmar

Namibia de Silva inc. Attorneys Koep & Partners PWC

Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Namibia Mining Specialists of the Year - Namibia Commitment to M&A - Namibia

Nepal G.P. Rajbahak & Co., Chartered Accountants Infoplus/Saujanya Media Pvt. Ltd. K.P. International Overseas Pvt. Ltd. Kto Inc. Neupane Law Associates your firm

Business Advisory Firm of the Year - Nepal M&A Innovator of the Year - Nepal Recruitment Consultancy Firm of the Year - Nepal Rising Star in M&A - Nepal Law Firm of the Year - Nepal Leading Adviser of the Year - Nepal

Netherlands ABN AMRO AKD Atlas Fiscalisten N.V. Blacktrace B.V. Blue Mind Corporate Finance Bol International Capem Capital De Metz Advocaten N.V. Grant Thornton GRS Global Relocation Services BV H. van der Tuin consultancy B.V. ING ING Leonardo & Co Marreeen Dijxhoorn Mr Thomas Biermeyer PricewaterhouseCoopers RUSSELLADVOCATEN Schaap & Partners Tauw New Zealand A J Park Atkins Holm Majurey Limited Baldwins Bell Gully Buddle Findlay DLA Phillips Fox EverEdge IP First NZ Capital Jones Fee Kensington Swan Lowndes Associates Lowndes Associates Matthews Law Michael Ring QC Patterson Hopkins Quigg Partners Russell McVeagh Nicaragua Guy Jose Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados Nigeria Halkon Investments Hans Worth Insurance Brokers L.t.d Idowu Sofola & Co. Ikeyi & Arifayan Image Insurance Brokers L.t.d Principles Law Partnership Streamsowers & Kohn Barristers, Solicitors & Arbitrators Tokunbo Orimobi LP Tokunbo Orimobi LP Vetiva Capital Management Ltd Vetiva Capital Management Ltd

M&A Adviser of the Year - Nidera (NL) and its shareholders on the sale to COFCO (CHI) Dutch Corporate Law Firm of the Year Dutch Tax Law Firm of the Year Dutch Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year Dutch Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year Dutch Accountancy Firm of the Year Alternative Investment Management Company of the Year Dutch Commercial Law Firm of the Year Sustained Excellence in Accountancy - the Netherlands Dutch Corporate Relocation Firm of the Year Commitment to M&A - The Netherlands Dutch Project Finance Specialist of the Year Dutch Structured Acquisition Finance Team of the Year Leading Adviser of the Year - Delta Lloyd acquires ZA Verzekeringen from Armodo Group Dutch Mid-Market M&A Law Firm of the Year Dutch Corporate Law Professor of the Year Indirect Tax Specialist of the Year - the Netherlands Dutch Full Service Law Firm of the Year Dutch International Trade Law Firm of the Year Dutch Environmental Due Diligence Firm of the Year Intellectual Property Specialists of the Year - New Zealand Environmental Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property Law - New Zealand Commercial Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand Commitment to M&A - New Zealand Corporate Advisory Team of the Year - New Zealand M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - New Zealand Most Trusted Investment Banking Team of the Year - New Zealand Sustained Excellence in Maritime Law - New Zealand New Zealand Managed Funds Law Firm of the Year Most Trusted Banking & Finance Team of the Year - New Zealand Sustained Excellence in Business Establishment - New Zealand TMT Specialists of the Year - New Zealand Top Performing Barrister of the Year - New Zealand Boutique Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand Boutique M&A Law Firm of the Year - New Zealand Sustained Excellence in Commercial Law - New Zealand Law Firm of the Year - Nicaragua Emerging Market Project Finance Specialist of the Year Insurance Team of the Year - Nigeria General Litigation Team of the Year - Nigeria Corporate Tax Firm of the Year - Nigeria Client Choice Award: M&A Innovators of the Year - Nigeria Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Nigeria Dispute Resolution Specialists of the Year - Nigeria Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Nigeria Rising Stars of the Year - Nigeria Capital Management Team of the Year - Nigeria Investment Banking Firm of the Year - Nigeria

2014 M&A Awards | 99

Norway Admincontrol Advokatfirmaet Hjort Advokatfirmaet Lund & Co DA Advokatfirmaet Selmer DA BDO Bryn Aarflot

Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Norway Labour & Employment Law Firm of the Year - Norway Renewable Energy Law Firm of the Year - Norway International Tax Practice of the Year - Norway Accounting Firm of the Year - Norway Intellectual Property Firm of the Year - Norway

Grette Infima AS Schjødt Stratema AS Swedbank First Securities Wiersholm Wikborg & Rein

Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - Norway Transaction Advisory Services Advisory Firm of the Year - Norway Trademark & Patent Law Firm of the Year - Norway Sustained Excellence in M&A Advisory - Norway Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Norway M&A Advisers of the Year - Norway Bank of the Year - Norway Sustained Excellence in Corporate Law - Norway Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Norway

Pakistan Student Shelter In Computers

Fastest Growing IT Company of the Year - Pakistan

Panama Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán Pardini & Associates

Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Panama Industrial Property Law Firm of the Year - Panama Business Law Firm of the Year - Panama

CLP EY

Peru Baker & McKenzie Credicorp Estudio Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano Philippines Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) Baniqued & Baniqued Cochingyan & Peralta Law Offices Esguerra & Blanco Law Offices Grant Thornton Gregorio Nunag & Partners Law Offices Martinez Vergara Gonzalez Serrano Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices Poland APL Kancelaria Prawa Ochrony Srodowiska DeBenedetti Majewski Szczesniak Kancelaria Prawnicza Sp. K. Dudkowiak & Kopec Dudkowiak & Kopec Law Firm Ernst & Young Corporate Finance Sp. z o.o.

Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak sp.k.

MDDP Sobonska Olkiewicz i Wspólnicy Paczuski, Taudul, Korszla, Grochulski Doradcy Podatkowi Spółka artnerska RSM Poland KZWS Audyt S.A. Schoenherr The Food & Pharma Legal Wawrzyniak Zalewska Radcy Prawni sp.j.

Traple Konarski Podrecki & Partners Portgual Abrantes Advogados Caiado Guerreiro & Associados Candeias & Associados CMS Rui Pena & Arnaut CMS Rui Pena & Arnaut Gali Macedo & Associados José Miranda Dias & Associados - Sociedade de Advogados, RL Luis Miguel Amaral - Advogados / Lawyers Macedo Vitorino & Associados Macedo Vitorino & Associados MC&A - Sociedade de Advogados, RL MERCAL – Gestão e Marketing Int. Raul César Ferreira (Herd.), SA SRS Advogados

Sustained Excellence in M&A Law - Peru Leading Financial Services Holding Company of the Year - Peru Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Peru Client Focused Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines Corporate Taxation Firm of the Year - the Philippines Corporate Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines Litigation Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines Client Focused Accountancy Firm of the Year the Philippines Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines M&A Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines Banking Law Firm of the Year - the Philippines Energy Law Firm of the Year - Philippines Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Philippines Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year - Philippines Environmental Law Firm of the Year - Poland Transactional-Litigation Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Poland Competition & Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Poland M&A Law Firm of the Year - Poland Business Valuation Provider of the Year - Poland Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Poland Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year - Poland Tax Adviser of the Year - Poland Financial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Poland Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Poland Food & Pharma Law Firm of the Year - Poland Civil Law Firm of the Year - Poland Tax Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Rising Stars in Labour & Employment Law - Portugal Franchise Law Practice of the Year - Portugal Overall Law Firm of the Year - Portugal TMT Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Most Respected Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Rising Stars in Business Law - Portugal

Puerto Rico Fortaleza Capital Partners, LLC Qatar Patton Boggs Romania Adi Gavrilã Mediation Firm Andra Musatescu Law & Industrial Property Offices Capital Partners Ceausescu & Partners Daghie & Asociatii Maravela & Asociatii Maravela & Asociatii Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Răzvan Dincă & Asociaţii SAI ERSTE Asset Management SA Romania Stratula Mocanu & Asociatii Stratula Mocanu & Asociatii Viboal FindEx Russia ALRUD Law Firm

Leading Legal Practice of the Year - Qatar Mediation Experts of the Year - Romania Industrial Property Law Firm of the Year - Romania Investment Bank of the Year - Romania Leading Accountancy Firm of the Year - Romania Insurance & Reinsurance Practitioners of the Year - Romania M&A Law Firm of the Year - Romania Contract Law Firm of the Year – Romania Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Romania Rising Stars in Intellectual Property Law - Romania Asset Manager of the Year - Romania Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year - Romania Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Romania Sustained Excellence in Corporate Tax - Romania

The New Kremlin Fund Tomorrow Business Laboratorium UHY Eccona LLP VAKHNINA and Partners

Pharmaceutical Sector Focused M&A Team of the Year - Russia Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Russia Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Russia Real Estate Practice of the Year - Russia Cross-Border M&A Team of the Year - Russia Sustained Excellence in IP Law - Russia Fastest Growing Law Firm of the Year - Russia Dispute Resolution Practice of the Year - Russia Client Choice Award: Sovereign Wealth Fund of the Year - Russia HNWI Choice Award: Hedge Fund of the Year - Russia Infrastructure Legal Team of the Year - Russia Foreign Direct Investment Team of the Year - Russia Patent Law Firm of the Year - Russia

Rwanda Kigali Law Chambers Maitre Arsene Rutiyomba

Legal Chambers of the Year - Rwanda Immigration Firm of the Year - Rwanda

Baker Mckenzie Beiten Burkhardt DS Law.Attorneys FDS Law Ltd. INTELLECT-S Khrenov and Partners Maxima Legal Russian Direct Investment Fund

Saudi Arabia ACWA Power PwC Saudi Arabia Serbia Bojovic & Partners Kosic, Law Office Law office Kosic Marić, Mališić & Dostanić o.a.d.

Nova Communications, D.O.O. Virtu Partners

Infrastructure Industry Fundraising Team of the Year - Saudi Arabia Tax Advisory Firm of the Year - Saudi Arabia Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Serbia Insolvency & Restructuring Team of the Year - Serbia Long-Established Law Firm of the Year - Serbia Business Law Firm of the Year - Serbia Most Innovative Communications Company of the Year - Serbia Overall Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - Serbia

the Seychelles INTERSHORE CHAMBERS

Law Firm of the Year - the Seychelles

Sierra Leone Marcus Jones & Co

Legal Practice of the Year - Sierra Leone

Singapore Abraham LLC Advisors Incorporated Pte Ltd Alternative Advisors Associates Ashurst Athenaeum Limited CapAsia Clyde & Co LLP

Employment Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Securities Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Legal Due Diligence Team of the Year - Portugal Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Portugal Independent Management Consultants of the Year - Portugal Industrial Property Team of the Year - Portugal Private Equity Law Firm of the Year - Portugal

Leading Investment Banking Boutique of the Year - Puerto Rico

Duane Morris Selvam Glen Koh A law Firm Gloria James-Civetta & Co Harry Elias Partnership LLP Law Asia Albert Tan Tiong Heng - Max Lewis Consultants Pte Ltd Messrs. Aequitas Law LLP

M&A Law Firm of the Year – Singapore Boutique Tax Consultancy Services Firm of the Year - Singapore Most Trusted Professional Services Firm of the Year - Singapore Asia-Pacific M&A Team of the Year Sustained Excellence in Investment Management - Singapore Infrastructure Private Equity Investment Manager of the Year - Singapore Healthcare Sector Focused Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Private Equity Legal Team of the Year - Singapore Commercial Dispute Resolution Team of the Year - Singapore Rising Stars in Business Law - Singapore Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Sustained Excellence in Oil & Gas Law - Singapore Strategic Planning Experts of the Year - Singapore Mediation Experts of the Year - Singapore

www.acquisition-intl.com

100 | 2014 M&A Awards

Milltrust International Group Pinsent Masons Smart Global

Investor Choice Award: Investment Organisation of the Year - Singapore Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year - Singapore

Wadia Ghandy & Co. Wong Tan & Molly Lim LLC

Healthcare & Finance Investment Firm of the Year - Singapore Transportation Practice of the Year - Singapore Full-Service IP Company of the Year - Asia Pacific Sustained Excellence in Transfer Pricing Services - Singapore Aviation Law Firm of the Year - Singapore Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Singapore

Slovakia Beatow Partners CLS Čavojský & Partners, s.r.o.

Dedák & Partners Glatzova & Co. SEDLAČKO & PARTNERS, s.r.o.

SK Legal

Administrative Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia Sustained Excellence in Real Estate - Slovakia Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia M&A Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia Competition Law Firm of the Year - Slovakia

Slovenia Converta d. o. o.

ITEM d.o.o.

KF Finance Ltd Odvetniki Jurij Dolžan, Mitja Vidmar & Igor Zemljarič Robotina d.o.o.

Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Slovenia Trademark Specialists of the Year - Slovenia Sustained Excellence in Financial Advisory - Slovenia Boutique Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - Slovenia Automation Specialists of the Year - Slovenia

Stephenson Harwood LLP Transpacific IP Group Limited Velten Partners LLP

South Africa AccountIT SA Adams & Adams Barnes Consulting Bernadt Vukic Potash & Getz BVA Loss Adjusters Capitalworks Equity Partners Christopher Moore Attorney Cullinan & Associates Divorce Mediations ENSafrica Finfocus Financial Planners (Pty) Ltd Forte-SA IBA Global Training Knowles Husain Lindsay Inc Legal and Labour Law Advisory Service Life Coaching For Africa Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative marcusbrewster Marlow Marlow Capital McPherson Kruger Attorneys Merchantec Proprietary Limited Nortons PwC Roodt Inc Toad Capital Trident Institute VHECK Attorneys Von Seidels Von Seidels V-Squared Business Rescue Services Zakira Mohamed Attorneys Southeast Asia Mekong Capital South Korea EYP Law LG Household & Health Care Ltd Spain Across Legal Amat & Vidal-Quadras Bird & Bird (Spain) LLP

www.acquisition-intl.com

Accountancy Firm of the Year - South Africa Sustained Excellence in Intellectual Property South Africa Rising Stars in Consultancy Services - South Africa Rising Stars in Corporate Law - South Africa Loss Adjusting Firm of the Year - South Africa Private Equity Experts of the Year - South Africa Commercial Law Firm of the Year – South Africa Environmental Law Practice of the Year - South Africa Mediation Experts of the Year - South Africa Overall Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Financial Planning Experts of the Year - South Africa Outstanding Advisory Performance for 2013 South Africa Venture Capital Experts of the Year - South Africa Insurance Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Labour Law Advisory Team of the Year - South Africa Support Service Provider of the Year - South Africa Sustained Excellence in Logistics Services - South Africa Strategic PR Company of the Year - South Africa M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - South Africa Independent Asset Management Firm of the Year - South Africa Legal Advisory Firm of the Year - South Africa Corporate Finance Firm of the Year – South Africa Regulatory Law Specialists of the Year - South Africa Sustained Excellence in Accountancy Practice - South Africa Cross-Border Transaction Specialist of the Year - South Africa Debt Capital Market Specialists of the Year - South Africa Rising Stars in M&A - South Africa Boutique Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Legal Innovators of the Year - South Africa Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - South Africa Solvency Experts of the Year - South Africa Sustained Excellence in Legal Arbitration - South Africa Operational Improvement Firm of the Year – Southeast Asia Foreign Direct Investment Law Firm of the Year - South Korea Most Innovative Manufacturing Company of the Year - South Korea Company Law Specialists of the Year - Spain Corporate Governance Specialists of the Year - Spain Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Spain

Fornesa Abogados Gastão Cunha Ferreira Goñi y Cajigas Abogados Impulsa Capital Loyra Marco Legal Advocats & Economistes Matrix International Development Group, S.L. Olswang Sabadell Corporate Finance Uría Menéndez Ventura Garces & Lopez-Ibor William de Marsangy

Overall Energy Law Firm of the Year - Spain Spanish Shipping and Maritime Law Firm of the Year Immigration Law Firm of the Year - Spain Tax Service Provider of the Year - Spain Antitrust & Competition Law Experts - Spain Sustained Excellence in TMT Law - Spain Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Spain Insolvency & Restructuring Specialists of the Year - Spain Innovative Law Firm of the Year - Spain Litigation Experts of the Year - Spain M&A Law Firm of the Year - Spain Spanish Financial Adviser of the Year Business Advisory Law Firm of the Year - Spain Sustained Excellence in Corporate Law - Spain Boutique Relocation Company of the Year - Spain Top Performing TMT Focused Firm of the Year - Spain M&A Corporate Finance Firm of the Year - Spain Independent Law Firm of the Year - Spain M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Spain Leading Consumer Industry CEO of the Year - Spain

Sri Lanka Julius & Creasy Nithya Partners Nithya Partners Nithya Partners York Street Partners

Civil Law Firm of the Year - Sri Lanka M&A Law Firm of the Year - Sri Lanka Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Sri Lanka Overall Law Firm of the Year - Sri Lanka Boutique Advisory Firm of the Year - Sri Lanka

Bird & Bird (Spain) LLP Blas de Lezo Bojorge & Associates CMS Albiñana & Suárez de Lezo DelaCalle Abogados Écija Abogados EthosData Figueras Advocats SLP

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Defreitas & Associates Sweden Access Partners Advokatfirman Fylgia KB Advokatfirman Vinge KB Aon M&A Solutions EY Garde Wesslau GP Bullhound Hellstrom KPMG Listérus & Partners Capital Advisors Mannheimer Swartling NYX Interactive Orstadius Procuritas Partners AB PwC Roland Berger WSP Switzerland ABELS Avocats Androschin & Partner Argos Soditic Bader Gnehm & Partner BCM & Partners SA Board Advisors AG Cabinet Mayor CarbonRe AG CFM Partners AG CMS von Erlach Henrici AG Dealgate Ltd. Deloitte Diener Advisory DTS Intellectual Property Law Firm Etude de Me Sebastien Fanti Froriep Hans Rudolf, Independent Arbitrator HELBLING Attorneys-at-Law Hug Invest AG Index Investor AG Jeremy Lack Esq Kasser Schlosser avocats Laux Lawyers Mathys Schmid Partner

Accountancy Firm of the Year - St. Vincent and the Grenadines Independent Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - Sweden Company Law Specialists of the Year - Sweden Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Sweden Risk & Insurance Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Sweden Sustained Excellence in M&A - Sweden International Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Sweden TMT Focused Banking Group of the Year - Sweden Top Performing Competition and E Law Firm of the Year - Sweden Most Trusted M&A Specialists of the Year - Sweden Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - Sweden International Practice Law Firm of the Year - Sweden Outstanding Gaming System Solutions of the Year - Sweden Management Team Due Diligence Provider - Sweden Private Equity House of the Year - Sweden Commitment to M&A - Sweden Top Performing Consultancy Firm of the Year - Sweden Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Sweden Business Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Management Consulting Firm of the Year - Switzerland Sustained Excellence in Private Equity - Switzerland Sustained Excellence in Business Law - Switzerland Credit Fund Specialists of the Year - Switzerland Sustained Excellence in Corporate Finance - Switzerland Mid-Sized Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Sustainable Energy Specialist of the Year - Switzerland Commitment to Corporate Finance - Switzerland Commercial Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Best M&A Platform of the Year - Switzerland Commitment to M&A - Switzerland Swiss Accounting Firm of the Year Client Choice Award: IP Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Boutique TMT Specialist of the Year - Switzerland Full-Service Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Rising Star in Arbitration - Switzerland Boutique Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Most Trusted Asset Manager of the Year - Switzerland Sustained Excellence in Asset Management - Switzerland Cross-Cultural Specialists of the Year - Switzerland Most Respected Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland TMT IP Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Construction and Real Estate Specialists of the Year - Switzerland

2014 M&A Awards | 101

Vischer

Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Independent M&A Advisory Team of the Year - Switzerland Swiss Recapitalisation Advisory Firm of the Year Risk Management Specialists of the Year - Switzerland Client Choice Award: Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland M&A Law Firm of the Year - Switzerland Corporate Finance Practice of the Year - Switzerland Independent Advisory Firm of the Year - Switzerland Transactional Advisory Services Team of the Year - Switzerland Tax Law Service Providers of the Year - Switzerland

Syria Oussi Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year - Syria

Taiwan PwC Taiwan Tsar & Tsai Law Firm

Commitment to M&A - Taiwan Taiwan M&A Focused Experts of the Year

Tanzania FTC Consultants Limited UNIVERSITY OF DER ES SALAAM

M&A Law Firm of the Year - Tanzania Commitment to M&A - Tanzania

Thailand Blue Ocean Logistics Co., Ltd. Lorenz & Partners Co., Ltd LS Horizon Limited Tractus Asia Ltd

Logistics Firm of the Year - Thailand Tax Firm of the Year - Thailand Real Estate Specialists of the Year - Thailand Foreign Investment Specialists of the Year - Thailand

Tonga Fungateiki Law Firm

Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Tonga

Trinidad & Tobago Alan Ramoutar & Co J and L Financial and Counselling Services Limited SOS Agencies Ltd.

Rising Star in M&A - Trinidad & Tobago Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year - Trinidad & Tobago Financial Consultants of the Year - Trinidad & Tobago

Tunisia JurisMed

Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year - Tunisia

Meyerlustenberger Lachenal MilleniumAssociates AG MMP Mück Management Partners AG QUANTUS AG Suffert Neuenschwander & Partner Suter Howald Attorneys at Law Tavernier Tschanz TP Services GmbH Transaction Consulting

Turkey AU Advisory Davutoglu Attorneys At Law Davutoglu Attorneys At Law Deniz Law Office DESTEK PATENT INC. DESTEK PATENT INC. Garanti Bank Garanti Bank Garanti Bank

Verdi Avukatlik Ortakligi WTS & CELEN SMMM Ltd. Sti. WTS & CELEN SMMM Ltd. Sti.

Due Diligence Firm of the Year - Turkey Private Equity Fund Law Firm of the Year Rising Stars in Banking & Finance Law - Turkey Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Intellectual Property Innovator of the Year - Turkey Patent Consultancy Firm of the Year - Turkey Project Finance Innovator of the Year - Turkey Turkish Finance Provider of the Year Infrastructure & Real Estate Financing Specialist of the Year - Turkey Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Boutique Corporate Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Mid Sized Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Turkish Tax Advisory Firm of the Year M&A Tax Team of the Year – Turkey Private Equity House of the Year - Turkey Aviation Firm of the Year - Turkey Full Service IP & Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Most Trusted Tax Law Firm of the Year - Turkey Real Estate Tax Advisory Team of the Year - Turkey Dealmaker of the Year - Viko/ Panasonic Corporation Investment Banking Service Provider of the Year - Turkey Most Trusted Cross-border Advisory Firm of the Year - Turkey Leading Adviser of the Year - Project Blue Sky Turkish Corporate Tax Firm of the Year Innovators in Corporate Tax Services - Turkey

the Turks & Caicos Islands Misick & Stanbrook

Law Firm of the Year - Turks & Caicos

Goksu Safi Isık Attorney Partnership Guden Law Firm Karaca & Associates KPMG KPMG Mediterra Capital MNG Airlines Orbis Vista Intellectual Property & Law Group Ozgun Law PwC Turkey Raiffeisen Unlu & Co Ventura Partners

UAE Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Bin Shabib & Associates (BSA) LLP Diligence Management Consultants Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants Grant Thornton Herbert Smith Freehills

Project Finance Specialist of the Year - UAE M&A Advisor of the Year - CedarBridge in relation to the acquisition of several educational institutions UAE Due Diligence Firm of the Year Full Service Law Firm of the Year - UAE Most Trusted Accountancy Firm of the Year - UAE Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year - UAE

Vinson & Elkins

Client Focused Accountancy Advisory Firm of the Year - UAE Cross Border Law Firm of the Year - UAE

Uganda InterSwitch Uganda Jwis & Co. Legal Aid Project/ULS Rukidi-Mpuuga Law Chambers

Deal of the Year - PostBank joins Interswitch EA. M&A Innovator of the Year - Uganda Project of the Year - Legal Aid Project in Uganda Top Legal Advisor of 2014 - Uganda

PwC

UK 2 Hare Court 23 Essex Street 5 Stone Buildings AB Relocate Acclimatise Acorn Commercial Finance Acuity Advisors Limited Adams Whyte Adbell International Ltd - Chartered Addleshaw Goddard Addleshaw Goddard ADR International African Frontier Capital Partners LLP AHV Associates AIG Alpha 1 Legal Services AlphaBet Capital Advisors Ltd Alternative Bridging Corporation Alvarez & Marsal Taxand UK LLP AMC Economics AN Solicitors Limited Andrew Jackson Anthony Hodges Consulting Apex Insurance Apt Finance Astbury Marsden Augusta & Co Aura Healthcare Avaloq Evolution AG Avidity IP Avondale Award Capital Advisory Ltd. Baker Tilly Bank of Ireland Bank of Scotland Barclays Barker Tatham Investment Consultants Barnett Waddingham LLP Baronsmead Consulting (London) LLP BCMS Corporate Ltd BDO BDO LLP Beer & Young Benchmark International Brokers Beringea Ltd Bermans Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP Bird & Bird The Blackstone Group Blue Sky Law Limited Bluebox Corporate Finance Group Bonaccord Ecosse Brachers Bramhalls Bray & Krais Breeze & Wyles Solicitors LLP Brian Koffman & Co

Organised Crime Chambers of the Year - UK White Collar Crime Chambers of the Year - UK Trust & Probate Disputes Specialists of the Year - UK Corporate Relocation Specialists of the Year - UK Climate Change Specialist Consultants of the Year - UK Commercial Finance Broker of the Year - UK UK Corporate Advisory Firm of the Year - Zinwave Disposal Crime Defence Law Firm of the Year - Scotland Business Start-up Advisors of the Year - UK ABL Legal Practice of the Year - UK Joint Ventures Advisory Team of the Year - UK Procurement Consultants of the Year - UK Alternative Asset Management Company of the Year - UK Client Focused Corporate Finance Boutique of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Captive Services - UK Investigation Firm of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in UK Capital Raising Property Finance Specialists of the Year - UK Real Estate Tax Specialists of the Year - UK Economic Consultancy Firm of the Year - UK Immigration Law Firm of the Year - Scotland Professional Negligence Law Firm of the Year - UK Pension Communications Specialists of the Year - UK Niche Insurance Broker of the Year - UK Trade Finance Specialist Firm of the Year Financial Services, Energy & Professional Services Recruitment Firm of the Year - UK Excellence in Sustainable Finance - UK Software and IT Services Provider of the Year - UK Client Focused Comprehensive Banking Solutions Provider of the Year - UK Midland Based Trade Marks Attorneys of the Year UK M&A Adviser of the Year UK Leading Financial Services Advisers of the Year UK M&A Advisory Team of the Year: City Motor Holdings Acquisition Corporate & Treasury Team of the Year - UK Acquisition Finance Team of the Year - UK TMT Focused Finance Team of the Year - UK Pension Scheme Advisory Team of the Year - UK Actuarial Consultants of the Year - UK Pre-Acquisition Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK UK Dealmaker of the Year: Recommended Hotels Acquisition Corporate Recovery and Insolvency Team of the Year - Scotland Corporate Recovery and Insolvency Team of the Year - The Midlands Turnaround Finance Specialists of the Year - UK UK Dealmaker of the Year - Cable Accessories acquisition UK Disposal of the Year - Eagle Rock Entertainment Sale Northern Based Independent Commercial Law Firm of the Year Commercial Real Estate Team of the Year - UK Fraud and Asset-Tracing Team of the Year - UK Client Choice Award: Investment and Advisory Firm of the Year - UK Regional M&A Law Firm of the Year - North West Small Business Choice Award: Corporate Finance Boutique of the Year - UK and UK Leading Adviser of the Year: VAPESTICK® Disposal Mediators of the Year - Scotland Healthcare M&A Law Firm of the Year - UK Regional Employment Law Firm of the Year - North West UK Dealmaker of the Year: Merlin Elite transaction UK Debt Recovery Law Firm of the Year Regional Business Crime Law Firm of the Year - North West

www.acquisition-intl.com

102 | 2014 M&A Awards

Bridge Houghton Bridging & Commercial Brownsword Group/Mike India 5 Bureau van Dijk Burgis & Bullock Camden Associates Campbell Dallas Carlton Strategy Advisors Ltd Carter Perry Bailey LLP Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP Central Mortgages (Essex) Ltd Chambers of Roderick I’Anson Banks Charities Property Fund Cherry Mortgage and Finance Ltd Chiron Resources (Operations) Ltd Citrus Relocation Services Limited Civitas Law Clean Energy Pipeline Clearwater International Cloch Solicitors CloudOrigin Limited Clybee Consulting CMS Cameron McKenna Coller IP Coltrac Limited Commercial Property Finance Consultancy Ltd Connell Consulting Convex Capital ConwayMcColl Solicitors Cottons Chartered Accountants County Asset Finance Limited Coxcostello Creative Finance Credo Business Consulting LLP CS Consultancy D J Carey Notaries DAG Mediation David Bailey QC David Conway and Co Davis Polk & Wardwell DC Advisory Dean Street Advisers Dearson Winyard International DeBere Partners Decisis Limited Dewar Hogan Diageo Dovetail Dr Cesario Mateus DragonKnight Advisors Eaton Smith LLP Edward Cumming Eilliot Mather Elborne Mitchell LLP Else Solicitors EMC Corporate Finance Ltd ERM EthosData EthosData EthosData Eur Ing Professor Geoffrey M Beresford Hartwell EY EY UK Transaction Tax team Faegre Baker Daniels LLP Family Office Management Consulting Farley & Thompson LLP

www.acquisition-intl.com

Regional Forensic Accountants of the Year - North West UK Rising Stars in Bridging Finance News Private Investigator of the Year – UK Business Intelligence Publishers of the Year - UK

Fasken Martineau

Management and Leveraged Buy-Out Advisers of the Year - Midlands Biotech Corporate Finance House of the Year – UK Energy Sector Focused Accountants of the Year - Scotland UK Rising Star in Commercial Due Diligence UK Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year Media Sector Focused Corporate Finance Team of the Year - UK UK Corporate Finance Team of the Year: Industrials Sector Remortage Specialists of the Year - UK Partnership and LLP Law Specialists of the Year - UK Commercial Property Fund of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Development Finance - UK Hostile Environment Support Company of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Corporate Relocation - UK Dispute Resolution Set of the Year - Wales Private Equity Research Partner of the Year - UK UK Leading Corporate Finance Team of the Year: Kitchen Craft Acquisition Insolvency Law Firm of the Year - Scotland Systems Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Turnaround Management - UK Employment Law Firm of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in IP Valuation - UK Midlands Based Debt Recovery Specialists of the Year Invoice Factoring Specialists of the Year - UK Healthcare Focused Commercial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Entrepreneurs Choice Award: Leading UK Adviser of the Year - UK Dismissal & Redundancy Specialist Law Firm of the Year - UK Midlands Based Chartered Accountants of the Year Industrial Sector Focused Finance House of the Year - Midlands Corporate Tax Planning Advisers of the Year - UK Rising Stars in ABL - UK Infrastructure Sector Focused Advisory Firm of the Year - UK Management Consultancy Specialists of the Year - UK Notary of the Year - UK Mediators of the Year - UK Insurance & Reinsurance QC of the Year - UK Cross Boarder M&A transaction specialists Securities Law Firm of the Year - UK Corporate Finance Team of the Year: Cardtronics, Inc. acquisition of i-design plc Rising Stars in Investment Banking - UK Sustained Excellence in UK Immigration Services Strategic Capital Raising Investment Boutique of the Year - UK IP Disputes Team of the Year - UK Property Litigation Team of the Year - UK In-house Consumer Sector Legal Team of the Year - UK Life Coaching Specialists of the Year - UK Leading Researcher to the Finance & Banking Industry - UK Gaming Sector Start-Up Advisors of the Year - UK Regional Exit Planning Adviser of the Year - Yorkshire Rising Star in Commercial Litigation - UK Care Home Sector Focused M&A Law Firm of the Year - UK Shipping Sector Focused Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - UK Midlands Based Law Firm of the Year UK Leading Adviser of the Year: Belville International Disposal Environmental Risk Specialists of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Data Room Services - UK Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Spain Data Room Provider of the Year - Asia Pacific Region Adjudicator of the Year - UK Islamic Financial Services Team of the Year - UK UK Accountancy Firm of the Year - Transaction Tax Immigration Law Firm of the Year - UK Family Office Consultants of the Year - UK Independent Stockbrokers of the Year - UK

Financial Marketing Ltd FinaXiom Finegan Gibson finnCap Firefox Associates UK LLP

Fasken Martineau Fawcus Corporate Fichtner Consulting Engineers

first4commercial.com FiscalReps Fox Fragomen Francis Clark Frydenson & Co Fuel Recruitment Ltd Gambling Integrity Services Gareth Jones GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd GI Partners Gibson & Co Global Perspectives GoIndustry DoveBid Jago Capital Green Square Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP Greenwoods Solicitors LLP Halliday Executive Search Ltd Hampton Court Capital Hampton Court Capital Harbord & Co Solicitors HardwickeChamberlain Harold Benjamin Solicitors Harrison Clark Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited HGF Ltd Harrison Spence Henderson Chambers Herbert Smith Freehills HGF Law LLP Highwire Consulting Hilson Moran HMT LLP Hope Capital Howes Bailiffs Ltd Howes Percival HSBC Bank plc Ian Fisher Limited ICON Corporate Finance IGS Alternative Investment Solutions LLP Infinity Partnership InLaw LLP Insight Insurance Consultancy Ltd Insignia IP Services Limited Institute of Finance at London Business School Interdean Intralinks Jackal Advisory Ltd Jackson Cohen JAG Shaw Baker James Love Legal Jasper Corporate Finance Javelin Group

UK Leading Adviser of the Year: Kea Petroleum/ Darwin Strategic Limited Sustained Excellence in Mining & Energy Law - UK Sell-Side Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year - UK Regional Independent Engineering Consultants of the Year - North West Marketing Agency of the Year - UK Best Standby Product of the Year - UK Auditing Team of the Year - Northern Ireland Fastest-Growing Independent Broker of the Year - UK Documents & Communications Solutions Specialists of the Year - UK Independent Commercial Mortgage Broker of the Year - UK Insurance Premium Tax Solutions Specialists of the Year - UK Employment and Partnership Specialists of the Year - UK Global Immigration Law Firm of the Year Consumer Sector Focused Corporate Accountancy Firm of the Year - UK Boutique Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Firm of the Year - UK Technology Focused Recruitment Consultants of the Year - UK Gambling Harm Prevention Advisors of the Year - UK Probate Barrister of the Year - UK Most Innovative Energy Provider of the Year - UK Healthcare Focused Private Investment Firm of the Year - UK Mediators of the Year - North East region Asset Managers Choice Award: Consulting Firm of the Year - UK Asset Appraisal Firm of the Year – UK UK Leading Adviser of the Year: Davies Group acquisition Marketing Communications Sector Focused Corporate Finance Team of the Year - UK Cross-Border Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - UK M&A Law Firm of the Year - East of England PE Choice Award: Executive Search Boutique of the Year - UK Cleantech Focused Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - UK Technology Sector Focused Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Employment Law - UK TMT Focused Cross-Border M&A Boutique of the Year - UK Commercial Disputes Law Firm of the Year - UK Corporate Fundraising Advisory Team of the Year - UK Residential Property Law Firm of the Year - The Midlands UK Strategic Portfolio Development Firm of the Year Retail Financial Services Specialists of the Year - UK Health & Safety Law Chambers of the Year - UK Employment Disputes Law Firm of the Year - UK Patent Law Firm of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Management Due Diligence - UK Rising Stars in Environmental Due Diligence - UK Cross-Border M&A Team of the Year - UK UK Bridging Finance Specialists of the Year Consumer Sector Bailiff Services Specialists of the Year - UK Manufacturing Sector Focused Law Firm of the Year - UK Transport Finance Team of the Year - UK Insurance Disputes Specialists of the Year - UK High Growth Technology Focused Financial Advisers of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Alternative Investments Advisory - UK Corporate Finance Team of the Year - Scotland Mining & Energy Law Firm of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Insurance Due Diligence - UK Brand Protection Specialists of the Year - UK Leading Institute for Financial Services Research - UK Mobility Company of the Year - UK Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - Europe Employer Covenant Consultants of the Year - UK Compliance Specialists of the Year - UK Legal Due Diligence Team of the Year - UK Copyright Law Firm of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Valuation Services - UK Operational Due Diligence Team of the Year - UK

2014 M&A Awards | 103

JDC Corporate Finance Jeffrey Green Russell Limited JFH Law JLT Group Joelson Wilson Johnson Matthey Plc Jones Lowndes Dwyer LLP JSA Services Ltd JURIDICA INVESTMENTS LTD K A Javid & Co K&L Gates Karroo Capital KB Associates Kennet Equipment Leasing Keystone Buy To Let Mortgages Korn Ferry KPMG Law Offices of Andrew Rinker Leadenhall Capital Partners Lee & Thompson Legal Clarity Leigh Christou & Co Lennons Solicitors Lime Consultancy Linx International Ltd LockDutton Corporate Finance Lockharts Solicitors LXL LLP M&A Advisory Mark Entwistle Mark Jones Mark S Vickery Marriott Harrison LLP Martin Kaye Solicitors Telford Masthaven Finance Matrix Matthew Wilkinson Solictors Limited Maven Capital Partners UK LLP Maxwell Alves Mayfair Quarters Limited McClure Naismith McLean Group McQueen Limited Mediation in Scotland Mediation Scotland Meredith Pickford Merrill DataSite Metis Partners MHJ Business Finance MJN Forensic Accountants ML Capital Mortgages For Business MPI Europe Mr Jonathan Elystan Rees MW Trademarks Limited New Europe Advisers Ltd. Newgate Threadneedle NewGen Associates Limited NextEnergy Capital Nicholas David Jones Nicholas Worsley Nicklaus Thomas-Symonds, Barrister Nicolson Accountancy NM Property Finance No5 Chambers

SME Focused Corporate Finance Firm of the Year - UK Anglo German M&A Law Firm of the Year Regional Employment Law Firm of the Year - South East Midlands Based Insurance Due Diligence Team of the Year Licensing/Gaming Legal Team of the Year - UK In-house Chemicals Sector Legal Team of the Year - UK Regional Insolvency Practitioners of the Year - North West Payroll Services Specialists of the Year - UK Litigation Funding Specialists of the Year - UK Corporate Secretarial Services Accountants of the Year - UK Project Finance Law Firm of the Year - UK Placement Agent of the Year - UK Offshore Fund Consultants of the Year - UK Equipment Finance Services Provider of the Year - UK Buy to Let Mortgage Lender of the Year - UK Executive Recruitment Team of the Year - UK Financial Services Forensic Practice of the Year - UK Mediator of the Year - UK Insurance linked Securities Focused Investment Advisory of the Year – UK Media Law Firm of the Year – UK UK M&A Advisers of the Year : BOX Telematics transaction Anti-Corruption Due Diligence Providers of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Employment Disputes - UK Crowd funding Specialist Advisers of the Year - UK Workplace Investigations Team of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Corporate Finance - UK Healthcare Focused Law Firm of the Year - UK Oil & Gas Sector Focused Legal Team of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Exit Planning - UK Sustained Dispute Resolution Excellence Award - Wales Shipping Sector Focused Barrister of the Year - UK Result Driven Cost Law Firm of the Year - UK Banking Law Firm of the Year - UK Corporate Law Firm of the Year - The Midlands Bridging Finance Specialists of the Year - North West Administrative Law Chambers of the Year - UK Northern Litigation Law Firm of the Year Scottish Investor of the Year TMT Focused Dealmaker of the Year - Scotland Discount Buying Group for small businesses Award - UK Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year - Scotland Aerospace Sector Focused Investment Bank of the Year - UK Consumer Sector Focused Independent Corporate Finance Team of the Year - UK Workplace Mediation Firm of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Mediation - Scotland Competition Law Barrister of the Year - UK Global Data Room Provider of the Year IP Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK Midlands Based Finance Specialists of the Year Dorset based Forensic Accountants of the Year - UK Most Innovative Fund Management Team of the Year - UK Most Respected Commercial Mortgage Broker of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Capital Markets Consultancy - UK UK Money Laundering Barrister of the Year Sustained Excellence in Trade Mark Law - UK Rising Stars in Capital Markets Advice - UK Communications Services Specialists of the Year - UK Software Industry Focused Advisers of the Year - UK Renewable Energy Focused Merchant Bank of the Year Clinical Negligence Barrister of the Year - Wales Criminal Law Junior of the Year - UK Rising Star in Wills, Probate & Trusts Most Respected Accountancy Firm of the Year - Scotland Property Finance Brokerage of the Year – UK Regional Set of the Year - The Midlands

Octempo Receivables Management Old Square Chambers Oliver Wyman Olswang Olswang Opus Corporate Advisors Outer Temple Chambers Nick Overton – Overtons Costs Consultants Limited Oxford Consulting Associates LLP Park Place Corporate Finance Parker Bullen LLP Parkmead Group PLC Paul Jarvis PEM Corporate Finance Perfecta Partners Ltd Pinder Reaux & Associates Ltd Pinsent Masons Platform Black Portman Finance Limited Positive Lending Prelude Consulting Limited Price Bailey LLP Prime Advocates Privet Capital Professor Mark Watson-Gandy PwC Quilter Cheviot Radcliffes LeBrasseur Rawlinson Hunter RBS Invoice Finance RBS Invoice Finance Recruitment Enforcement Redeker Sellner Dahs Redress Solutions Regulatory Strategies Richard Nelson LLP Rightway Legal Risk Resolution Group River Chambers Riverhill Partners Ross Boyd Ltd Royal Mail Pensions Trustees Ltd Rycroft Glentons Santander (UK) Group Pension Scheme Trustees Ltd SCE Solicitors Seabury Beaumont LLP Select Business Finance Seraphus Shawbrook Bank Slaughter and May Smith Partnership South Law Spectrum Corporate Finance Squire Sanders Steer and co Stelfox UK Ltd Stephenson Harwood LLP Sterling X-AG™ Stikeman Elliott LLP STJ Advisors Strategic Corporate Finance Strategic Corporate Finance Ltd Sturgeon Ventures LLP Adam Roxborough - Sulby House Chambers Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited Taylorcocks TCH Law The Quinn Partnership The Shield Group Transcend Corporate Transfer Pricing Solutions Ltd

Outsourced Credit Control Specialists of the Year - UK Unfair Dismissal Specialist Advisers of the Year - UK Most Respected Commercial Due Diligence Providers of the Year - UK Most Trusted TMT Focused Law Firm of the Year - UK UK M&A Adviser of the Year: Redcats’ children and family division transaction Rising Stars for the Healthcare M&A Industry - UK Medical Law Barrister of the Year - UK Costs Lawyer of the Year - UK Commercial Due Diligence Provider of the Year - UK PE Choice Award: Northern Corporate Finance House of the Year Franchise Law Firm of the Year - UK Oil & Gas Sector Deal of the Year - Athena Oil Field Acquisition Series Crime Barrister of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Exit Strategy Planning Services Banking Strategy Consulting Firm of the Year - UK Sports Law Firm of the Year - UK Financial Services Regulation Team of the Year - UK Supply Chain Finance Firm of the Year - UK Cash Flow Funding Specialists of the Year - UK Specialist Packager of the Year - UK Organisational Psychology Consultancy Firm of the Year - UK Corporate Finance Team of the Year - East of England Social Finance Consultancy Firm of the Year - UK Turnaround Specialists of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Business Turnaround Advice - UK Overall Accountancy Firm of the Year - UK Most Client Focused Independently Investment Management Firm of the Year - UK Corporate Reorganisation Team of the Year - UK Results Driven Valuation Firm of the Year - UK Invoice Finance Team of the Year - UK Invoice Finance Team of the Year - The Midlands Recruitment Enforcement Services Firm of the Year - UK German Law Focused Specialists of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Litigation Funding - UK Regulatory Consultants of the Year - UK Regional Business Crime Defence Law Firm of the Year - Midlands Rising Stars in Notary Services - UK UK Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year Employment Law Chambers of the Year - UK Debt Advisory Services Team of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Financial Modelling - UK Private Pension Plan of the Year - UK Independent Accountancy Firm of the Year North East UK Pensions Team of the Year - Banking Sector Northern Employment Law Firm of the Year Rising Stars in Employment M&A Law - UK Midland Based Commercial Finance Firm of the Year - UK Human Rights Law Firm of the Year - UK Rising Stars in Mortgage Solution Services - UK Energy Sector Focused M&A Law Firm of the Year - UK Exit Planning Team of the Year - UK Employment Law Firm of the Year - Wales Reading-based Corporate Finance Adviser of the Year Growth Strategy Expert Team of the Year - UK Data Protection Specialists of the Year - UK Pharmaceutical Recruitment Agency of the Year - UK Cross-Border Transactions Law Firm of the Year - UK Technology Focused VDR of the Year - UK Mining Law Firm of the Year - UK Most Trusted Independent Capital Markets Advisory Firm of the Year - UK/Europe Regional Corporate Finance House of the Year South Yorkshire Business Valuations Specialists of the Year - UK Venture Capitalist of the Year - UK Regional Barrister of the Year - Manchester Transport & Islamic Finance Team of the Year - UK Auditors of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Debt Recovery - Scotland Sustained Excellence in Management Due Diligence - UK Security Solutions Specialists of the Year - UK Debt Advisory Team of the Year - UK Transfer Pricing Adviser of the Year - UK

www.acquisition-intl.com

104 | 2014 M&A Awards

TRP Associates Ltd. Tufton Oceanic Ltd TWM Solicitors LLP URS Valuation Solutions Limited VI Pensions Law Limited Vigilo International Consultants Ltd. Vinson & Elkins Virgin Trains Vontobel Asset Management Wardell Armstrong Warwick Aleeson West Yorkshire Pension Fund WestBridge Capital White & Black Legal LLP Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP Wilson Gunn Winckworth Sherwood Wirehouse Employer Services Wood Group Ukraine Arzinger Asters Dragon Capital Egorov Puginsky Afanasiev & Partners ENGARDE Attorneys at Law Integrites JSC Ukrenergochermet Sayenko Kharenko Schoenherr Ukraine LLC Schonherr Ukraine Llc United Arab Emirates Bin Shabib & Associates (BSA) LLP

Uruguay Galante & Martins USA A + Legal Services ABN AMRO Acropolis Investment Management Adams & Reese LLP Added Value Accounting Adolph Locklar AFEX AIG AIG AirWatch Alcentra Alpha Strategies Investment Consulting Alvarez & Marsal AMAA Ambulatory Alliances Amethyst Captive Insurance Solutions, Inc. Amvest Financial Group, Inc. Amzak Capital Management Angle Advisors AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc. Archford Capital Strategies LLC Arent Fox Ares Management LLC Arlene Elgart Mirsky Ascendant Partners, Inc. Ashby & Geddes PA Asia West Environment Funds Askan/Kocanaogullari Law Office Aurora Investment Management L.L.C.

www.acquisition-intl.com

Treasury Consultancy Firm of the Year - USA Asset Backed Investments Team of the Year - UK Information Technology Law Firm of the Year - UK Sustained Excellence in Environmental Due Diligence - UK Regional Valuation Solutions Firm of the Year - Devon Pensions Law Firm of the Year - Scotland Filtering Solutions Provider of the Year - UK North Sea Transactions Team of the Year - UK Commuter Choice Award: Preferred Transport Services Provider of the Year - UK Structured Products Team of the Year - UK Mining & Energy Consultancy Firm of the Year - UK Criminal Defence Junior of the Year - UK Northern Pension Scheme of the Year TMT Sector Focused Private Equity House of the Year - UK Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year - UK Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - UK Global IP Portfolio Manager of the Year - UK Land Disputes Legal Team of the Year - UK Health & Safety Consultants of the Year - UK Canadian Industrials Deal of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine Competition & Antitrust Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine Agriculture Focused Investment Bank of the Year - Ukraine Intellectual Property Practice of the Year - Ukraine Business Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine M&A Tax Practice of the Year - Ukraine Commitment to M&A Award - Ukraine Securities Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine Cross Border Investment Focused Law Firm of the Year - Ukraine Leading Adviser of the Year - ASSA ABLOY deal M&A Advisor of the Year - CedarBridge in relation to the acquisition of several educational institutions M&A Law Firm of the Year - Uruguay Client Focused Law Firm of the Year - Massachusetts Marine Finance Firm of the Year - USA Exit Planning Team of the Year - Missouri Securities Law Firm of the Year - Louisiana Tax Accounting Firm of the Year - Florida Full Service Intellectual Property Firm of the Year - USA Hedge Fund Community Choice Award: Brokerage Services Team of the Year - USA Transactional Insurance Provider of the Year - USA M&A Insurance Company of the Year - USA US Financial Services Sector Deal of the Year: Vmware acquisition of AirWatch Structured Credit Asset Management Firm of the Year - USA Research Analysts of the Year - California Integrated Due Diligence Team of the Year - USA M&A Association of the Year - USA Middle-Market Investment Brokerage of the Year - Texas US - Insurance Management Firm of the Year Post-Deal Integration Team of the Year - Missouri Most Innovative Investors of the Year - Florida Cross-Border Investment Banking Firm of the Year - USA Aircraft Insurance Agency of the Year - USA Fiduciary Advisor of the Year – USA Domestic Trademark Law Firm of the Year - USA Alternative Asset Management Firm of the Year - California Mediator of the Year - New Jersey Food Industry Focused Financial Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Bankruptcy and Insolvency Firm of the Year – Delaware Technology Driven Venture Capital Fund of the Year - USA Debt Clearance Firm of the Year - New York Quantitative Risk Management Firm of the Year - USA

Avascent Azran Financial Backstop Solutions Group Barton LLP BCC Advisers Berkus Technology Ventures LLC BluestemUSA BMC Group Boutwell Fay Boyne Capital Brentwood Associates Bridgewater Associates, LP Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP Brynwood Partners LP Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP Business Acquisition and Merger Associates Business Development Asia Business Development Asia LLC BVFR & Associates, LLC Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft Cambria Group LLC Capital Equity Group, INC. Capital Innovations, LLC Capital Partners Inc Carey Perkins Carter Morse & Mathias Cassel Salpeter & Co LLC CBIZ MHM LLC CBRE Centerview Partners LLC Cerian Technology Ventures, LLC Chicago Capital Holdings LLC CIBC Citi Clark & Elbing LLP ClearRidge, LLC ClearView Financial Services Coady Diemar Partners Coman & Anderson, P.C. Concepción Martinez & Bellido Conner & Winters, LLP Connors Law, LLP Convergent Capital Appraisers Cornerstone Business Services, Inc Cornerstone Research Corsis LLC Cortland Capital Market Services Cousins Chipman & Brown LLP Cross Border Strategies LLC CurAlea Associates LLC Customs Intl Trade & Administrative Law Practice d2 Business Performance Group D-Clutter Debtwire DecisionPoint International LLC Dentons Dhar Law, LLP District Equity LLC Dorsey & Whitney Duff & Phelps Economists Incorporated EDG Partners Empire Business Solutions Empire Valuation Consultants, LLC Envestnet, Inc. Epiq Systems, Inc. Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP

Aerospace Strategic Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA Forensic Accountants of the Year - California Industry Choice Award: Software Platform of the Year - USA Cloud Computing & Cyber-Security Legal Practice of the Year - USA Independent Financial & Management Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Early Stage Venture Capital Firm of the Year - USA M&A Broker of the Year - USA Insolvency & Restructuring Team of the Year - New York Employee Benefits Law Firm of the Year - USA Lower Middle Market Private Equity House of the Year - USA Strategic Consulting Services Firm of the Year - California Investment Company of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in Insolvency - USA Lower Middle Market LBO fund of the Year - USA Succession Planning Law Firm of the Year - USA Sell-Side Corporate Advisory Firm of the Year North Carolina Cross-Border Consumer M&A Firm of the Year - USA Asia Focused Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Investment Banker of the Year - Maryland Securities Litigation Firm of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in Private Equity - the USA Real Estate Investment Firm of the Year - USA Boutique Infrastructure Specialists of the Year - USA Mid-Sized Investment Firm of the Year - USA Mid-Size Overall Law Firm of the Year - USA Investment Bank of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in Investment Banking - Florida Most Trusted Accountancy Specialists of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in Property Consulting - USA Most Trusted Insolvency Team of the Year - USA Technology Focused Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Capital Formation Team of the Year - USA Private Wealth Management Firm of the Year - USA - (Acquisition of Atlantic Trust) Bank of the Year - USA Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year - Massachusetts Middle Market M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Insolvency Practitioner of the Year - USA Media Focussed Investment Bank of the Year - USA Overall Estate Planning Team of the Year - USA International Litigation Specialists of the Year - USA ERISA Litigation Law Firm of the Year - USA Workers’ Compensation Firm of the Year - Pennsylvania Valuation Consultants of the Year - Texas Sell-Side Advisers of the Year - Wisconsin Economic Consultancy Firm of the Year - USA US Systems & IT Due Diligence Provider of the Year Fund Administration Specialists of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in Restructuring - USA Debt Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Hedge Fund Risk Management Firm of the Year - USA International Trade Litigator of the Year - USA Business Performance Group of the Year - USA Residential Organising Experts of the Year - USA Fixed Income Intelligence Experts of the Year - USA TMT M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - North Carolina Intellectual Property & Technology Expert of the Year - Texas Business Law Firm of the Year - Massachusetts Multinational Investment Firm of the Year - USA Energy Regulation Professionals of the Year - USA Valuation and Corporate Financial Advisors of the Year - USA Communications Regulation Firm of the Year Washington DC Healthcare Private Equity Specialists of the Year - USA Business Solution Provider of the Year - USA Valuation Consultants of the Year - New York Open Architecture Platform of the Year - USA Technology-Enabled Solution Providers of the Year - USA Labour Law Firm of the Year - USA Capital Transformation Group of the Year – USA Forensic Accountant of the Year - USA Forensics Transaction Team of the Year - USA Turnaround Financing Firm of the Year – USA

2014 M&A Awards | 105

ESOP Plus®: Schatz Brown Glassman Kossow LLP Evercore Executive Sounding Board Associates Inc Falcon Capital Partners, LLC Falcon Investment Advisors Feder Law Firm Fesnak, LLP Fifth Street Management LLC Finesa Real Estate Group First Boca Associates, Inc. First Call Advisors FNEX FocalPoint Partners LLC Foley Shechter LLP Fort Dearborn Advisors Fountainhead Advisors, Inc. Fox & Fin Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz Frost Brown Todd LLC Frumerman & Nemeth Inc. Fulcrum Resources Environmental Furgang & Adwar, L.L.P. GA Puzey Consultants GableGotwals Gaiatech Gaming Realms Gifford Park Associates GlassRatner Advisory & Capital Group LLC Goldstein & McClintock LLLP Golub Capital Gray Reed & McGraw, P.C. Greenberg Traurig GreenMax Capital Advisors Gremminger Law Firm Hackman Capital Harbor View Advisors, LLC Haynes and Boone High Road Capital Partners HKM Employment Attorneys Hughes Klaiber HULTQUIST IP Hunt & Associates Hutchison iDashboards Independent Consultant Inside Information Inc Inspired Home International Business Group, Ltd. INTL FCStone Securities Inc. Intralinks Invesco Ltd Investor Analytics ITG Worldwide International Insurance Specialists James A. Stubenberg Attorney-At-Law Joel Levine, Esq. JPMorgan Chase & Co Judge Theodore Haynes (Ret.) Kalandavis, LLC Kascib LLC Kasraie & Fodor, LLC Katten Muchin Rosenman Kessler International Knafo Law Offices Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Ladas & Parry LLP

High-Net Worth Individual Award: Law Firm of the Year - USA Independent Investment Banking Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Litigation Support Specialists of the Year - USA Mid-Market Investment Bank of the Year - USA Mezzanine Fund of the Year -USA Business Dispute Specialists of the Year - USA Outsourcing Practitioners of the Year - USA Credit Solutions Asset Manager of the Year - USA Real Estate Investment and Management Firm of the Year - Maryland Oil & Gas Focused Merchant Banking Services of the Year - USA Strategy Development Experts of the Year - USA Transactional Platform of the Year - USA

Lake Pointe Partners LLC Lambert Law, PL Latham & Watkins Lauletta Birnbaum Law Office of David Steinfeld Law Office of Jenny C. Lin Law Office of Michael R. Sices, PC Lerman Senter Lincoln International LISITEN ASSOCIATES BUSINESS BROKERS LM Tatum, PLLC Locksource Lockton Companies Lone Star New Markets LP Lyxor Asset Management

Profit Enhancement Experts of the Year - USA IRS Representation Specialist of the Year - USA Co-Investment Law Firm of the Year: USA Most Trusted Boutique Law Firm of the Year - USA Business Litigation Practice of the Year - Florida Sustained Excellence in International Tax - USA Financial Security Law Firm of the Year - USA Communications & Media Law Firm of the Year - USA Buy-Side M&A Firm of the Year - USA Boutique Business Broker of the Year - USA Public Finance Experts of the Year - USA Private Equity Forum of the Year - USA Insurance Brokerage Firm of the Year - USA Mid-Market Business Specialists of the Year - USA Innovative Investment Solutions Specialists of the Year - USA

Most Trusted Independent Investing Bank of the Year - USA Commercial Boutique Law Firm of the Year - New York Debt and Equity Financing Specialists of the Year - USA Fortune 500 Valuation Firm of the Year - USA M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - Arizona Advertising Law Firm of the Year - USA Bankruptcy and Restructuring Team of the Year - USA Communications & Sales Marketing Consultancy Firm of the Year - USA Environmental Consulting Firm of the Year - USA Entertainment Law Firm of the Year - New York Client Choice Award: Consultancy Firm of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence to Legal Services - USA Regulatory Compliance Specialists of the Year - USA Rising Star in Online Gaming - USA Sustainable Management Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Top Performing Boutique Law Firm of the Year - USA Broadly Syndicated Loans Specilaist of the Year - USA Commercial Law Firm of the Year - USA International Law Firm of the Year - USA Overall Energy & Environmental Investment Advisers of the Year Tax Litigation Specialist of the Year - USA Industrial Real Estate Firm of the Year - USA Top Performing Strategic Advisory Consulting Firm of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in International Private Equity - USA Overall Private Equity Firm of the Year - USA Overall Employment Law Firm of the Year - USA Exit Planning Team of the Year - New York Licencing Specialists of the Year - USA Independent Letting Agent of the Year - USA Life Science M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Top Performing Data Visualisation Platform of the Year - USA Independent Consultant of the Year - USA Competitor Analysis Consultancy Firm of the Year - USA Storage Solutions Experts of the Year - USA Privately Owned Businesses M&A Firm of the Year: USA Commodities Specialists of the Year - USA Virtual Data Room Provider of the Year - USA Most Commited to Investment Excellence - USA Most Trusted Outsourced Risk Analytics Firm of the Year - USA Global Mobility Insurers of the Year - USA Law Firm of the Year - Hawaii Mediator of the Year - USA Investment Advisory Representative of the Year - USA Mediator of the Year - Florida US Management Team Due Diligence Provider of the Year - Healthcare USA Offshore Transactions Practice of the Year USA Commercial Litigation Practice of the Year Trade Secrets Law Firm of the Year - USA Corporate Investigation Specialists of the Year - USA Pennsylvania’s Leading Injury Law Firm of the Year Copyright Specialists of the Year - USA Government Procurement Specialists of the Year - USA Corporate Restructuring Law Firm of the Year - New York International Trademark Specialist of the Year - USA

M&A Media Group

Most Trusted Media and Communications Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Oil & Gas Transactional Team of the Year - USA High-Tech Law Firm of the Year - USA Aviation & Aerospace Specialists of the Year - USA Medical Negligence Firm of the Year - USA Franchise Law Firm of the Year - USA Technology Law Specialist of the Year - Illinois Energy Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Sports Law Firm of the Year - USA Neutral Arbitrator & Mediator of the Year - USA M&A Platform of the Year - USA Independent Financial Services Firm of the Year - Illinois Law Firm of the Year - Colorado Consumer Transaction Specialists of the Year - Illinois Appraisal and Liquidation Firm of the Year - USA Most Trusted Corporate Restructuring Firm of the Year - USA Innovative Business Analytics Platforms of the Year - USA Multi-Disciplinary Business Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Syndicated Credit Facilities Specialist of the Year - North Carolina Restructuring Specialists of the Year - North Carolina Oil & Gas Law Specialists of the Year - USA Multi-Family Office/Merchant Bank of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in Confectionary Distribution - USA Online Reporting System of the Year - USA Expert Business Advisors of the Year Results Driven Strategic Due Diligence Provider of the Year - USA Angel Investor of the Year - California Cost-Effective Solution Providers of the Year - USA Top Performing Wealth Management Team of the Year - USA Overall Entertainment Law Firm of the Year - USA Project Finance Experts of the Year - USA Chemical Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year - USA Professional Organisers of the Year - California Client Choice Awards: Business Dispute Experts of the Year - USA Marketing Communication Firm of the Year - USA US M&A Adviser of the Year: Atlantic Medical Specialties Sale Organisation Search and Support System of the Year - USA Investor Choice Award: Law Firm of the Year - USA Capital Raising Investment Bank of the Year - USA Subordinated Debt Lenders of the Year - USA Excellence in M&A Education - USA Operation Improvement Firm of the Year - USA Trade Mark Prosecution Firm of the Year - USA Leading Private Equity Research Firm of the Year - USA TMT Focused Law Firm of the Year - USA Cross Border Financing Firm of the Year - USA Transfer Pricing Advisors of the Year - USA Global Immigration Specialists of the Year - USA Sustained Excellence in Professional Organising - USA Information Technology Law Firm of the Year - USA Debt & Equity Sourcing Firm of the Year - USA Client Choice Award: Investment Services Provider of the Year - USA Leading Advisory Firm of the Year: Sea Fibre Networks/Aqua Ventures International

Maalouf Ashford & Talbot Manning & Kass, Ellrod Ramirez, Trestor LLP Marsh Mary Schultz Law, P.S Maslyn Law Mayer Brown McDermott Will & Emery McDonald Hopkins LLC Melinda G. Jayson, P.C. MergersClub Mesirow Financial Consulting Metier Law Firm, LLC Metronome Partners Miceli Appraisers & Liquidators Inc Miller Buckfire & Co LLC MoneySoft, Inc. Monroe Moxness Berg PA Moore & Van Allen PLLC Moore & Van Allen PLLC Moses, Palmer & Howell MSF Capital Advisors Nassau Candy Netage Solutions Newport Board Group LLC Newport Consulting Group, LLC Newport Wealth Management Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. Northern Trust Novela Law NRG Energy, Inc. Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P. Organized Habits Palmer Mediation LLC Panegyric Marketing Paragon Ventures Passport Career, LLC PATTON BOGGS LLP Pegasus Intellectual Capital Solutions Peninsula Capital Partners Pepperdine University Pinnacle Strategies Pirkey Barber PitchBook Data, Inc. Preti, Flaherty, Beliveau & Pachios LLP Cross Border Strategies LLC Pricewaterhouse­Coopers Pro-Link Global Queen B Organizing Radlo IP Law Group Ravinia Capital LLC Raymond James Redwood Capital

www.acquisition-intl.com

106 | 2014 M&A Awards

RFE Investment Partners Richard H. Steen, LLC , Attorneys at Law Richard J. Armstrong, PC Richard Law Richard Tyler International, Inc.® Robinson & Associates Rosenthal & Rosenthal Inc Rothstein Kass McGladrey Rua Associates Rubicon Financial Partners S&P Capital IQ Salazar Jackson LLP Savitz Law Offices Schenck M&A Solutions Seiler Epstein Ziegler & Applegate LLP Sett & Lucas Inc Shafer Glazer, LLP Shearman & Sterling Sherman & Howard Shutts & Bowen Silberstein Ungar PLLC Silver Lane Advisors LLC Simon Financial Group Skoda Minotti Skyview Capital LLC Speer & Associates LLC Standard Research Corporation Stax Inc. Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Prosser Stoler Law Strategic Fund Services, LLC Strategic Management Partners, Inc. Strategic Management Partners, Inc. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Inc. SVB Capital Syed Brokerage Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP Taylor-DeJongh Tengram Capital Partners Tennant and Russell The Breckenridge Group, Inc. The Delaware Counsel Group LLP The Entrepreneur Law Center, P.L. The Kullman Firm PLC The Mediation Offices of Lee Jay Berman The Missing Sock The Organizer Guys The ProAction Group The Walden Group Thomas M. Danahy, Esq. Tracy and Associates TraskBritt, P.C. Trent Cotney, P.A. Triangle Performance, LLC Trinity Law Group LLC TriVista Tsao-Wu, Chow & Yee LLP UHY Advisors UMB Fund Services UNConsulting United Health Actuarial Services, Inc. University of Iowa Unkar Systems, Inc. Valuation Research Corp.

Vedder Price Venable

www.acquisition-intl.com

Client Choice Award: Private Equity Investor of the Year - Connecticut Law Firm of the Year - New Jersey Gaming Law Specialists of the Year - USA Boutique International Tax Law Firm of the Year - USA Sales Training and Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA Insurance Disputes Law Firm of the Year - USA Asset-Based Factoring Services of the Year - USA Most Trusted Assurance Specialists of the Year - USA Client Choice Award: Insolvency Specialists of the Year - USA Boutique M&A Firm of the Year - Michigan Client Choice Award: Financial Consultancy of the Year - USA Real Time Data Specialists of the Year - USA M&A Law Firm of the Year - USA Corporate Immigration Attorneys of the Year - USA Exit Planning Team of the Year - Wisconsin Appellate Firm of the Year - USA Institutional Broking Team of the Year - New York Corporate Liability Defence Specialists of the Year - USA Sustainable Development Industry Law Firm of the Year - USA Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Denver Shareholder Agreements Negotiator of the Year - USA SEC Auditors of the Year - USA Wealth Management M&A Advisory Firm of the Year - USA Strategic Financial Planning Specialists of the Year - USA Technology Solutions CPAs of the Year - USA Strategic M&A Specialists of the Year - USA Global Consulting Firm of the Year - California Economic Research Provider of the Year - USA Market Due Diligence Specialists of the Year - USA Bankruptcy Representation Experts of the Year - USA Corporate Formation Specialists of the Year - USA Private Equity Fund of Fund Administrator of the Year - USA Turnaround Management Specialists of the Year - Maryland Rising Stars in Turnaround - USA Personal Banking Experts of the Year - USA Private Venture Investment Firm of the Year: USA Commercial Consultancy of the Year - USA Clients Choice Award: Top-Tier Law Firm of the Year - USA Clients Choice Award: Capital Structuring Firm of the Year - USA Consumer Private Equity Firm of the Year - USA Strategic Planning Consultants of the Year - USA Capital Raising Experts of the Year - USA Law Firm of the Year – Delaware Business Planning Law Firm of the Year - USA Labour Law Specialists of the Year - USA Mediator of the Year - California Rising Star in Event Planning - USA Professional Organisers of the Year - USA Commercial Operations Specialists of the Year - USA Specialized Healthcare M&A Advisory Firm of the Year: USA Private Practice Attorney of the Year - USA Full Range Consultancy of the Year - USA Intellectual Property Litigators of the Year - Utah Construction Sector Focused Law Firm of the Year - USA US Leadership Improvement Consultancy Firm of the Year Client Focused Corporate Law Specialists of the Year – USA Operational Due Diligence Provider of the Year - USA Clients Choice Award: Transactional Law Specialists of the Year - USA Full Service Accountancy Firm of the Year - USA Fund Administrator of the Year – USA Institutional Investors Advisers of the Year - New York Health Actuarial Consulting Firm of the Year - USA Competition Economist of the Year - Iowa Fund Accountant and Administrator of the Year - California Sustained Excellence in M&A Valuation Services - USA Infrastructure Development Experts of the Year - USA Brand Protection Specialists of the Year - USA

your firm

Private Equity Recapitalisation Experts of the Year - USA Financial Advisor of the Year: Photon Technology International / Horiba Investor Choice Award: Management Consulting Firm of the Year - USA US Leading Adviser: Zimmer Corp/Knee Creations LLC Client Choice Award: Business Planning Experts of the Year - USA High-Net Worth Individual Award: Equity Experts of the Year - USA Commercial Lending Law Firm of the Year - USA Most Innovative Data Room Services Provider of the Year - USA Hostile Acquisition Specialist of the Year - USA Post-Deal Execution Team of the Year - Illinois Business Accounting Specialists of the Year - USA Business Reorganization Firm of the Year - USA Transparency Industry Leaders of the Year - USA Most Trusted Family Law Specialists of the Year - USA Trademark Portfolio Management Firm of the Year - USA Innovation and Idea Management Specialists of the Year - USA International Arbitrators of the Year - USA

Venezuela Arteaga Palacios & Ortega Abogados Centro Empresarial de Conciliación y Arbitraje CEDCA Ernst & Young Venezuela (EY) Ernst & Young Venezuela (EY) RaffalliDeLemosHalvorssenOrtegaYOrtiz Tinoco, Travieso, Planchart & Núñez Carlos Zuloaga Travieso

Regulation Law Firm of the Year -Venezuela Commitment to Cross Border Investment Venezuela Venezuelan Business Advisory Firm of the Year Indirect Tax Team of the Year - Venezuela Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Venezuela Overall Law Firm of the Year - Venezuela M&A Practitioner of the Year - Venezuela

Vietnam ATIM EPLegal Limited Indochine Counsel LNT & Partners LNT & Partners LNT & Partners Phuoc & Partners Pricewaterhouse Coopers (Vietnam) Limited VILAF

Investment Law Firm of the Year - Vietnam Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year - Vietnam Mid Sized M&A Law Firm of the Year - Vietnam Commitment to Cross-Border Investment - Vietnam Intellectual Property Innovators of the Year - Vietnam Full Service Law Firm of the Year - Vietnam Sustained Excellence in Real Estate Law - Vietnam Dealmakers of the Year - Vietnam Overall M&A Law Firm of the Year - Vietnam

The West Bank and Gaza (Palestine) Kamal & Associates Attorneys and Counsellors-at-Law

Law Firm of the Year - West Bank and Gaza (Palestine)

Yemen Sahra Petroleum Consulting

M&A Law Firm of the Year - Yemen

Zambia Click N Dial Enterprise Edmbalamweshi Enterprise KPMG Zambia Machila Natasha Chiumya Mega Consulting Limited Pumuna Business Solutions

Leading Business Consultants of the Year - Zambia M&A Innovator of the Year - Zambia Auditors of the Year - Zambia Rising Stars in M&A - Zambia Most Innovative Consultancy Firm of the Year - Zambia Business Solutions Provider of the Year - Zambia

Zimbabwe Deloitte & Touche

Big Four Advisory Firm of the Year - Zimbabwe

Vercor Versailles Group, Ltd. Via Strategy Group LLC Viscogliosi Bros. LLC (VB) Visionary Strategic Consulting Vista Equity Partners VLP Law Group LLP V-Rooms Virtual Data Rooms Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz West Monroe Partners Whitley Penn LLP Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP WilmerHale Wolf & Shore, LLC Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP your firm