Lifecell Secures USD 435 Million Financing for Merger with Datagroup-Volia
Deal News | Dec 11, 2024 | CEE Legal Matters
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have provided substantial financial backing amounting to USD 435 million to support the merger between Lifecell Group and Datagroup-Volia Group. Redcliffe Partners, in collaboration with Clifford Chance and George Yiangou, acted as the legal advisors for the EBRD and IFC during this transaction. Lifecell, a major player in the Ukrainian data transmission and mobile communication sector, and Datagroup-Volia, a leading telecommunications service provider in Ukraine, embark on this merger to consolidate their strengths in the telecom sector. The legal teams provided extensive counsel on the transaction, with Redcliffe Partners' team comprising roles from Managing Partner to Paralegals. Meanwhile, the CMS legal team provided advisory services for the borrowers, showcasing a mix of local and international expertise from offices in Kyiv, Istanbul, and beyond.
Sectors
- Telecommunications
- Financial Services
- Legal Services
Geography
- Ukraine – Both Lifecell Group and Datagroup-Volia Group are Ukrainian companies, and the merger is set to impact the Ukrainian telecommunications market.
- International – The advisory teams and financing institutions involve international players from various countries, including the UK, France, and Turkey.
Industry
- Telecommunications – The article involves Lifecell Group and Datagroup-Volia Group, both of which are part of the telecommunications sector, focusing on data transmission and mobile communication services.
- Financial Services – The financing for the merger is provided by major financial institutions, namely the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation.
- Legal Services – Several law firms, including Redcliffe Partners and CMS, are involved in providing legal advisory services for the merger and financing arrangements.
Financials
- USD 435 Million – The total financing amount provided by the EBRD and IFC for the merger of Lifecell and Datagroup-Volia.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifecell Group | Target company | Company | A Ukrainian data transmission and mobile communication operator involved in the merger. |
| Datagroup-Volia Group | Target company | Company | A Ukrainian telecommunications service provider involved in the merger. |
| European Bank for Reconstruction and Development | Lender | Company | A major financial institution providing financing for the merger. |
| International Finance Corporation | Lender | Company | An international financial institution providing financing for the merger. |
| Redcliffe Partners | Legal advisor | Company | Acted as the legal advisors for the EBRD and IFC. |
| CMS | Legal advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to the borrowers. |
| Clifford Chance | Supporting legal advisor | Company | Worked alongside Redcliffe Partners to advise on the financing. |
| George Yiangou | Supporting legal advisor | Company | Worked alongside Redcliffe Partners to advise on the financing. |
| Chrysostomides | Supporting legal advisor | Company | Worked alongside CMS to advise on the financing. |