Harbottle & Lewis advises on sale of 4fores to Phenna Group

We have advised on the sale of 4fores, a specialist in electrical optimisation for the renewable energy sector, on its sale to Phenna Group.

Founded in 2010 as a spin-out from the University of Zaragoza, 4fores provides testing, measurement and grid integration solutions for renewable energy systems, operating across 14 countries globally.

The transaction was handled on the sell-side by partner Ed Lane and associate David Jones, with local law support from ECIJA.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, founder and CEO of 4fores Diego López Andía commented:

“Harbottle & Lewis provided outstanding legal support throughout the transaction. Their commercial approach, responsiveness and deep experience in cross-border M&A were key to navigating a complex process efficiently and getting the deal successfully to completion.”

Ed Lane, partner at Harbottle & Lewis, noted:

“It was a pleasure to support Diego on this milestone transaction and we look forward to seeing 4fores’ continued success under the Phenna banner.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises Ovation Rights on landmark acquisition of Sir Richard Stilgoe’s theatrical rights catalogue

We have advised Ovation Rights on its acquisition of Sir Richard Stilgoe’s rights in some of the most successful stage musicals of all time, including The Phantom of the Opera and Starlight Express. The transaction represents one of the most significant acquisitions of theatrical rights in recent years, marking a pivotal step in recognising the enduring value of theatrical rights and the legacies behind them.

Founded and led by producer Jamie Hendry and former Amazon executive Philip Green, Ovation Rights introduces the scale and strategy ordinarily seen with music catalogue acquisitions to the creators and rightsholders of major plays and musicals. The company collaborates closely with authors, composers, lyricists and estates, working as custodians to protect legacies, honour artistic visions and passionately champion works.

Our team was led by partners Neil Adleman and Charles Leveque, with support from managing associate Teresa Walker and associates Emma Riggs and David Jones and with partner David Scott advising on corporate tax matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Jamie Hendry commented: “Working with Harbottle & Lewis has been exceptional throughout this transaction. The team understood the unique nature of theatrical rights acquisitions and provided invaluable guidance as we navigated this deal. Their expertise in entertainment law, combined with their commercial understanding of our vision for Ovation Rights, made them the perfect partners for this acquisition. As we continue to build our portfolio and support artists’ legacies, we know we have trusted advisors who share our commitment to protecting and championing the works that have shaped global theatre.”

Neil Adleman added: “We are delighted to have supported the Ovation Rights team on this groundbreaking acquisition. This transaction demonstrates the significant value and enduring appeal of theatrical rights, and we look forward to seeing Ovation Rights continue to invest in artists and rightsholders as custodians of these remarkable legacies.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises on the sale of performance-io to private equity firm Apiary Capital

We have advised the sellers of performance-io, a leading life sciences performance marketing, SEO and GEO agency, on its sale to private equity firm, Apiary Capital.

Founded to deliver cutting-edge performance marketing solutions, performance-io has established itself as a key player in the industry, working with clients to enhance their marketing strategies through data-driven insights and expertise. Headquartered in London, the business now operates globally with teams in the UK, US, India, Japan and South Africa. 

Founder and CEO Matt Lowe and his senior management team will remain with the business, focusing on driving performance-io’s further growth and development.

Our team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from senior associate Alex Gays, and associates Elizabeth Compton and David Jones. Co-managing partner Tony Littner provided strategic support throughout, with partner David Scott advising on corporate tax matters. Partner Yvonne Gallagher and associate Harry Wade also advised on employment matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Matt Lowe commented: “I’d not worked with lawyers on a PE backed deal before, and frankly the mood music about the experience wasn’t great. However, the experience with Harbottle and Lewis was. From the first meeting with Tony and Ed, through to working with the broader team through some complex curve balls, we had a superb experience; working in a collaborative manner, learning loads and always with a calming, assured temperament. I can’t recommend H&L enough.”

Ed Lane added: “We are delighted to have supported Matt and his team on this milestone, and we look forward to seeing performance-io’s continued success in its partnership with Apiary Capital.”