Manufacturing
Making the future
New materials, technologies and production methods are revolutionizing manufacturing. Entire industries are undergoing waves of consolidation while new collaborations are being formed as businesses search for innovation.
We advise the world’s leading industrial groups on their most business-critical issues, helping them execute complex transactions, strategically manage and defend their intellectual property, navigate global regulation and deal with cross-border risks and crises.
Our clients include groups active in heavy industry, automotive manufacturers, chemicals producers, conglomerates and trading houses, as well as paper, wood and packaging businesses.
Client successes
Midea, the Chinese household appliances maker, on its €5bn bid to acquire a majority stake in Kuka AG, the German robotics manufacturer.
Advising Holcim on its €42bn merger of equals with Lafarge and subsequent €6.5bn divestment program.
Advising Honeywell on its $1.15bn acquisition of Elster, a global leader in gas heating, controls, metering and advanced technologies, from Melrose Industries.
Foster Wheeler on its $8.5bn business combination with AMEC plc.
ThyssenKrupp in its appeal against the Commission decision concerning the elevators and escalators cartel. Freshfields represents ThyssenKrupp in relation to follow-on private damage claims.
Advising Rexam plc, the UK-based international aluminium can manufacturer, on the cash and shares offer by US-based Ball Corporation valuing Rexam at £4.3bn.
Industries
Our team
Rafique Bachour Managing partner
Brussels
Dr. Barbara Keil Partner
Munich
Takeshi Nakao Partner
Tokyo
Giles Pratt Partner
London
Thomas Ng Partner
Hong Kong
Alan Mason Managing partner
Paris, New York
