Global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) advised Mars, Inc. on the acquisition of a minority stake in the share capital and voting rights of Cerba Vet and of the entire share capital and voting rights of Antagene, specializing in veterinary medical diagnostics with a strong nexus in France and a presence in Switzerland.

The majority of the share capital and voting rights of Cerba Vet will remain owned by the existing veterinary shareholders in compliance with applicable regulatory rules.

The Freshfields team was led by partner Guillemette Burgala and counsel Radu Valeanu and Paul Bévierre, alongside senior associate Octavian David and associates Anne-Priscille Coulot, Naoufel Boudouda, Marine Valmont and Brieuc Trambouze. Advice on separation matters and commercial contracts was led by partner Giles Pratt, alongside senior associate Zofia Aszendorf and associate Tochukwu Egenti. Advice on regulatory aspects and foreign direct investment was provided by partner Pascal Cuche, alongside counsel Tanguy Bardet and associate Léa Hirschi. Advice on merger control aspects was provided by partner Alex Potter and counsel Sofia Bekkali. US corporate advice was provided by partner Paul Tiger and associate Victor Ma.