Baker McKenzie advised R&S Group Holding AG (“R&S Group”, SIX: RSGN), a leading provider of electrical infrastructure components, on its acquisition of Kyte Powertech Limited (“KILO”), an Ireland-based manufacturer of distribution transformers. R&S Group agreed to acquire Kyte Powertech from MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland and its existing management for an enterprise value of EUR 250 million. The acquisition will enhance R&S Group’s product portfolio, giving it access to new markets by adding a regional footprint in Ireland, the UK and Western Europe. In addition, the transaction will increase R&S Group’s leading market positions across focused products and markets and offers the company synergies from cross-selling opportunities and operating efficiencies.
The funding for the acquisition was secured by a bridge loan amounting to CHF 233 million as well as a rollover of a significant portion of shares held by the existing Kyte Powertech management into RSGN shares. The bridge loan is expected to be refinanced by a combination of a new bank debt facility, excess cash and an equity issuance of approximately CHF 23 million, for which R&S has secured commitments.
R&S Group’s operating headquarters are located in Sissach/BL, Switzerland. With six manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Middle East, R&S Group serves its domestic and various European export markets with small and medium power and distribution transformers and other components in the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
Kyte Powertech, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Cavan, Ireland, is a manufacturer of distribution transformer solutions, with its main markets being Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
Baker McKenzie Switzerland advised R&S Group on all aspects of the transaction, except as to Irish law, which was covered by Arthur Cox LLC.
The mergers & acquisitions and capital markets team was led by Matthias Courvoisier and Yves Mauchle and included the following Baker McKenzie lawyers:
