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Allen & Overy advises Stellantis on its EUR1.5 billion investment in Leapmotor

Published Date
Oct 25 2023
HONG KONG SAR - Allen & Overy is advising Stellantis N.V. (Stellantis, NYSE: STLA/Euronext Milan: STLAM/Euronext Paris: STLAP) in relation to its ca. EUR1.5bn investment to acquire approximately 20% of Leapmotor (9863.HK), making Stellantis a significant shareholder. The transaction also outlines the formation of Leapmotor International, a 51/49 Stellantis-led joint venture that has exclusive rights for the export and sale, as well as manufacturing, of Leapmotor products outside Greater China. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Stellantis is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider, with a declared commitment to technology-led innovation and a proven history of developing storied and iconic brands. Leapmotor is among the fastest growing Chinese pure-play new energy vehicle (NEV) tech leader with a unique vertical integration model and in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities. The partnership aims to boost Leapmotor’s sales in China while leveraging Stellantis’ established global commercial presence to significantly accelerate sales in Europe and other regions.

David Norman, lead partner at A&O, said: “This is a landmark deal for the automotive industry, the first global commercial partnership between a top automaker and a Chinese NEV specialist. These sorts of ground-breaking transactions are highly complex and we are delighted to have been able to support Stellantis in reaching this significant milestone in support of its electrification strategy. At A&O we are proud to have supported leading players throughout the evolution of the automotive industry and with our unique breadth of global reach and depth of industry know-how and legal capability we are helping participants create value across every aspect of the NEV space, from mineral extraction to battery manufacturing, vehicle production and distribution to technology partnerships and licensing. We are the trusted adviser to global leaders in this sector across the world and in the APAC region, especially in China.”

The cross-practice, cross-jurisdictional A&O team advising on the transaction is led by A&O’s Hong Kong-based partner David Norman, with support from public M&A partners Gilbert Li and Iris Yeung. The Greater China team also includes Mona Yip, Charlotte Hartley, and Eugean Lo, alongside Vivian Cao and Paul Jing from A&O’s Shanghai joint operation partner Shanghai Lang Yue Law Firm. IP advice is provided by Shanghai-based partner Jill Ge. Global input is provided by the firm’s specialist CFIUS, regulatory and antitrust teams.

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This announcement is not being made available in, and is not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan or in any other jurisdiction in which such distribution or dissemination would be prohibited by applicable law. This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not intended, and should not be construed, as an offer of, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or the laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with all applicable state laws. There will be no public offering of such securities in the United States.

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This content was originally published by Allen & Overy before the A&O Shearman merger

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