Clifford Chance advises BNP Paribas on exclusive negotiations between Arval and Mercedes‑Benz Group for acquisition of Athlon

Clifford Chance advised BNP Paribas in connection with the exclusive negotiations between Arval and Mercedes‑Benz Group concerning the proposed acquisition of Athlon; BNP Paribas’s in‑house legal team also participated in the transaction. The contemplated transaction would combine Arval, which operates a fleet of 1.9 million vehicles under full‑service leasing and has recorded average annual growth of more than 100,000 units over the past three years, with Athlon. Together the two companies would form a combined entity of close to 2.3 million vehicles in full‑service leasing, compared with the current market leader at 2.6 million vehicles. The combination is expected to significantly strengthen Arval’s presence in key European markets and its competitive position, making it a European co‑leader in full‑service vehicle leasing. The transaction remains subject to the information and consultation process with the relevant employee representative bodies of the entities concerned and to receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. Completion of the acquisition of 100% of Athlon is expected in 2026, following approval by the competent authorities. Clifford Chance represented BNP Paribas with a team composed by: partners Thomas Krecek (Frankfurt), Tim Heerschop (Amsterdam) and Mathieu Remy (Paris); senior associate Thomas Conradi (Munich) and associate Marie Möllering (Frankfurt) (Corporate/M&A); partner Marc Benzler and senior associate Judith Werkmeister (Financial Regulatory, Frankfurt and Munich); partner Christopher Fischer (Employment, Frankfurt) and counsel Astrid van Ommeren (Employment, Amsterdam); counsel Claus‑Peter Knöller (Tax, Frankfurt); senior associate Michael Kümmel and associate Stephanie Giek (TechDigital, Frankfurt); and partner Marc Besen (Antitrust, Düsseldorf). BNP Paribas in‑house legal team represented BNP Paribas with a team composed by: Louis‑Philippe Vasconcelos (Global Head of M&A/Private Equity – Legal), Laure Khemiri (M&A Private Equity Legal Counsel) and Louis Romero (M&A Private Equity Legal Counsel).

Clifford Chance advises BNP Paribas on exclusive negotiations between Arval and Mercedes‑Benz Group for acquisition of Athlon

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