Wragge & Co LLP Corporate group has advised Canadian-based Linamar Corporation on its acquisition of the former Visteon automotive manufacturing facility in Swansea, Wales which produces power transfer units for Ford and other major automotive manufacturers. The deal has created Linamar's first UK base for manufacturing operations, saving 400 jobs in the process.

The acquisition was structured by way of a hive down of the business and assets to a newly incorporated wholly owned Visteon subsidiary and a subsequent acquisition of that company's shares by Linamar. Wragge & Co also advised on associated commercial arrangements with Linamar's customers.

Corporate partner Maurice Dwyer led a cross-firm team including associate Marion Cail and solicitor Kristin Garrett. Tax director Anne Fairpo provided UK tax structuring advice, partner Patrick Brodie advised on employment and Ben Blunsdon and Ruth Ormston advised on pensions. Lorraine Reader, Tom Barr and Lee McBride advised on a number of real estate and environmental matters. The Wragge & Co team worked closely with Roger Fulton, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary and Linamar's Canadian counsel Bliss White of Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP.

Maurice Dwyer said: "It was a pleasure to advise Linamar Corporation on this major transaction which gives Linamar an important gateway for its European and global business operations and which simultaneously has a really positive result for the Welsh economy."

Roger Fulton said: "The advisory skills, organisation, hard work and perseverance of the Wragge & Co team were a major factor in getting us over the line on this important transaction. We are delighted with the result."

Linamar Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of precision metallic components and systems for the automotive industry. It operates 38 manufacturing facilities globally, including four manufacturing facilities in Western Europe, one in Germany and three in Hungary. This acquisition creates Linamar's fifth plant in Europe and third engine-focused facility.

Wragge & Co's 70-lawyer Corporate group is a mid-market specialist, working with clients ranging from global brands to private companies. Operating as one team from London and Birmingham, its area of expertise is in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, IPOs, joint ventures, public takeovers, share schemes, complex corporate structuring and tax.

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For further information about this press release, contact Kathryn Hobbs on +44 (0)121 213 2397, Alexa Highfield on +44 (0)121 213 2396 or Amie Ryalls on +44 (0)121 213 2360

This press release may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.