Budapest, 7 June 2021 – Dentons and its joint venture advisory firm – Impact Advisory – advised Central Europe Alfa Asset Management Ltd., and its sole investor Optima Investments Limited, an asset manager owned by the foundation established by the National Bank of Hungary, on the acquisition of Budapest Metropolitan University (METU) from CEE Equity Partners for a cash consideration of US$50 million.
Dentons acted as legal advisor, while Impact Advisory was the lead M&A advisor to Optima on the transaction.
“We were delighted to advise Optima in this strategic transaction, which marries a long-term investor with substantial financial resources with a fast-growing university with regional and global aspirations,” said Rob Irving, Co-chair of Dentons’ Europe and Global Private Equity groups.
“Our engagement on this matter shows the strength and added value of our one-stop-shop service offering of legal and advisory services,” commented Balázs Tüske, Head of Advisory at Impact Advisory.
“I would like to thank Dentons and Impact Advisory for their support and unselfish devotion that they provided in this matter” added Zoltán Fekete, CEO of Optima Investments Ltd. “Their ability to provide integrated legal and financial services was very valuable in helping us secure this investment within a compressed time frame.”
The Dentons team on the deal was led by Partner Rob Irving supported by Partner István Réczicza, Counsel Tünde Gönczöl and Associates Nóra Jakab and Brigitta Kovács.
The Impact Advisory team on the deal was led by Head of Advisory Balázs Tüske, supported by Partner Zoltán Dömötör.
Last year, the same team advised Optima on the acquisition from leading private equity firm Lone Star Funds of a Dutch holding company owning a 61,49% stake in Globe Trade Centre S.A (GTC). This was one of the largest deals in the Central European region in 2020.
For further information, please contact:
Celine Berniard
Head of Business Development, Private Equity, Europe
T: +36 1 488 5200
E: celine.berniard [at] dentons.com
Gábor Fehér
Business Development and Marketing Manager - Hungary
T: +36 1 488 5200
E: gabor.feher [at] dentons.com
About Dentons
Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting top-tier talent to the world's challenges and opportunities with 20,000 professionals including 12,000 lawyers, in more than 200 locations, in more than 80 countries. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and award-winning client service challenge the status quo to advance client interests. www.dentons.com
About Impact Advisory
Impact Advisory provides consulting services complimentary to the legal services provided by Dentons. Impact Advisory Zrt. is a Hungarian Private Company Limited by Shares registered with the Metropolitan Court of Budapest and with registration number 01-10-049712 and operating in association with Dentons Europe LLP. www.impactadvisory.com