The Firm is advising CSL Limited, Australia’s largest pharmaceutical company and a leading maker of blood plasma products globally, in its acquisition of Talecris Biotherapeutics Holdings Corp., a strong player in the manufacture and marketing of plasma-derived protein therapies, from Cerberus Partners, L.P. and Ampersand Ventures. The transaction was announced on August 12, 2008, and is the largest acquisition announced by an Australian healthcare company. The purchase price comprises a cash payment of US$3.1 billion (A$3.483 billion) less any net debt that may be assumed. The acquisition is expected to combine Talecris' attractive products and advanced manufacturing capabilities with CSL's leading plasma collection business, commercial platform, production capabilities and product portfolio.
The Simpson Thacher team who worked on the transaction includes: Robert Spatt, Brian Gingold, Kevin Lehpamer, Felton Booker, Brandon Messina and Jason Friedman (M&A); Kevin Arquit, Aimee Goldstein, Michael Naughton, Timothy Cornell, John Briody, Bill Kearney and Paul Sirkis (Antitrust); Steve Todrys, Noah Beck and Aaron Cohen (Tax); Alvin Brown, Beth Understahl and Paula Han (Executive Compensation); Glenn Reiter, John Ericson and Kirsten Davis (Capital Markets); Noah Leibowitz, Alex Key and Luc Jansen (Intellectual Property); Krista McManus and Aaron Rosenberg (Real Estate); Tim Mulvihill (Environmental); Julie Levy (Labor). Paralegal Phil Voss also provided valuable assistance.