HSF helps raise $160m in IPO

The firm, which HSF also advised on an internal restructuring, has a projected market capitalisation of $482.4 million.

Herbert Smith Freehills advised Autosports Group Limited (Autosports) on its initial public offering (IPO), priced at $2.40 a share, raising $160 million.
 
Autosports, which has a projected $482.4 million market capitalisation, owns and operates 23 prestige and luxury new motor vehicle dealerships, two used motor vehicle dealerships and two collision repair workshops across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, representing 11 prestige and luxury brands.
 
The Herbert Smith Freehills deal team was led by partners Tony Damian and Philip Hart who were closely supported by solicitors Ben Robinson and Tom Hambrett. The team also included executive counsel Nicole Backhouse, senior associate Clayton James and graduate Lucinda Bradshaw, and our finance experts, partner Melita Cottrell, senior associate Adam Jeffrey and solicitor Bryan Bong.
 
“This was a complex IPO requiring technical legal knowhow as well as practical commercial expertise. We were able to form a multi-disciplinary team across the firm to provide Autosports with the advice they needed. I am delighted we were able to help our client achieve such a successful result,” said co-lead partner Damian.
 
Co-lead Hart added: “We are pleased to have assisted Autosports on this important transaction. We look forward to working with the group as it commences life as an ASX listed company.”
 
As part of the IPO, HSF also advised on the internal restructure of Autosports, which saw a complex roll-up of existing shareholders of 17 operating entities.
 
Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited and UBS AG, Australia Branch acted as joint lead managers on the IPO.
 

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