Herbert Smith Freehills advises Worldline on the conclusion of an agreement with Eurobank for the acquisition of Eurobank's Merchant Acquiring Business in Greece through the creation of a joint venture and the signing of a strategic partnership

International leading law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Worldline, European leader in the payments and transactional services industry, on the conclusion of an agreement with Eurobank for the acquisition, through the creation of a joint venture, of Eurobank's Merchant Acquiring Business in Greece, one of the main acquirers in Greece with a c. 20% market share.

The transaction will involve the acquisition by Worldline of a 80% stake in a joint venture for an estimated purchase of approx. €256 million, as well as the signing of a strategic partnership. The closing is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2022 following the fulfilment of standard conditions precedent.

Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Worldline with a team in Paris composed of partner Christopher Theris and associate Merwan Becharef on corporate aspects, as well as partner Rebecca Major and associate Jeremy Griffin on English law aspects. Worldline was also advised internally by Charles-Henri de Taffin, Group General Counsel, Benjamin Thorez, M&A and Governance General Counsel, Doris Cayon, M&A legal counsel, and Chiel Deschilder, Head of Strategic Projects.