Bird & Bird's London Corporate team has advised AXIO Data Group on the acquisition of Chipworks Inc by its portfolio company TechInsights, to create a global leader in advanced technology intelligence and technology founded patent advisory services.
Chipworks is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. The acquisition was funded through the creation of a new acquisition finance facility on which Bird & Bird also advised.
Combining the two companies creates a unique database of detailed technical intelligence of electronics and integrated circuits, combined with an unmatched team of experts in the key technology disciplines, and in patent licensing and patent litigation best practice. The new business has the scale to invest in the R&D required to develop new and richer products and services that meet the needs of a fast changing market.
Bird & Bird acted for AXIO Data Group in 2015 on its sales of MIMs and MRO Network, and in 2014 on its sales of JOC and Breakbulk.
The team, led by Neil Blundell (Partner) included Isabel Evans (Partner), Shing Lo (Legal Director), as well as associates Sarah Evans and Emma McDowell.
Neil Blundell, head of Bird & Bird's London Corporate team says: "This was a significant acquisition in the advanced technology intelligence and technology founded patent advisory services. The Bird & Bird team was successful in the execution and can proudly say we've helped to create a global leader."
Chris Bradley, Group Chief Financial Officer, AXIO says: "It was a great pleasure to work with Bird & Bird on the acquisition of Chipworks. It was a challenging transaction but thanks to all the support we received throughout the process, it ran smoothly."
