UK firms Linklaters and Allen & Overy (A&O) are leading on UCB’s £1.5bn cash offer for Celltech – the UK’s largest biotech company – securing lead roles on the highest profile UK deal in the sector for years.
Linklaters partner Matthew Middleditch is leading the team advising UCB. The magic circle firm’s corporate partner Bridget Rentoul advised on US aspects, with Brussels corporate partner Didier Leclercq and London-based antitrust specialist Gerwin van Gerven advising on European Commission issues, alongside UCB’s group general counsel Jettie van Caenegem.
