Macfarlanes advises Jazz Pharmaceuticals on acquisition of GW Pharmaceuticals for $7.2bn

GW Pharmaceuticals is a UK-incorporated global leader in discovering, developing and commercialising cannabinoid-based medicines with a proprietary cannabinoid product platform addressing a broad range of disease areas.

The transaction was led by corporate and M&A partners Harry Coghill and Charles Martin, with assistance from senior solicitor Thomas French and solicitor Jon Webb. Tax expertise was provided by partners Ashley Greenbank and Peter Abbott, together with senior solicitor Laura Foley, with advice on share incentive arrangements provided by partner Rob Collard and senior counsel Rasmus Berglund. Competition advice was provided by partner Malcolm Walton and solicitor Jonathan Morgan. Advice on the financing aspects came from partner Kirstie Hutchinson and senior solicitor Christopher Page. Employment law advice came from partner Hayley Robinson and senior lawyer Chris Boyle.

Commenting on the transaction, Harry Coghill said: “We’re delighted to have worked on this significant transaction, which builds on our successful practice in the pharmaceuticals sector, and look forward to working towards a successful closing.”