Shearman & Sterling is representing the joint lead managers and joint bookrunners in connection with IPSOS’ €200 million rights offering with preferential subscription rights.

The entire proceeds from the capital increase will be used to fund part of the price of the acquisition from Aegis of Synovate’s business, announced in July, creating the third largest global market research company.

The offering is open to the public in France until September 22, 2011 inclusive and includes a private placement outside of France, including a placement by the company to certain existing shareholders in the United States. Settlement and delivery of the new shares on Euronext Paris is scheduled to take place on September 30, 2011.

The offering is subject to a firm underwriting provided by the banks, up to 75%. LT Participations, the reference shareholder of IPSOS holding 26.22% of the capital, has indicated its commitment to subscribe by irrevocable entitlement to the transaction for all of its preferential subscriptions rights.

Shearman & Sterling is advising the banks with a team including partners Hervé Letréguilly and Sami Toutounji, assisted by Séverine de La Courtie, Alison Howell and Régis Henry.