Shearman & Sterling advised UniCredit and DZ Bank on the financing of the acquisition of a majority share in AVANTGARDE Gesellschaft für Kommunikation mbH (AVANTGARDE) by EMH Partners GmbH. AFINUM Management GmbH, the previous growth investor, sold its minority shares as part of the transaction. The AVANTGARDE management team will continue to own a significant minority share. The financial terms of the transaction are confidential.

AVANTGARDE, founded in 1985 by Martin Schnaack, is Germany’s leading service provider in the field of brand experiences. The company is a pioneer in making brands come to life for consumers. In addition to its headquarters in Munich, Germany, AVANTGARDE has five other offices in Germany as well as in Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Dubai, China and Brazil. Through its international offices, the company offers its customers, which are comprised mainly of blue-chip corporations, a truly global network.

The Team