The Road to Clearance: Global Greenlights Needed
The path to closing, however, winds through international regulatory checkpoints. The deal must receive antitrust approval in China, the EU, Israel, and South Korea, along with national security clearance in Ireland. Despite these hurdles, the companies expect completion by September.
Advisers in the Arena
The high-stakes deal is being orchestrated by a cast of elite legal and financial advisers:
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Assura: Legal advice from Travers Smith LLP; financial advisory from Lazard, Barclays Bank PLC, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Ltd.
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KKR and Stonepeak: Legal advisory from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, and South African law support from Bowmans; financial advisory from Jefferies International Ltd.
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PHP (rival bidder): Guided by CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
A Larger Battle Over British Real Estate?
Assura’s story is emblematic of a larger trend: foreign capital’s increasing dominance in UK real estate, especially in sectors like healthcare where stable returns are coupled with social value. The tug-of-war between American firepower and British heritage is now playing out across investor boardrooms, courtrooms, and soon — shareholder meetings.
For now, KKR and Stonepeak are poised to take the reins. But as the deadline looms and regulatory fog lingers, the final act of this acquisition drama is still to come.
