The merger of IAWS plc with Swiss firm Hiestand Holdings has created the Irish/Swiss listed group Aryzta, which is now one of the largest players in the international baked goods market. The deal, which took place prior to the landmark Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in September 2008, shows the ability of Irish advisers to conduct multi-jurisdictional transactions. The merger was achieved on a largely non-cash basis rather than a debt-funded transaction and has left the merged entity well placed to emerge stronger on the other side. For these and other reasons, the deal wins this year’s Corporate Finance Deal of the Year |