Consumer Packaged Goods

Global CPG experience

White & Case works with many of the world's leading consumer brands on some of their most complex, cross-border matters. Here are some highlights from recent years.

Pernod Ricard S.A.

• Initial equity investment in Almave LLC, a spirit brand co-founded by Casalumbre Corp., a global spirits company, and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton. Almave is focused on launching the world's first non-alcoholic blue agave spirit made following the same processes as tequila, providing drinkers with an option to enjoy tequila's distinct taste and character, without the alcohol. As the Almave brand grows, Pernod Ricard will have the option to increase its equity stake in the company.
• Acquisition of a minority stake of Sovereign Brands and its portfolio of fast-growing super premium wine and spirits brands.

Nestlé

• Creation of a joint venture with Casa Tarradellas, with their respective stakes 40 percent and 60 percent. Casa Tarradellas is one of the leading food companies and one of the top ten brands in Spain.
• Acquisition of a majority stake in Ankerkraut GmbH and a related shareholder agreement. Ankerkraut offers spice blends with authentic flavors from around the world. In addition to a large selection of spices, Ankerkraut also offers teas, sets and Advent calendars.
• Acquisition of a majority stake in Princes Gate Spring Water Limited, a bottled water manufacturer based in Wales.
• Dismissal of a putative class action asserting a violation of consumer unfair and deceptive trade practices based on failure to include on product label a statement about potential slave or child labor in the supply chain for cocoa products. The First Circuit affirmed.

L'Oréal

• Issuance of US$1 billion 5.000% notes due 2035 pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S.
• Various criminal law matters, including the group's corporate organization in relation to criminal liability aspects, further highlighting our market-leading skills across a wide range of areas of white-collar crime representation in France.
• An important antitrust litigation case before the French Competition Council and before the Paris Court of Appeals in the perfume and cosmetic sector, in which we obtained a significant reduction of the fine imposed by the Competition Council.

Toys R Us

WHP Global's significant minority investment in, and strategic partnership, with TRU Kids Parent LLC, parent company to the Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, Geoffrey the Giraffe brands and more than 20 established related consumer toy and baby brands.

Unilever

• Domestic and global trademark clearance work; risk assessments relevant to prospective brand and product launches in US and abroad.
• Victory on a TRO and preliminary injunction in a counterfeiting action for HELLMANN'S.
• Unilever v. WBM, a hotly contested trade dress litigation culminating in motion for sanctions against defendant and favorable settlement, with defendant discontinuing infringing packaging.
• Numerous successful offensive and defensive enforcement actions resulting in quick, favorable settlement.
• Complex IP licenses and talent agreements.

Mattel

Multijurisdictional trademark dispute concerning its well-known Little People brand for children's toys and educational products. The matter involves defending the client's intellectual property rights against publishers of the Little People Big Dreams book series, who seek to launch a related line of toys.

Primo Water Corporation

Definitive agreement whereby Culligan International will acquire a significant portion of Primo Water's international businesses in an all-cash transaction valued at up to US$575 million.

Grupo Bimbo

Multiple deals. Grupo Bimbo is the largest baking company in the world and producer and distributor of baked goods in 22 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The Coca Cola Company

Divestment of its shares in Coca-Cola Drycker AB, a matter in which the Firm acted as local counsel in Sweden.

Altria Group, Inc.

Acquisition of NJOY Holdings, Inc., giving Altria ownership of NJOY's e-vapor product portfolio, for US$2.75 billion in cash payable at closing, with an additional US$500 million in cash payments contingent upon regulatory outcomes with respect to certain NJOY products.

Oatly

Entering into US$425 million of financing commitments, consisting of private placement agreements for an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million 9.25% convertible senior PIK notes due 2028, commitment letters for a new US$125 million term loan B credit facility and a SEK 2.1 billion amended sustainable revolving credit facility. Oatly is a growing lifestyle brand and a leading producer of plant-based food products.