Global law firm White & Case LLP has advised Fielmann Gruppe AG on its first €275 million Schuldschein issuance. This issuance is divided into three tranches with maturities of three, five, and seven years, featuring both fixed and variable interest rates. The transaction was arranged by BNP Paribas, DZ BANK, and Morgan Stanley.
The Schuldschein provides long-term financing for the Fielmann Group, aiming to reduce overall capital costs while offering financial flexibility for its growth strategy. Proceeds from this issuance will be used to refinance a bridge facility linked to the acquisition of Shopko Optical, marking the group’s largest acquisition so far. Previously, White & Case also advised on this bridge facility during the acquisition.
Established in 1972, Fielmann Group is a German family-owned company listed on the stock exchange. It operates in the optometry and audiology sectors and employs approximately 24,000 people globally.
The advisory team from White & Case’s Frankfurt office was led by partners Vanessa Schürmann for bridge financing, Karsten Wöckener and local partner Peter Becker for the Schuldschein issuance. Other team members included partners Rebecca Emory and Sebastian Schrag, counsel David Santoro, along with associates Darleen Stöckl and Marie-Christin Frowerk.
