Howard Kennedy advises Polski Bank Komorek Macierzystych on its purchase of a majority stake in Smart Cells, the UK's first private cord blood stem cell storage company

Howard Kennedy advises Polski Bank Komorek Macierzystych on its purchase of a majority stake in Smart Cells, the UK's first private cord blood stem cell storage company

London law firm Howard Kennedy has advised Polski Bank Komorek Macierzystych (“PBKM”), which leads the international FamiCord Group, Europe's largest stem cell bank, alongside leading Polish law firm, GESSEL, a fellow member of LAW (Lawyers Associated Worldwide), on its purchase of shares in Smart Cells, the UK's first private cord blood stem cell storage company.

Founded in 2001 and based in London, Smart Cells has operations across Great Britain, the Middle East and Hong Kong. The transaction marks the next step in PBKM’s consolidation strategy across the European family cord blood banking market, while expanding its global presence across Smart Cells’ key markets in the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Lead partner Anthony Hunt, commented: "We were delighted to have advised PBKM on a complex transaction which took place over many months and included the simultaneous acquisition of Smart Cells subsidiary companies in the UK, Middle East and Hong Kong, alongside associated member of LAW, Gessel."

Jakub Baran, President of the Management Board at Polski Bank Komorek Macierzystych, commented: "We were delighted to have worked closely with the team at Howard Kennedy. Along with our standing counsel, Gessel, they have been instrumental in coordinating a very complex and involved deal, which made for a smooth and easy completion. We look forward to working with them again in the future."

Maciej Kozuchowski, Corporate Partner at GESSEL, commented: "It was a pleasure to work alongside Anthony and his team at Howard Kennedy. They were integral to helping us close the transaction and we very much hope to work with them again in the future."

Howard Kennedy’s transaction team was led by Anthony Hunt, assisted by Corporate Associate Matthew Astbury together with various colleagues including Philip Vickery (Tax), Emily Malster (Corporate), Antonia Frangakis (Real Estate), Robert Lands, Charlotte Colthurst (IP & Commercial) and Anjali Raval (Employment).

The GESSEL team was led by Corporate Partner Maciej Kozuchowski, alongside Bartloiej Wozniak and Karolina Sobola (Corporate).

Pawel Chmielewski of Bastion Group led the buy side corporate finance team and Knights plc (led by Partner Lisa Bridgewood and Associate Sophie Knapper) acted for the sellers.