International law firm Osborne Clarke has advised London-based Uncommon Creative Studio on its majority (51%) stake sale to Havas, part of the Vivendi group.

Uncommon is the UK's most awarded and fastest growing independent creative company, having twice been named Creative Agency of the Year in the UK. The founders will retain a 49% material stake in the business as well as control over its brand, vision and team, with this deal allowing the studio to grow and expand globally.

"Osborne Clarke’s expertise and in-depth knowledge of our sector has been a secret sauce during this exciting next step for Uncommon. Chris King and the wider team guided us through this process with a practical and personal approach from start to finish, making us feel totally comfortable in this time of change. From myself and the entire studio, we want to thank them for their brilliant insight and advice."

Natalie Graeme, Founder of Uncommon

Havas' acquisition reinforces the global communications group's commitment to investing in creativity and building meaningful brands, and will further strengthen its presence in the UK.

The Osborne Clarke team advising on this deal included Partner Chris King, Senior Associate Stuart Miller and Associate Kamila Bochenek from the corporate team, and Partner Mathew Oliver and Senior Associate Ben Doeh from tax.

Osborne Clarke has established a market leading reputation as legal advisers to innovative businesses in the marketing, communications, design, content and technology sectors, particularly with transformative transactional projects. It is one of the leading upper mid-market law firms in the UK and internationally, working with both global businesses and also fast-growth start-ups and market challengers. The team advises at every stage of company development across all corporate issues, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and JVs.

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