Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is advising HarbourVest Partners in its role in the proposed take-private acquisition of UK insurer esure.

The proposed acquisition represents a pricing of 280 pence per share, amounting to a total of £1.2 billion.

The deal sees Bain Capital act as the lead investor, with HarbourVest Partners acting as a minority investor alongside Lexington Partners and LGT.

esure was founded in 2000 by chairman Sir Peter Wood, and went on to list on the London Stock Exchange in 2013. It currently employs around 1,500 members of staff across the UK.

The Debevoise team is being led by partner Katherine Ashton and international counsel Benjamin Lyon, and includes associates Dominic Blaxill, Jake Grandison and Hilary Davidson. Tax advice is being provided by international counsel Cécile Beurrier, assisted by Lillian Jo Aston.

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