On January 18, Willkie client 3i Group plc announced its sale of CHRIST Group, a leading German jewelry and watch retailer, to Morellato Group.

Together, CHRIST Group and Morellato Group, an Italian jewelry and watch manufacturer, will have a distribution network of more than 620 stores in Italy, France, Germany and Austria, as well as a digital presence that is unparalleled in Europe. Both the retail stores and the online channel, as well as production and wholesale, are expected to expand in coming years, strengthening the company's leadership position in other European countries.

Willkie previously advised 3i in its acquisition of a majority stake in CHRIST in 2014.

3i Group plc is a leading international investment manager focused on mid-market infrastructure and private equity, with core investment markets in North America and Europe.

The Willkie team was led by partners Georg Linde and Dr. Michael Ilter and included partners Dr. Axel Wahl and Dr. Patrick Meiisel, counsel Martin Waśkowski and Wulf Kring, and associates Dr. Tobias Gerigk and Dr. Johanna Thieme.