Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised leading European sector-specialist real assets manager Stoneshield Capital (Stoneshield) and its founders, Juan Pepa and Felipe Morenés, on the sale of a majority stake in Stoneshield to Clarion Partners, a subsidiary of global asset management firm Franklin Templeton.
Founded in 2018, Stoneshield has rapidly evolved into a diversified investment platform with more than €8 billion in assets under management. The firm invests in a wide range of sectors, including real estate, hospitality, infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. Following the transaction, Juan Pepa and Felipe Morenés will remain shareholders and continue to lead the business.
The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Madrid team was led by partner Esteban de Santos Smith and senior associate Soledad Bialet, supported by senior associate Victoria Herce Peña, associates Sara Piñero Mosquera and Elena Valín Trejo, and junior associates Manuela Montoya Trujillo and María Victoria Herrera Esparza.
The wider team included partners Marc Tkatcheff, Jean-Dominique Morelli and Joanna Pecenik Vergès d'Espagne, senior associate Joachim Apra, and associate Thomas Crahay in Luxembourg, alongside partner Heidi Gallagher and senior associate Lucinda Grant in London.
Partner Esteban de Santos Smith commented: "We are delighted to have advised Stoneshield and its founders on this landmark deal. It showcases the exceptional growth of the business in recent years and demonstrates the attractiveness of high-quality European alternative investment platforms to global investors. It has been a privilege to support Stoneshield and its founders on such a significant milestone in Stoneshield's journey."
Closing remains subject to customary approvals and clearances.