DLA Piper has advised E.ON Connecting Energies (ECT) on its acquisition of Matrix, the UK market leader in energy management and energy efficiency services for commercial buildings. The transaction, which was exchanged on 6th September 2013 and was subject to Austrian merger clearance, completed on 4 October 2013.

The agreement covers the purchase of 100% of the issued share capital of Green Sky Energy Limited, the parent company of Matrix, from LDC a UK mid-market private equity investment fund, and also Matrix employee and management shareholders.

ECT, headquartered in Essen, Germany, is a 100% subsidiary of E.ON, focusing on energy efficiency and distributed energy solutions in the B2B sector globally.

Matrix, headquartered in Manchester, UK, offers data-led energy efficiency solutions and energy management services, based on its advanced metering and building energy management technologies.

The Birmingham-based DLA Piper Corporate team was led by partner Noel Haywood who was supported by partner Jim Lavery, senior associate Nigel Cooke and associate Daniel Shilvock. Senior associate Matthew Davies gave tax advice.

Noel Haywood commented: "This acquisition has enabled ECT to expand its position in the fast growing energy efficiency market and its existing services portfolio to offer customers an even more compelling service proposition. We are delighted to have assisted ECT with this important transaction."

Gareth Howells, Head of Legal at E.ON Connecting Energies, said: "DLA Piper proved themselves an invaluable partner for ECT in this important and complicated acquisition. Not only did DLA Piper provide a high quality service, they did so meeting a demanding timescale and within their budgeted fee scope."