Noted for its ‘exceptional industry knowledge,’ the M&A team at Addleshaw Goddard is a powerhouse in the London market. The group works with both national and multinational companies from a wide array of industry sectors including financial services, retail, energy, and infrastructure. With expertise in complex and cross-border transactions involving private and public entities, the department is continuing to expand its client roster. Head of the Africa group and consumer, life sciences, and renewables specialist Chris Taylor co-leads the M&A practice alongside managing partner David Kirchin, who is an expert in private equity matters. The practice benefits from the capabilities of Simon Wood – former Secretary to the Takeover Panel – who is recognised for his vast experience handling takeovers and combinations, as well as Graham Cross, who specialises in M&A and private equity transactions for clients from the financial services sector. On the public M&A front, Louise Pritchard is a notable name for her breadth of experience, leading on sales and acquisitions, IPOs, fundraisings, and securities regulation compliance. Other key practitioners include Nick Pearey and Hugh Lauritsen, both of whom have extensive experience in the financial services sector.

With expansive industry knowledge covering financial services, real estate, energy, technology, and media, to name a few, Dentons‘ M&A practice is a top choice for an impressive roster of multinational companies. The group has particular strengths in cross-border public and private M&A transactions, handling a number of high-value multijurisdictional matters. Leading the practice is M&A specialist Neil Nicholson, who boasts a wealth of experience leading on domestic and international transactions for FTSE 100 listed businesses. His expertise in representing both public and private companies in complex transactions make him an asset to the team. Heading the firm’s corporate real estate practice is Matthew Tinger who is recognised for his prowess in hotel and real estate transactions. He is a key member of the M&A department, assisting clients on acquisitions and disposals of properties, as well as advising on sale and leaseback transactions. Joseph Collingwood's focus is concentrated in private M&A, including private equity and venture capital-driven transactions. Another notable name includes Darren Acres, who concentrates on advising North American clients regarding acquisitions across the UK, Europe, and Africa. Joseph Altendorff stands out for his ‘pragmatic’ approach when dealing with M&A transactions and public bids.

Praised for its ‘excellent experience, commercial acumen, availability, and responsiveness‘, DLA Piper is noted for its expertise in complex cross-border transactions. The practice works with an expansive and impressive client base which covers a slew of industry sectors including telecoms, natural resources, and infrastructure. Practice head Tracey Renshaw has extensive experience in the energy and technology sectors; she acts as the global relationship partner for some of the world’s biggest energy companies, regularly advising them on high-value transactions. With a strong sector focus on consumer goods, life sciences, media, and tech, Robert Bishop is noted for his breadth of knowledge, spanning public takeovers, acquisitions and disposals, private equity investments, and joint ventures. Concentrating on the TMT, industrials, and real estate industries, Ben Forgiel-Jenkins has significant experience leading on M&A transactions, joint ventures, equity issuances, and international corporate reorganisations. The firm also benefits from the capabilities of Jon Kenworthy, who leads the corporate practice. He is recognised for his cross-border public and private transactional prowess, often advising multinational businesses from the technology, media, and sports sectors. On the technology front, Rob Salter specialises in advising fintech and edtech clients on the full gamut of M&A work, including public takeovers, corporate venture capital investments, and acquisitions, while Charles Severs routinely works with listed companies on cross-border transactions. Other key practitioners include financial services experts Jonathan Earle and Chris Arnold, both of whom are noted for their public M&A acumen.

Noted for its ‘capability and flexibility,’ Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a robust transactional offering which covers mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate governance. The practice has particular strengths in complex and multijurisdictional deals, drawing on the strength of the firm’s financial services regulatory, IP, and finance departments. Its multidisciplinary approach has amassed the group an impressive client base comprising businesses from a wide range of industry sectors including retail, automotive, and financial services. Practice head Richard Moulton is recognised for his expertise in public and private M&A for technology and life sciences companies. On the cross-border front, Robin Johnson boasts extensive experience advising multinational businesses on deals with a strong international dimension. Johnson’s practice spans an array of sectors including food and beverage industrials, and TMT. Chris Halliday specialises in corporate transactions for both public and private companies, particularly within the insurance industry, frequently advising warranty and indemnity underwriters. Other cross-border deals specialists include Antony Walsh and Jubilee Easo; Walsh concentrates on the industrials and technology sectors, while Easo has deep sector knowledge concerning oil and gas. Like Easo, Caroline Clapham has expertise in the energy space, regularly advising on international acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures for natural resources, energy, and infrastructure businesses.

Capable of handling high-value, cross-border transactions, Pinsent Masons LLP is regularly instructed by an impressive roster of clients covering a wide range of sectors, including energy, insurance, and financial services. Edward Stead heads the corporate practice and is supported by financial services specialist Hannah Brader. Brader is widely recognised for advising global financial services groups on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and reorganisations. Focused on the real estate and infrastructure sectors, Robert Moir has extensive experience assisting investors, funders, and developers on all manner of transactions. Moir frequently works alongside Philippa Rigby, who focuses on corporate real estate transactions for later living, healthcare, and hotel businesses. Other key figures include James Kaye, who is well-versed in both domestic and cross-border M&A transactions for both public and private entities. The team has recently expanded with the lateral hires of Jonathan Woolf from CMS, Jon Blackburn from Maples Teesdale LLP, and Peter McCusker from Royal London, all of whom joined between January and April 2024.

With a strong sector focus on agriculture, retail, sports, and entertainment, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner boasts a team of specialists capable of handling high-value, multijurisdictional work. Practice head Benjamin Lee is noted for his expertise in M&A, disposals, and public takeovers, particularly in the private equity and venture capital spaces. Real estate expert John Bennett is recommended for his capabilities in public and private M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring. The ‘responsive’ and ‘solutions driven’ Jinal Shah concentrates on cross-border transactions for clients from the retail, transport, and telecoms sectors, while Andrew Hart specialises in assisting clients from highly regulated sectors such as digital infrastructure and financial services. Russell Van Praagh  – noted for his PE focus – joined the team from Osborne Clarke LLP in November 2023.

Goodwin‘s M&A practice has a strong corporate offering and cross-border capabilities which continues to attract new clients, particularly from the life sciences and technology sectors. The team is jointly led by life sciences expert Graham Defries; technology and life sciences authorities David Mardle and Andrew Davis; and real estate specialist James Spence. Defries has extensive experience advising biotech and pharmaceutical companies on private equity and venture capital investments and exits, as well as M&A, corporate financing, and licensing deals – both domestic and cross-border in nature. Davis is praised for his ‘business acumen, attention to detail, and common sense‘, while Spence’s real estate-focused practice encompasses investments in Europe, structured sales and acquisitions, and real estate funds work. Andrew Harrow concentrates on UK and international transactions including joint ventures, M&A, reorganisations, IPOs, and fundraising. Other key names in the team include Adam Thatcher, Lucy Thomas, and Richard Bloomfield.

With capabilities to handle high-value and multijurisdictional M&A transactions, Greenberg Traurig, LLP continues to attract new clients from a wide range of industry sectors including logistics, telecommunications, and real estate. Co-heading the corporate M&A team are cross-border specialist Paul Maher, joint venture expert Fiona Adams, and industrials and financial services authority Henrietta Walker. Maher has extensive experience handling both public and private M&A transactions for clients from the chemicals, life sciences, and retail sectors, while Adams stands out for her expertise in leading on joint venture transactions and negotiations. Walker is adept in disposals, corporate advisory, and reorganisations. Other key practitioners in the group include Shashank Krishna – who concentrates on transactions in the energy, infrastructure, and defense sectors – Sarah Moyles – who focuses on public and private M&A transactions, joint ventures, and venture capital deals – and Joel Wheeler – who has experience assisting on private M&A, private equity transactions, and corporate restructurings.

Covering an array of industries, including media and entertainment, technology, life sciences, and energy, the M&A practice at Reed Smith LLP regularly handles major domestic and cross-border transactions, including regulated acquisitions, SPAC transactions, and corporate reorganisations. Its international reach has amassed the team an impressive client roster which continues to grow. Technology, media, and entertainment specialist Michael Young leads the team, and is noted for his extensive experience handling cross-border M&A. Also adept at cross-border transactions, Milan Thakker focuses on the life sciences sector, working with multinational public companies on complex multijurisdictional deals. Philip Taylor's expertise covers cross-border transactions, fundraising, and securities matters, working across the insurance, manufacturing, and real estate sectors. Other notable names in the group include Daryl Cue and Matthew Bowen.

Working across a host of sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and TMT, Simmons & Simmons‘ M&A practice handles a range of complex and multijurisdictional matters. A key contact for asset managers and financial institutions, practice head Arthur Stewart's broad offering spans domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and commercial agreements. Head of the private market sub-group, Ania Rontaler focuses on the asset management sector, handling corporate restructurings and M&A, including minority stakes sales. Isabella Roberts is noted for her renewables sector focus, while Stephanie Featherstone is an expert in the TMT sector, assisting businesses with domestic and international M&A, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, and private fundraising. Gideon Sharp acts for institutional investors, private equity, and real estate clients, while Jason Daniel - former head of the firm’s corporate and commercial practice throughout Asia - frequently leads on transactions involving Japanese corporates and financial institutions. David Parkes leads the firm’s corporate team within the fintech sector group and has extensive experience acting on M&A deals, disposals, equity investments and raisings, and refinancing. Other key practitioners include Raghav Ghai and Kim Farrar.

Squire Patton Boggs' sizeable team is noted for its strength in multijurisdictional transactions, as well as complex domestic deals. The group has a number of industry specialists who cover the media, energy and natural resources, industrials, and recruitment, as well as healthcare and life sciences, sports, and financial services and fintech sectors. Alongside Paris-based EMEA head Tony Reed, Mark Yeo co-leads the UK corporate team, where he covers a range of industry sectors including sports, leisure, and technology. Former European managing partner Jane Haxby is an asset to the team with extensive experience advising public and private companies on M&A and regulatory compliance. James McKay and Tim Stead are further go-to practitioners within the team.

With sector strengths in technology, life sciences, and healthcare, Taylor Wessing LLP‘s M&A group has recently seen an uptick in transactions related to cryptocurrency and Web3, as well as cleantech and deep tech. Practice head Emma Danks has expertise in various types of cross-border transactions, including private equity-driven work. Noted for his life sciences focus, Andrew Edge concentrates on public and private M&A, IPOs, and private financing. Real estate specialist Michael Goldberg handles high-value transactions on behalf of banks and retail groups, while Mark Barron focuses on cross-border mergers and acquisitions for US and Canadian businesses. Edward Chapman, who was promoted to partner in May 2023 along with Paul Thorpe, specialises in M&A transactions, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring. Thorpe regularly advises venture capital firms, private equity funds, and investors on deals in the technology, media, and communications sectors. Russell Holden left the firm in June 2023.

Noted for its ‘expertise and personalised approach’ Bird & Bird LLP handles complex and multijurisdictional transactions for clients across a number of sectors, including technology, communications, energy, media, and life sciences, to name a few. Matt Bonass co-leads the international corporate team and is recognised for the breadth of his expertise, regularly working with energy, utilities, and technology businesses. The team also benefits from the knowledge of tech expert Neil Blundell who concentrates on transatlantic M&A deals, chiefly acting for US companies seeking to invest in the UK. On the media and entertainment front, Simon Fielder focuses on international M&A, joint ventures, and venture capital equity financing. Nick O’Donnell’s former experience working in the US and the UAE make him a go-to name for multinational technology, retail, and consumer businesses, as well as financial institutions seeking support for international acquisitions, disposals, and mergers. Specialising in equity financing and IPOs, Clive Hopewell leads the firm’s international capital markets group. His expertise also extends to cross-border M&A deals for clients in the financial services, energy and utilities, and mining and natural resources sectors. Other standout names in the practice include ‘trusted adviser’ James Baillieu, as well as Richie Lamb and George Mason.

The M&A practice at Covington & Burling LLP has a strong track record of acting for blue-chip clients from the life sciences, technology, and energy sectors. The group offers a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on the strength of its foreign direct investment, regulatory, and IP departments, among others, to support client needs. European corporate head Gregor Frizzell concentrates on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, as well as joint ventures. He has particular expertise in leading on transactions with strong IP and licensing elements. Specialising in the technology, life sciences, and consumer goods sectors, Louise Nash is well regarded for her work on complex cross-border deals on behalf of global companies. Paul Claydon is recommended for his deep experience advising on public and private M&A in the life sciences sector. Other notable names in the group include James Gubbins and James Halstead.

Noted for its strength in the technology, life sciences, financial services, energy, and natural resources sectors, Fieldfisher frequently handles private equity, venture capital, and public M&A, as well as restructuring-related M&A and cross-border transactions. The team is jointly led by technology and fintech specialist Tim Bird, and financial services and life sciences expert Neil Matthews. Bird is noted for his experience leading on acquisitions and exits, with a focus on US and Japanese investment and private equity, while Matthews' focus encompasses corporate finance, and public and private company fundraising. Thomas Colmer's workload encompasses private equity, venture capital, and growth equity deals, while Natalia Schuster advises clients on cross-border transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, and reorganisations. Other key figures include Nodir Sidikov, who is well regarded for his M&A, joint venture, and capital markets prowess, and Mark Walker noted for advising German and French clients on investments in the UK market.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP‘s M&A practice has a sector focus on the healthcare, technology, and consumer goods industries. The group is adept in handling multijurisdictional mergers and acquisitions, and has amassed a small but impressive client base. Ian Lopez heads the team and has extensive experience advising companies from various sectors such as financial services, media, and insurance. He has expertise in both public and private domestic and cross-border M&A, as well as restructuring and insolvency matters. James Frecknall is another notable name in the department, representing corporates, financial institutions, and private equity houses on a slew of matters including public and private disposals, acquisitions, joint ventures, and minority investments. Christian Iwasko, Priya Rupal, and Michelle Tong joined the team from Goodwin in March 2024.

Noted for its ‘strong presence across the market,’ Gowling WLG‘s corporate practice has established itself as a solid firm for cross-border M&A, working with clients from a range of sectors including real estate, life sciences, healthcare, energy, and engineering. The team is jointly led by Gareth Baker and Sunil Kakkad; Baker specialises in energy and infrastructure transactions, while Kakkad has noteworthy expertise advising Indian businesses on cross-border transactions and capital raises. European PE head Ian Piggin, a healthcare and life sciences authority, focuses on private equity and venture capital funds. Neil Hendron is also well versed in financial services sector matters. Madhu Jain, who joined the firm in February 2024 from Pinsent Masons LLP, boasts considerable experience working with insurers and reinsurers. Rebecca Burford, who joined the group in February 2024 from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, handles a slew of transactions including management buy-outs, seed capital and growth capital investments, and joint ventures. Other key contacts include Siân Dewing and Chelsie Taylor.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP covers all manner of corporate transactions, with particular industry strengths in the energy and infrastructure, investment management, life sciences, and technology sectors. Corporate head Tim Corbett has extensive experience advising on cross-border M&A transactions, public and private equity and debt offerings, and venture capital financings. Oil and gas expert Olivier Chambord is noted for his capabilities in international M&A and project development. Mark Geday's expertise ranges from SPAC and de-SPACing transactions to joint ventures. Promoted to partner in October 2023, Robert Hutton is a key contact for private equity-driven work, specialising in domestic and cross-border transactions for clients from the infrastructure, technology, and luxury travel sectors. Other key names in the group include Mike Pierides and Allison Soilihi.

With expertise in multijurisdictional transactions, particularly in the technology sector, the M&A practice at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP has amassed an extensive client roster including leading investment banks and multinationals. The group’s offering encompasses mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and equity and debt financings. The team is headed up by global technology co-chair Shawn Atkinson, who has considerable experience leading on international transactions. He frequently acts for investors and technology companies. James Connor is another notable name for his focus on public company takeovers and private M&A, while Daniel Wayte is recognised for his expertise in public and private M&A, joint ventures, and corporate governance. Katie Cotton specialises in cross-border transactions, representing clients from the technology, media, and artificial intelligence industries on mergers and acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, and carve-outs. Other key names in the group include Katrina Walsingham, Shaun Malone, and Charles Sheldon.

The corporate finance team at Stephenson Harwood takes a multidisciplinary approach, working alongside other practices including tax, banking and finance, and technology to advise on transactions. The group has a strong industry coverage, with particular expertise in the financial services, decarbonisation, transport and trade, technology, and healthcare sectors. It has recently seen an uptick in cross-border transactions for technology businesses. Sam Gray concentrates on cross-border M&A transactions, predominantly acting for insurance brokers and clients from the financial services sector. Duncan Stiles stands out for his extensive experience assisting US companies on European-focused acquisitions, while Ben Mercer is adept in private M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring. Life sciences and biotechnology expert Anthony Clare and corporate department head Tom Nicholls focus on public and private M&A and joint ventures- including in relation to venture capital. On the healthcare front, Karima Hudson – who rejoined the team from Taylor Wessing LLP in June 2023 – specialises in advising both operators and funders in the healthcare space. Other notable names include Jonathan Bridcut and Michelle Gomes.

Noted for its ‘excellent sector knowledge and good partner involvement in transactions,’ Watson Farley & Williams LLP is a key choice for clients across the energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors. The team is headed up by oil and gas expert Chris Kilburn, who regularly works with clients from the mining, commodities, transport, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The ‘commercial and experienced’ Jan Mellmann specialises in domestic and cross-border acquisitions, particularly in the mining and commodities spaces. On the shipping and offshore oil and gas front, Daniel Saunders and Andy Savage are highly adept transactional lawyers, while Christina Howard and Mark Tooke work with clients from the transport and technology sectors respectively on international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring. Energy and natural resources specialist Tony Edwards joined the practice in May 2023 from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP.

With extensive experience handling cross-border M&A transactions, the corporate practice at Akin is highly adept to assist international businesses on both public and private multijurisdictional mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, investments, and buy-outs. Co-leading the group are Sebastian Rice and Shaun Lascelles – Rice concentrates on M&A, joint ventures, disposals, and restructuring deals for private equity firms, asset managers, energy companies, and corporates, while Lascelles has expertise leading on high-value cross-border M&A, private equity, and international joint ventures. He is predominantly instructed by private equity firms, infrastructure investors, and corporates. Another notable name in the team is Simon Rootsey who focuses on cross-border M&A, private equity, and investment transactions in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He has deep knowledge of a range of industry sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, and technology. Stephen Rosen, Justin Stock and David Bresnick joined the team from Cooley in July 2024.

With a strong focus on the energy and technology sectors and a growing presence in the media sector, the corporate department at Baker Botts (UK) LLP is equipped to handle both domestic and cross-border M&A transactions for a range of clients. Co-chair of the firm's energy tech practice, Derek Jones, noted as ‘technical yet very pragmatic’, has amassed extensive experience leading on domestic and cross-border M&A deals, disposals, and joint ventures, as well as reorganisations and demergers. Sian Williams' cross-border transactional expertise is focused in the energy, real estate, life sciences, and technology sectors.

Beyond its energy sector specialism, Burges Salmon LLP's expertise spans food and beverage, hotel and leisure, education, transport, healthcare, and technology. The practice is jointly chaired by Nick Graves and Rupert Weston: Graves regularly advises clients on M&A transactions and corporate governance projects, while Weston - a corporate finance partner - is also noted for his capabilities in the hotel space. Private equity experts Richard Spink and Mark Shepherd work with various financial institutions on buyouts and development capital transactions. Corporate energy head Camilla Usher-Clark focuses on M&A, equity fundraising, and joint ventures, while Dominic Davis advises investors on both domestic and cross-border transactions. Other key contacts include Andrew Mills, who joined in May 2023 from MJ Hudson, and Alex Lloyd, who was promoted to partner in May 2023.

 

The team at Cooley (UK) LLP boasts wide-ranging transactional experience, spanning cross-border mergers and acquisitions, SPAC deals, joint ventures, and divestitures. The group is chiefly instructed by clients from the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sectors, although its client base also covers the IT, fintech, and transport industries. Key figures in the team include tech sector specialist Ben Shribman, who is adept in cross-border M&A, growth capital fundraising, and venture capital transactions. Other notable names include Rita Sobral, Jarrett Burks, and Russell Anderson. Stephen Rosen, Justin Stock  and David Bresnick  left to join Akin in July 2024.

Working with a growing number of businesses in the commodities, energy, financial services, and shipping industries, HFW boasts expertise in multijurisdictional M&A, joint ventures, and infrastructure concessions. The team is jointly chaired by deputy global head of corporate and commercial Alex Kyriakoulis, and infrastructure and energy specialist Alistair Mackie. Ashwani Kochhar is the key contact for insurer clients, while other noteworthy figures include William Reddie and Audrey Hsieh.

Praised for its ‘depth of experience and client-focused approach‘,  K&L Gates LLP handles multijurisdictional transactions on behalf of clients from an array of sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and energy. Practice head Paul Tetlow‘s expertise ranges from M&A and joint ventures, to public company takeovers and venture capital investments. Tom Wallace regularly works with technology and fintech sector clients, while Howard Kleiman concentrates on the manufacturing and industrials segments. James Green stands out for his international public and private M&A experience in the mining, oil and gas, and energy sectors. Consumer markets and technology specialist Craig Fraser was promoted to partner in January 2024.

Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s corporate and M&A practice boasts key sectoral expertise in the technology, corporate real estate, and hospitality and hotels industries. Gaming and better, venture capital, life sciences, and healthcare are other key focus areas for the 'exemplary' team. With a strong breadth of practice, the team continues to attract new clients. Leading the department is Kevin McCarthy, who is praised for having ‘a very strong market understanding and is incredible at negotiating the key terms required.’ Technology and venture capital specialist Charlie Fletcher works with a host of venture and growth capital investors, as well as a number of venture-backed and IP-rich companies. Nigel Stacey left the firm in December 2023.

The corporate team at RPC represents an impressive and expanding client roster, spanning the retail and consumer, insurance, financial services, technology, and media industries. Retail and technology expert Karen Hendy - who heads the practice - focuses on international transactions for both public and private companies. James Mee has extensive experience acting for insurers and private equity clients on M&A, including disposals. Neil Brown handles large M&A transactions and joint ventures for clients from the sports and technology sectors, while Jeremy Cunningham is recommended for cross-border private equity transactions across the US, Europe, and Asia. Other key figures include Japan desk head Nigel Collins.

The Winston & Strawn LLP team handles multijurisdictional transactions for a diverse roster of clients, including manufacturing, hospitality, and insurance. Praised for its 'exceptional lawyers with huge cross-border transactional expertise', the group has seen a particular growth in deals in the technology and healthcare sectors. Practice head Nicholas Usher specialises in international M&A, regularly working with US corporations, private equity firms, and venture capital funds on transactions. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Paul Amiss who is noted for his cross-border dealmaking and experience with SPACs. Other key names in the department include Rebecca Jack, Chelsea Thompson, Mohima Khanom, James Boulton, and Emily Simmons.