Well-regarded by clients for its ‘exceptional technical expertise, commercial acumen, and consistently high-quality execution on complex, high-value transactions’, Clifford Chance LLP advises an impressive roster of clients, including a number of FTSE 350 and Fortune 500 companies. The team handles a steady flow of UK and cross-border work, regularly acting on mergers, acquisitions, disposals, and public takeovers across sectors such as healthcare, media, telecoms, oil and gas, and banking. The team is led by Robert Crothers, whose practice focuses on advising UK-listed and global corporates on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and equity transactions, with particular experience in the consumer goods sector. Melissa Fogarty is a trusted adviser to corporates, tech companies, and financial institutions alike, known for her deft handling of multifaceted corporate matters, while Katherine Moir earns praise for her ability to balance ‘technical precision with commercial pragmatism.’ Nigel Wellings brings standout expertise in the financial space, regularly steering clients through high-stakes transactions with a sharp commercial lens, and David Pudge remains the go-to adviser for public takeovers, governance, capital raisings, and IPOs, regularly advising corporates and investment banks. Rounding out the team,  James Bole advises on a range of public M&A transactions, while Gareth Camp is recognised for his expertise in public offers, private M&A, and strategic exits.

Linklaters LLP‘s corporate team stands out for what clients describe as a ‘deep transactional expertise with a genuinely trusted advisor approach, offering clear, unvarnished counsel.’ The team covers the full range of corporate work, handling buy-side, sell-side, and financial adviser mandates on public takeovers, carve-outs, joint ventures, and complex restructurings. With support from specialists in tax, competition, employment, and technology, the practice continues to enjoy a strong reputation for managing multi-billion-pound cross-border transactions. Simon Branigan leads the corporate division, regularly navigating deals across mining, retail and consumer goods, oil and gas, and financial sectors. James Inglis advises across public and private M&A, capital raisings, and governance advice, while Aisling Zarraga handles some of the market’s most significant M&A and joint ventures. The ‘truly exceptional’ Iain Fenn leads the firm’s public M&A team and regularly gives boardroom advice on strategic, crisis and governance issues. Senior partner and chair Aedamar Comiskey remains a steady force on headline public and private M&A. The team also includes fintech specialist Fionnghuala Griggs; UK Takeover Code expert Ian Hunter; Derek Tong, who heads the global technology practice; Namrata Shah , who is described as an ‘an absolute star’; and technology sector specialist Lisa Chang.

Counting a significant share of FTSE 100 and 250 companies among its key roster of clients, Slaughter and May remains a key player in the UK public M&A market, advising on a consistent flow of complex, high-value transactions. The firm’s multi-specialist model enables it to work seamlessly across a range of sectors, including technology, infrastructure, energy, and financial services. Consistently involved in headline deals, the team is well-positioned to assist clients on the full gamut of corporate work. Leadership is shared between Richard Smith, whose practice focuses on public and private M&A, joint ventures, and equity capital markets work, and Simon Nicholls, who is a key port of call for a number of listed companies for his capabilities on a broad range of matters. Roland Turnill brings a steady hand to a wide remit of mandates, including shareholder activism, board-level governance, and complex joint ventures, while Rebecca Cousin continues to make her mark on matters at the intersection of tech and intellectual property. Robert Innes and David Johnson both handle public takeovers, equity raises, and strategic partnerships, and James Cook stands out for his expertise in the tech sector. A mix of listed and unlisted clients turn to Paul Dickson for his expertise on a range of corporate and corporate finance matters. The practice also benefits from the transactional nous of Sally Wokes, who is a trusted adviser to a mix of corporates, PE houses and activist investors, and Victoria MacDuff, who is noted for her track record in telecom and financial services deals.

Backed by a broad international platform spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, A&O Shearman fields a high-calibre M&A team, well-versed in complex, cross-border transactions. Highlighted for its ‘unparalleled dedication to delivering exceptional legal services’, the group regularly acts on headline deals across the technology, energy, consumer goods, financial services and healthcare sectors. The practice is jointly led by David Broadley, who maintains a strong client base in the financial institutions sector, regularly advising on public and private M&A alongside a wide range of equity capital markets transactions; Seth Jones, who focuses on high-value and complex strategic transactions; and Jim Ford, an IP specialist. Claire Coppel‘s expertise covers private and public M&A, equity capital markets transactions, corporate governance and shareholder activism, while Alex Tilley stands out for his ‘commercial nous and tireless work ethic.’ Other notable individuals include George Knighton, who rejoined the team from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP in May 2025, and Nick Withers, who remains active across the tech and pharma sectors.

Praised for its ‘exceptional responsiveness, deep commercial insight, and seamless execution’, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP is a go-to firm for complex, high-stakes transactions, regularly acting for listed companies, major financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds. Known for its cross-border capabilities, the team is active across a range of sectors, including technology, real estate, and financial services, with its public M&A offering continuing to attract headline mandates on both the buy and sell side. Spearheading the team is Gavin Davies, who advises on complex cross-border M&A and investments across the TMT, financial services, real estate, and industrial sectors. James Palmer brings significant transatlantic expertise, particularly on mandates involving the US and Europe, while Caroline Rae is frequently instructed on public takeovers. Stephen Wilkinson advises on high-value corporate matters with an emphasis on governance, and Heidi Gallagher maintains an active corporate finance practice. Mark Bardell specialises in premium cross-border M&A and public company situations, while Harriet Forrest has particular experience in advising corporate clients on public M&A transactions.

Noted for its ‘excellent industry knowledge’ and ‘very attentive’ approach, Latham & Watkins combines a pedigree in high-end cross-border transactions with deep sector fluency across tech, healthcare, and life sciences. Its global reach and bench strength make it a go-to for complex, often regulated, public company work, with major corporates, private equity houses, and financial institutions consistently turning to the team for support on headline-grabbing deals. The practice is jointly steered by Richard Butterwick, an expert on Takeover Code matters, and Samuel Newhouse, a trusted adviser to multinational corporates and financial institutions on high-profile transactions across the UK, US, Africa, and India. Elsewhere in the team, Edward Barnett, praised as being in a ‘class of his own’, frequently acts on high-value deals across sectors the energy, tech, media, and financial services sectors, while Nick Cline‘s practice focuses on advising UK and international companies and boards on M&A, joint ventures and other strategic projects. Farah O’Brien is singled out for her work with later-stage growth investors and sponsors.

Backed by a robust team of seasoned advisers with deep sector expertise, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is a trusted partner to leading blue-chip companies and financial sponsors across a range of sectors, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, and insurance. The firm is particularly distinguished for its proficiency in transatlantic transactions, excelling in cross-border M&A and US inbound deals. Practice co-head Lorenzo Corte maintains a busy practice, frequently working on cross-border M&A, contested takeovers, de-SPAC deals and governance matters. Fellow co-head Katja Butler focuses on private equity, advising clients on all aspects of their investments, from initial acquisition to exit. Simon Toms brings valuable expertise in public M&A, while Denis Klimentchenko and Sarah Knapp are both active across a wide slate of high-profile transactions. Bruce Embley has left the firm.

The ‘technically excellent’ and ‘very responsive’ team at Ashurst advises corporates and financial institutions across a myriad of  sectors, including infrastructure, real estate, and natural resources. The firm combines strong domestic knowledge with international experience across Europe and North America to handle high-value transactions, joint ventures, and provide sponsor-side support to investment banks on M&A. Nick Williamson leads the team alongside Jason Radford; Williamson is noted for his focus on the energy and natural resources sectors, while Radford regularly advises on energy, transportation, and infrastructure matters, spanning joint ventures, M&A, fundraisings, project finance, and PPP/PFI transactions. Karen Davies is highly experienced in guiding corporates and investment banks through complex corporate finance matters, with a strong track record across both domestic and cross-border transactions. Other notable individuals include Tom Mercer and Aimee Carroll-Hewitt.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘technical excellence’ and ability to ‘integrate seamlessly with in-house teams’, Baker McKenzie LLP advises on complex cross-border transactions across Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. Bolstered by the firm’s strengths in tax structuring, merger control and post-deal integration, the team regularly acts for major clients in the technology, consumer goods, industrials and healthcare sectors. Co-head Jannan Crozier regularly handles cross-border mergers and acquisitions and negotiated carve-out transactions. Fellow co-head David Scott, praised by one client as ‘one of the best M&A partners I’ve worked with’, remains active across the consumer, healthcare, and tech sectors. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Michal Berkner, who joined from McDermott Will & Schulte.

Lauded for its ‘technical expertise’ and ‘very strong commercial awareness’, CMS leverages a deep bench of corporate specialists and a broad international presence to deliver seamless support on a wide spectrum of transactions. The team’s expertise spans from local bolt-on acquisitions to transformative, high-value deals across energy, infrastructure, technology, media, and private equity sectors. Victoria Henry advises managers and investors on structuring and investing in large joint ventures, complex real estate transactions, and funds, acting for major international investors targeting the UK and Europe. She leads the team alongside Dipesh Santilale, who regularly advises UK and international financial institutions on M&A and restructurings. Louise Wallace is recognised for her expertise in the retail and consumer sectors.

Praised for its ‘extremely commercial and client-oriented’ approach, Macfarlanes LLP is engaged by a range of blue-chip corporates and ultra-wealthy individuals, for its work on high-end, often cross-border transactions. The team is particularly known for its ability to straddle corporate and private client work, regularly advising on complex acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures across the US, Europe, and Australasia. The practice is jointly steered by the ‘outstanding’ Howard Corney, who has a particular focus on private and cross-border M&A, and Jessica Adam, who is a key port of call for private equity houses, asset managers, and large financial institutions. Harry Coghill is a go-to adviser for listed companies facing complex governance issues, particularly in relation to shareholder activism.

Leveraging its extensive experience in private equity and financial services, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP covers acquisitions and leveraged buyouts to restructurings, investments, exits, and public-to-private deals across multiple sectors. Practice head Ben Spiers specialises in public and private M&A, securities, and corporate restructurings, advising clients on complex cross-border transactions worldwide. A mix of banks, private equity firms, and corporates turn to Adam Signy for his expertise across a broad spectrum of corporate matters, while Clare Gaskell regularly works with top-tier sponsors on high-profile transactions. Amy Mahon, co-head of the global infrastructure practice, is also recommended.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP combines deep expertise in public and private M&A, hostile takeover defence, corporate governance, and equity capital markets, with a strong focus on high-value international deals across Europe, the US, and Asia. The firm serves clients across the TMT, retail, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and financial services sectors, leveraging close relationships with investment banks, financial advisers, and top private equity firms. The practice is led by David Avery-Gee, who frequently advises listed clients on high-profile, cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and capital raisings across a range of industries and jurisdictions. Michael Francies brings extensive expertise in managing high-profile cross-border and domestic transactions, Murray Cox focuses primarily on advising publicly listed companies; particularly within the infrastructure sector. Public takeovers specialist Sarah Flaherty is also noted.

Fielding a ‘top-class’ team, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher represents leading financial institutions, private equity firms, UK public companies, and major US conglomerates. The firm is well-equipped to manage both domestic and international M&A deals, with expertise spanning a host of sectors including infrastructure, financial services, technology, healthcare, life sciences, energy, and real estate. The London team features Mark Sperotto, whose broad practice spans both the UK and Italian markets, and Alison Beal, who is regularly sought after for high-value deals in the tech sector. Co-heading the European private equity group, Wim De Vlieger and Federico Fruhbeck bring significant experience in complex, cross-border strategic M&A.

The ‘pragmatic, solution-minded and skilled’ team at Norton Rose Fulbright is recognised for its strong track record advising on cross-border M&A, with particular strength in transactions spanning Europe, the Americas and Africa. The team is especially active in the energy and commodities sectors, while also maintaining a solid foothold in technology, healthcare, and transport, acting for a mix of major corporates and financial institutions. Practice head Raj Karia is a key port of call for corporates and investment banks seeking assistance with M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. Charez Golvala is singled out for his work in emerging markets, while Paul Whitelock, who co-chairs the public M&A group, is well regarded for his expertise in public deals and capital markets.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is regularly instructed on both UK and multijurisdictional transactions, with a client roster that includes major corporates, financial institutions, and private equity sponsors. Known for handling complex, high-value mandates across sectors such as healthcare, telecoms, financial services, and retail, the firm leverages its transatlantic capabilities and longstanding client relationships to advise on some of the market’s most significant deals. The practice is led by Ben Perry, who brings considerable experience in cross-border M&A and private equity, and Jeremy Kutner, who advises an international client base, including corporates, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity houses, on public and private M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings.

Jones Day’s London team is a trusted adviser to both domestic and international corporates, advising across M&A, venture capital, public takeovers, and private equity. Renowned for its cross-border capabilities, the team regularly steers complex acquisitions, joint ventures and disposals, drawing on the firm’s global reach to support transactions across Europe, Asia and the US, with notable strength in the real estate, life sciences, industrials and defence sectors. The practice is led by Giles Elliott , who has a wealth of experience advising clients on corporate transactions and governance matters; Leon Ferera, who assists clients with corporate transactions and governance matters, including takeover offers; and Vica Irani, who stands out for her expertise in the private equity space.

Milbank’s London corporate team advises on complex European M&A and private equity deals, particularly across aviation, energy, and infrastructure. Regularly called upon by FTSE 100 and Fortune 250 corporates, as well as top-tier financial institutions and infrastructure investors, the team earns praise from clients for its ‘professionalism, integrity, and collaborative spirit.’ The practice is jointly led by Lisa O’Neill, who is lauded for her ability to ‘quickly grasp the nuances of a matter and translate them into actionable legal and business strategies,’ and Andrej Wolf, who is noted for his experience in the private equity and growth equity space.

Well regarded for its ability to marry ‘strong technical lawyering’ with ‘practical, business-aware advice’, Paul Hastings LLP advises its diverse roster of clients across the full range of corporate transactions, including public and private M&A. Practice head Matthew Poxon is a go-to adviser on public company matters, while David Prowse is praised for his ability to ‘distill complex legal issues into actionable choices.’

Travers Smith LLP is a trusted adviser to FTSE-listed companies, private equity houses and institutional investors, handling high-value corporate transactions across sectors such as infrastructure, tech, financial services and wealth management, with particular strength in public takeovers, group restructurings and cross-border M&A. Joint heads Adrian West and William Yates lead the team. Spencer Summerfield  is active across the full spectrum of corporate matters, while Andrew Gillen is a key contact for listed and large private companies on M&A and governance matters.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s London team advises on a steady stream of cross-border M&A, listings and takeovers, with a client base that includes UK and US listed companies, private firms and private equity houses. The team is especially experienced in Takeover Code matters, where Will Pearce and counsel Joseph Scrace are particularly noteworthy contacts.

Noted by clients for its ‘deep command of legal and regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions’, Dechert LLP advises on a wide range of domestic and cross-border M&A, with particular activity in the financial services, life sciences, healthcare, and TMT sectors. Philip Butler, who co-leads the practice, brings expertise in complex debt-backed deals, while fellow co-head Christopher Field is well regarded for his work on multijurisdictional carve-outs. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of private equity specialist Nick Tomlinson, who joins from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

Praised for its ‘highly technical’ and ‘pragmatic’ approach, Mayer Brown International LLP advises a mix of FTSE 100 and Fortune 100 clients on the full range of corporate transactions, from joint ventures and leveraged buyouts to asset and share sales. The team is led by ‘superstar’ Kate Ball-Dodd, a trusted name for public companies navigating the Takeover Code, listing requirements, and company law. Rebecca Bothamley brings standout sector insight across mining, tech, telecoms, and insurance, while Richard Page regularly handles high-value deals across a host of sectors.

Known for its sharp sector focus, particularly in tech, gaming, life sciences, and healthcare, Morrison Foerster continues to steer clients through big-ticket cross-border deals.  Global co-chair Gary Brown brings a tech-forward lens to his cross-border M&A and private equity work, while London managing partner Andrew Boyd is frequently engaged by international corporates for his expertise.