Regularly acting for private equity houses and investors on multijurisdictional acquisitions, public takeovers, and general investment work, Clifford Chance LLP is active across the European and North American markets. With expertise in a range of industries, spanning from cybersecurity and leisure to life sciences and business services, the team is also highly regarded for its handling of IPOs and joint ventures. Practice head Spencer Baylin has considerable experience in complex reinvestments and M&A, while Jonny Myers is well-versed in all manner of transactions. Bruce Embley is noted for his track record in disposals; Neil Barlow maintains a strong focus on the sports and entertainment industries; and Shimin Lee is highlighted for her co-investment work. Neil Evans is highly renowned for the breadth of his corporate law insight, while Graham Phillips chiefly advises on leveraged buyouts.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP draws superlative praise from clients for its 'client service, commerciality, and solutions-oriented approach'. The firm consistently represents high-profile clients—including some of the world's largest asset managers—on deals across industries ranging from cybersecurity to entertainment. Leveraging significant cross-border capabilities, the team advises a mix of domestic and international clients across all aspects of multijurisdictional M&A and complex take-privates. David Higgins and Matthew Elliott spearhead the London team; Higgins regularly handles equity investments and minority stake sales, while Elliott is noted for his expertise in capitalisations and strategic partnerships. Stuart Boyd acts for private equity and financial sponsors on various cross-border deals, Adrian Maguire covers disposals and carve-out transactions, and Alvaro Membrillera is recommended for his track record in PE-driven M&A. Other key figures include Vincent Bergin, who acts for financial investors, and Aneeq Durrani, noted for his M&A capabilities.

Regularly working on both the buy and sell side of high-value private equity transactions, Latham & Watkins is routinely called upon to manage cross-border M&A and strategic investments. The firm’s corporate coverage is extensive, including complex take-privates, carve-outs, and joint ventures between sponsors and corporations. The practice is jointly led by Tom Evans and Thomas Forschbach, both of whom are key contacts for some of the firm’s leading asset management clients, while David Walker is particularly noted for his work in the sports sector. Paul Dolman concentrates on leveraged acquisitions and minority investments, while ‘exceptional negotiator’ Kem Ihenacho is noted for his track record in deals spanning a range of sectors, from entertainment to consumer goods. Mike Bond is particularly experienced in portfolio company mandates. Farah O’Brien is noted for her focus on later-stage growth investors, Linzi Thomas is highly regarded for her expertise in high-value transactions, and Huw Thomas is well regarded for his capabilities in restructuring mandates. Ross Allardice, who recently joined the team from White & Case, is an expert in joint investments and management equity arrangements.

The ‘very cohesive’ and ‘high-quality’ team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is well versed in handling big-ticket acquisitions and voluntary cash takeovers, handling transactions across the Asian, European, and North American markets. ‘Technically brilliant and a blue riband client partner’, the team is led by Marco Compagnoni. Noted for his tech sector focus, Jonathan Wood specialises in complex M&A transactions. Simon Lyell is well-versed in disposals and restructurings; James Harvey assists sponsors on buyouts and carve-outs; and Lewis Blakey is also recommended for the breadth of his practice. Other key figures include Max Oppenheimer and Brendan Moylan, both of whom are recommended for their track record in international corporate transactions.

Fielding a team of ‘extremely strong technical lawyers’, Linklaters LLP consistently advises high-profile sponsors and global corporates on big-ticket equity investments and private equity-backed M&A transactions. The firm’s corporate offering covers take-privates and strategic capital investments, showcasing significant activity in the financial services, tech, and healthcare industries. The team is jointly led by Alex Woodward and Ben Rodham, both of whom are particularly noted for their experience in carve-outs, co-investments, and distressed acquisitions. Chris Boycott routinely acts for financial sponsors and investee companies, Tracey Lochhead is a corporate finance specialist, while Daniel Law primarily concentrates on secondary buyouts and consortium transactions. Andrew Lynch and Peter McCabe are also recommended.

Noted for its capabilities across a host of work streams, including majority stake sales and whole issued share capital acquisitions, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is routinely engaged by a mix of leading PE firms and corporates. The firm boasts strong coverage, with primary areas of focus being media, real estate, and sport. The team is led by London-based Ben Spiers, a highly experienced M&A specialist. European managing partner Wheatly MacNamara is well-versed in handling high-value private equity transactions, particularly in the real estate sector, while James Howe is consistently involved in major mandates, including a number of multi-billion-Euro acquisitions. Amy Mahon and Geoffrey Bailhache are noted for their tech sector acumen, and Clare Gaskell is renowned for her corporate law expertise.

Working with a strong roster of private equity firms, pension funds, and other institutional investors, Freshfields is particularly noted for its experience in carve-out acquisitions and majority investments, often spanning across jurisdictions. The firm brings notable cross-sector expertise — particularly across the automotive, software, and banking industries — along with proven experience in majority stake transactions. Charles Hayes, Victoria Sigeti, and James Scott jointly head the team, each specialising in take-privates and exits, alongside representing financial sponsors and major investors. Joining them in London, Alastair Brown chiefly concentrates on co-investments and management incentivisation arrangements. Variously praised as ‘highly thoughtful and attentive’ and ‘commercially savvy’, Mark Brewer is highly regarded for his growth capital investment work. Angus Scott and Chris Yarrow are also recommended.

Noted for its expertise in the data analytics, software, and energy fields, the ‘very technical and devoted’ team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher regularly works with financial sponsors and private equity funds on high-value mandates. The firm’s corporate offering is broad, spanning from multi-jurisdictional M&A to equity investments and disposals. Practice co-head Wim De Vlieger is an expert in buyout transactions and exits. Fellow co-head Federico Fruhbeck is highly experienced in IPOs and capital markets transactions. M&A specialist Alice Brogi is praised by clients for her ‘fantastic legal knowledge’, while Isabel Berger is noted for her work in joint ventures. Will Summers, who joined the team from White & Case LLP in September 2024, is described by clients as an ‘absolute superstar’.

Regularly advising on high-profile private equity transactions, including multijurisdictional M&A, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is well-equipped to support a range of market-leading investors and portfolio companies, with particular experience handling equity investments and strategic co-investments for clients within the automotive, infrastructure, and insurance industries. Practice co-head Will Aitken-Davies is praised by clients for being 'very strong on technical issues and commercial enough to cut through to what actually matters.' Fellow co-head  Roger Johnson is noted for his track record of advising leading asset managers on cross-border deals, while Christopher Sullivan is highly experienced in sponsor-side M&A transactions. Some of the firm's most prominent clients turn to David Holdsworth for his capabilities in high-value take-privates. Oliver Marcuse and Rohan Dey are also recommended.

Displaying key cross-border capabilities — especially in M&A transactions and major funding rounds —  Ropes & Gray LLP earns client praise as both ‘exceptional’ and ‘highly responsive’ across international markets. The firm demonstrates particular strength in healthcare, AI, and software transactions, with notable activity on the buy-side of private equity deals. Elizabeth Todd, praised for her 'deep expertise and excellent client service', co-leads the team alongside John Newton. David Blittner is a prominent team member based in New York, while in London, Paul Armstrong primarily concentrates on growth investments mandates. Angela Becker handles leveraged buyouts, while other key figures include the ‘exceptionally talented’ Shona Ha; and the ‘top-notch’ Victoria McGrath, noted for her focus on minority investment deals.

Spearheaded by the ‘exceptional’ Richard Youle, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP has a strong track record in take-private acquisitions and disposals, often spanning across multiple jurisdictions. Noted for its focus on the media, software, and financial services sectors, the firm is often called upon by private equity sponsors and global corporations to advise on equity investments. Katja Butler is highly experienced in carve-out transactions, Steven Hannah specialises in leveraged buyouts and disposals, and Sandro de Bernardini is noted for his track record in exits and refinancing deals.

Leveraging extensive cross-border capabilities, A&O Shearman's team is highly regarded for its experience in high-profile acquisitions and sales of issued share capital. The firm has strength in advising multi-strategy asset managers and private capital funds, often operating within the infrastructure, TMT, and energy industries. In London, global co-head of private equity Stephen Lloyd specialises in disposals and corporate finance transactions, while European sector lead Peter Banks is noted for his track record in joint ventures and exits. Paul Dunbar chiefly concentrates on equity investments. Experienced in a range of cross-border transactions, Monika Przygoda is also recommended.

Acting on both the sponsor and seller side of private equity transactions, Milbank has considerable experience in multijurisdictional M&A, equity investments, and major disposals. The firm is especially active in the European and US markets, routinely acting for clients engaged in the education, entertainment, and food sectors.  Andrej Wolf and Jordan Simpson co-head the outfit, each of whom focuses on carve-outs, restructurings, and leveraged buyouts, while James McClymont regularly advises sponsors on acquisitions and disposals. Lara Watt is highlighted for her experience in bolt-on acquisitions.

Highly renowned for representing private equity funds in major M&A transactions and takeover bids, Sidley Austin LLP’s practice is praised for offering ‘superior expertise’ to domestic and international clients engaged in a diverse range of industries, including financial services, sports, and software. The team regularly handles leveraged buyouts, structured equity investments and joint ventures, led by department head Ramy Wahbeh, who oversees cross-border corporate deals from London. Kaisa Kuusk focuses on strategic joint ventures, while the “incredibly adept” Adam Runcorn and the versatile adviser Jonathon Hamill are also recommended.

Handling private equity-backed acquisitions, cash offers, and equity capital raisings, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has experience of acting for sovereign wealth funds and financial investors. Operating out of London, Karan Dinamani specialises heavily in co-investments and restructurings, Jeremy Kutner is knowledgeable in joint ventures and cross-border M&A transactions, whilst Ben Perry is also cited as a key contact. In September 2025, the team was bolstered by the arrival of Mike Francies, former London managing partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges.

Assisting an array of UK, European, and US sponsors and their portfolio companies, the team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP routinely handles cross-border M&A transactions and preferred equity investments. The team has particular strength in the financial services and insurance industries, with practice head Gavin Gordon handling complex takeovers and buyouts. Other key figures include Claire McDaid, well-versed in carve-outs and recapitalisations; David Arnold, an expert in acquisition mandates; and Philip Coletto, whose capabilities include minority stake investment deals.

Covering all elements of complex carve-outs, divestments, and take-private matters, Baker McKenzie leverages ‘strong depth across the team', working with a mix of private equity investors and major corporates. Practice head David Allen is praised for being ‘calm’ and ‘always on point’ in cross-border M&A transactions, while Karen Guch is noted for her expertise in leveraged buyouts. Justin Hutchinson is well-versed in minority investments, and Alex Lewis is a joint venture specialist.

Praised by clients for its 'exceptional private equity team', Debevoise & Plimpton LLP frequently handles M&A transactions, debt financing arrangements, and co-investments. Katherine Ashton is noted for her expertise in fund restructuring work, while Dominic Blaxill specialises in joint ventures. The 'outstanding' Geoffrey Burgess has a strong track record in cross-border deals, while Alan Kartashkin is noted for his focus on work involving the TMT and aviation sectors. James Grimwood joined the firm as a partner from Goodwin in January 2025.

Boasting a strong track record in joint ventures and preferred equity investments, the ‘high-quality team’ at Dechert LLP is highly regarded for its capabilities in a diverse range of sectors, including food, telecoms, and healthcare. Operating out of London, Christopher Field and Philip Butler head the practice, each of whom specialises in disposals and corporate carve-outs. Dual-qualified (England and New York) Nick Tomlinson is recommended for his broad transactional practice and client base; Mark Evans is noted for his restructuring focus; and Sam Whittaker is recommended for his track record in sovereign wealth fund matters.

Fielding a ‘very skilled, very professional’ practice, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is highly recommended for its expertise in managing long-term investments, proposed acquisitions, and leveraged finance proceedings.  Practice heads James Renahan and Christian Iwasko primarily focus on private equity transactions and distressed investments. Michelle Tong is well-versed in debt restructurings, and Priya Rupal is noted for her wide-ranging corporate practice. Other key figures include Andrew Rearick, who draws praise for his secondaries work.

Advising on the full lifecycle of clients’ investments, spanning from fund formation to exits and restructurings, Goodwin routinely handles cross-border private equity transactions. The London-based practice includes Gemma Roberts, a specialist in corporate reorganisations and joint ventures, as well as Carl Bradshaw and Arvin Abraham, both of whom regularly act for private equity sponsors and portfolio companies.

Experienced in joint ventures, divestitures, and cross-border M&A transactions, Proskauer Rose LLP is engaged by both private equity houses and portfolio companies for its ‘very committed team and bench strength’. The firm’s cross-sector spread is notable, covering the retail, financial services, and insurance spheres. London-based practice head Steven Davis specialises in buyouts and strategic mergers. Richard Bull focuses on minority investments, and Andrew Wingfield is highlighted for his track record in disposals.

Counting private equity houses and major sponsors among its key clients, Slaughter and May has considerable experience in sales of issued share capital and take-private transactions. Harry Bacon and Filippo de Falco jointly lead the team; Harry is noted for his focus on equity investments, while Filippo is an expert in multijurisdictional M&A. Aleezeh Liaqat is recommended for her expertise in disposals and public takeovers.