With an extensive track record in overseeing multijurisdictional acquisitions – primarily on the buy-side – Addleshaw Goddard displays vast cross-sector expertise across the software, aviation, and healthcare fields. The firm is highly regarded for its assistance on the transfer of funds into portfolio companies and management of complex strategic partnerships involving private equity houses. Operating out of London, Paul Medlicott spearheads the practice, mainly acting for sponsors and management teams on all forms of corporate transactions, whilst Yunus Seedat is highly knowledgeable in the media and retail spheres. Gemma Phillips is an investment specialist, Graham Cross is highlighted for his corporate restructuring focus, and Nathan Pearce predominantly concentrates on disposals and joint ventures. Marc Field is well versed in advising on bolt-on acquisitions, and both Carly Gulliver and Sharon Skipper-Gordon are also noted as key.

Mainly focusing upon the healthcare, financial services, and tech sectors, Goodwin has extensive knowledge in complex buyouts, cross-border M&A, and fund formation issues. Additionally, the team has experience in assisting private equity funds with the acquisition of issued share capital and purchases of minority stakes in companies. Located in London, Richard Lever mainly focuses upon corporate restructurings and leveraged buyouts, Gemma Roberts is a joint venture and carve-out specialist, while Carl Bradshaw acts for management teams and investment funds. Tessa Agar stands out for her insight in venture capital investments, and both Arvin Abraham and Ian Keefe are highlighted for financing and divestment knowledge. George Weavil is also cited as an integral member of the outfit.

Macfarlanes LLP routinely advises private equity sponsors on mid-market buyout transactions, along with assisting on minority investments and strategic partnerships. The multi-jurisdictional capabilities are extensive- primarily including European and North American jurisdictions- and enabling the outfit to handle complex cross-border M&A. Spearheading the practice from London, Alex Edmondson specialises in sponsor-led buyouts and sale processes, and Stephen Drewitt regularly supports institutional investors and private equity funds. Jessica Adam concentrates on take privates, Alexander Green is well versed in fund secondary transactions, whilst Stephen Pike is an M&A specialist. Nicholas Page is highly regarded for his knowledge in private capital transactions, and Adam Campbell acts for asset managers and large corporates predominantly.

Specialising in handling multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions and complex investments within the TMT, automotive, and manufacturing fields, Taylor Wessing LLP is highly regarded for acting on both the sponsor and buyer sides. The firm showcases vast expertise in acquisitions of issued share capital and mid-market buyout transactions, with the London-based practice head Edward Waldron routinely assisting founders and management teams. James Goold is a private equity expert, Johnny Bethell is well versed in acting for major funds, whilst Emma Danks co-heads the global corporate and M&A group. The outfit showcases particular strength in the tech, life sciences, and health sectors primarily.

Covering a diverse range of private equity work, spanning from cross-border M&A to follow-on investments, Dentons is heavily praised for its ‘client service’. Routinely acting on the sponsor-backed side of corporate transactions, the firm is especially well versed in the tourism and energy fields. The London-based practice is spearheaded by Darren Acres and Jayne Schnider, whilst Nicholas Plant is an expert in disposals and share sales. Stephen Levy mainly acts for private equity houses and management teams, and Joseph Altendorff is a corporate finance specialist. James Davison concentrates on co-investments and reorganisations, and Joseph Collingwood often advises portfolio companies.

Acting on both the buyer and sponsor sides of private equity transactions consistently, the Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP team is well versed in handling complex investment rounds and public-to-private takeovers. The firm is especially active in the infrastructure, renewable energy, and cyber fields, with the lawyers routinely acting on behalf of international private equity houses and domestic corporations. From London, James Trevis heads the outfit, specialising in cross-border acquisitions and management buyouts. Birmingham’s Louise Finnie is a refinancing expert, and Manchester-based Lizzy Tindall mainly assists investors and management teams. Also in London, Ceri-Ann McGraa has expertise in joint ventures and Richard Moulton concentrates on M&A and private equity deals. Barri Mendelsohn and Mike Birkett are also highlighted as integral members.

With the London-based trio of Liam Bonamy, Julian Runnicles, and Vica Irani at the helm, Jones Day specialises in private equity buyout transactions, multi-jurisdictional acquisitions, and corporate reorganisations. The lawyers draw upon strong cross-border capabilities, especially when overseeing divestments and joint ventures for clients in the manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services industries. Bonamy primarily concentrates on representing corporates and management teams, Giles Elliott covers a broad range of PE transactions, and Irani is an expert in the infrastructure sphere. Runnicles focuses on PIPEs and strategic alliances, and Robert Harris is highlighted for his work in mid-market acquisitions. Piero Carbone is also singled out as a key contact.

Predominantly focusing on the seller-side, the ‘pragmatic, collaborative, and highly responsive’ practice at Pinsent Masons LLP specialises in private equity investments and sales of issued share capital matters. The team has a strong track record in cross-border private equity-backed M&A transactions, with a special focus upon the tech and business services fields. Based in London, Edward Stead leads the outfit, being highly knowledgeable in handling bolt-on acquisitions and management buyouts, Manchester’s Kieran Toal acts on behalf of investee companies, and Birmingham’s Joanne Ellis is an expert in refinancings and disposals. Also in Manchester, Amie Norris advises management teams and large corporates, London’s Tom Leman routinely supports founders, and Glasgow’s Barry McCaig is labelled as ‘highly experienced’.

Showcasing vast expertise in private equity investments and management buyouts, Squire Patton Boggs fields a ‘strong team of industry experts’, primarily focused on the infrastructure, energy, and tech industries. The outfit draws upon strong multi-jurisdictional capabilities, mainly handling M&A transactions and sales of issued share capital. From London, Paul Mann heads the private equity division, primarily focusing on all types of corporate work. Ben Squires is described as a ‘standout partner’, and Charles Leeming concentrates on global carve-outs and joint ventures. Splitting his time between London and Manchester, James Fitzgibbon counsels entrepreneurs and management teams, whilst Julian Thatcher is praised for being ‘commercial and pragmatic’.

 

 

Travers Smith LLP has extensive experience in high-value M&A transactions and carve-out investments, often spanning across North American and European jurisdictions. The team has a strong track record on the buyer-side, regularly representing shareholders and consortiums in complex private equity-backed acquisitions and share sales, with London’s Will Yates spearheading the outfit. Yates advises management teams and founders, while Adam Orr covers leveraged buyouts and co-investments. Emma Havas is highly knowledgeable in recapitalisations and public-to-privates, whilst Tom Hartwright is also cited as key. The firm is especially active in the tech, maritime, and pharma industries.

 

Utilising an ‘incredibly joined up’ approach, Akin covers the full spectrum of private equity transactions, with a special focus on cross-border acquisitions, strategic investments, and delistings. The firm is highly regarded for its cross-sector expertise- especially in the energy and tech fields- and overseeing private equity-backed M&A transactions. From London, Sebastian Rice and Shaun Lascelles co-head the practice, both specialising in international joint ventures, whilst David Sewell advises on a variety of secondary transactions. Simon Rootsey acts for sovereign wealth funds and investors from his bases in London and Abu Dhabi, Justin Stock is highly knowledgeable in IPOs, and David Bresnick and Stephen Rosen are also cited as integral team members.

Acting on behalf of domestic and international companies in the tech, life sciences, and financial services industries, the Ashurst team is highly renowned for handling private equity-backed M&A transactions and sales of portfolio corporations. The lawyers are well versed in advising on corporate transactions spanning across various jurisdictions, regularly assisting investment management funds and consortiums. In London, Markjan Van Schaardenburgh spearheads the outfit, concentrating on corporate restructurings, while Jacob Gold oversees complex investments. Dallan Pitman mainly focuses on the infrastructure and energy fields, supporting clients on joint venture arrangements

Fielding a team of specialists in the manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate sectors, CMS is labelled as ‘highly effective’ in handling the sales of listed and private companies to private equity funds. With solid knowledge in managing cross-border acquisitions and investments, the team is co-led by the ‘excellent’ Narinder Jugpal and Martin Treagus. Jugpal is highly regarded for advising private equity sponsors, Treagus supports financial investors and management teams, and Valentina Santambrogio is cited for her telecoms and tech industry insight. Tom Jameson concentrates on buyouts and spin-outs, and both the ‘exceptional’ Stephen Kilshaw and Ben Booker-Moore are also highlighted as key.

With solid expertise in advising consortiums in cross-border M&A and funding rounds, Mayer Brown International LLP is described as ‘really great’ by the private equity houses and high-growth tech companies it represents. On the sponsor-side, the firm is highly experienced in handling the sales of corporations to private-equity institutions, with the London-based head James West being an expert in mid-market buyouts and corporate transactions. Tarun Patel supports clients with the full life cycle of their investment strategies, including primary and secondary buyouts, whilst Electra Callan is hailed as a ‘first-class lawyer’ for her work with portfolio companies and investors. Daniel Williams is also highlighted as a key contact, and James Beattie also comes recommended.

Paul Hastings LLP is highly knowledgeable in counselling private equity investors and global corporations on all aspects of sponsor-side M&A, joint ventures, and co-investments. The primary sectors of focus are automotive, insurance, and tech, with the firm’s lawyers being highly accustomed in handling cross-border transactions. In London, team leader Anu Balasubramanian specialises in leveraged buyouts and portfolio matters, Jamie Holdoway concentrates on divestments and management equity plans, while the ’excellent’ Tom Cartwright is an expert in private equity investments predominantly.

Covering both the seller and buyer-side of private equity transactions- spanning from sales of majority stakes to leveraged buyouts- Reed Smith LLP is highly regarded for its ‘good technical knowledge’ and ‘hardworking’ ethos. Leveraging strong cross-border capabilities with North American, European, and Asian jurisdictions, the firm has a strong track record in the TMT and healthcare fields predominantly. The practice is co-headed from London by Philip Taylor and Tom Whelan, each specialising in take privates, M&A transactions and complex co-investments. Sam Webster is knowledgeable in disposals and bolt-on acquisitions, and Ravi Pattani is a corporate law expert.

Characterised as ‘extremely knowledgeable’, the Shoosmiths LLP practice covers both the buyer and seller sides of private equity-backed M&A transactions, alongside overseeing complex sales of issued share capital. The practice is especially active in the healthtech, energy, and TMT industries, while the ‘very commercial’ practice lead Amit Nayyar brings extensive experience in acting for private equity sponsor clients to the outfit in London. James Foster, based in Leeds, concentrates on private equity investments; Sanjeev Sharma in London is highly regarded for his follow-on investment work; and in Birmingham, Daniel Shilvock is cited as an integral part of the practice.

Counting private equity houses, management teams, and investee companies amongst its key clients, Stephenson Harwood has extensive experience in advising on management buyouts and multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions. The practice showcases considerable strength in the life sciences and tech sectors, alongside a growing focus on the management software field. Sarah de Ste Croix spearheads the outfit from London, whilst Jonathan Pittal concentrates on cross-border investments. The ’standout’ Malcolm MacDougall primarily concentrates on private equity deals, Adam Crossley acts for founders and portfolio companies, and Richard Coleman is a decarbonisation expert.

With Ian Piggin at the helm, Gowling WLG is well established in the mid-market private equity sphere, routinely overseeing multi-jurisdictional acquisitions, equity financings, and fundraising rounds. The industry expertise extends to the healthcare and biotech spheres, with Piggin supporting private equity funds and management teams on acquisitions and exits from London. Neil Hendron has a strong track record in advising on strategic acquisitions and investments, Chris Towle is knowledgeable in disposals, and Christopher Letters is highlighted for his reinvestment focus. Jeremy Millington has expertise in managing public takeovers, and Gareth Baker is also highlighted as key.

Advising domestic and global clients throughout the investment lifecycle, ranging from equity capital raises to major investments, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP is described as ‘agile’ and ‘dynamic’. The firm’s lawyers mainly concentrate upon the financial services, TMT, and healthcare industries, routinely assisting companies with acquisitions and management buyouts. Team leader John Taylor is London-based, specialising in disposals and takeovers, whilst Malcolm Lombers is a private equity-backed M&A specialist. David D’Souza focuses on management equity arrangements, the ‘standout’ Joseph Dennis is knowledgeable in reorganisations, and Eleanor Shanks is also highlighted for her co-investment work.

Providing strategic counsel to European and US private equity sponsors on all aspects of cross-border M&A and disposals, McDermott Will & Schulte has extensive expertise in the manufacturing, aviation, and software spheres. Operating out of London, Aymen Mahmoud heads the practice, while Fatema Orjela brings vast knowledge on leveraged buyouts, divestitures, and joint ventures to the outfit. Eleanor West is an expert in growth capital investments and restructurings, Jason Zemmel predominantly concentrates on leveraged buyouts, and Zoe Woodhouse is well versed in handling management equity plans. Daniel Weston and Jamie Burgess joined from CMS in May 2025.

Representing founders, management teams, and private equity fund investors, Mishcon de Reya LLP has significant strength in complex sales of issued share capital and multi-jurisdictional acquisitions. The expertise extends to the retail and tech sectors, with London-based practice head Nadim Meer specialising in growth capital investments and fundraisings. Andrew Rimmington is especially skilled in handling joint ventures and strategic alliances, Kevin McCarthy  concentrates on private equity-backed M&A transactions, and James Paterson acts for investee companies and financial institutions. Karine Bashardust is also highlighted as key contact, while  Mark Thompson left the firm in 2025.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP exhibits ‘good knowledge of private market funds’ when supporting private equity houses and sovereign wealth funds on cross-border M&A and investments. The industry coverage ranges from crypto and finance to sport, with the ‘very strong’ head Mark Geday routinely advising clients across the private equity asset class and the investment management sector from London. Tomasz Wozniak is highly regarded for his knowledge in private equity transactions, and Robert Hutton concentrates on the infrastructure and tech industries. Jack Shawdon mainly focuses on disposals, while Abbey Brimson is also highlighted as key.

Primarily acting on the buyer-side, the Norton Rose Fulbright team combines expertise in sales of issued share capital along with complex investment rounds. The cross-sector knowledge spans across the renewable energy, insurance, and infrastructure fields, with the duo of Sophie O’Connor and Bayo Odubeko co-heading the London-based outfit. Odubeko is a private equity and venture capital specialist, O’Connor mainly advises sponsors and portfolio companies, while Nicholas Berry is an M&A expert. Jason Moss mainly concentrates on disposals and investments, and Matthew Eccles is also highlighted as key.

Displaying extensive expertise in all aspects of disposals, secondary exits, and management buyouts, Browne Jacobson LLP ‘excels across all aspects of a mid-market deal’ when acting for private equity houses and major sponsors. The practice leverages cross-border capabilities when handling multi-jurisdictional private equity-backed M&A transactions, with the national team leader Gavin Cummings, assisting both management and equity providers. 'Very strong and user-friendly', London-based private equity head Sandra Wong is an experienced corporate partner whose recent transactional engagements include high-profile acquisitions in the retail sector. Gareth Davies is an expert in exits from his base in Birmingham, while Nottingham’s Mark Hughes is a private equity transaction specialist. Manchester’s Ryan Brown is also highlighted as integral.

Praised for being ‘calm and precise under pressure’, Burges Salmon LLP has a strong track record in overseeing strategic investments and sales of issued share capital for private equity sponsored companies primarily. Splitting their time between Bristol and London, Andrew Mills heads the private equity division, focusing on divestments and proprietary buyouts, whilst Mark Shepherd has expertise in refinancings. Charles Claisse is knowledgeable in the tech sphere, and from Edinburgh, Danny Lee is an expert in joint ventures.

Leveraging strong cross-border capabilities, Fieldfisher consistently represents private equity funds and major tech companies in complex equity fundraisings and share sales. The team has extensive knowledge in exits and sales of issued share capital, as the London-based head Neil Matthews is a corporate finance specialist. Keith Woodhouse concentrates on venture capital matters, Tim Bird focuses on the food and beverage fields, whilst Thomas Colmer is also cited as key. Philip Watkins is also labelled as a 'standout'.

Predominantly specialising in the tech, healthcare, and insurance fields, RPC is highly regarded for its work in multi-jurisdictional acquisitions and financing arrangements. The firm regularly acts on behalf of management teams and portfolio companies, as the London-based head James Mee mainly focuses on private equity transactions. David Wallis is an expert in leveraged buyouts, Chris Brierley is an experienced M&A lawyer, and Jeremy Cunningham is also cited as integral.

Fielding an ‘unflappable’ and ‘highly experienced’ practice, Watson Farley & Williams LLP has expertise in joint ventures and M&A transactions, particularly on the buyer-side. The firm is well versed in advising private equity funds on exit processes, with the London-based Chris Kilburn spearheading the practice. Andy Savage mainly focuses on the energy and infrastructure industries, Mark Tooke is a venture capital specialist, and Clementine Freeth is highlighted as key.

Providing bespoke advice on mid-market transactions, spanning from buyouts to refinancings, Winston & Strawn LLP specialises in the real estate, energy, and manufacturing fields predominantly. The team is co-led from London by the ‘standout’ Nicholas Usher and Paul Amiss, with each being experts in acting for private equity sponsors, entrepreneurs, and founders. Ian Borman is well versed in transaction structuring, while Rebecca Jack is also highlighted as key.

Based out of Leeds, Simon Pilling and James Cook co-head the Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP outfit, primarily handling equity investments, sales of issued share capital, and private equity-backed acquisitions. Key sectors of focus include the fintech and retail industries, with Pilling and Cook routinely acting for private equity funds and management teams. Catherine Willis covers group reorganisations, while Newcastle’s David Ridley is also noted as key.