Showcasing an ‘impressive and highly responsive team' that is particularly well-placed to handle professional services and tech-related deals, Addleshaw Goddard continues to be a strong choice for mid-market investors seeking support on major transactions. Noted for the breadth of his sponsor and management-side practice, Mike Hinchcliffe leverages more than 25 years of experience to provide ‘outstanding client service, demonstrating sophistication and commercial acumen’. Yunus Seedat advises some of the group’s most consequential sponsor clients, and particularly those engaging with high-growth businesses. Nathan Pearce is reputed for his work with management teams. Gemma Phillips, praised by clients for her ‘high level of sector knowledge and commercial awareness’, has an especially strong track record in the software and tech spaces.

Fielding a highly experienced, pan-UK team of PE advisers, DLA Piper frequently advises on high-end sponsor-side transactions across a wealth of sectors, particularly in healthcare. Practice head Ed Griffiths frequently plays a leading role in complex transactions relating to financial services, IT and software, and telecoms. Noted for his far-reaching understanding of European markets,  Tim Wright is well-versed in large-cap management buyouts and takeovers. Piero Carbone’s focus spans M&A, investment deals and capital raises, while John Pryor's recent workload includes both sponsor and management-side acquisitions and disposals. John Gallon - who provides support from the firm’s Leeds office - has a strong track record in public M&A and take-privates.

‘Strong, knowledgeable, always available’, Goodwin combines M&A and PE expertise with embedded European and US debt finance skill to serve a growing roster of financial sponsors, funds and management teams across a range of sectors. Regularly engaged on a number of complex domestic and cross-border transactions, practice head Richard Lever is noted for his M&A, corporate finance, and investment fund work. A diverse roster of clients turn to James Grimwood for substantial leveraged buyouts, minority investments, joint ventures, and venture growth deals. Gemma Roberts is praised as an ‘outstanding’ lawyer with a far-reaching transactional practice, while Michael Miranda has recently added a series of cross-border disposals to an already varied deal sheet. Carl Bradshaw also comes recommended for his multi-sector specialism and his skill in financial restructuring.

Increasingly active in the secondaries market, Macfarlanes LLP's 'exceptional' buyout practice is routinely sought out by domestic and multinational financial sponsors and investors. Practice head Alex Edmondson, who also co-leads the firm’s technology practice group, is praised for his ability to ‘get to grips with the most complex of situations’ and showcases particular skill in sponsor-side M&A. Stephen Drewitt has a similarly strong sponsor-focused practice and is especially strong in domestic PE transactions. Alexander Green is a go-to figure in the team for secondaries and GP-led restructurings, while Jessica Adam heads up the firm’s management advisory practice. Stephen Pike -  noted for his growing track record in secondaries - provides transactional advice to a wide range of clients.

Taylor Wessing LLP acts for a host of private equity firms and their portfolio companies on complex, multijurisdictional transactions, including buyouts, investments, bolt-ons, equity restructurings, and exits. Edward Waldron, who heads up the group, is highly regarded for his cross-border work, particularly in the tech and life sciences sectors. James Goold acts for both sponsors and management teams on acquisitions and disposals. Jonny Bethell works with a growing roster of investment firms in connection with takeovers, bolt-ons and disposals, while Emma Danks is recognised for her prolific track record in leveraged buyouts.

Boasting expertise across multiple sectors, Dentons acts for various investors and funds on a host of mid-market, multijurisdictional transactions. UK corporate head Neil Nicholson's recent engagements include a number of strategic investment deals in the tech sector. Nicholas Plant has considerable experience acting for multinational investors and funds on complex cross-border leveraged buyouts, as well as a number of mandates concerning African-focused PE funds. Stephen Levy acts as the global relationship partner to some of the firm’s most high-profile clients, while James Davison supports funds, portfolio companies and management teams across an array of PE-driven M&A deals. Vincent Leung is recognised for his extensive cross-border practice, with a strong track record in tech, life sciences and infrastructure deals.

Numerous multinational investors, asset managers and funds turn to Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP for its transactional capabilities. Praised for his 'unflustered professional approach', practice head James Trevis is well-equipped to advise both sponsors and management teams on acquisitions, buyouts and disposals. Louise Finnie is highly experienced in European transactions, while Lizzy Tindall frequently handles mid-market transactions in the software and healthcare sectors. Ceri-Ann McGraa's practice balances acute M&A and leveraged finance capabilities. Mike Birkett is noted for his skill in management team instructions. Based in Birmingham, James Finney is praised for his ‘detailed legal knowledge of complex issues.’

Housing a team of ‘brilliant individuals with excellent legal skills coupled with commercial acumen’, Jones Day works with an international roster of private equity firms on fund management, financing, and M&A-related matters, advising across a host of sectors. Practice head Liam Bonamy boasts years of experience advising on deals in the real estate, financial services, hospitality and retail sectors. Giles Elliott works with sponsors and management teams on PE transactions and is a key adviser to New York investment firm J. F. Lehman & Company. Co-head Vica Irani is particularly focused on PE and M&A deals in the infrastructure sector, while the 'hardworking, super-intelligent' Julian Runnicles specialises in both M&A and equity-related financings. Patrick Stafford comes recommended for his tech focus.

Working across a number of offices nationwide, Pinsent Masons LLP works with sponsors and management teams on a host of transactions, both domestic and cross-border. Practice head Edward Stead is a go-to figure for a number of tech and infrastructure-focused funds. Kieran Toal is noted for the breadth of his cross-border practice, advising on buyouts, impact investments and secondaries. Amie Norris is instructed by large corporates, PE houses and management teams on both buy-side and sell-side mandates, while Tom Leman showcases particular expertise in the retail and consumer sectors. Victoria Jew is active across the full investment lifecycle, from initial investments to exits. Josh Willis is routinely called upon for deals in the financial services and retail sectors. Other key figures include private company M&A specialist Rob Cunningham, and Anthony Hollands, who regularly brings employment expertise to bear.

A key choice for a range of mid-market PE houses and management teams, Squire Patton Boggs possesses ‘quality people with the ability to provide clear and quality advice’ on multijurisdictional transactions. Paul Mann is a seasoned practitioner who is ‘excellent across the board’, advising on both buy-side and sell-side mandates for management teams and investment firms. Recent engagements for Tom Durrant, who serves as the Birmingham office’s managing partner, include a number of domestic management buyouts. Ben Squires works with firm’s roster of financial sponsors and management teams on the full gamut of corporate transactions, while Charles Leeming possesses a considerable understanding of foreign markets. Routinely instructed by management teams, James Fitzgibbon advises on a litany of cross-border deals.

Praised as ‘a great team‘ which ‘really knows the market‘, Akin works with a wide range of UK and multinational sponsors and management teams. Practice head Shaun Lascelles regularly handles cross-border transactions, and is noted for his expertise in energy sector deals and capabilities in emerging markets such as Africa and Eastern Europe. Co-head Sebastian Rice draws on more than 20 years of experience advising on deals concerning various foreign markets, while the ‘excellent’ David Sewell, who is praised for his ‘amazing ability to deal with complex issues and structures quickly and efficiently’, is a key contact in the team for secondaries and fund structuring matters. Simon Rootsey is well-regarded for his sector-specific expertise, which is chiefly concentrated in the energy, infrastructure and life sciences sectors. Jing Ng and Chris Beardmore support clients on domestic and cross-border transactions. Stephen Rosen joined from Cooley (UK) LLP in September 2024, while Gavin Weir left the practice to join Ashurst in January 2024.

Lauded for its ‘straightforward approach and exceptional service’, Ashurst handles a diverse range of sponsor-side and management-side transactions throughout the entire investment lifecycle, and has recently been involved in several notable deals, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Bruce Hanton is chiefly noted for his skill in leveraged buyouts. Markjan Van Schaardenburgh is ‘distinguished not only by his expertise but also by his personal approach to client relationships’, and Dallan Pitman handles a strong body of work in the infrastructure and energy sectors. Sara Hamzawi also comes recommended for her public and private M&A capabilities. Former practice head David Carter and Braeden Donnelly have left the firm.

Highly active in the mid-market private equity space, CMS‘s London team routinely handles transactions across various industries, including life sciences, professional services, technology, energy and infrastructure, and real estate. Practice head Jason Zemmel stands out for his ‘commercial acumen, sector knowledge and capabilities’, qualities which make him a key contact for some of the firm's leading investor clients. Narinder Jugpal acts for a variety of sponsors and funds on leveraged buyouts, investment deals, and debt and equity restructurings – often with a cross-border focus. Daniel Weston and Jamie Burgess were promoted to partnership in May 2023; Weston is lauded for his ‘exceptional management capabilities in support of investor and management teams’, while Burgess is well regarded for his broad expertise across the full investment life cycle. Ben Booker acts on both sponsor and management-side buy and sell mandates, while Ben McParland is particularly recognised for his platform acquisition and bolt-on-focused practice. Edward Holmes left the firm to join A&O Shearman in June 2023.

Drawing on the strength of its global network of offices, Mayer Brown International LLP is engaged by a host of mid-market sponsors for its transactional capabilities. James West's extensive focus includes sponsor-and management side deals, and buy-and-build mandates. Tarun Patel has a strong European practice, and has recently been active on tech, software, telecoms and media and entertainment deals, while the ‘fantastic’ Electra Callan is regarded as ‘smart, rigorous and pragmatic’. Callan generates significant work for the firm, attracting a range of instructions from a growing roster of clients. Former practice head Perry Yam left the firm in March 2024.

Leveraging the transactional prowess of its US counterparts, in addition to tax, competition and antitrust expertise from its wider European platform, Paul Hastings LLP regularly handles sponsor-led M&A, with demonstrable strength in infrastructure and real estate-related deals. The team is chaired by Anu Balasubramanian, whose regular workload includes high-value acquisitions, investment deals, and venture capital deals. Other key names to note include Jamie Holdoway, who is well-regarded for his buyouts practice, working with variety of funds active in both the large and mid-cap European markets.

Reed Smith LLP‘s London PE practice works on a considerable volume of complex transactions across a number of key sectors, with equally strong capabilities in fund formation, equity finance and fund finance. Team head Philip Taylor has extensive transactional and sector expertise, handling public and private M&A, investments, joint ventures and fund raises. Noted for their prolific international practice, Sam Webster is experienced in a number of European markets, often working in conjunction with overseas colleagues as part of a cross-office platform. Ravi Pattani advises a host of investment firms on M&A, bolt-ons and secondaries, while Victoria Bryden is a crucial supporting presence on complex, cross-border deals. Tom Whelan, who joined the team in February 2024 from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP, brings further capabilities in buyouts, investments and M&A. Mark Sanders left the firm in November 2023 to join Russells Solicitors, while François Feuillat left to join Bracewell (UK) LLP in June 2024.

Possessing a ‘full-service team that is able to call on experts, both locally and internationally’, Stephenson Harwood advises private equity houses, management teams and investee companies, handling both primary and secondary market transactions. Singled out as an ‘exceptional problem-solver who combines extensive legal experience with impressive commercial acumen’, Jonathan Pittal has recently showcased his capabilities in the tech, edtech and telecoms arenas. Malcolm MacDougall ‘brings charisma and energy to every transaction’, acting on both mid-market sponsor-side and upper-mid market management-side instructions, while Adam Crossley is well-regarded for both his PE and equity growth skill set. Other key figures include Richard Coleman, who is noted for his energy and infrastructure focus, and Chris Manning, who has a solid track record in management buyouts. Emily Davies also comes recommended.

Gowling WLG acts for a range of domestic and European PE houses, as well as management teams, on deals across the IT, financial services, infrastructure and education sectors. Practice head Ian Piggin works with a series of mid-market investment firms, particularly on life sciences and healthcare deals. Another key figure for life sciences and healthcare-focused transactions, Neil Hendron's regular workload includes investments, management buyouts, bolt-ons, and disposals. Birmingham-based Chris Towle advises on some of the firm’s most substantial tech deals, while Gareth Baker - who co-leads the firm’s global energy sector group - draws on his sectoral knowledge when overseeing energy and infrastructure-focused M&A and investments. Christopher Letters and Chelsie Taylor also come recommended.

Fielding a team of ‘very commercial partners who are well connected in the market with deep knowledge of the industry’,  Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s private capital offering covers an array of sectors and transactional types. ‘Thoughtful, calm and experienced’, practice head John Taylor advises on domestic and cross-border M&A, bolt-ons, joint ventures and equity financings. Boasting expertise in the infrastructure, tech and financial services sectors, David D’Souza  is lauded as ‘a savvy professional able to go toe to toe with even the most technical practitioners in the City.’ Malcolm Lombers’ varied clientele – which include sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, hedge funds and family offices – turn to him for his strength in cross-border M&A, while Eleanor Shanks, who joined the firm from Sidley Austin LLP in October 2023, is praised as ‘technically superb.’ Joseph Dennis also comes recommended, notably for growth capital work.

Especially noted for its capabilities in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP frequently advises on high-value, cross-border transactions. The team has been bolstered by a number of recent arrivals. Jason Zemmel is an experienced healthcare specialist who arrived from CMS in October 2024. Fatema Orjela, who joined the firm from Sidley Austin in April 2024, is highly regarded for her transactional experience in a host of sectors and jurisdictions, while Sebastien Bonneau – who joined from Eversheds Sutherland in September 2024 – handles a wide array of international transactions, particularly in the data centre and digital infrastructure sector. Other key figures include Eleanor West, who is especially experienced in healthcare and pharmaceutical work.

‘Commercially focused, practical, and effective’, Mishcon de Reya LLP specialises in management-side transactions, with a wealth of experience in the tech, business services, and consumer sectors. Practice head Nadim Meer's focus is largely concentrated on management-side instructions and venture capital deals. The ‘perfect combination of lightning intellect, commercial ferocity and humanity’, Andrew Rimmington is singled out for his cross-border M&A expertise, particularly in deals concerning the fintech and software spaces. Other key figures include Allison Keyse,  ‘fantastic’ when dealing with ‘complex negotiations’, and James Paterson, who also comes recommended for his broad management-side practice. Karine Bashardust supports a range of deals.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP regularly works with high-profile sponsors and funds on cross-border mandates, showcasing particularly strength in tech and telecoms deals. Team head Mark Geday is the key partner to some of the firm’s most consequential clients, supporting a range of investments firms on M&A and fundraising transactions. Promoted to partner in October 2023, Robert Hutton has a growing roster of domestic and overseas clients, including financial sponsors, sovereign wealth funds, and corporates. Tim Corbett’s far-reaching expertise covers public and private M&A, capital raises and venture capital deals, while Jack Shawdon is noted for his work in emerging markets. Matthew De Cataldo 's sector specialisms include tech, financial services and life sciences.

Regularly operating on a global basis, Norton Rose Fulbright has a growing book of work pertaining to investments in the energy, infrastructure and financial services sectors, advising a strong roster of investment firms, funds and venture capitalists. Financial services and tech sector specialist Sophie O’Connor co-leads the team alongside Bayo Odubeko, a highly experienced practitioner who is praised for his ability to ‘navigate intricate legal landscapes’ and ‘offer pragmatic solutions’. Nari Ertem has an extensive understanding of emerging markets, particularly in Africa, and is well placed to advise on complex cross-border M&A. Focused on financial services, Thomas Widdows adds further capital raising capabilities to the team. Other key names include Christopher Akinrele, who joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in July 2023.

Shoosmiths LLP continues to develop its position in the UK and European markets, leveraging its national practice to advise on buyouts, investments, bolt-ons and exits. Practice head Amit Nayyar acts for financial sponsors, funds and corporates on M&A and PE transactions, particularly in the healthcare and tech sectors. Sanjeev Sharma supports a series of clients engaging with acquisitions and investments in Asia and North America, and is also a key name for the firm’s steady stream of venture capital work. Sean Wright provides further capabilities in management buyouts, debt and equity investments, and refinancings, while Claire Checketts showcases versatility acting on both buy-side and sell-side mandates. Elizabeth Ward joined from Rothschild & Co – a key client for the firm – in September 2023, bringing her experience as a general counsel and understanding of its various funds to bear on several transactions in the time since. Daniel Shilvock acts for both sponsors and management teams. Mark Davis left the firm in 2023.

A firm that ‘thrives on complexity’, Browne Jacobson LLP advises financial sponsors and corporates active in both the London and Midlands markets on acquisitions, investments and disposals. Practice head Gavin Cummings works with both investors and management teams on M&A, investments, bolt-ons and high growth deals. Gareth Davies is noted for his work on management buyouts, while Mark Hughes leverages over 25 years of experience to act for both sponsors and portfolio companies. Ryan Brown advises on professional services, infrastructure and education deals, and Sandra Wong is a key part of the firm’s growing cross-border practice. Mike Jackson comes recommended for his M&A and venture capital expertise.

Burges Salmon LLP‘s deep team of advisers specialise in complex mid-market buyouts and venture capital transactions, focusing on sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education. Practice head Mark Shepherd has a robust track record in large-scale buyouts, reorganisations and exits. Edinburgh-based Danny Lee advises mid-market PE houses on UK-wide deals, while Andrew Mills, who joined from MJ Hudson in May 2023, provides further secondary market expertise. Promoted to partner in 2023, Alex Lloyd is well-regarded for his work with early-stage companies, while Tim Roberts excels in management-side instructions.

Well regarded for its niche position in insurance-related transactions, RPC is routinely sought out by domestic and multinational management teams. Practice head David Wallis has a broad understanding of UK and US markets, frequently advising on big-ticket leveraged buy-outs and multijurisdictional disposals. Beyond the insurance sector, James Mee advises on transactions in the financial services, tech, retail and sports and leisure spaces, while Jeremy Cunningham is recognised for his wide-ranging cross-border practice. Chris Brierley is a go-to figure for private M&A, while Ben Magahy combines transactional skill with expertise in corporate governance.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises a host of financial sponsors, funds and corporates across a host of sectors, showcasing particular strength in non-performing loan transactions, secondary market deals, and emerging market mandates. Practice head Chris Kilburn is well-placed to advise on complex M&A, particularly in the energy sector. Andy Savage, who is also known for his energy and infrastructure focused work, has an active practice focused on emerging markets, including in Africa, while Daniel Saunders acts for a range of PE houses, venture capitalists, and corporates across numerous industries. Other key figures include Mark Tooke, who handles cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and high-growth deals; Christina Howard, a specialist in the maritime space; and Tony Edwards, who comes recommended for his cross-border practice and considerable understanding of MENA region affairs.

An ‘excellent transatlantic practice with strong ties into continental Europe’, Winston & Strawn LLP handles a growing volume of instructions relating to take-privates, private-to-privates, and carve-outs. The group is jointly led by Paul Amiss and Nicholas Usher, with the former noted as a ‘standout’ partner who expertly handles public M&A, and the latter ‘a perfect deal captain’ for complex, cross-border transactions. Ian Borman's broad remit encompasses debt financing, junior capital transactions, and joint ventures. Other key figures include Mohima Khanom, a crucial supporting presence across a number of domestic and multijurisdictional deals.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s nationwide practice leverages its M&A, finance, tax, and regulatory expertise to advise a diverse range of investors, management teams, and corporates. Simon Pilling has a strong private M&A practice, undertaking extensive work for LDC and its portfolio companies. Tom Fitzpatrick regularly advises on deals in the financial services, insurance and real estate sectors, while Ben Butler is the key contact for many of the firm’s top PE outfits. James Cook has longstanding experience advising management teams in connection with PE investments, while Alex Fergus provides extensive corporate finance expertise on a number of mandates. David Ridley also comes recommended for his handling of management buyouts and understanding of the energy sector.