The World's Leading Lawyers 2001-2002: Private Equity: Buyouts: New York

On an annual basis, Chambers & Partners conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling their objective list of recommended worldwide legal practitioners. In the regional review of leading firms in "Private Equity: Buyouts: New York," Kirkland & Ellis ranked fourth.  This ranking reflects the opinion of the marketplace as revealed by Chambers' systematic and objective research.

 

Kirk Radke, corporate partner in Kirkland's New York office, was selected as a leading individual in this area.

 

Chambers' comments:

 

The firm now boasts "a sizeable New York presence," which is thought to have cast off the shadow of its hugely prominent Chicago operation. Considered to be "a firm built on private equity," it is "devoted" to buyouts, and offers advice on 'cradle to grave' fund formation and leveraged acquisitions. The team has been commended by its rivals for extending its clientele from smaller venture funds to broad-based financial houses including Vestar and Citicorp. Overseas investment, particularly in Asia and Western Europe is a growth area for the practice, while the firm's West Coast office has also profited from the recent wave of hi-tech funds.

The "talented" Kirk Radke remains "the most prominent" of this large team. Held to be "a great guy to work with," he is the department's transactional mainstay.

Clients: Bain Capital; Vestar; Thomas H. Lee Company; Bear Stearns; Corner Stone Equity; CitiCorp Venture Capital.