A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession 2012: Private Equity

On an annual basis, Chambers & Partners conducts extensive research and analysis in compiling its objective list of talent available at the highest level of UK legal practice. Its research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.

In Chambers' 2012 review of legal talent in the area of Private Equity, our Firm is listed among the best in the UK.

Chambers' comments:

Private Equity: Buyouts

UK-wide Ranking: Tier 4

The Firm: This international firm is praised for the commerciality of its private equity practice, which represents a range of major clients including Apax, Change Capital and Oaktree Capital Management. The team recently handled Sun European Partners' acquisition of Alcan Beauty Packaging from Rio Tinto.

Commercial Awareness: "The team is commercial and sharp with excellent current market knowledge."

Key Individuals: Graham White represents a range of private equity houses and is described by sources as "pragmatic, straightforward and commercial." He advises CVC and CCMP on transactional matters. His colleague James Learner recently advised Apollo Management on a debt-for-equity swap of Gala Coral Group. Matthew Hurlock is praised by clients who say "the quality of his work is excellent." He represented Bain Capital on Hg Capital's purchase of Teamsystems. Highly regarded practitioner Gavin Gordon recently joined the firm from Ashurst.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession 2012 — www.chambersandpartners.com.