Drawing superlative praise from a litany of clients, Linklaters LLP has a near-unrivalled reputation for blockbuster public company deals, working with dozens of FTSE 100 entities on a wealth of multi-billion pound transactions. Global corporate head Simon Branigan manages a number of the firm’s most consequential client relationships, with recent highlights including acquisitions and disposals in the consumer goods, mining, and software sectors. Owen Clay – another key relationship partner for a diverse roster of market-leading corporates – possesses considerable expertise in conventional energy matters, as well as in TMT and manufacturing deals. Dan Schuster-Woldan is principally noted for his insurance sector acumen. Spearheading the team’s fintech offering, UK ring-fencing regime expert Fionnghuala Griggs is sought out by numerous financial institutions for her capabilities in multi-jurisdictional M&A and consortium deals. Derek Tong, who chairs the UK tech department, continues to handle high-value, cross-border matters, including strategic acquisitions and multi-jurisdictional carve-outs. Sarah Flaherty is set to leave the practice for Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP, while Nick Rumsby is set to leave for Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Jessamy Gallagher  has moved to Paul Hastings LLP.

Trusted by more than two thirds of the FTSE 100, Slaughter and May remains the preeminent public company advisor for premium deals, acting on impressive array of divestitures, acquisitions, de-mergers, and buyouts – both domestic and international in nature. The corporate and M&A practice is now jointly led by Simon Nicholls and Richard Smith, who recently succeeded the heavyweight duo of Andy Ryde and Roland Turnill. The firm is routinely engaged on multi-billion pound transactions across a multitude of sectors, ranging from insurance to consumer goods. Senior partner Steve Cooke ’s far-reaching expertise is especially concentrated in takeover bids, while David Johnson ’s recent highlights include major transatlantic demergers and subsequent LSE main market listings. Simon Nicholls is recommended for his broad cross-border M&A capabilities, most recently for clients in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors. Commercial contracts specialist Victoria MacDuff is particularly noted for her capabilities in financial services, TMT, and real estate deals, while data privacy co-chair Rebecca Cousin‘s recent engagements include high-value transactions in the energy and financial services sectors. Sally Wokes maintains a wide-ranging practice, advising high-profile clients from the worlds of tech, retail, energy, and infrastructure. Robert Innes co-chairs the tech transactions group, while the ‘truly impressive’ James Cook – who was promoted to partner in May 2021 – often advises on multi-jurisdictional transactions concerning emerging markets.

In the wake of an impressive run which has seen the team advising the likes of Telefónica, Cellnex, and Chrysaor Holdings on market-leading transactions, Clifford Chance LLP continues to handle numerous multi-billion pound deals for an impressive range of financial sponsors and FTSE 350 corporates. Practice co-chair Melissa Fogarty‘s recent highlights include big-ticket telecoms acquisitions and multi-jurisdictional divestitures in the financial services sector, while  consultant Tim Lewis‘ takeover expertise has seen him handling major cross-border deals for leading multinational insurers. A number of leading banks and retailers routinely turn to David Pudge for assistance in public takeovers and stock exchange matters. Steven Fox‘s comprehensive sector focus sees him handling public and private M&A work for a mix of international corporations, investment banks, and financial institutions. Gareth Camp is noted for his expertise in healthcare, consumer goods, and retail sector deals, while Katherine Moir‘s cross-border capabilities encompass public acquisitions, take-privates, and combinations. David Lewis left the practice in January 2022.

Fielding one of the deepest benches outside the Magic Circle, Latham & Watkins handles a considerable volume of cross-border deals for a sterling roster of blue-chip UK and global corporations. Over the past year, the US firm's London office has added a number of household names to its UK M&A client list, ranging from multinational telecom providers to steel manufacturers. Practice co-chair Richard Butterwick is a highly experienced specialist in public takeovers, advising a litany of entities from the worlds of chemicals, technology, and healthcare. Co-chair Farah O’Brien helms many of the London office’s most high-value transactions, with recent highlights including transatlantic and Europe-wide divestitures for media companies and asset management firms. Global M&A co-chair Ed Barnett is widely regarded for his abilities in cross-border transactions in the consumer goods, technology, entertainment, and sports sectors, while Nick Cline ‘s recent engagements include multi-billion pound telecoms acquisitions. Sam Newhouse‘s wide-ranging public and private M&A expertise ensures that he is consistently engaged by some of the world’s biggest companies on a host of strategically significant deals. The ‘excellent’ Robbie McLaren focuses on cross-border deals for clients in life sciences, healthcare, and tech. Emily Cridland is equally recommended for her capabilities across the pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare sectors.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP‘s ascendant London team is consolidating its strong position in the market, working with a burgeoning roll call of FTSE 100 blue-chips on an ever more lucrative volume of cross-border M&A transactions. The practice’s combined US and English law capabilities, and position in capital markets-driven deals makes the firm a strong choice for a diverse roster of companies operating in the worlds of tech, retail, transport, energy, and media – among others. Practice co-chair Scott Hopkins continues to underscore his reputation as one of the leading UK deal advisors, with recent highlights including multi-billion pound joint acquisitions and divestitures in the consumer goods and real estate arenas. Global transactional co-chair Lorenzo Corte‘s recent run has seen him handling blockbuster de-SPAC transactions for major energy and biotech players, while Bruce Embley has been focused on major transnational deals in the logistics and telecoms sectors. The highly rated George Knighton has been at the helm of big-ticket financial services and insurance M&A, whereas Simon Toms is particularly noted for the depth of his fintech and media expertise. Following her promotion to partner last year, Ani Kusheva has handled cross-border transactions and public takeovers for clients in the manufacturing sector, an area in which associate Sarah Knapp also excels. Hugely influential global transactions head Scott Simpson sadly passed away in May 2022.

Macfarlanes LLP draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘creativity‘ and  ‘invaluable strategic advice‘ in big-ticket, cross-border transactions. The team has recently advised on a number of multi-billion pound transatlantic deals in the pharmaceutical and tech sectors, driven by the highly regarded international specialist Harry Coghill. Practice chair Howard Corney is a key port of call for various investors, family offices, and business seeking assistance in cross-border M&A – particularly in deals with an African dimension. Justin Hope is reputed for his capabilities in transactions involving asset-backed entities, while Tom Rose is lauded for his far-reaching transatlantic expertise – most recently fielding instructions from multinational tech companies and manufacturers. Associate Emma Bailey also comes highly recommended.

Noted for its capabilities at the intersection of private equity and M&A, the ‘remarkable’ Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP handles a formidable volume of high-value deals for some of the world’s foremost listed corporates and financial sponsors. London M&A head David Avery-Gee enjoys a stellar reputation as one of the market’s premier EMEA transactional lawyers, helming blockbuster transactions in a myriad of sectors, including e-commerce, pharmaceutical, and natural resources. Following his arrival in April 2021, Murray Cox has fast established himself as a prolific advisor, handling a diverse array of multi-billion pound takeover bids, acquisitions, and divestitures. Managing partner Mike Francies continues to handle big-ticket, cross-border deals, most recently for clients in the electric vehicle and financial services arenas. Max Oppenheimer is also recommended. 

Roundly praised by a diverse lineup of blue-chip clients, the ‘high-calibre’ corporate practice at Hogan Lovells International LLP leverages its significant transatlantic expertise to advise on a range of big-ticket, cross-border deals. Under the leadership of Patrick Sarch - whose personal recent engagements include billion-dollar investment transactions in the fintech space - the team advises on high-value transactions for clients in the retail, tech, media, real estate, and financial services sectors. Sarah Shaw, who co-chairs the firm’s energy and natural resources sector group, routinely helms multi-jurisdictional matters for various key industry players throughout Europe and the Far East. The ‘meticulous’ Jonathan Russell specialises in cross-border financial services and insurance M&A, while Tom Brassington is comparably well regarded for his capabilities in the life sciences and healthcare arenas. The ‘dedicated, nimble, and proactive‘ John Connell is recommended for his adeptness in financial services deals. Ben Higson left the practice in November 2022.

Steered by EMEA head Raj Karia, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s ‘outstanding’ team is well regarded for the depth of its international network and capabilities in big-ticket transactions – most notably in the energy space. Global banking head Alan Bainbridge works with a number of financial institutions on strategic deals, with noteworthy recent engagements related to the aviation and infrastructure sectors. Paul Whitelock – who co-chairs the public M&A group – and the ‘brilliant’ Kit McCarthy are recommended for their expertise in LSE Main Market and AIM takeovers, while the ‘fantastic’ Jon Perry’s capabilities are concentrated in food, commodities, and mining. A host of issuers and investment banks regularly turn to Fiona Millington for assistance in cross-border sponsor transactions, whereas Bayo Odubeko is a key port of call for high-value emerging market deals across the worlds of oil and gas, financial services, and telecoms.

Travers Smith LLP's 'strong technical knowledge' and expertise in public takeovers makes it a firm favourite for dozens of FTSE250 listed clients from the worlds of technology, infrastructure, and financial services. Corporate head Spencer Summerfield anchors the practice's infrastructure offering, with recent noteworthy engagements including transatlantic take-privates and strategic disposals. M&A and ECM chief Andrew Gillen works with a sizeable international clientele on cross-border transactions and inbound investment matters, while UK Takeover Code expert Richard Spedding is regularly called upon for assistance in private M&A and demergers. Tom Coulter's comprehensive transactional focus encompasses cross-border joint ventures, IPOs, mergers - particularly in the media sector. Senior associate Hugh Hutchison comes highly recommended for infrastructure-based private M&A projects.

Leveraging its reputation as a ‘powerhouse global firm’, White & Case LLP‘s corporate practice possesses a deep bench of advisors who routinely helm high-stakes cross-border deals. Steered by healthcare and infrastructure specialist Philip Broke, the practice is additionally well regarded for its capabilities in the energy and financial services sectors. Allan Taylor, who co-chairs the EMEA corporate practice, anchors the practice’s natural resources offering – working with a mix of oil, gas, and mining companies on acquisitions, divestitures, and IPOs. Margot Lindsay is similarly recommended for her oil and gas sector acumen, as well as her capabilities in infrastructure and healthcare deals. Variously praised by clients, the ‘first-class’ Guy Potel heads up the global fintech practice group, while Tom Matthews spearheads the firm’s EMEA shareholder activism practice. A litany of domestic and international banks routinely turn to Hyder Jumabhoy for representation in the full scope of corporate transactions, ranging from M&A to joint ventures and multi-jurisdictional restructurings. Associate Sonica Tolani also comes recommended. Mining and metals specialist David Lewis joined in January 2022 from Clifford Chance LLP.

Akin is well regarded by a stellar mix of investment funds, financial institutions and corporates for its capabilities in international, private equity-driven corporate transactions. Practice co-chair Shaun Lascelles is a highly experienced cross-border advisor who specialises in energy sector deals involving emerging markets – most notably in the oil and gas space. Fellow co-chair Gavin Weir is highly rated for his broad public and private M&A expertise, encompassing financial services, technology, and life sciences. Public takeover expert Harry Keegan works with a strong mix of financial sponsors on numerous emerging market deals, whereas Weyinmi Popo focuses on Africa-focused private equity sponsors, family offices, and other strategic investors. Simon Rootsey is active across both African and Latin American jurisdictions, working regularly on hydrocarbon and life sciences deals. In December 2021, the team was bolstered by the arrival of buyout specialist Stephen Brown from Icon Law.

The ‘outstanding‘ Greenberg Traurig, LLP draws considerable praise for the ‘impressive‘ quality of its partner-led London offering, particularly in the life sciences, financial services, and gaming sectors. The practice is jointly helmed by the firm’s vice chair Paul Maher and London managing shareholder Fiona Adams, both of whom are reputed for the breadth of their transactional expertise. Henrietta Walker routinely works with leading multinationals on cross-border deals, most recently for blue-chip car manufacturers and telecoms providers. Clients rate the ‘technically excellent’ Joel Wheeler for his extensive multi-jurisdictional capabilities, while Sarah Moyles is sought out by a litany of players from the worlds of telecoms, real estate, finance, and professional services.

Fielding a ‘very strong, partner-led service’ and ‘key international offering’, Jones Day is regularly sought out by some of the world’s largest companies, asset managers, and finance players for big-ticket transactions. The team is particularly well regarded for its capabilities in public takeover bids, driven largely by the efforts of the ‘fantastic’ Leon Ferera and former UK Takeover Panel case officer William McDonald. EMEA M&A chair Vica Irani is a highly prolific advisor who regularly works with a varied roster of clients on multi-jurisdictional transactions. Giles Elliott ‘s recent highlights include transatlantic M&A deals in the manufacturing and real estate sectors, while Julian Runnicles often handles healthcare, life sciences, and energy matters.

Roundly praised for their knowledge and expertise, the fast-growing team at Milbank works closely with the firm’s robust international network on a diverse mix of multi-billion dollar deals. The highly experienced practice co-chair Mark Stamp is especially well-versed in transactions with a strong Greek or Cypriot dimension, while fellow co-chair Lisa O’Neill is regularly engaged by a mix of listed corporates, international energy companies, and investment funds. Andrej Wolf is noted for his expertise in upper mid-market private equity deals and growth capital investments, handling transactions for clients invested in IT, aviation, sport, and real estate. The team’s lateral hiring streak continued with the arrival of Andrea Hamilton, an antitrust and FDI expert who worked for McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP until December 2021. Special counsel Andrew Reilly is recommended for his wide-ranging corporate finance acumen.

Drawing on its robust international footprint, Paul Hastings LLP‘s London team consistently advises on high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions for a broad sweep of companies from the worlds of telecoms, energy, software, sports, and entertainment. Steven Bryan runs the team’s energy, natural resources, and infrastructure desk, while Ronan O’Sullivan‘s comprehensive transactional capabilities see him handling deals for clients in biotechnology, industrial engineering, and the leisure sector. Matthew Poxon‘s reputation for transatlantic M&A ensures that he is regularly sought out by some of the world’s leading corporates and financial institutions. Senior associate David Prowse is also recommended. Jessamy Gallagher  has now joined from Linklaters LLP.

Shearman & Sterling LLP has continued to build out its London offering, bringing in corporate finance specialist Magaen Morrison from Hogan Lovells International LLP in March 2022 and making the TMT and energy focused Richard Porter up to partner. Global private capital head Paul Strecker is a prolific transactional lawyer whose multiple qualifications (England & Wales, New York, California, and Hong Kong) make him ideally positioned to represent a diverse roster of clients in high-stakes, cross-border deals. Nick Withers’ broad capabilities sees him handling all manner of work, with recent highlights including high-value disposals in the mining, shipping, and insurance sectors. Senior associate Isla Smith is also recommended. Philip Cheveley left the practice to join Sidley Austin LLP in February 2023. Former Europe and Middle East M&A head Laurence Levy has now retired.

Sidley Austin LLP‘s ‘winning combination of technical expertise and deep knowledge of the market‘ makes the firm a strong choice for a diverse roster of corporates, ranging from pharmaceutical companies and consumer goods conglomerates to asset managers. Practice chair Thomas Thesing‘s recent highlights include multi-jurisdictional acquisitions for leading food companies and e-commerce platforms, while Lyndsey Laverack anchors the team’s real estate investment-focused offering – helming high-profile deals for a mix of leading industry players. James Wood focuses on cross-border deals in the life sciences, telecom, and technology sectors, and is particularly well-versed in matters with a strong Asian dimension. Senior associate Ed Perry is also recommended. Life sciences specialist Robert Darwin joined the team from Dechert LLP in March 2022.

Dechert LLP‘s growing London team draws praise from a host of regulated corporates, banks, and investment firms its capabilities in high-value transactions. Practice co-chair Christopher Field‘s ‘excellent intellect’ makes him a key contact for some of the firm’s most significant financial services clients, who turn to him for his far-reaching expertise in multi-billion dollar, cross-border M&A. Douglas Getter‘s focus on international transactions sees him handling a significant volume of big-ticket mandates, most recently for clients in the tech, banking, and manufacturing sectors. Sean Geraghty is chiefly recognised for his TMT credentials, whereas Ross Montgomery – who was promoted to partner in January 2022 – has played critical roles in strategic telecoms divestitures and infrastructure investment transactions. Notable recent additions include PE transactional specialists Mark Thompson and Sam Whittaker, who joined the team from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP – arriving in July 2021 and August 2021, respectively.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s corporate and securities practice is noted for its proficiency in cross-border transactions, working with a litany of renowned entities from the worlds of manufacturing, tech, financial services, and media and entertainment. The ‘impressive’ Kate Ball-Dodd is regularly engaged on the full scope of corporate finance and M&A deals, including public takeovers and joint ventures. Richard Page ‘s expertise is concentrated in the real estate, private equity, and TMT sectors, while Tim Nosworthy ‘s deep knowledge of the funds space makes him a key contact for various asset managers and institutional investors. Rebecca Bothamley – who also heads up the transactional liability practice – frequently helms transatlantic deals for all manner of clients.

Fielding a highly regarded bench of London partners who work closely with the firm’s international offices, Morrison Foerster‘s wide-ranging tech and venture capital expertise ensures that the team is sought out by numerous established corporates and deal sponsors. Singled out for his wealth of expertise, the ‘fantastic’ Andrew Boyd is particularly well-versed in tech, food, and financial sector matters, working with an assortment of household names on major strategic deals. Gary Brown draws similarly superlative praise, especially when it comes to cross-border tech M&A and private equity-driven investment transactions. The seasoned Dan Coppel focuses on tech, manufacturing, and energy mandates, while Simon Arlington notably handles biotech and pharmaceutical M&A, and Stuart Alford works with a global portfolio of tech entities. Amit Kataria left the firm in 2022.

Steered by the highly experienced global PE and M&A co-chair Steven Davis, Proskauer Rose LLP is rated for both its ‘unparalleled sector expertise‘ and interdisciplinary approach to high-value transactions across the financial, TMT, and professional services arenas. The ‘excellent‘ Andrew Wingfield is especially well regarded for his adeptness in banking and insurance M&A, while Adam Creed is a frequent port of call for many leading private equity firms and asset managers. Associate Matt Clift advises on a wide range of matters, from sovereign wealth fund-driven buyouts to sports sector transactions. Private equity M&A specialist Rebecca Villarreal joined the team from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in June 2021.