Mr Gavin Weir > Akin > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Noted for its broad coverage of emerging markets, Akin is engaged on a diverse range of both upper and middle-market work – particularly for clients (both sponsors and portfolio companies) involved in tech and natural resources. The practice is jointly chaired by a several partners: Shaun Lascelles, a prolific adviser who regularly handles PE transactions in the oil and gas sectors; Gavin Weir, whose focus includes tech and life sciences;  Stephen Brown, experienced in PE employment law and management equity matters; and Sebastian Rice, who oversees both the London and Hong Kong offices. Other names to note include David Sewell, whose recent engagements include acquisitions for sponsors engaged in the financial services sector. Weyinmi Popo left the firm to join Asafo & Co. in March 2023.

The ‘professional, responsive and business orientated’ team at Akin has a client roster that features global corporates and financial institutions. Known for its presence in emerging markets, the team is well-versed in advising on investment portfolio matters for fund clients including complex and high-value multi-jurisdictional transactions. Leading the team are a trio of lawyers including Sebastian Rice, whose practice involves M&A, equity capital markets and private equity, the ‘very commercial’ Shaun Lascelles, also co-head of the firm’s project and energy transition practice, and the ‘excellent’ Gavin Weir, who has ‘deep knowledge of the market’ particularly in relation to financial services, technology and life sciences M&A. Focusing on both private equity and M&A transactions is Simon Rootsey, particularly across the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, while public and private M&A practitioner Harry Keegan, who is an expert in takeovers, is highly knowledgeable about corporate transactions from a financial advisor’s perspective. Weyinmi Popo left the firm in March 2023 to join ASAFO & Co.