Huw Thomas > Latham & Watkins > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Latham & Watkins fields a ‘very sharp and thoughtful’ team that is well-positioned to assist clients in all-manner of corporate transactions, particularly across the tech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and leisure sectors. Praised for its ‘strength and depth at all levels‘, the group leverages its strong platform for international transactions and is increasingly active in regulated public company deals. Practice co-head Richard Butterwick  has a proven track record of working on complex, cross-border M&A, with a specific focus on Takeover Code law. Fellow co-chair Huw Thomas is noted for his experience advising on UK and international private equity and M&A transactions, joint ventures, and restructurings. Edward Barnett is a key port of call for global companies seeking assistance in complex M&A transactions, while Nick Cline engages in UK and international cross-border M&A, particularly in the energy, media, tech, and financial services sectors. A litany of multinational companies, financial investors and financial institutions turn to vice chair Sam Newhouse, who specialises in big-ticket, cross-border transactions across the UK, US, Africa and India. Farah O’Brien is recommended for her work with later stage growth-investors, sponsors and their portfolio companies.

Latham & Watkins‘ diverse and multi-specialist PE practice boasts an impressive list of market-leading financial sponsors and considerable sector coverage. Over the past year, the firm has handled a significant flow of UK take-privates, cross-border M&A, carve-outs, and disposals – many within the sports, fintech and life sciences spaces. Practice head Tom Evans is a highly proficient adviser who works with funds and financial investors across M&A, minority investments and disposals. Fellow co-head Thomas Forschbach is particularly well-regarded for his cross-border leveraged buyout work and is a key port-of-call to a host of international PE outfits. Mike Bond, a close adviser to Onex Partners, handles a number of consequential UK and European deals, while Paul Dolman, who possesses ‘great deal management skills’, has a strong track record in complex cross-border public to privates, restructurings, and leveraged acquisitions. Noted for his wide-ranging coverage, Kem Ihenacho handles international PE transactions for some of the firm’s largest global investment firm clients. David Walker ‘has a wealth of experience to bring to bear’ across a number of transactions, and Farah O’Brien’s tech and life sciences expertise ensures she’s sought out by an array of large and mid-cap sponsors. Linzi Thomas is a further name for cross-border M&A and PE work, while Huw Thomas is noted by clients as a ‘balanced and considerate thinker’. Katie Peek has increasingly taken a leading role advising premium PE houses and infrastructure funds on multi-billion dollar disposals and exits. Mateja Maher and Adrian Grocock joined from Sidley Austin LLP in August 2023, further bolstering the team’s investment fund capabilities.