Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP Offices
22 Bishopsgate
London
EC2N 4BQ
England
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 1
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP’s London international arbitration group comprises ‘very smart, dedicated group of individuals who can turn around a great pleading at a moment’s notice’. The practice encompasses both commercial and investor-state disputes, while the team conducts its own advocacy for international arbitrations. Leading the Europe international litigation and arbitration group, Kate Davies KC is an international commercial and investment treaty arbitration specialist; David Kavanagh KC, is a ‘superb tactician‘; Daniel Gal KC has extensive experience in commercial arbitration and investment treaty disputes; and Bruce Macaulay‘s practice incorporates international arbitration work. At counsel level, Nicholas Adams‘ workload covers ad hoc arbitrations; and Devika Khopkar is experienced in investor-state arbitrations, as well as India-related claims. The associate to note is international commercial arbitration practitioner Peter Beaumont.Practice head(s):
Kate Davies KC
Other key lawyers:
David Kavanagh KC; Daniel Gal KC; Bruce Macaulay; Nicholas Adams; Devika Khopkar; Peter Beaumont; Sym Hunt – Brady; Max Szymanski
Testimonials
‘Devastatingly brilliant minds, strategic approach to disputes, and methodical. Expensive but worth it.’
‘David Kavanagh KC has a gift for capturing an argument in a way that sells it to adjudicators. Deep understanding of the law that he can translate into a compelling argument. Superb tactician.‘
‘David Kavanagh KC and Max Szymanski and provide valuable strategic input and are completely responsive to clients’ needs.’
‘Daniel Gal KC is a very experienced, client-focused partner. He provides hands-on leadership for complex, commercially-sensitive disputes.’
‘A very smart, dedicated group of individuals, who can turn around a great pleading at a moment’s notice. Real dedication to client service.’
‘They provide a strong partner-led team that provides good commercial advice.’
Key clients
Voimaosakeyhtiö SF
Enka Renewables
Emaar Properties
Binance
Work highlights
- Representing Emaar Properties in a London-seated, Indian law-governed ICC arbitration, arising out of a dispute with an Indian property developer.
- Acting for Voimaosakeyhtiö SF (VSF) in three separate disputes, arising from VSF’s joint venture with Rosatom, the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation.
- Representing Enka Renewables in its $1.5bn dispute over the termination of the Namakhvani Hydro Power Project in the Republic of Georgia.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 2
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP fields a team well regarded for their M&A expertise, with experience in a diverse range of jurisdictions, including Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Team lead James Anderson, praised by clients for his ‘incredible legal and market knowledge‘, handles public and private capital markets matters. Alex Jupp has a broad practice, which includes M&A, restructurings, and tax disputes. Also key are counsel Jisun Choi, who has broad transactions experience and key expertise in the insurance sector, and international tax specialist Joseph Hone, who was promoted to European counsel in 2023. Associate Elizabeth Spencer covers international corporate, capital markets, and fund matters.Practice head(s):
James Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘James Anderson has incredible legal and market knowledge, tremendous structuring ability and commercial sense.’
‘They know their stuff, are timely, always available and creative.’
Key clients
Pfizer Inc.
Odyssey Acquisition S.A.
Gyroscope Therapeutics
Central Group and Signa
Refresco Group BV
Spotify A.B.
Michael Foreman as Plan Administrator for CFG Peru Singapore
Adobe Inc
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Capital Z Partners Management, LLC
Further Global Capital Management
ASDA Group Limited
Atlas Investissement
Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
Jane Street
Willis Towers Watson plc
Visa
Phoenix Group Holdings
Netflix
The Coca-Cola Company
Amazon
Iceland Foods
Work highlights
- Advised Pfizer Inc. on the tax aspects of the demerger from GSK plc and listing of newly independent company Haleon plc.
- Advised Odyssey Acquisition S.A., a SPAC, on the tax aspects of its $1.7 billion combination with AI drug discovery company BenevolentAI.
- Advised Gyroscope Therapeutics in relation to the tax aspects of its acquisition by Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG for up to $1.5 billion.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 2
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP provides the ‘highest levels of excellent service’ according to clients, with an integrated transatlantic offering of English and US law, experience across a variety of M&A matters and Takeover Code expertise. The practice has been expanding its remit with FTSE 100-listed companies and offers multi-faceted support on transactions through strong capabilities in shareholder activism, antitrust, foreign investment, white collar crime and regulatory risk. Team leaders include global transactions head Lorenzo Corte, an expert in cross-border transactions, contested takeovers, de-SPAC transactions and corporate governance work, and UK corporate co-heads George Knighton, who is known for his broad experience in M&A, private equity and restructuring transactions and private equity specialist Katja Butler . Other key players include public M&A specialist Scott Hopkins, who is well-versed in advising companies on legal and regulatory responsibilities, and the ‘superlative’ Simon Toms, who specialises in the technology, fintech, media and telecoms sectors . John Adebiyi offers extensive knowledge and advice in relation to UK national security aspects of M&A and private equity transactions. ‘Go-to partner’ Bruce Embley regularly handles work for a range of client including international corporations and financial sponsors while Denis Klimentchenko regularly handles M&A and corporate financings. Ani Kusheva has significant experience in public company takeovers, joint ventures and private equity transactions. Counsel Sarah Knapp handles cross-border corporate transactions. The team continues to grow in terms of its client roster and bench strength, and notably added insurance M&A specialist Robert Chaplin from Slaughter and May in late 2022. Chaplin has a transactional and advisory insurance offering with extensive experience in matters involving insurers, portfolio companies, financial sponsors and private capital-owned vehicles.Practice head(s):
Lorenzo Corte – global head of transactions; Katja Butler; George Knighton – co-heads of UK corporate
Other key lawyers:
Simon Toms; John Adebiyi; Denis Klimentchenko; Bruce Embley; Ani Kusheva; Sarah Knapp; Robert Chaplin; Sandro de Bernardini; Patrick Tsitsaros; Anxin Hua; Scott Hopkins
Testimonials
‘Highest levels of excellent service across all material legal disciplines and relevant jurisdictions, with diverse and engaged teams. Many law firms spend a lot of time telling you about their “high performance culture” but with the Skadden team, you don’t hear these sorts of platitudes, you get to witness it on a daily basis.’
‘Simon Toms is a superlative sponsor lawyer, he knows the ins and outs of all things M&A, as well as the other disciplines that matter (tax, regulatory, finance, executive compensation, etc.). He is one of our two go-to partners in London. The other being Bruce Embley who is equally as talented, with extraordinary negotiating and people skills to boot. He anticipates the moves three steps down the chess board, making our life substantially more efficient. Bruce and Simon are a pleasure to deal with, finding creative solutions to consequential challenges, allowing us to exploit opportunities without bearing undue risk. Patrick Tsitsaros is another fantastic lawyer on the Skadden team. He is partner quality at any law firm, and unflappable under pressure, a real rising star. Anxin Hua is one of the best associates I have seen in three decades of practice.’
Key clients
Central Group and Signa
Tom Ford International
Gyroscope Therapeutics
Refresco Group BV
Spotify
BillerudKorsnäs AB
ASDA
Wejo
The shareholders of MiQ Digital Limited, including the founders of the company and ECI Partners
Waldencast Acquisition Corp
Sylvamo Corporation
International Paper Company
Adobe Inc.
VGL Group
SP Plus Corporation
The Middleby Corporation
Davidson Kempner European Partners, LLP
Fortress Investment Group LLC
RfXcel Corporation
The Sage Group plc
Work highlights
- Advised Thailand’s Central Group and the Austrian property company Signa, on their joint £3.8 billion acquisition of the UK-based department store chain Selfridges.
- Advising Tom Ford International and its affiliated licensing company on the $2.8 billion sale of the TOM FORD fashion brand to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
- Advised Gyroscope Therapeutics in relation to its acquisition by Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG for up to $1.5 billion.
Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 2
At Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP, ‘the team covers all aspects of DCM work and is very professional in how it deals with even the most complex structures‘. The firm acts for issuers, underwriters and many other market participants in complex, cross-border deals, notably Yankee bonds, and it has considerable English and US law capability in the London office. ‘We have been impressed with the thoroughness of the document production and their proactive project management‘, says a client of the practice led by European head of capital markets Danny Tricot, who recently acted for world-leading medical technology business Becton, Dickinson and Company on the establishment of its its $2.75bn multi-currency euro commercial paper programme. US capital markets partner James McDonaldand associate James Michelson, who assisted Tricot with Nokia’s €700m tender offer for notes issued under its EMTN programme, are key players in the practice.Practice head(s):
Danny Tricot
Other key lawyers:
James Michelson; Pranav Trivedi; James MacDonald
Testimonials
‘The team covers all aspects of DCM work and is very professional in how it deals with even the most complex structures.’
‘We have been impressed with the thoroughness of the document production by the team, and their proactive project management.’
‘Danny Tricot is top class.’
‘Danny Tricot has been very hands-on and available to provide views and analysis. James Michelson has handled document production very well.’
Key clients
Ashtead Group plc
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Nokia Corporation
Pfizer Inc.
Antares Vision S.p.A
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc
Telegram Group Inc.
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc
Stevanato Group
Goldman Sachs
J.P. Morgan
Citigroup Global Markets Europe
Work highlights
- Advised Becton, Dickinson and Company, a world leading medical technology company, on the establishment of its $2.75 billion multicurrency euro commercial paper programme and the upsize of its United States commercial paper programme to $2.75 billion.
- Advised Nokia Corporation on a successful tender offer for €700 million of its existing Notes issued under its €5,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme and on a new issue of €500 million of Notes due 2031.
- Advised the dealers, J.P. Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank, on the establishment of the State of Qatar’s Global Medium Term Note Programme.
Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP has an established presence in the transactional space, advising on a number of high-profile and significant corporate and financial deals for private equity, brokerage, and insurance carrier clients. The insurance team ‘interact seamlessly with other teams within the firm‘ and has the wider firm’s global footprint to draw upon to assist in major mandates across the UK and the US. The firm’s reputation in the insurance sector has been enhanced by the hire of Robert Chaplin from Slaughter and May in October 2022, bringing his ‘many years of top tier experience in the insurance space, a brain the size of a planet and an impressive ability to translate legal complexity into a practical way forward on complex insurance regulatory issues.‘ He joins Robert Stirling, who has an established reputation in insurance and asset management work.Practice head(s):
Robert Chaplin; Robert Stirling
Other key lawyers:
Ben Lyon
Testimonials
‘Robert Chaplin has unrivalled knowledge in this sector.’
‘The Insurance team are subject matter experts, even when compared to their peers. Their familiarity within the market help to achieve commercial objectives in a compliant way where other firms may not be able to find solutions. What stands out at Skadden is the way in which the Insurance team interact seamlessly with other teams within the firm. This may seem a given but their Associates work very closely with other teams outside of their direct expertise in order to create a greater understanding of when other expertise is required. It is not always as obvious as it should be and there is a real risk that issues do not get identified. In working much more closely with other teams, this risk is eliminated more effectively than at other firms I’ve dealt with.’
‘Robert Chaplin is a partner adept at understanding the client’s commercial objectives at speed, regardless of how complicated they may be, and developing creative solutions in order to meet them where others may struggle to do so.’
‘Excellent corporate insurance team with an ability to cut through complexity and deliver clear, pragmatic, commercial advice. First class updates on topical issues by way of client podcasts covering key issues in an accessible style.’
‘Robert Chaplin has many years of top tier experience in the insurance space, a brain the size of a planet and an impressive ability to translate legal complexity into a practical way forward on complex insurance regulatory issues.’
‘Extremely responsive, with a commercial approach. Good understanding of the market demonstrated across the team.’
‘Rob Stirling is strong on negotiating, taking a pragmatic and commercially minded approach. Rob Chaplin is technically impressive.’
Key clients
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Phoenix Group Holdings plc
Argo Group International Holdings Ltd
Acrisure, LLC
Willis Towers Watson plc
JAB Holding Company S.à.r.l.
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
Sompo International Holdings Ltd.
Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited
First Central Group Limited
Intact Financial Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium as lead equity investors in Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited’s newly created $3 billion premium Managing General Underwriter.
- Advised JAB Holding Company S.à.r.l. on its acquisition of a majority stake in CardifPinnacle Insurance plc from BNP Paribas Cardif.
- Advised the board of directors of Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. on the $125million sale of Argo Underwriting Agency Limited and its Lloyd Syndicate 1200 to Westfield.
Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2
Corporate heavyweight Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP advises on the governance aspects of high-profile domestic and international M&A deals, as well as providing strategic advice to boards of directors, and advice around corporate disclosure, activism and listing issues. George Knighton heads the team and is well versed in advising on public and private M&A, as well as private equity transactions and governance issues. Scott Hopkins is strong in cross-border deals, regulatory responsibilities, and directors’ duties and liability issues, while Simon Toms, another corporate practitioner, is experienced in the tech, fintech, media and telecoms sectors. Elizabeth Robertson is a contact for white-collar crime and investigations.Practice head(s):
George Knighton
Other key lawyers:
Louise Batty; Scott Hopkins; Simon Toms; Elizabeth Robertson
Key clients
ASDA Group Limited/ Bellis Acquisition Company
FREYR Battery
Convera
EG Group
Janus Henderson plc
DWF Group plc
Phoenix Group Holdings
Nokia Corporation
MJ Gleeson plc
Borr Drilling Limited
DRD Gold Limited
ASML Holding N.V.
Kenon Holdings Ltd
Adevinta AS
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc
Work highlights
- Acting as regular adviser to ASDA Group Limited regarding day-to-day corporate governance arrangements, in addition to advising on its most recent transaction: its $510m acquisition of 132 petrol filling stations from Co-operative Group Limited.
- Advising a FTSE100 company on corporate governance and corporate defence.
- Advising DWF Group plc in connection with the day-to-day operation of its share plan and remuneration arrangements, including in relation to UK corporate governance, regulatory and reporting requirements, and senior personnel matters.
Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2
A recognised leader in the corporate crime and regulatory space, the Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP team uses its European offices and strong US practice to deliver bespoke advice regarding multi-jurisdictional criminal investigations conducted by the SFO, US DOJ, and SEC. The ‘first-class’ service covers all aspects of money laundering, corruption, and sanctions issues, along with special expertise assisting corporations with developing and enhancing their compliance programmes. The head, Ryan Junck, is described as a ‘go-to partner’, bringing vast experience handling cross-border financial crime proceedings and knowledge on market abuse matters to the team, while Elizabeth Robertson focuses on criminal tax cases and governance issues. Andrew Good is an expert on bribery and corruption affairs, regularly working with US enforcement agencies. European counsel Vanessa McGoldrick concentrates on investigations around corporate misconduct. Counsel Bora Rawcliffe is also noted.Practice head(s):
Ryan Junck
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Elizabeth Robertson is someone I felt I could really trust . Her vast experience and competence is made accessible through her very humble manner and high integrity. She stands out with her ability to make the client feel heard. Vanessa McGoldrick is a stellar counsel, very competent and diligent.’
‘The insight provided by this team to the short and longer term thinking of various US and EU regulators, their processes and other stakeholders is first class. Theses matters are usually nothing but downside if you get them wrong and of the highest priority, Ryan Junck recognises this and acts accordingly.’
‘Ryan Junck is the go-to partner on both sides of the Atlantic. He marshals the Skadden specialists as needed.’
Key clients
A publicly listed energy company
A global telecoms company headquartered in Europe
A global online travel marketplace headquartered in the Netherlands
A global financial institution headquartered in Northern Europe
A UK-listed engineering company
A privately held investment group
A sustainable infrastructure company with operations in Europe, the Americas and Africa
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.
Société Générale
Global tech services company headquartered in Europe
Markel Corporation
LetterOne
Global building materials and solutions company headquartered in Europe
UK-regulated Nordic consulting company
Work highlights
- Representing a special committee of the Board of a publicly listed energy company in connection with a high stakes review of alleged corrupt activities involving the company’s former senior management.
- Assisted a global telecoms company headquartered in Europe with a review of its activities in Iraq and Saudi Arabia following reporting of corruption and other misconduct by a competitor.
- Represented a global online travel marketplace headquartered in the Northern Europe in connection with the review of activity at the company’s subsidiary relating to fraud allegations and the onboarding and verification of certain clients.
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3
Noted for its particular expertise in SPAC and de-SPAC transactions, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP‘s capital markets practice handles the full range of public and private financings, US Rule 144A securities offerings, and listings on major European and US stock exchanges. Danny Tricot leads the team and acts for issuers and underwriters on a broad range of equity and debt transactions. Maria Protopapa is noted, acting for clients in cross-border restructurings and capital market transactions.Practice head(s):
Danny Tricot
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A truly international and diverse team, both in terms of people and competencies, who are able to provide high quality legal advice on both UK and US matters. The team works seamlessly with their other international offices.’
‘Danny Tricot is truly commercial in his approach to law.’
‘Maria Protopapa is close to the perfect associate, delivering consistently solid and timely.’
Key clients
Cool Company Ltd
BillerudKorsnäs AB
FREYR Battery
Borr Drilling Limited
Israel Corporation Limited
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc
Antares Vision
Odyssey Acquisition
Renaissance Securities Limited
Stevanato Group S.p.A
Valar Ventures LLC
Wolt Enterprise
MJ Gleeson plc
Globalworth Real Estate Investments Ltd
Build a Rocket Boy Limited
Phoenix Group Holdings plc
JP Morgan
Goldman Sachs
Work highlights
- Advised Cool Company Ltd. on its dual listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
- Advised FREYR Battery on its first SEC-registered follow-on offering of 23,000,000 Ordinary Shares at a price of $11.50 per share.
- Advised Cool Company Ltd. on its private placement to raise gross proceeds of $270 million, including a primary and a secondary offering.
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 3
Praised by clients for its 'fantastic work ethic and commercial approach', Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP's City private equity practice is engaged by numerous leading buyout houses and portfolio companies for assistance with multi-billion-dollar transactions. Practice head Richard Youle, who also now serves as head of Skadden's London office, continues to handle a range of high-value international deals. Katja Butler - co-head of the UK corporate practice - works with some of the firm's top clients on investment deals and acquisitions, while Bruce Embley leverages his capabilities in M&A to advise on a host of sponsor-side and portfolio company mandates. Steven Hannah is also noted for his active sponsor-focused practice. Further names to note include George Gray and counsel Chetan Sheth, while fellow counsel Alex McCarney joined the team from Latham & Watkins in December 2022.Practice head(s):
Richard Youle
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fantastic work ethic and commercial approach.’
‘Exceptional lawyers and good humans.’
Key clients
Hg
NorStella
The shareholders of MiQ, including the founders of the company and ECI Partners
JAB Holding Company LLC
Castik Capital S.á.r.L.
Waterlogic Group Holdings Limited
Refresco Group BV
Permira Advisers
Continental Grain Company Corp
I Squared Capital
Blackrock
Investindustrial
Work highlights
- Advised Hg on its investment in the IFS and WorkWave businesses. The transaction values IFS and WorkWave at $10 billion and was the first transaction for Hg’s new Saturn 3 fund.
- Advised NorStella, a portfolio company of Hg and Welsh Carson Anderson & Stowe, on its merger with Citeline, a portfolio company of Warburg Pincus LLC, at an enterprise value of $5 billion.
- Advised Castik Capital S.a.r.L. and other shareholders of Waterlogic plc in Waterlogic’s merger with Culligan International.
Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 3
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP (Skadden)’s acts in investment treaty arbitrations involving PIL and treaty interpretation issues. It also houses sanctions experts. David Kavanagh KC represents governments and investors in investment treaty disputes; and Ryan Junck leads the European litigation/controversy practices. Other key practitioners include multi-jurisdictional business crime expert Elizabeth Robertson, investment treaty disputes silk Daniel Gal KC, and European counsel Devika Khopkar, who is experienced in India-related disputes. Kate Davies KC recently joined from A&O Shearman to lead the practice, and Karyl Nairn KC departed to become a deputy High Court judge.Practice head(s):
Kate Davies KC
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Agility Public Warehousing Company KSCP
Vodafone International Holdings
Vodafone Group
NextEra Energy Spain Holdings
Work highlights
- Continued to advise Agility Public Warehousing Company KSCP on potential proceedings for the annulment of a 2021-rendered arbitral award, further to an ICSID case with the Republic of Iraq.
- Continues to represent Vodafone Group in an investment treaty claim against India under the United Kingdom-India BIT.
- Providing sanctions advice to a designated company, working closely with the UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control, and Global Affairs Canada (in relation to the sale of its subsidiaries).
Finance > High yield Tier 3
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP handles a diverse mix of high yield work for lenders and borrowers, private equity sponsors, issuers and underwriters, be it new issuance, bridge financings, leveraged acquisitions, refinancing or recapitalisations. The firm’s integrated M&A and finance practices make leveraged finance a key focus, though the London office is also able to advise on regulatory and compliance matters under both English and US law. European head of capital markets Danny Tricot oversees the firm’s high yield work, for which James McDonald is the standout partner. Tricot assisted Ashtead Group with a $750m notes offering, while McDonald acted for passenger and freight ferry operator Stena on a cash offer for $265m in notes. Pranav Trivedi, whose work includes IPOs, privatisations and cross-border M&A, also plays a key role in high yield bond offerings.Practice head(s):
Danny Tricot
Other key lawyers:
James McDonald; Pranav Trivedi; Noel Hughes
Key clients
BBVA Securities Inc.
BofA Securities, Inc.
JAB Holdings B.V.
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc
BCP Securities, LLC
MUFG Securities Americas Inc.
Ashtead Group plc
Iceland Foods
Santander Investment Securities Inc
Stena AB
Work highlights
- Advised Ashtead Group plc on a $750 million Rule 144A/Regulation S offering of 5.500% senior notes due 2032 by its subsidiary, Ashtead Capital, Inc.
- Advised Stena AB in connection with the cash tender offer by one of its subsidiaries, Stena International S.A., to purchase any and all of Stena International’s 5.75% senior secured notes due 2024, resulting in the purchase of $265 million of the notes.
- Represented BBVA Securities Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., Santander Investment Securities Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., BCP Securities, LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., Rabo Securities USA, Inc. and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. as initial purchasers in a $500 million Rule 144A/Regulation S high-yield offering of 7.750% senior notes due 2026 by Alsea.
Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 4
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP‘s tax controversy team works across Europe and the US on complex cross-border disputes, including EU-wide tax audits, transfer pricing matters, and major commercial disputes between private parties. James Anderson, who is head of the firm’s European tax practice, co-leads the team alongside international arbitration expert David Kavanagh KC. Kate Davies KC and Alex Jupp are further key names.Practice head(s):
James Anderson; Kate Davies KC
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of our business and structure. Finding solutions to difficult technical issues and seeing that advice right through to the end result.’
‘James Anderson – technically excellent, but offers pragmatic and commercial advice/solutions. Reliable and always available’
‘The team has extensive background and expertise in dealing with the taxing authorities. They also are able to call upon the experiences with other taxpayers in our case.’
‘Extremely focused, work is always timely and thorough.’
Key clients
Victaulic
Vodafone
Work highlights
- Advising Victaulic on its appeal against the European Commission’s decision in the “excess profits ruling” cases in Belgium.
- Advised a quantitative trading firm in connection with an advance pricing agreement (APA) on transfer pricing and PE issues for the 2022-2025 period, involving both UK and US tax authorities.
- Advised a health technology company in connection with treaty, audit, settlement and strategic matters relating to a dispute with HMRC over pricing of royalties and financing transactions.
Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 4
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP acts in a number of incentives and remuneration arrangements of corporate transactions, alongside a range of advisory matters which span the day-to-day operation of incentive programmes, renumeration structures and executive appointments and departures. Team head and ‘go-to adviser’ Louise Batty is an expert on mandates that concern cross-border compliance with governance and regulatory rules. Kate Crompton is equipped to advise on the establishment and operation of employee benefit trusts.Practice head(s):
Louise Batty
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Able to support and scale up quickly for urgent requests.’
We couldn’t ask for more from Louise Batty – she has a deep understanding of our incentive arrangements, our needs and our remuneration strategy.’
‘Louise and team continue to be our go-to adviser for all share incentives needs.’
‘Good responsiveness to client concerns and high level of coordination with corporate and US employment teams.’
‘Louise Batty is responsive to client concerns and a quick study on complex issues.’
Key clients
Spotify Technology S.A.
Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.
United Talent Agency
SP Plus Corporation
Barilla Iniziative S.p.A.
Sage Group plc
Unily
The shareholders of MiQ Digital Limited
JAB Holding Company LLC
Visa, Inc.
The Travelers Companies, Inc
Duck Creek Technologies, LLC
DWF Group plc
MJ Gleeson plc
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure
Janus Henderson Group plc
Genesys
Convera
Work highlights
- Advised streaming music platform Spotify Technology S.A. in relation to the incentives aspects of its acquisition of Sonantic Limited.
- Advised Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd on the incentives aspects of the $125m sale of Argo Underwriting Agency Limited and its Lloyd Syndicate 1200 to Westfield Insurance.
- Advised Genesys in connection with a global compliance review of the re-structure and operation of its equity incentive arrangements in 26 jurisdictions.
Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 4
With ‘a great work ethic’, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP provides an ‘exceptional service’, frequently working alongside its corporate and private equity practices, on behalf of a debtor-focused client base that includes both corporates and sponsors. ‘Very commercial‘ team head Pete Coulton ‘fights for what matters’ for his clients and is a popular choice on large cross-border leveraged and event-driven financings, often involving complex financing structures. Clive Wells handles some investment grade acquisition financing mandates as part of his wide-ranging finance practice.Practice head(s):
Pete Coulton
Other key lawyers:
Clive Wells; Rui (Sese) Qi; Brendan Macreadie; Sebastian FitzGerald
Testimonials
‘The team has a great work ethic, team spirt, knowledge of the sector and are strong negotiators.’
‘Pete Coulton is a smart guy who fights for what matters and is very commercial.’
‘Pete Coulton and Zoe Cooper Sutton are both exceptional, they have a mastery of the product and how to apply it to an unusual asset class like data centers across various geographies.’
Key clients
Harng Central Department Stores
Outokumpu Oyj
UCB S.A.
JDE Peet’s N.V.
Continental Grain Company and Agroberries
SIGNA Group
United Talent Agency
Waldencast Acquisition Corp
SP Plus Corporation
Shareholders of MiQ
Ashtead Group plc
MJ Gleeson plc
Adevinta ASA
Iceland Foods plc
Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A.
Silver Lake Partners
IPI Partners
Castik Capital
JAB Holdings B.V.
Energy Infrastructure Partners AG
SIGNA Holding GmbH
Crosstree Real Estate Partners LLP
H.I.G. Capital
CTH Invest S.A. (Ferrero family office)
Black Diamond Capital Management
DigitalBridge, formerly Colony Capital
Parkview
Fortress
Work highlights
- Advised Harng Central Department Stores on the financing of its £4bn acquisition of Selfridges & Co. Limited from the Weston Family.
- Advised Outokumpu Oyj on its €700m sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.
- Advised Silver Lake on its €380m Term Loan B and revolving credit facilities in connection with its acquisition of Grupo BC de Asesoría Hipotecaria.
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 4
Benefitting from deep knowledge of UK and US law governed finance products throughout the capital structure (including in relation to New York-law governed high yield), Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is well-positioned to advise its corporate client base across the spectrum of their finance needs. Team head Pete Coulton is at the forefront of this work, including on event-driven financings for multinational corporates and financing work for private equity portfolio clients in relation to bolt-on acquisitions. Clive Wells is also a key member of the team and has a wide level of expertise of corporate lending mandates, including where pricing is dependent on sustainability metrics.Practice head(s):
Pete Coulton
Other key lawyers:
Clive Wells; Rui Qi; Brendan Macreadie
Key clients
Harng Central Department Stores
Outokumpu Oyj
UCB S.A.
JDE Peet’s N.V.
Continental Grain Company and Agroberries
SIGNA Group
United Talent Agency
Waldencast Acquisition Corp
SP Plus Corporation
Shareholders of MiQ
Ashtead Group plc
MJ Gleeson plc
Adevinta ASA
Iceland Foods plc
Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A.
Silver Lake Partners
IPI Partners
Castik Capital
JAB Holdings
Energy Infrastructure Partners
SIGNA Holding
Crosstree Real Estate Partners
H.I.G. Capital
CTH Invest S.A. (Ferrero family office)
Black Diamond Capital Management
DigitalBridge, formerly Colony Capital
Parkview
Fortress
Work highlights
- Advised Harng Central Department Stores on the financing of its £4bn acquisition of Selfridges & Co. Limited from the Weston Family. The financing consisted of three senior bridge facilities, a mezzanine facility and working capital facilities in three jurisdictions.
- Advised Outokumpu Oyj on its €700m sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.
- Advised Silver Lake on its €380m Term Loan B and revolving credit facilities in connection with its acquisition of Grupo BC de Asesoría Hipotecaria.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5
Elite US firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is known for its ‘exceptional team of litigators for the largest cases’ – the team has a track record of work on landmark disputes for multinational companies and major domestics, handling contentious matters concerning M&A, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, and directors’ duties. Kate Davies KC leads the team that consists of David Kavanagh KC, ‘one of the best litigators in the City of London’, ‘heavyweight litigator’ David Edwards and Bruce Macaulay, who ‘stands out for his fantastic judgement and cool, calm presence’. Daniel Gal KC is noted.Practice head(s):
Kate Davies KC
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I rate David Edwards highly – he is smart, cool, calm and collected. An effective ally and a gracious opponent. I have worked on cases with him and against him for 15 years and he is quality.’
‘Skadden continue to have an exceptional team of litigators for the largest cases.’
‘Bruce Macaulay stands out for his fantastic judgement and cool, calm presence – just a delight to work with and incredibly effective on behalf of his clients.’
‘David Kavanagh KC is one of the best litigators in the City of London. Now focusing on doing his own advocacy in international arbitrations. Bruce Macaulay is an exceptional lawyer and brilliant analyst of the correct tactics to adopt in a case. Very good with clients and very personable.’
‘Daniel Gal leads an impressive international team which work seamlessly. Their team work and co-ordination is very impressive.’
‘Daniel Gal – first class application of academic brilliance to commercial reality and pragmatism.’
‘They are very user friendly and commercial. They are able to give excellent advice which is aware of the commercial environment but still lands the key points.’
‘David Edwards gives you complete confidence that you are in safe hands. He’s extremely responsive and user-friendly for such a heavyweight litigator.’
Key clients
Sequana SA
Renaissance Financial Holdings Limited
UCP Plc
Work highlights
- Secured a significant victory in the UK Supreme Court on behalf of French paper company Sequana S.A. and the former directors of one of its subsidiaries, AWA.
- Representing the trustees of five purpose trusts which are defending complex multi-jurisdictional proceedings before the Bermuda, Hong Kong and US courts. The claims are for approximately $30 billion.
- Representing an ultra-high net worth individual, philanthropist and related corporate entities in relation to litigation in the Cayman Islands and BVI. The litigation relates to investments made by our client in excess of $500 million and is multi-jurisdictional in nature.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 5
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is involved for a debtor-focused client base in a significant number of major cross-border mandates, often working closely with associated practice areas including capital markets, corporate and disputes. Much of this work has a transatlantic angle, which the firm is able to handle out of London, as well as by collaborating with the market-leading US offering. Team head Peter Newman excels in this work, bringing as he does vast knowledge of US and English restructuring and insolvency procedures and how these interact with various jurisdictions in continental Europe. Newman also advises on creditor engagements, bringing ‘a calm demeanour to complex and stressful situations and looks to develop practical solutions to difficult problems’.Practice head(s):
Peter Newman
Other key lawyers:
Nicole Stephansen; James Falconer; Edward Taylor
Testimonials
‘The team has a deep bench and a broad skillset to bring to the most complex of situations.’
‘It uses technology well and shares information effectively, both inside and outside the team.’
‘They are adept at handling highly complex corporate and insurance restructuring work.’
‘Peter Newman is the attorney to go for any complex cross-border restructuring, in particular with a US angle.’
‘Peter Newman brings a calm demeanour to complex and stressful situations and looks to develop practical solutions to difficult problems.’
Key clients
Markel CATCo Reinsurance Fund Ltd. And its debtor affiliates
Sequana S.A.
E-House (China) Enterprise Holdings Limited
CFG Investments S.A.C.
Endo Pharmaceuticals
Wilmington Trust Limited / Creditor Trust
Borr Drilling
Sponsor of well-known taxi app
Majority shareholder of retail insurance business
Investment fund
Bondholder/shareholder of aircraft leasing business
Ad Hoc Group of bondholders to Moby Group SPA
Paragon Offshore Limited
Work highlights
- Completed an innovative restructuring on behalf of Markel CATCo, a Bermuda-based insurance investment fund, which allowed for the repayment of investors and the release all litigation claims by way of a Bermuda scheme of arrangement and subsequent recognition and enforcement of the scheme in a chapter 15 case in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
- Advised Borr Drilling Limited on refinancing transactions involving over $1.5bn of debt and trade liabilities, and on public equity capital raises of over $275m.
- Advised CFG Investments SAC on its English restructuring plan under Part 26A of the Companies Act, one of the first plans of a non-English debtor, which was implemented in parallel with a US chapter 11 plan of reorganization.
Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 5
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP advises a broad client base of asset managers and sovereign wealth funds. Practice head Greg Norman is noted for having a great deal of expertise in private fund capitalization and structuring, as well as the formation and regulation of private capital sponsors, including investment managers and advisers. Wendy Li and Abigail Reeves are key contributors within the team.Practice head(s):
Greg Norman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Funds based knowledge combined with in-depth knowledge and understanding of our business and structure’
‘Greg Norman is very responsive, pragmatic and has great drafting skills – good at translating difficult commercial and economic concepts into simple drafting.’
Key clients
Crosstree Real Estate Partners LLP
IPI Partners
B-Flexion
Citigroup
South American Investment bank
Northzone
Work highlights
- Represented a sovereign wealth fund in connection with its €150m co-investment, alongside a European real estate venture fund, into a flagship shopping centre located in Berlin.
- Represented a sovereign wealth fund in connection with its $100m commitment to the latest Warburg Pincus Asia real estate fund.
- Advised IPI Partners, LLC and its portfolio company, Supernap Italia, on the financing for the construction of a purpose built 5.6MW data centre near Milan, Italy.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 5
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is well placed to advise on major M&A transactions, data protection issues, regulatory mandates and international arbitrations. Practice head Simon Toms has a proven track record of advising on corporate transactions in the fintech arena. Azad Ali is equipped to advise on the regulatory aspects of crypto and NFT projects, while Eve-Christie Vermynck brings her knowledge of intellectual property and data protection issues to bear on an array of fintech mandates. Patrick Tsitsaros and Abigail Reeves are further names to note.Practice head(s):
Simon Toms
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge in the regulatory practice space and willingness to work with smaller firms in the tech/fintech area that need people who understand the tech.’
‘Strong digital commerce team with commercial lawyers that also have lots of large deal experience if needed.’
‘Simon Toms is extremely responsive, pragmatic and genuinely a great person to work with.’
‘Strong digital commerce team with commercial lawyers who can connect, that also have lots of large deal experience if needed.’
Work highlights
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals)
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP > Firm Profile
Executive partner: Eric J Friedman
London office head: Pranav Trivedi
Since opening the London office in 1988, Skadden has established itself as a major player in the London legal market, offering a fully integrated UK, European and US practice.
Its clients, which it counsels on cross-border European and global matters, include major corporates, financial institutions and governments. Skadden’s global platform allows its lawyers in London to quickly marshall relevant experience across practices and offices.
Principal areas of work
Mergers and acquisitions: Skadden is one of the most successful firms to have established a single global platform combining US and local law capability around the world. The firm’s London office is staffed with English and American partners and acts as an international hub powering multi-jurisdictional transactions. In London, the firm advises on international M&A offering a unique mix of US and English law advice.
Private equity: Skadden advises private equity firms on the structuring and execution of large, cross-border and domestic private equity transactions, including the purchase and sale of portfolio companies. The firm combines leading transactional experience with sophisticated financing and tax techniques in relation to a range of matters including leveraged buyouts, management buyouts and recapitalisations.
Capital markets: Skadden advises on a variety of capital markets transactions, including initial public offerings, rights offerings, high-yield financings, offerings of regulatory capital and other hybrid securities, and other global equity and debt offerings.
Banking: The English banking group comprises experienced finance lawyers familiar with all aspects of acquisition finance, high-yield and private placements, project and real estate finance, general corporate lending and restructuring.
White-collar crime and corporate investigations: The government enforcement and white collar crime team provides advice to corporations and individuals involved in cross-border regulatory investigations and disputes. The practice combines an on-the-ground presence in Europe with Skadden’s global experience in government investigations, enforcement actions and internal investigations.
International arbitration and litigation: The international arbitration and litigation group provides legal advice and representation on international commercial disputes for multinational companies and major institutions, particularly in the commercial, energy, telecoms and financial services fields, including arbitrations under bilateral investment treaties, ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL rules, and under the auspices of all the major international arbitration institutions.
Tax: Skadden focuses on tax advice in connection with M&A and private capital transactions, and our lawyers also are leaders for complex tax advice in relation to the real estate sector, and on behalf of high-net-worth individuals.
Tax controversy and investigations: Skadden’s UK tax controversy and investigations practice combines the skills of experienced English-qualified tax practitioners and dispute resolution lawyers. The group provides its clients with tactical and technical advice to ensure that tax disputes and investigations are resolved as effectively as possible.
Insurance: Skadden represents insurance and reinsurance companies and their financial advisors and underwriters in a wide variety of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, public and private financings, restructurings and reorganisations.
Corporate restructuring: The corporate restructuring group advises enterprises in cross-border out-of-court restructurings and pre-negotiated plans of reorganisation, and judicial insolvency restructuring transactions and bankruptcy proceedings.
Investment management: Skadden’s investment management group services a wide range of private capital and asset management clients, including: private equity fund houses, hedge fund managers, high-net-worth investors, in-house asset management teams at financial institutions, family offices, SIVs, ABCPs and other shadow banks, private trading companies and sovereign investors.
IP, IT, data protection and cybersecurity: Skadden’s London-based practice advises international clients across various industries on IP, IT, data protection and cybersecurity issues, assisting at every stage of matters to ensure compliance with applicable privacy, data protection and cybersecurity legal and regulatory frameworks.
European Union and international competition: Skadden’s European Union (EU) and international competition practice focuses on four principal areas under EU and other non-US antitrust laws: merger control, cartels, abuses of dominant positions and other antitrust issues ( e.g., vertical licensing/distribution arrangements and state aid issues).
Employment: Skadden’s London employment practice advises businesses and senior executives on a wide range of employment matters. The firm frequently advises on employment issues that arise in corporate transactions, as well as on labour relations, including collective bargaining and industrial disputes, the introduction and implementation of workplace policies and contracts, UK employment laws, corporate governance, data privacy and business protection.
Energy: The energy group provides comprehensive assistance on complex energy transactions, representing clients in a broad array of energy matters.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Head of Skadden's London office | Pranav Trivedi | pranav.trivedi@skadden.com | 44.20.7519.7026 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Pete Coulton | Partner and head of the firm’s European banking practice. | View Profile | |
David Edwards | Partner | View Profile | |
Andrew Good | Partner | View Profile | |
Joseph Hone | European counsel | View Profile | |
Scott Hopkins | Partner | View Profile | |
Alex Jupp | Partner | View Profile | |
Devika Khopkar | European Counsel | View Profile | |
Denis Klimentchenko | Partner | View Profile | |
George Knighton | Partner and co-head of Skadden’s U.K. Corporate Practice. | View Profile | |
James McDonald | Partner | View Profile | |
Peter Newman | Partner and head of Skadden’s European corporate restructuring practice | View Profile | |
Maria Protopapa | Counsel | View Profile | |
Bora Rawcliffe | Counsel | View Profile | |
Chetan Sheth | Counsel | View Profile | |
Danny Tricot | Partner – Head of Skadden’s European capital markets practice | View Profile | |
Pranav Trivedi | Partner | View Profile | |
Clive Wells | Partner | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
- Dispute resolution > International arbitration
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+
- Finance > Debt capital markets
- Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory
- Risk advisory > Corporate governance
- Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates)
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap
- Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+)
- Dispute resolution > Public international law
- Finance > High yield
- Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations
- Employment > Employee share schemes
- Finance > Acquisition finance
- Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans