Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP Offices

110 FETTER LANE
LONDON
EC4A 1AY
England
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 1
The lean team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP has an excellent perspective of the commercial and legal needs of both creditors and debtors, enabling it to provide a very fluid service which can quickly adapt to different financial structures, whether that be a bank or bond deal incorporating US technology, unitranche structures or European TLBs governed by English law. Tom Richards maintains very deep-rooted relationships with numerous notable sponsor clients, including Advent, whose interests he vigorously protects on their leveraged finance transactions. Chris McLaughlin also has excellent ties with fund clients, as borrowers, as well as in the private credit space as lenders. Lender-focused partner Reena Gogna also regularly advises private credit funds on leveraged deals, as well as her core work for traditional commercial/investment banks. Alastair McVeigh was promoted to partner at the beginning of 2021 in recognition of his private credit-related work and is a key member of a team that also includes Paul Hibbert, who has been instrumental in developing the infrastructure finance practice at the firm.Practice head(s):
Chris McLaughlin; Tom Richards; Reena Gogna
Other key lawyers:
Paul Hibbert; Tom Richards; Paul Stewart; Alastair McVeigh
Key clients
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
Blackrock
Ares
Goldman Sachs
ING
KKR
OMERS
PSPIB
Credit Suisse
Advent
Bain
Permira
Alvarez & Marsal Capital Europe
Ardian
CVC
Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
Montagu
HLD
Stirling Square
Work highlights
- Advised Bain Capital on the financing to facilitate its acquisition of Valeo Foods from CapVest.
- Acted for Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Ares Management Corporation in respect of the preference share issuance as part of the financing for the public to private takeover of Morrisons by CD&R.
- Advised joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners on a €4.5bn transaction, which included senior secured notes, two tranches of senior notes, a new TLB and a separate consent solicitation for Verisure’s existing notes.
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP remains one of the top names in the London private equity market, handling high-value, complex deals for both new and longstanding clients. The team is known for its close relationships with Bain and Advent, and is also making a name for itself acting on transactions at the upper-end of the growth investing space. The addition of public M&A specialist Murray Cox from Slaughter and May in April 2021 has bolstered the practice’s expertise in matters at the intersection of PE and public M&A, such as take-privates, IPOs and carve-outs. Marco CompagnoniPractice head(s):
Marco Compagnoni
Other key lawyers:
Michael Francies; Simon Lyell; Jonathan Wood; Murray Cox; Max Oppenheimer; Ed Freeman; Ellie Fialho; Kirstin Fyffe
Testimonials
‘Simon Lyell is a cut above the rest. Clever, rigorous, creative and commercial. I really value his judgement when negotiating a deal.’
‘Very strong bench of heavy-hitting private equity lawyers. But also people who are really nice and care, as well as being effective and tough. Life is too short to work with unpleasant people, and Weil are a great bunch who are fun to work with.’
‘Marco Compagnoni is the lawyer who makes the impossible happen. Not just a very solid technician and a great client lawyer, he has the energy, gravitas, personality and experience to resolve the most intractable of problems and get the toughest of deals done. Marco really is a fantastic operator – worth every penny.’
‘Lewis Blakey is an excellent private equity/M&A lawyer. Very bright, extremely tenacious and hard-working. You want him on your side and he is a valued member of our deal teams. A can-do attitude and great problem solver. Kirstin Fyffe is also very good.’
‘The Weil team and Jonathan Wood have acted for us on many of our large M&A transactions. The team is immensely capable and always willing to work with us on UK and cross border deals. They are the best firm that I have come across and are my “go to” firm.’
‘Jonathan Wood – hugely practical and works with us as an embedded member of our team. Ellie Fialho – huge attention to detail and boundless energy and spirit. A real joy to work with.’
‘Michael Francies, exceptional lawyer with huge experience, calm approach in difficult situations and wins confidence of business people very well. Max Oppenheimer, very strong lawyer with great experience and good industry knowledge.’
‘Ed Freeman – deep knowledge and experience, hands on, responsive, pragmatic.’
Key clients
Global Infrastructure Partners
Wren House Infrastructure Management
Susquehanna
FitzWalter Capital
Macquarie
Advent International
Advent Tech
Bain Capital
Bain Capital Credit
Providence Equity
Providence Strategic Growth
Berkshire Partners
Ontario Teachers’
CVC Capital
General Atlantic
TCV
OMERS
Blackstone Growth
Public Sector Pension Investment Board
Sun European Partners
Generation Investment Management
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
TPG
M&G Investment Management
Montagu Private Equity
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Aleph Capital
PAI Partners
A&M Capital Europe
Cobham
Kantar
Howden
Laird
Work highlights
- Advised Advent International on the acquisition of a co-controlling stake in Planet Payment Group, and on five subsequent follow-on acquisitions.
- Advised Bain Capital on its acquisition of Valeo Foods from CapVest and Bain Credit on the demutualisation of LV= (Liverpool Victoria).
- Advised Lone Star Funds on the €5.2 billion sale of MBCC Group to Sika.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 2
Co-headed in London by Andrew WilkinsonPractice head(s):
Andrew Wilkinson; Neil Devaney
Other key lawyers:
Mark Lawford; Gemma Sage; Matt Benson; Jenny Davidson; Lois Deasey
Testimonials
‘The team operates at an extremely and intensively high level. They are incredibly comprehensive, professional and proactive. In addition to providing the highest level of legal advice, the team also acts and advises as a true business partner.’
‘In terms of technical know-how/expertise it is without doubt one of the top teams in London.’
‘I have long been impressed with the practice’s attention to detail; their work is extremely thorough and they dive into even arcane aspects of the law, history and contracts with alacrity.’
‘Andrew Wilkinson is a great tactician and someone you want on your side.’
‘Neil Devaney is very impressive.’
‘Mark Lawford: a first class intellect, who rolls up his sleeves and gets deep into the legal analysis, while keeping a very clear strategic view of the client’s objective and how to achieve it. He combines incredible insolvency knowledge with solutions oriented advice, as well as an incredible work ethic.’
‘Mark Lawford is calm and unflappable in a crisis.’
Key clients
SAS AB (Scandinavian Airlines)
Ad hoc group of secured lenders of Nordic Aviation Capital
Ad hoc group of lenders to Seadrill
Ad hoc group of bondholders of OHL
Ad hoc group of bondholders of Ferroglobe
Lehman Brothers Holding Inc and Lehman Brothers Holdings Scottish LP 3
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation
AMC Entertainment/Odeon Cinemas Group Limited
David Soden and Nick Edwards, the Joint Liquidators of Paragon Offshore plc
Ad Hoc Committee of Bondholders of Zambia
Floatel International
Asia Research & Capital Management Ltd
Brooks Brothers
Folli Follie
Ad hoc group of bondholders of Abengoa
Work highlights
- Advised Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) on its debt restructuring.
- Advised an ad hoc group of secured lenders on the restructuring of Nordic Aviation Capital.
- Advised an ad hoc group of lenders in relation to the restructuring of the drilling company Seadrill.
Finance > High yield Tier 2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP ‘combines deep market and practice expertise with a very collaborative approach, and its ability to distil complex needs and requirements in a way that allows management to make the right judgement is first-class‘. The firm frequently advises top-tier sponsors, leading investment banks and numerous bond investors on complex and high-profile acquisition financings and refinancings. ‘They are able to respond very flexibly to unexpected demands‘ says a client of lead partner Patrick Bright and Nitin Konchady. Newly promoted partner Alexander Horstmann-Caines ‘brings to his counsel a very grounded perspective of what will work for the client, and is able to combine real legal authority with a very approachable manner‘.Practice head(s):
Patrick Bright; Nitin Konchady
Other key lawyers:
Alex Horstmann-Caines
Testimonials
‘Weil combines deep market and practice expertise with a very collaborative approach.’
‘Their ability to distil complex needs and requirements in a way that allows management to make the right judgement is first class, grounded in their knowledge of our business and what we are trying to achieve.’
‘Their appreciation of the different stakeholders involved and the appetite for risk is very good and allows them to provide constructive counsel to the organisation.’
‘They are able to respond very flexibly to unexpected demands.’
‘They have been a great partner this year.’
‘Alex Horstmann-Caines has been the partner we have had most interaction with. Alex really knows our business, what we are trying to achieve and he brings to his counsel a very grounded perspective of what will work for us. He is able to combine real legal authority with a very approachable manner which has facilitated the completion of major projects this year.’
Key clients
Advent International (sponsor)
Bain Capital (sponsor)
Stirling Square Capital (sponsor)
TowerBrook Capital Partners (sponsor)
Paprec (corporate issuer)
The Very Group (corporate issuer)
Morgan Stanley (underwriter)
Goldman Sachs (underwriter)
Work highlights
- Advised Stirling Square in connection with the financing of its fund-to-fund transfer of its portfolio company Itelyum.
- Advised The Very Group Limited in its £575 million offering of senior secured notes and amendment and restatement of its revolving credit facilities.
- Advised Mudrick in relation to its investment in $200 million high yield senior secured convertible PIK toggle notes issued by Vertical Aerospace Ltd.
Finance > Securitisation Tier 2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has ‘a nice balance of expertise with approachability and commerciality – they never forget you’re the client‘. The firm is the dominant force on the manager side of the CLO market, though its practice is increasingly broad. Its work on loan portfolio transactions including non-performing loans is highly regarded, and it is a growing force in forward flow deals and asset origination programmes. Head of the London structured finance and derivatives practice Jacky KellyPractice head(s):
Jacky Kelly
Other key lawyers:
Brian Maher; Taymour Keen; Luke Stowe
Testimonials
‘Brian Maher (partner) and Taymour Keen (counsel) are excellent lawyers to have on your team. Both very responsive, have a great breadth of experience and are commercially pragmatic.’
‘We find Weil Gotshal highly responsive, good knowledge of market practice and a strong understanding of our business requirements and our financial services products.’
‘We have a consistent team who have worked on our securitisation programme for many years.’
‘We have worked with Jacky Kelly for many years and she has excellent experience and knowledge of the market. Additionally she is very responsive in support to our programme. Jacky is supported by Luke Stowe who provides good and reliable back up.’
‘A nice balance of expertise with approachability and commerciality.’
‘They never forget you’re the client.’
‘A good blend across styles and strengths which complement well – from the technical through approachable to organised and clear.’
Key clients
Apollo
Deutsche Bank
M&G
The Very Group
Goldman Sachs
Sixth Street Partners
Maslow Capital
Credit Suisse
Redding Ridge
BlueBay
Fair Oaks
Guggenheim
Brigade
Work highlights
- Advising a UK bank as arranger and playing a key role in the drafting and structuring of landmark ABS deal, the Pavillion Mortgages 2021-1A point-of-sale receivables securitisation.
- Advising a major US private fund in relation to loan portfolios acquired over time and the subsequent packaging of those assets into a rare Spanish NPL securitisation.
- Advising a European bank on an asset-backed financing to support the acquisition by a private equity-led consortium of a $1.1 billion music portfolio that includes more than 62,000 copyrights across the music genres including pop, rock and country by artists and songwriters.
Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP is heavily involved in many of the most prominent trends in the private funds space, with an increasing focus on advising ESG and renewable energy funds as well as longer-dated and continuation funds. The ‘hugely experienced’ practice provides strategic advice to first-time managers on fund formations and fundraisings, and also continues to advise prominent GPs on the establishment of mega-cap funds. GP-led secondary transactions are another growing area of work for the team. Ed GanderPractice head(s):
Ed Gander
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Weil convinced us they’d be the best advisors as we spun off from our prior firm to set up our own firm, a once in a lifetime move which we entrusted Weil to lead. They are delivering on the promise by delivering sound advice, great market knowledge, helping us at every stage to save time and cut through the best answer, ranging from decisions on structure, terms and service suppliers.’
‘Weil’s private funds team is top calibre across the board, from senior partner level all the way to more junior associates. Their experience and knowledge of the market clearly stands out compared to other firms, as does their ability to think outside the box and come up with practical solutions. I also found them very responsive and client-friendly.’
‘A great combination of technical expertise and commercial insights. I consider their pragmatic/commercial way of working a differentiator.’
‘A hugely experienced senior team with years of practical knowledge of the sector, which they are constantly refining.’
‘James Bromley was the one of the key people in our decision to partner with Weil. He has been invaluable on providing advice and we trust his judgement, experience and his advice. In addition, Jacquelyn Volpe has been working on our account with James and has played an important role in our relationship. Jacci is highly responsive and efficient.’
‘Ed Gander is exceptional, very experienced, commercial and a great sparring partner. I particularly value his ability to think creatively and remain level-headed and solution-driven. His legal drafting is also among the most articulate and clear I’ve seen from transactional lawyers. ‘
‘James Sargent is very pragmatic (also an excellent lawyer) and very commercially focused, with a clear understanding of our needs and current market practice. He’s also extremely reactive and proactive too when new subjects that could concern us as a client.’
‘We work with James Sargent, and have done so for several years, predominately on fund formation but also on other issues. He is responsive, thoughtful and very commercial and a pleasure to deal with.’
Key clients
Actis
Advent International
American Securities
Apse Capital
ARA Europe
Arch Emerging Markets Partners
Argos Wityu
Astarte Capital Partners
Bain Capital
bd-capital Partners
Business Growth Fund
Blue Horizon
Brookfield
CapMan
Castleforge
Chiltern Capital
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Dalmore Capital
Farview Equity Partners
Genstar
Gyrus Capital
ICG
Infracapital
InfraRed
Lazard Asset Management
Lindsay Goldberg
Lone Star
Oaktree
OMERS
OTPP
PAI Partners
PATRIZIA
Providence Private Equity
PSP Investments
River & Mercantile
Victory Advisors
Wovenlight
Yoo Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for longstanding funds client, Brookfield, in the development, launch and initial closings for the world’s largest dedicated energy transition fund.
- Advising Gyrus on the establishment of its €1 billion target Gyrus Capital 2022 Bridge Fund.
- Advised Infracapital on its €1.5 billion fundraise of Infracapital Greenfield II – one of only a handful of true greenfield infrastructure funds in the market.
Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP‘s ‘excellent’ real estate funds team is led by Ed GanderPractice head(s):
Ed Gander
Other key lawyers:
James Bromley; James Sargent, Marloes Zaman; Jacqueline Volpe
Testimonials
‘A high-quality team, with good market knowledge and commercial sense. They have been adept at managing a difficult project through many twists and turns that have kept us all on our toes.’
‘James Bromley is an exceptional lawyer with a true dedication to client service. He is committed to his clients’ success and will go above and beyond to find solutions to difficult issues. He’s smart and practical and a true partner of ours.’
‘An excellent team that are all very personable, always available and commercial with excellent knowledge in their area of expertise. The Weil team has given us fabulous support in our raising of a new open-ended real estate fund and also educated us in a new business area for CapMan. Weil were a key factor in us being able to deliver our new open-ended pan-Nordic rental residential fund to the market in 2021.’
‘James Sargent, Marloes Zaman and Jacqueline Volpe are always exceptional in their help, commitment and advice. All frequently demonstrate enormous energy, patience and a can-do attitude to getting the job done. They are always available to us and, even at very short notice, we feel like a very valued client. Each of the lawyers are all highly knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and give us, as a client, a lot of comfort in what we are doing.’
‘Many of the “real estate” funds practices are corporate real estate lawyers trying to do funds. And many of the best funds practices are best know for buyout funds and aren’t know for their real estate funds work. Weil is unique in that it has a top-notch fund formation practice across asset classes (buyout, real estate, credit etc.) with a deep understanding of real asset fund formation.’
‘James Sargent is exceptionally bright, hard working and devoted to his clients.’
‘Highly knowledgeable of market positions and key issues in respect of fundraising and acutely aware specific investor requirements across a wide-range of jurisdictions and sectors. Very responsive in light of often extremely tight timeframes.’
‘James Sargent is highly knowledgeable of market positions and key issues in respect of fund raising and acutely aware specific investor requirements across a wide range of jurisdictions and sectors. He is very responsive in light of often extremely tight timeframes and has a strong understanding of critical points for our business.’
Key clients
Actis
ARA Europe
Arch Emerging Markets Partners
Astarte Capital Partners
Brookfield
CapMan
Castleforge
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Dalmore Capital
Farview Equity Partners
Generation Investment Management
Infracapital
InfraRed
Lazard Asset Management
Lone Star
PATRIZIA
Revetas
River & Mercantile
Victory Advisors
Yoo Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Brookfield European Real Estate Partnership SCSp in connection with the launch of Brookfield’s first European-focused real estate investment fund, including fund structuring and establishment; legal and marketing documentation; and investor negotiations.
- Advised CapMan on one of the largest sector specific funds set up in 2021, CapMan Residential Real Estate Fund.
- Advised on a heavily over-subscribed fundraising for Victory’s flagship opportunistic fund.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure Tier 2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP has a strong sponsor-focused infrastructure funds practice and utilises the firm’s global private equity platform to handle high-profile infrastructure investments. The firm has experience across the four key pillars of infrastructure: energy, telecoms, transport and social infrastructure, and is well versed in M&A. The team is jointly led by James MacArthur and Paul Hibbert; with MacArthur acting for private equity sponsors, pension funds and multi-asset managers on investments in infrastructure assets and Hibbert a name to note for financing and refinancing. Murray Cox advises listed companies, financial sponsors and sovereign wealth funds on M&A and corporate finance matters in the sector. In 2021 the firm’s broader London offering was boosted with the arrival of competition partners Jenine Hulsmann from Clifford Chance LLP , who counts infrastructure among her core sectors of focus, and Niklas Maydell from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton . In early 2022, infrastructure focused PE lawyer Ed Freeman was promoted to partner.Practice head(s):
James MacArthur; Paul Hibbert
Other key lawyers:
Emma Serginson; Murray Cox; Jenine Hulsmann; Niklas Maydell; Ed Freeman
Testimonials
‘The team is extremely hands-on and proactive, making inhouse counsel and commercial teams’ lives easier by boiling down complicated legal matters to relatively simple problems for further discussion and decision-making’
‘Edward Freeman simplifies complicated matters to straight forward commercial decisions and thinks along with the team to get to the most pragmatic solution’
‘International firm with relevant expertise and focus, very good European coverage, and client centric’
‘James McArthur is an exceptionally good partner, looking to find the best solutions for his clients, demonstrating very good commercial judgement, and finding practical solutions for us’
‘The practice provides excellent service and an ability to untangle and resolve complex situations. It provides high quality service.’
‘James MacArthur combines a strong knowledge of M&A, with strong technical ability, pragmatism and commercial acumen. He is the type of lawyer you want on your side in the most critical moments of a transaction. He is very much focused on the items that have actual value impact on a transaction.’
‘Hugely experienced team very well versed with dealing with infrastructure clients.’
‘Very much a partner led team but appropriately resources across the level. Immense bench strength and the ability to mobilise lawyers at a moment’s notice.’
Key clients
3i
AMP Capital
Antin Infrastructure Partners
APG Asset Management
Equitix
Igneo Infrastructure Partners
Generation Investment Management
Global Infrastructure Partners
iCON Infrastructure
InfraRed Capital Partners
Macquarie Asset Management
OMERS Infrastructure
Ontario Teachers’
Polhem Infra
Terra Firma
THI Investments
Wren House Infrastructure
Goldman Sachs Infrastructure Partners
Work highlights
- Advising Macquarie Asset Management on the acquisition and financing of Roadchef from Antin Infrastructure Partners by one of its managed infrastructure funds.
- Advising Terra Firma on the sale of Parmaco Oy to Partners Group.
- Advising APG Asset Management, the largest pension fund in the Netherlands, on the investment in SiFi Networks America Limited (SiFi Networks), a UK based private funder, builder and operator of citywide, open-access Smart City enabled fibre networks in the US, and the establishment of a long term joint venture platform between APG and SiFi Networks through which APG will invest at least $500m of equity funding into multiple city wide fibre networks throughout the country.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP brings ‘technical excellence’ to a broad range of practice areas including private equity, corporate M&A, insolvency, and restructurings. ‘Great to work with‘ practice co-head Oliver Walker has particular experience advising clients on the tax issues of corporate transactions, and advises a broad range of clients from across the UK, US and EU. Co-head Jenny Doak has a strong reputation in the energy and natural resources sector, and advises on both contentious and non-contentious work. Aron Joy covers private and investment funds, and frequently works on matters with complex cross-border issues. Counsels Daniella Abel and Stuart Pibworth are also noted.Practice head(s):
Oliver Walker; Jenny Doak
Other key lawyers:
Aron Joy; Damiella Abel; Stuart Pibworth
Testimonials
‘London team are great to work with, Oliver Walker and Stuart Pibworth in particular.’
‘Responsive with excellent experience.’
‘Jenny Doak, Daniella Abel – both are able to explain complex matters in a concise and digestible format.’
‘Very good industry knowledge and good network of overseas local counsel.’
‘Very responsive, good industry knowledge ability to explain things to non tax experts.’
‘Approachable and solutions focused team, quick to get into the detail and to propose practical ways forward. Experience with other firms is that they may provide insight but they aren’t as good at presenting solutions or sticking up for the client’s position.’
‘The Weil tax team consistently display excellent client service, exemplified by an ability to explain complex contractual matters to non-lawyers in a clear, concise, and commercial manner. They are always accessible and very responsive, and work well in conjunction with their commercial colleagues.’
‘Technical excellence combined with thoroughness of approach!’
Key clients
Depop Limited
Wejo Limited
Ad Hoc Lenders for Nordic Aviation Capital
River and Mercantile Group plc
Gores Guggenheim
AMC Entertainment Inc. (Odeon Cinemas Group)
Advent International Corporation
Kantar Group Holdings Ltd
Jonathan de Pass
Bain Capital
Omers Private Equity
Howden
Brookfield Asset Management
ICG Enterprise Trust plc
InfraRed Partners LLP
Ares Management
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised Depop and its selling shareholders on the sale of the company to Etsy, the US-based online marketplace.
- Advised ICG Enterprise Trust plc in connection with a change to available financing following the COVID-19 pandemic, which involved a hive down of over 70% of the Investment Trust’s current portfolio to a new subsidiary limited partnership.
- Advised funds managed by the Credit Group of Ares Management Corporation and the Private Credit business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management on financing for the takeover of Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £500m+ Tier 3
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.Practice head(s):
David Avery-Gee; Michael Francies
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Led by very experienced partners who are closely involved in the deals with very good junior partners and associates to deliver full service on complex transactions.’
‘Michael Francies is an exceptional lawyer with huge experience, calm approach in difficult situations and wins confidence of business people very well.’
‘Max Oppenheimer is a very strong lawyer with great experience and good industry knowledge.’
‘The structuring of the deal and thought put into client engagement has been remarkable.’
‘They put a lot of care into client relationships.’
Key clients
Petropavlovsk
Eli Lilly
Wejo
Citi
Advent International
Howden
Alinda
Nissin
Kantar
Cobham
Babylon Health
Soul Foods Group
Work highlights
- Advised Gores Guggenheim, Inc., a SPAC sponsored by affiliates of The Gores Group and Guggenheim Capital, on its pending $20bn business combination with Polestar Performance AB.
- Advised Ares and Goldman Sachs on their participation in CD&R’s takeover of Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc, which valued the British supermarket at £10.2bn including debt.
- Advised an affiliate of Lone Star Funds on the €5.2bn sale of MBCC Group to Sika.
Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 3
The tax litigation team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP is 'thorough, efficient, organised and all-round great to work with‘. The practice frequently advises clients on the merits of pursuing litigation against tax authorities and the interaction between insurance cover and the decision to settle a claim. The firm’s key lawyers include disputes expert Jamie Maples , Jenny Doak and Oliver Walker who advises private equity and pension funds. Chris Marks regularly advises clients in relation to pre-dispute strategy.Practice head(s):
Oliver Walker; Jenny Doak; Jamie Maples; Christopher Marks
Testimonials
‘Working with this team, what marks them out is their clarity of instruction and commercial acumen.’
‘I found their instructions clear and well reasoned and the case was well prepared.’
‘The associate I have worked closely with is Stuart Pibworth, a very bright person with good judgment and a commercial manner.’
‘International approach to the business, very skilled individuals within the teams, capable of handling complex matters efficiently.’
‘London team are great to work with, very capable but easy to work with.’
‘Truly exceptional in terms of client care. Dedicated and know their stuff, inside out.’
‘Hayley Lund. The hardest working litigator I’ve ever met. She is an investigation specialist – and will almost certainly end up being the go to lawyer in that field. She knows a frightening amount about tax investigations, with an impressive practice in that field.’
‘The team at Weil is fantastic. They are thorough, efficient, organised and all-round great to work with.’
Key clients
Littlewoods Group
Joint Special Administrators of MF Global UK
Advent International
Providence Equity Partners
Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP is known for ‘timely, practical advice coupled with excellent product knowledge‘. The firm has a dominant position in the manager-side CLO market, but its work extends to derivatives in structured finance transactions, including hedging by issuer SPVs and advice on related derivatives regulation. It also has specialist private equity derivatives expertise. Lead partner Jacky KellyPractice head(s):
Jacky Kelly
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Timely, practical advice coupled with excellent product knowledge.’
‘Andrew Lauder – proactive, responsive and practical approach.’
Key clients
Apollo
Goldman Sachs
Advent International
Bain Capital
Ontario Teachers
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Fair Oaks
Redding Ridge
CBAM
BlueBay
Brigade Capital
Credit Suisse
Work highlights
- Acting for the hedge counterparties in connection with a £1.6 billion refinancing of debt incurred by First Sentier Investments to finance its acquisition of energy-from-waste (EfW) specialist Wheelabrator Technologies UK.
- Acting for Macquarie Asset Management as sponsor in connection with a GBP 430 million financing of Roadchef and related hedging arrangements.
- Acting for the lender and hedge counterparty in respect of a GBP 165 million financing of Swiss Life’s acquisition of Infrareal.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 6
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP made a key hire for its City base in summer 2021 with the addition of 'star performer' Jenine Hulsmann from Clifford Chance LLP; she is one of a series of additions described as 'a real declaration of intent' by the US firm. The team routinely works alongside colleagues in Washington DC on major matters, including high-stakes M&A deals, competition investigations and appeals.Practice head(s):
Jenine Hulsmann
Other key lawyers:
Chris Chapman; Niklas Maydell; Nafees Saeed; Neil Rigby; Chris Thomas
Testimonials
‘Weil are building a top-tier practice in competition law in London. Their recent recruitment of Jenine Hulsman and Chris Chapman from Clifford Chance is a real declaration of intent. They are involved in some of the major ongoing pieces of competition law work in London.’
‘Weil’s all-star European antitrust team provides highly relevant, commercial and strategic advice. The team at all times takes into account all aspects potentially influencing a situation thereby fully leveraging the wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds of its lawyer’s bench. Both global multinationals and financial investors regularly rely on Weil’s advice in highly complex international antitrust and litigation matters. The natural choice for many when risk management and transaction certainty are essential.’
‘Jenine Hulsmann is a star performer. A lawyer of extraordinary versatility – equally at home in a complex Phase 2 merger case as she is in heavy competition litigation. She mixes deep technical expertise with wonderful strategic and tactical sense.’
‘Chris Chapman is a rising star in this area. A wonderfully precise and concise lawyer – every word counts. One to watch for sure.’
Key clients
Advent International
Lone Star Funds
Meta
Cinven
Brookfield Asset Management
Hilton Worldwide
Blackstone
Bain Capital
Cobham
Sanofi S.A.
Ontario Teachers’ Pensions Plan Board
Microsoft
Work highlights
- Serving as lead global antitrust counsel Microsoft in its $68.7bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc., before the European Commission, coordinating the regulatory process across several jurisdictions worldwide.
- Advised Lone Star Funds and their portfolio company MBCC Group, the former BASF Construction Chemicals business, on the sale of MBCC Group to acompetitor in the construction chemicals industry, Sika for a consideration of €5.2 billion.
- Advised Advent International as a lead investor in the consortium acquiring high-profile cybersecurity firm McAfee in a transaction valued at more than $14 billion on an enterprise value basis after repayment of debt.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 6
Under the leadership of Marc Schubert, Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP serves a roster of fund and asset managers on their activities throughout the UK, Europe, North America and Australasia. The practice is thoroughly experienced in handling start-ups, spin-outs and other business establishments, while also acting on an array of Brexit, FCA authorisation, ESG, AIFMD and MiFID II, securities regulation and market abuse matters.Practice head(s):
Marc Schubert
Key clients
Advent International
Bain Capital
Berkshire Partners
Brookfield Asset Management
Crow Holdings
Generation Investment Management
Genstar Capital
Altamont Capital
Lindsay Goldberg
Providence Equity
Work highlights
- Advised Brookfield Asset Management on the regulatory and global securities law aspects on a range of its private funds in the private equity, infrastructure, real estate and credit spaces.
- Advised Genstar Capital on the fundraising for its latest private equity fund.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 6
The team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP has been strengthened at partner level with the promotion of both Hayley Lund and Chris Marks over the last few years. The group has a particularly strong reputation for its contentious work in the private equity space, and is regularly called on to handle fund-level disputes, including those relating to team exits and spin-offs. Jamie Maples helms the practice.Practice head(s):
Jamie Maples
Other key lawyers:
Mark Lawford; Hayley Lund; Chris Marks
Testimonials
‘Super smart team – compact but with a real quality of work, and a pleasure to work with’
‘The team at Weil is fantastic. They are thorough, efficient, organised and all-round great to work with.’
‘Hayley Lund is a true star. Genuinely exceptional. She works harder and more tirelessly for her clients than any lawyer I know.’
‘Jamie Maples is pure class – he has a fine and careful mind, a beautiful writing style, an even temper and excellent manner with his team and his clients. It is difficult to imagine a situation Jamie could not handle with apparent ease.’
‘Christopher Marks has a very sharp mind and is hardworking and relentless. He always seems to be a few steps ahead of everyone else.’
‘Both Jamie Maples and Hayley Lund are excellent – it’s no surprise Hayley recently made partner.’
‘An excellent team – truly committed to their clients, for whom they work tirelessly. Standout client care; but all the skill of the most ferocious litigators.’
‘They understand the UK system but can communicate clearly and effectively with US clients who come from a different mindset. They understand our goals and motivations but are able to layer on the professionalism of working in the UK courts.’
Key clients
Asia Research & Capital Management Ltd
Joint Special Administrators of MF Global UK Limited
Shop Direct
Lehman Brothers
Stuart Sybersma/David Soden as joint official liquidators of Abraaj Investment Management Limited
Smiggle UK Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented Shop Direct Finance Company, the UK financial services arm of The Very Group, in High Court proceedings against the Official Receiver arising out of the PPI mis-selling scandal.
- Representing Lehman Brothers Holdings in the “Waterfall” litigation concerning the unexpected multi-billion pound surplus arising out of the main UK Lehman entity.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals
Industry focus > TMT
Employment > Employee share schemes
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: With approximately 1,100 lawyers in offices on three continents, Weil operates according to the ‘one firm’ principle, allowing the firm to bring the right mix of firm-wide skill and local-market presence to deliver coordinated legal advice to help clients achieve their sophisticated goals and objectives. Weil’s London office is a leader in the U.K. legal market and is the hub of our European practice. Weil’s strategy is focused on long-term investment in recruiting and retaining exceptional talent at all levels. Few firms place greater emphasis on pro bono work. Weil’s award-winning pro- bono programme is deeply ingrained in the firm’s culture.
Principal areas of work
Private equity: Entrenched in all aspects of private equity, the team includes some of the most respected private equity lawyers in the market. Providing best-in-class advice to market participants throughout the lifecycle of their investments, Weil’s lawyers offer up-to-date know-how to ensure that funds gain the best possible return on investment with a complete solution from transactions and fundraising, to financing, restructuring and tax. From pension and growth funds to multi-asset managers, buyouts to portfolio company restructurings, the firm’s expertise covers every facet of the market.
Private equity infrastructure: Weil’s private equity infrastructure team advises a number of the leading infrastructure funds and other investors on their investments in infrastructure assets across the transportation, energy, social infrastructure and telecommunications sectors. The team has a very strong capability in cross-border M&A, financing and restructurings across the sector.
Corporate/M&A: Clients globally turn to Weil for strategic advice on their UK and cross-border M&A transactions. The experienced team is knowledgeable across the full range of deal types from takeovers, carve-outs and public-to-privates to joint ventures and distressed M&A. Weil’s public company offering also includes corporate governance and compliance, and equity capital markets (including IPOs).
Private funds: Offering fully integrated funds, tax and regulatory capabilities, the private funds team provides leading commercial advice to managers throughout the duration of their funds’ lives, from the raising and deployment of capital to realisation. Many of the world’s leading fund managers rely on Weil for up-to-the-minute advice and solutions to stay ahead of the competition and understand the plethora of new regulation.
Leveraged finance and high yield: Weil’s preeminent London leveraged finance and high yield expertise is underpinned by a full service banking and finance practice advising both financial institutions and private equity sponsors. The team has a reputation as go-to advisors for the largest and most complex financings in the market. Its breadth and depth of know how stems from the diversity of work, advising across a variety of different products, sectors and client types.
Structured finance: The London structured finance group has been at the forefront of the industry in Europe since the inception of the market and is known for complex and innovative transactions, including the creation of several first-ever securitisations of specific asset classes. Weil covers the full range of structured finance products with extensive derivatives expertise. Along with ABS and MBS experience, Weil has a dominant position in the revitalised European CLO 2.0 market and is active on debt portfolio trades and distressed deals.
Restructuring and insolvency: Weil’s London restructuring team has advised on the highest profile and most complex cases in the marketplace. Weil advises a broad client base that includes debtor and creditor representations, directors, private equity houses, senior, mezzanine and subordinated lenders, purchasers and sellers of distressed M&A assets and NPLs and substantial bankruptcy litigation. Weil’s unparalleled global presence provides the US–UK–European link that very few other firms are able to, providing clients with fully integrated cross-border advice and up-to-the-minute global restructuring know-how.
Dispute resolution: Weil’s London disputes practice advises on the most high-profile and technically complex cases in the market, including novel areas of law which have resulted in judgments that are now the leading authorities on points of law. The firm advises upon, manages and conducts all aspects of commercial disputes and investigations, from strategic advice during the early stages of negotiations to courtroom and arbitration advocacy. Weil’s lawyers are regarded as commercially savvy, distinguished and unique in the London market for conducting their own advocacy in arbitration tribunals.
Tax: The Weil London tax team provides cutting edge advice on structuring and implementing transactions, as well as providing a sophisticated consultancy service to clients. The team collaborate with our transactional teams and colleagues across the globe to provide structuring solutions that work from a tax, regulatory and wider legal perspective.
Competition: Weil’s competition practice forms a key part of the firm’s global antitrust/competition offering, providing clients with the international reach and experience required to handle multinational regulatory issues, particularly involving the EU and US competition laws and enforcement. The team has achieved significant success before all major authorities and courts in Europe and the United States.
Transactional support: Weil’s team of in-house transaction specialists leverage the expertise of the firm’s full-service capabilities, and provide a further distinctive aspect of the comprehensive client offering. The transaction specialist team provide specialist advice on corporate governance and compliance, employment, data protection, intellectual property, management incentives, real estate, and technology.
The firm has offices in Beijing, Boston, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Miami, Munich, New York, Paris, Princeton, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Washington DC.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner (London), M&A/Corporate | Michael Francies | ||
Arbitration, Litigation | Jamie Maples | ||
Banking – Sponsors & Lenders | Chris McLaughlin | ||
Banking – Sponsors | Tom Richards | ||
Banking – Lenders | Reena Gogna | ||
Banking – Lenders | Paul Stewart | ||
Banking – Lenders | Alastair McVeigh | ||
Capital Markets – High Yield | Patrick Bright | ||
Capital Markets – Equity, M&A/Corporate | David Avery-Gee | ||
Competition/Antitrust | Jenine Hulsmann | ||
Employment | Ivor Gwilliams | ||
Graduate Recruitment | Yohanna Wilson | ||
IP/IT | Barry Fishley | ||
M&A/Corporate | Murray Cox | ||
Private Equity | Marco Compagnoni | ||
Private Equity Infrastructure | James MacArthur | ||
Private Equity Infrastructure | Paul Hibbert | ||
Private Funds, Pro Bono | Ed Gander | ||
Private Equity, Pro Bono | Simon Lyell | ||
Private Equity, Property/Environment | Mark Thompson | ||
Restructuring | Andrew J. Wilkinson | ||
Restructuring | Neil Devaney | ||
Structured Finance | Jacky Kelly | ||
Structured Finance | Brian Maher | ||
Tax | Jenny Doak | ||
Tax | Oliver Walker |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Patrick Bright | Full CV available at www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Clark | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Marco Compagnoni | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Barry Fishley | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Fox | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Francies | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Ed Gander | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Ian Hamilton | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | James Hogben | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Jacky Kelly | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Lawford | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Lyell | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Brian Maher | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Jamie Maples | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Chris McLaughlin | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Richards | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Wilkinson | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Wood | Full CV available on www.weil.com. | View Profile |
- Finance > Acquisition finance
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+)
- Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency
- Finance > High yield
- Finance > Securitisation
- Investment fund formation and management > Private funds
- Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £500m+
- Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations
- Finance > Derivatives and structured products