Kirkland & Ellis houses a sizeable PE offering that is trusted by a long list of global funds to handle an array of investments, exits, and acquisitions, from buyouts and SPAC transactions, to growth capital investments. Jesse Sheley advises on a range of PE transactions, including LBOs, SPACs, major acquisitions, and more, and fellow co-head Peng Yu‘s wide expertise touches take-privates, PIPEs, JVs, and beyond. Third co-head Pierre-Luc Arsenault’s experience includes LBOs, minority investments, joint ventures, and unusual PE deals. Other prominent team members include Joey Chau, whose practice includes high-profile take-privates, and Paul Guan, who specialises in real estate private equity. Gary Li left the team in February 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- Starwood Capital Group
- Sixth Street
- SSW Partners
- QIA
- Warburg Pincus
- The Founders of ESR Group Limited
- Alibaba
- Cainiao
- Bain Capital
- Blackstone
- CITIC Capital
- CPP Investments
Work highlights
Representing CPP Investments in its AUD24bn (USD15.38bn) acquisition of AirTrunk, alongside Blackstone, from Macquarie Asset Management and other investors, including PSP Investments.
Advised a consortium led by Starwood Capital Group, Sixth Street, and SSW Partners, which also includes QIA, Warburg Pincus, and the Founders of ESR, on their proposal to privatise ESR by way of scheme of arrangement.
Advising PAG on the acquisition of Manjushree Technopack from Advent International.
Practice head
Jesse Sheley; Peng Yu; Pierre-Luc Arsenault
Other key lawyers
Joey Chau; Paul Guan