Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP made moves to bolster its offering for private equity transactions, hiring David Huthmacher from Hogan Lovells International LLP in February 2025. He joins a team that has in recent years expanded its client portfolio of mid and large-cap sponsors. The group is jointly led by Georg Linde, a go-to lawyer for large-cap funds and expert across a range of transactional matters, and Kamyar Abrar, who is also very well versed in PE deals. Nils Röver has expertise spanning distressed M&A and growth investments, and at a more junior level, Jacob Ahme stands out from a deep pool of talent.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Willkie distinguishes itself through a combination of deep subject-matter expertise, a client-centric approach, and a strong emphasis on collaboration. Its ability to blend technical proficiency with a practical understanding of client needs ensures solutions that are not only legally sound but also commercially viable.’
- ‘The individuals within this team, led by Kamyar Abrar and Christian Sperling, consistently stand out for their deep expertise, pragmatic judgment, and unwavering commitment to client service. They combine technical excellence with strong interpersonal skills, which fosters a collaborative, solutions-driven environment.’
- 'Great work with a commercial mindset. Responsive.'
- 'Commercial approach and responsive - they deliver the agreed work. Kamyar Abrar in particular is a star.'
- 'Georg Linde is a master tactician. He knows when to push, when to pause, and when to pivot. Kamyar Abrar is a rising star - technically brilliant, responsive, and attuned to the nuances of investor priorities.'
- 'Willkie’s PE transactions team is one of the most sophisticated and commercially intelligent groups I’ve ever encountered. They operate with speed, precision, and a remarkable degree of cohesion across jurisdictions. Whether navigating auction processes, complex carve-outs, or mid-market bolt-ons, their depth of experience is evident in every interaction. They’re not just deal executors, they are problem-solvers and value creators.'
Key clients
- CVC
- PAI Partners
- 3i Group plc
- Wendel
- One Rock Capital Partners
- Goldman Sachs
- Advent
- AlixPartners
- Insight Partners
- Maxburg
- Adiuva
- ARDIAN
Work highlights
Advised CVC Capital Partners on its investment in CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KGaA.
Advised Platinum Equity on the acquisition, and the acquisition financing, of Sunrise Medical from Nordic Capital.
Advised Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs on its €120m Series B investment in Osapiens Inc.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Georg Linde; Kamyar Abrar
Other key lawyers
Nils Röver; David Huthmacher; Michael Ilter; Miriam Steets; Florian Dendl; Christian Sperling; Jacob Ahme