Kirkland & Ellis has reinforced its standing as a pre-eminent private M&A firm, with a strong emphasis on high-value, sponsor-led transactions. Over the past year, the firm has advised on several market-shaping deals, including high-profile de-listings and take-privates. It is widely recognised for its expertise in privatisations, reverse takeovers, sponsor-backed acquisitions, and cross-border mergers. Co-chair Joey Chau is highly experienced in complex transactional mandates, particularly high-profile take-privates, while fellow co-chair Brian Ho brings deep regulatory insight from his previous role as Executive Director at the Securities and Futures Commission. Peng Yu, Jesse Sheley, and Pierre-Luc Arsenault are also central to the team's ongoing successes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team provides full scope of services on M&A and is a very competent team.'
Key clients
- Edding Group Company Limited
- Management Reports International Pte Ltd (MRI)
- ZG Group
- The Independent Board Committee of Vinda International
- GL Capital
- Celestial Link Limited
- Oaktree Capital Management L.P.
- Celestial Link Limited
- Alibaba
Work highlights
Advising a consortium led by Starwood Capital Group, Sixth Street and SSW Partners on their proposal to privatise ESR by way of a scheme of arrangement.
Advising UBS AG, as the financial adviser to the merger of Guotai Junan Securities Co., Ltd. and Haitong Securities Co., Ltd.
Advising J.P. Morgan Securities Limited as exclusive financial adviser to the offeror, L’Occitane Groupe S.A., on the EUR 1.7 billion proposed privatisation of L’Occitane International S.A.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Brian Ho
Practice head
Joey Chau; Brian Ho
Other key lawyers
Peng Yu; Jesse Sheley; Pierre-Luc Arsenault