Kirkland & Ellis houses a ‘capable and diligent’ practice which is well-equipped to handle exits and acquisitions for special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC), investor and buyer consortiums, and investment firms. Jesse Sheley and Peng Yu jointly head the practice. Sheley is well-known for his deep knowledge of leveraged buyouts (LBO) and M&A, while Yu’s workload consists of a variety of cross-border transactional issues, including growth capital investment mandates. Gary Li is noted for his broad, longstanding expertise, often advising on high-value take-privates and equity investments. Pierre-Luc Arsenault is a key name within the team for joint venture and recapitlisation-related matters.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Kirkland has rich resources, experience and expertise in M&A, and capital markets, as well as understanding of all major geographical markets. It is convenient and efficient when the deal team needs to consult with relevant experts on product and/or market matters.’
‘Peng Yu is extremely experienced in advising PE firms. He understands our requirements, experienced in negotiating with our counterparts and working extremely hard.’
‘Full service team with deep experience in every aspect of PE transactions. Trusted advisors. Commercially aware.’
‘Peng Yu is recommended for his keen commercial awareness. The team is capable and diligent.’
Key clients
- L Catterton Asia
- The Carlyle Group
- Advantage Partners
- Cartesian Capital Group
- Bain Capital
- Crescent Point Capital
- Boyu Capital
- CITIC Capital
- Blackstone
- Nexus Point Capital
Work highlights
- Advised L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed by affiliates of L Catterton, on its business combination with Lotus Technology, Inc.
- Acted as the U.S. legal counsel to the buyer consortium including certain affiliates of Bain Capital on the proposed $3.16 billion take-private of Chindata Group Holdings Limited.
- Represented an investor consortium on its acquisition and development of Subway’s China business.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jesse Sheley; Peng Yu
Other key lawyers
Gary Li; Pierre-Luc Arsenault; Maurice Conway