Hogan Lovells International LLP has deep sector expertise in the real estate, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications sectors, catering to a diverse range of domestic and multinational clients. The group offers a depth of insight in transfer pricing, benefiting from supplementary contentious tax aptitude. Philip Harle leads the team, and has key strength in structured finance transactions and securitisations. Former department lead Elliot Weston remains active as head of the firm’s global tax practice, and is particularly focused on tax elements of real estate transactions. Karen Hughes‘ practice includes tax aspects of M&A and business restructurings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A calm and competent approach to issues. Very practical.’

  • ‘Breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the tax team (who I mostly deal with).’

  • ‘Elliot Weston: Pragmatic and insightful combined with deep and broad technical knowledge (often these don't go hand in hand). Responsive and available and will go the extra mile for his clients. Works well with other members of the team (tax and beyond. Really knows our business and feels like a member of our team!’

  • ‘Specialist but practical expertise.’

  • ‘Available and user-friendly.’

  • 'They provide responsive, well considered and commercial tax advice in a timely manner. The team includes both technical expertise and deep experience of commercial reasonableness. We find their ability to mobilise at short order very impressive, and they truly are trusted advisors to our business.'

Key clients

  • Hometree
  • CVC Capital Partners
  • BM
  • Smurfit Kappa
  • Metro Bank PLC
  • AXA PPP Healthcare Group Limited
  • DCC Plc
  • Oaktree Capital Management
  • Prax Group
  • Autodesk
  • Hometree
  • CVC Capital Partners

Work highlights

Advised CVC Capital Partners, which has invested alongside KKR to support Superstruct Entertainment Group in its next phase of development as one of the world’s premier live entertainment groups.
Advised Smurfit Kappa on its financing as part of its US$24bn merger with US-based WestRock Company.
Advised Metro Bank PLC on the sale of an approximately £2.5bn prime residential mortgage portfolio to NatWest Group PLC.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Elliot Weston

Practice head

Philip Harle

Other key lawyers

Elliot Weston; Karen Hughes; Aaron Burchell; Fiona Bantock