Characterised as the ‘best team in the market to coordinate complex multijurisdictional FDI notifications’, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is well-versed in the full gamut of competition law matters, routinely instructing blue-chip clients hailing from the natural resources, TMT and financial services sectors. Practice head Alasdair Balfour handles the full spectrum of antitrust, foreign investment and national security and regulatory law, focusing especially on securing approvals for transactions. Sally Evans, a dual-qualified (English and Belgian) practitioner, has a particular strength in UK merger control, having played a lead role in several successful CMA remedy cases. Satyen Dhana joined the team from Simmons & Simmons. Former practice head Paula Riedel has retired.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Kirkland's strength is the breadth of their international knowledge and experience in multiple jurisdictions.’
‘I would particularly highlight Joel Gory. In the fast-paced, deadline-driven world of antitrust law, his standout attributes are responsiveness and decisiveness, rooted in a deep understanding of the law and practical commercial insight.'
‘I regularly work with the Kirkland & Ellis team in the area of FDI control. The team is without any doubt currently the best team in the market to coordinate complex multijurisdictional FDI notifications: their level of efficiency to smoothly obtain FDI clearances is unseen.’
‘Athina van Melkebeke is a true FDI star who is strongly in the driving seat to bring all matters to a good end, irrespective of complexity.'
‘Mark Gardner consistently provides thoughtful, commercial advice on antitrust and competition issues across numerous ex-US jurisdictions and helps us navigate through the different regimes to successfully close our transactions.’
Key clients
- ByBox
- Ellucian
- Beacon Rail
- GIC
- Pharmanovia
- Thoma Bravo
- Eli Lilly
- Warburg Pincus
- GIP
- KKR
Work highlights
Represented ByBox as antitrust counsel on the CMA’s investigation into its acquisition of rival Pelipod Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc.
Representing GIP on its acquisition by BlackRock.
Advised Beacon Rail on its acquisition of all shares of and sole control over Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V. from its current shareholders, Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Alasdair Balfour
Other key lawyers
Sally Evans; Matthew Sinclair-Thomson; Athina Van Melkebeke; Samantha Jones; Joel Gory; Satyen Dhana