Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is well known for its work on high-value, complex M&A transactions and its expertise in merger control proceedings before UK and EU competition authorities. The team is recognised for securing unconditional merger clearances and holds a strong reputation in the private equity space. Team head Alasdair Balfour focuses on antitrust, foreign investment, and national security matters, with particular strength in securing transactional approvals. Satyen Dhana joined the practice from Simmons & Simmons in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘My experience has always been excellent—I can rely on the team to do all the heavy lifting and only reach out when something genuinely requires our input.'
- ‘Our team was really impressed by Samantha Jones in a recently signed deal. The transaction was extremely difficult, with a broad global presence of the target and a lot of moving pieces requiring daily re-thinking of the jurisdictional analysis.'
- ‘The Kirkland EU and Competition team is a powerhouse for global merger control and FDI. They have an unparalleled network of local counsel and work tirelessly to achieve results for clients on the most complex global matters.'
- ‘Standouts include Alasdair Balfour, and Sion Davies. They are highly personable, calm under pressure, and always achieve exceptional results.’
- ‘The Kirkland & Ellis team is dynamic and energetic, with an excellent reputation across multiple sectors.'
- 'They are extremely committed and go the extra mile for clients. Their approach is collaborative—both when working on the other side and as instructed counsel.'
Key clients
- Haynes International
- Kellanova
- Walgreens Boots Alliance
- Enstall
- MRI
- GIP
- Bain
- KKR
- BC Partners
- Cinven
Work highlights
Advising Triton on its carve out acquisition of the building security and communications technology business of the Robert Bosch Group.
Advising Amcor Inc on its $37 billion acquisition of Berry Global.
Advising Walgreens Boots Alliance on its acquisition by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a complex take-private transaction valued at up to $23.7 billion.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Alasdair Balfour
Other key lawyers
Satyen Dhana; Matthew Sinclair-Thomson; Athina Van Melkebeke