Praised for its ‘collaborative and proactive’ approach, Hogan Lovells assists financial institutions, corporates, and investors on complex, multi-jurisdictional M&A and strategic corporate matters. With a strong track record in regulated sectors – including energy, life sciences, media, and financial services – the team frequently handles high-stakes deals spanning Europe, Asia, and the US, and is also sought after for its advice on governance and ESG-related issues. The team is led by John Connell, whose practice spans the financial institutions, fintech, and insurance sectors. Sarah Shaw regularly advises private equity and infrastructure funds, as well as energy and natural resources companies, on public takeovers, joint ventures, and restructurings, with a particular focus on African markets. Anthony Doolittle is well-versed in the financial services, technology, and fintech industries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Sarah Shaw is nothing but a star -- an excellent deal maker and negotiator. She is skilled in handling different counterparties, whether traditional companies or private equity shops.'
  • 'The team were flexible, embedded within our business and were sage advisers at a critical point in time. Advice was comprehensive and clear. The standout strength was collaboration.'
  • ‘The team at Hogan Lovells assisted our business over a number of months. They quickly understood our business and had relevant industry experience. They made themselves available at all times and when different areas of expertise were needed, they were able to call on a significant bank of knowledge.'
  • ‘Dan Simons is an excellent trusted advisor, very strong technically but also commercial, and a skilled negotiator.'
  • ‘A leading M&A practice in the City led by strong and commercial partners, supported by high-quality associates.'
  • ‘The team is well-suited to working with companies that have different structures and challenges and go above and beyond to help manage issues that arise, which are out of the initial project scope.'

Key clients

  • LetterOne
  • Vodafone
  • Marsh McLennan
  • Enstar Group Limited
  • UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade
  • Metro Bank PLC
  • Goldman Sachs
  • CVC Capital Partners
  • Smart Metering Systems PLC
  • Chevron
  • Qatar Insurance Company
  • Vauban Infrastructure Partners

Work highlights

Advised CVC, which has invested alongside KKR to support Superstruct Entertainment Group in its next phase of development.
Advised Metro Bank on the sale of an approximately £2.5 billion prime residential mortgage portfolio to NatWest Group PLC.
Advised Chevron on a major disposal of its assets in the Republic of Congo.

Lawyers

Leading partners

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

Practice head

John Connell

Other key lawyers

Sarah Shaw; Nicola Evans; Tom Brassington; Peter Watts; Jonathan Russell; Anthony Doolittle; Daniel Simons