Working with a strong roster of private equity firms, pension funds, and other institutional investors, Freshfields is particularly noted for its experience in carve-out acquisitions and majority investments, often spanning across jurisdictions. The firm brings notable cross-sector expertise — particularly across the automotive, software, and banking industries — along with proven experience in majority stake transactions. Charles Hayes, Victoria Sigeti, and James Scott jointly head the team, each specialising in take-privates and exits, alongside representing financial sponsors and major investors. Joining them in London, Alastair Brown chiefly concentrates on co-investments and management incentivisation arrangements. Variously praised as ‘highly thoughtful and attentive’ and ’commercially savvy’, Mark Brewer is highly regarded for his growth capital investment work. Angus Scott and Chris Yarrow are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Mark Brewer is highly thoughtful and attentive, which gives one the comforting feeling of being in safe hands.'
- 'The ability to draw on a deep bench of high-quality associates, specialists and local counsels, together with its deep institutional knowledge, makes Freshfields our trusted and preferred adviser on our most complex matters.'
- ‘Mark Brewer is a trusted advisor to our deal teams. He's commercially savvy and can get the deal done.’
- ‘Very strong large cap PE practice, with deep understanding of how a PE firm operates.’
Key clients
- Advent International
- AEA Investors
- A&M Capital
- Apollo
- Blackstone
- CDPQ
- Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
- Charterhouse Capital Partners
- Cinven
- CPP Investments
- CVC Capital Partners
- EQT
- General Atlantic
- GIC
- Hellman & Friedman
- ICG
- KKR
- Montagu Private Equity
- Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
- PAI Partners
Work highlights
Advised Cinven on its majority investment in Alter Domus.
Advised Cinven on its majority investment in Grant Thornton UK.
Advised the selling shareholders, including Adevinta (a portfolio company of Blackstone and Permira), on the sale of Distilled Limited to Blacksheep Fund Management.
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.
Victoria Sigeti
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Mark Brewer
Practice head
Charles Hayes; Victoria Sigeti; James Scott
Other key lawyers
Alastair Brown; Mark Brewer; Angus Scott; Chris Yarrow