Fielding a team of ‘extremely strong technical lawyers’, Linklaters LLP consistently advises high-profile sponsors and global corporates on big-ticket equity investments and private equity-backed M&A transactions. The firm’s corporate offering covers take-privates and strategic capital investments, showcasing significant activity in the financial services, tech, and healthcare industries. The team is jointly led by Alex Woodward and Ben Rodham, both of whom are particularly noted for their experience in carve-outs, co-investments, and distressed acquisitions. Chris Boycott routinely acts for financial sponsors and investee companies, Tracey Lochhead is a corporate finance specialist, while Daniel Law primarily concentrates on secondary buyouts and consortium transactions. Andrew Lynch and Peter McCabe are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Linklaters have really deep bench strength with quality operators right across the team. They provide wonderful client service – they are responsive, technically excellent, and always apply a commercial mindset and approach to their advice. They take time to build relationships of trust and partnership and understand every aspect of our organisation, which really helps to deliver transactions where multiple stakeholders need to be brought in line. Linklaters is a Firm we turn to on our most complex transactions, particularly given the strength of their sector and specialist teams, which are top-notch.’
‘We work a lot with Andy Lynch and his team. Andy is super user-friendly and is a go-to partner for us on complex transactions. He’s really hands-on, totally across the issues that matter, and always available and responsive. He applies the right balance of technical, legal, and commercial skills to help us identify and navigate risks, keeping us away from danger zones, whilst also keeping all sides focused on the issues that matter to getting a deal done.’
‘Alex Woodward is an invaluable partner for us, he thinks around issues extremely well and is a really helpful sounding board and voice of calm reason. Genna Marten has been an excellent addition to the team. She is very hands-on and responsive, pragmatic, and thoughtful about how to achieve a workable outcome for all parties. Chris Boycott is extremely knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to public deals. Ben Rodham is also excellent, very calm and pragmatic. It’s also great to see John Tsui get promoted to add further strength and depth to the team.’
‘The whole Linklaters team is extremely strong technical lawyers providing exceptional customer service. They have some of the broadest and deepest understanding of private equity amongst their peers. They are true thought partners who go above and beyond.’
‘Alex, Genna and the team stand out for their thoughtful partnership, attention to detail and alignment with our culture.’
'The team combines commercial acumen, depth of expertise and a solutions-orientated approach with ease and across the peking order. Legal advice is clear and user-friendly even on the most complex transactions involving different stakeholders. The team has a deep bench of experienced professionals offering a range of specialist knowledge and capacity to support (and bring together) workstreams across complex, large-scale transactions.'
Key clients
- Ardian
- Apax
- Apollo
- Blackstone
- BC Partners
- Brookfield
- Carlyle
- CDPQ
- Cerberus
- CPPIB
- DigitalBridge
- EQT
Work highlights
Advised Hg on (i) the acquisition of a minority stake in team.blue by CPPIB and Sofina; and (ii) a further investment by Hg, valuing the business at €4.5bn.
Advised the Brookfield-led consortium on the closing of the £2.2bn recommended public offer for Network International Holdings Plc.
Advised the Brookfield-led consortium on its minority preferred equity investment in GEMS Education, a UAE-based education and ancillary services provider.
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.
Tracey Lochhead
Ben Rodham
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ben Suen
Practice head
Alex Woodward; Ben Rodham
Other key lawyers
Chris Boycott; Tracey Lochhead; Daniel Law; Andrew Lynch; Peter McCabe; Alex Lehtinen; Genna Marten; Ben Suen; Martin Arnal; Tom Gavin; John Tsui