Kirkland & Ellis International LLP draws superlative praise from clients for its 'client service, commerciality, and solutions-oriented approach'. The firm consistently represents high-profile clients—including some of the world's largest asset managers—on deals across industries ranging from cybersecurity to entertainment. Leveraging significant cross-border capabilities, the team advises a mix of domestic and international clients across all aspects of multijurisdictional M&A and complex take-privates. David Higgins and Matthew Elliott spearhead the London team; Higgins regularly handles equity investments and minority stake sales, while Elliott is noted for his expertise in capitalisations and strategic partnerships. Stuart Boyd acts for private equity and financial sponsors on various cross-border deals, Adrian Maguire covers disposals and carve-out transactions, and Alvaro Membrillera is recommended for his track record in PE-driven M&A. Other key figures include Vincent Bergin, who acts for financial investors, and Aneeq Durrani, noted for his M&A capabilities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘K&E is simply the best. The client service, commerciality, and solutions-oriented approach is simply unmatched.’
‘K&E have high-quality partners, who are commercial as well as very good at driving processes. They have a high market share, which also gives them real-time insights and look to add real value.’
‘Matt Elliott - commercial view, responsive, deep market knowledge.’
Key clients
- Advent International
- Antin Infrastructure Partners
- Apax
- Bain Capital Private Equity
- BC Partners
- Blackstone
- Brookfield
- CD&R
- Cinven
- GIC
- Hellman & Friedman
- KKR
Work highlights
Advised consortium of CVC Private Equity Funds, Nordic Capital and ADIA on the announcement of a £5.4 billion recommended cash acquisition of Hargreaves Lansdown.
Advised Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on the £17 billion (EV) acquisition of a 50% controlling stake in Opella from Sanofi.
Advised GIC alongside CPPIB and Equinix to co-Invest in a $15 billion digital infrastructure platform.
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.
Practice head
David Higgins; Matthew Elliott
Other key lawyers
Stuart Boyd; Adrian Maguire; Alvaro Membrillera; Vincent Bergin; Aneeq Durrani; Greg Scott; Jacob Traff