A firm with ‘great capabilities’ and the ability to be ’hyperlocal in their knowledge of European transactions’, Ropes & Gray LLP handles sponsor-side M&A, carve-outs, demergers and sell-side transactions for a wide pool of clients, with a notable focus on the healthcare and education sectors. Angela Becker brings extensive transactional capabilities to the fore on a host of cross-border acquisitions and disposals, while the ‘outstanding’ Helen Croke is praised for having a ’brilliant legal mind’ and for being ‘truly client-oriented’. Shona Ha and Victoria McGrath provide transactional and corporate law advice to a host of asset managers, financial sponsors and corporates, while John Newton is noted for his M&A and venture capital work in the healthcare, life sciences and TMT spaces. Dan Oates handles leveraged buyouts, public-to-privates and disposals across a swathe of sectors; IT and software are key focus areas in recent months. Elizabeth Todd is also recommended for both UK and cross-border transactions. Paul Armstrong joined the team from Permira in January 2024, bringing further M&A and IPO expertise to the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ropes has great capabilities and international reach. As a US buyout firm, we appreciate their ability to be hyperlocal in their knowledge of European transactions but also overlay local approaches with what we need and how we think about transactions in the US. They have great specialists and wonderful junior talent as well, in addition to world-class partners.’
‘Helen Croke is truly outstanding. The best lawyer that I have worked with in my career. I have worked extensively with her on all of my transactions in Europe for over 10 years, across multiple European jurisdictions. She is extremely intelligent and a brilliant legal mind but also very commercial and user-friendly for financial sponsors. She is truly client-oriented and one of the hardest working lawyers I have ever met.'
Key clients
- 3i
- Advent International
- AEA Investors
- Altamont Capital
- American Industrial Partners
- Aquiline Capital Partners
- Arsenal Capital Management
- Astorg
- Athyrium
- Audax Group
Work highlights
- Advised BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII in partnership with its portfolio company, Tricor, on the merger of Vistra with Tricor in a transaction which values the combined company at an enterprise value of USD 6.5bn.
- Advised Astorg on the completed planned demerger of Fastmarkets from Delinian.
- Advised TPG Capital in its USD 1.4bn acquisition of Nextech from Thomas H. Lee Partners.
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.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Shona Ha
Elizabeth Todd
Other key lawyers
Angela Becker; Helen Croke; Victoria McGrath; John Newton; Dan Oates; Elizabeth Todd; Paul Armstrong