Travers Smith LLP has extensive experience in high-value M&A transactions and carve-out investments, often spanning across North American and European jurisdictions. The team has a strong track record on the buyer-side, regularly representing shareholders and consortiums in complex private equity-backed acquisitions and share sales, with London’s Will Yates spearheading the outfit. Yates advises management teams and founders, while Adam Orr covers leveraged buyouts and co-investments. Emma Havas is highly knowledgeable in recapitalisations and public-to-privates, whilst Tom Hartwright is also cited as key. The firm is especially active in the tech, maritime, and pharma industries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very strong associate / senior associates. Very commercial and strong negotiators.’
‘Arguably the best team for private equity management advice. Adam Orr leads a great team which has the experience to know what is market standard and how the market is moving to ensure management teams, and their interests are protected.’
‘A deep understanding of the business and the drivers of value creation which management teams participate in. Therefore, Travers know what to protect and what can be given up in a deal negotiation.’
‘Good partner involvement at all times. Very responsive. Generally, very commercial in approach (non-legalistic).’
‘Personable; unflappable; good comms skills. Will Yates gives impression that he's seen most things before and can deal with whatever comes up.'
'Travers lawyers are bright, business-minded, up to date on the latest legal developments, and pragmatic in their approach. I have had particularly good experiences with Tom Hartwright, Emma Havas, Adam Orr, and Will Yates.'
Work highlights
Advised Sixth Street Partners, a leading global investment firm, and Patron Capital, the pan-European institutional investor focused on property investments, on the acquisition of the major UK house builder CALA Group from Legal & General Group plc by Ferguson Bidco Limited, an entity owned by funds managed by Sixth Street and Patron.
Advised Inflexion on its carve-out investment in GlobalData Plc's Healthcare division.
Advised Ascential plc on the sale of its product design business ("WGSN") to funds advised by Apax Partners.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
William Yates
Practice head
Will Yates
Other key lawyers
Adam Orr; Emma Havas; Tom Hartwright