Praised as ‘a great team’ which ‘really knows the market’, Akin works with a wide range of UK and multinational sponsors and management teams. Practice head Shaun Lascelles regularly handles cross-border transactions, and is noted for his expertise in energy sector deals and capabilities in emerging markets such as Africa and Eastern Europe. Co-head Sebastian Rice draws on more than 20 years of experience advising on deals concerning various foreign markets, while the ‘excellent’ David Sewell, who is praised for his ’amazing ability to deal with complex issues and structures quickly and efficiently’, is a key contact in the team for secondaries and fund structuring matters. Simon Rootsey is well-regarded for his sector-specific expertise, which is chiefly concentrated in the energy, infrastructure and life sciences sectors. Jing Ng and Chris Beardmore support clients on domestic and cross-border transactions. Stephen Rosen joined from Cooley (UK) LLP in September 2024, while Gavin Weir left the practice to join Ashurst in January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A great team. Really knows the market and great to work with.’
‘David Sewell is excellent. He knows how PE firms work and their focus on deals. He is an invaluable resource for us when we sell/buy from PE. He also has an amazing ability to deal with complex issues and structures quickly and efficiently.
‘The team is quite knowledgeable and expert in the field of M&A.'
Key clients
- Adelis Equity Partners Fund II AB
- The Carlyle Group Inc.
- Helios Investment Partners LLP
- L1 Energy (UK) LLP
- Pharmakon
- Vitol SA
Work highlights
Advised LetterOne on an agreement to transfer the majority of Wintershall Dea’s non-Russia related upstream business to London-listed Harbour Energy plc for a total consideration of $11.2bn.
Advised Vitol S on the acquisition of 100% of the shares in BP Turkey Refining Limited and BP Petrolleri A.Ş. bp’s subsidiary BP Turkey Refining Limited holds a 51% stake in the ATAS Anadolu Tasfiyehanesi AS joint venture – a key storage facility in Turkey.
Advising Adelis in connection to the proposed sale of two Swedish assets to a newly formed special purpose continuation fund vehicle, in connection with an investment by HarbourVest Partners and others into the relevant fund structure.
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
Shaun Lascelles; Sebastian Rice
Other key lawyers
David Sewell; Simon Rootsey; Jing Ng; Chris Beardmore; Stephen Rosen