Acting for some of the largest global consumer brands and UK’s leading FTSE 100 retail clients, Linklaters LLP is adept in brand licensing, disputes, M&A, complex carve-outs, and supply chain and distribution matters. The team is well-regarded in financing and corporate, with notable recent highlights including a multi-billion-pound takeover and opt-out collective action proceeding. The team is led by Michael Honan, an M&A expert in the retailer, e-commerce, luxury goods, supermarkets, and alcoholic beverages sectors, and Michael Fanner, a cross-border M&A specialist for large global companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The partners we work with understand the specific challenges of our business as a luxury retailer and work with us to provide solutions.'

  • 'They provide excellent advice that is a good blend of legal and commercial, and are always approachable and flexible in how they support us.’

Key clients

  • Britvic
  • Tate & Lyle
  • Unilever
  • Nestlé
  • Sainsbury’s
  • Yum! Brands (incorporating Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut & Taco Bell)
  • JD Sports
  • Burberry
  • Charoen Pokphand Group
  • John Lewis
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe

Work highlights

Advised Britvic on its recommended takeover by Carlsberg for £3.3bn.
Advised Tate & Lyle on the acquisition of CP Kelco, a leading provider of pectin, speciality gums and other nature-based ingredients, from J.M. Huber Corporation for $1.8bn.

Practice head

Michael Honan; Michael Fanner

Other key lawyers

Richard Hodgson; Alexandra Beidas