Renowned for its work with financial sponsors, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP advises on high-profile infrastructure transactions across global markets. The team is especially active on cross-border acquisitions, financings and exits involving core and emerging infrastructure assets, combining sectoral breadth with deep sponsor-side expertise to support long-term investment strategies across the full asset lifecycle. Team co-head Sara Pickersgill is a highly experienced M&A specialist who regularly advises leading private equity firms and infrastructure funds on substantial domestic and cross-border transactions. James Boswell, also co-leading the team, is a standout debt finance practitioner, with a strong track record across high-profile refinancings and acquisition financings. Fellow co-head Toby Parkinson frequently acts for major sponsors and fund managers on multi-billion-pound acquisitions, investments, and disposals, with notable strength in energy transition deals. Sinead O’Shea is sought after by clients for her extensive debt finance expertise, while Celyn Evans brings considerable experience in digital infrastructure transactions. James McGivern and Emma Shelston provide additional depth to the team, offering cross-border finance and M&A expertise respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An extremely competent, knowledgeable and proactive team led by Sara Pickersgill. The team were wholly dedicated to making a success of the project they were tasked with - taking innovative and commercial action to get the best deal on our behalf. They took time to understand our risk appetite and commercial drivers to ensure that their service was well aligned with our requirements.'
'They partnered well with the wider project team - both internally and externally. Very available, and pleasure to work alongside for a prolonged period of time.’
‘Sara Pickersgill is adept at leading her team, ensuring the right level of support from appropriate resources. She was available, keen to understand our business and determined to maintain a transparent and productive feedback loop.'
- 'In a few short years, Kirkland & Ellis has already built out a strong practice and continues to grow in scale and experience. The key partners are Sara Pickersgill and James Boswell, who are two of the strongest leaders in the infrastructure sector.'
- 'Sara Pickersgill is why we go to Kirkland, she is one of the best in the sector. Sara perfectly blends leadership, experience and attention to detail. She will identify the key risks/issues and get her team focused on it and then empower us as client to make deal decisions.'
- 'James Boswell is one of the key players in infrastructure finance that has helped create overwhelming critical mass for London as the centre of infrastructure finance. James has the attention to detail, the understanding of what is 'market' and the tenaciousness that you want on your side when negotiating with lenders.'
Key clients
- Actis
- Antin Infrastructure Partners
- Apollo Infrastructure
- Arcus Infrastructure
- AXA IM Alts
- Beacon Rail
- BlackRock
- Brookfield Infrastructure
- Carlyle
- Energos Infrastructure
- EQT Infrastructure
- GIC
Work highlights
Advising Apollo-managed funds on their acquisition of a stake in BP Pipelines TAP Limited, a subsidiary of BP that holds a 20% share in Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG, in a transaction valued at approximately $1bn.
Advising KKR on its acquisition of a 25% stake and subsequent 5% stake in Enilive, in a transaction valued at approximately €12bn.
Advising Arcus Infrastructure on the sale of Constellation Cold Logistics to EQT Infrastructure VI fund.
Lawyers
Hall of fame: Corporate M&A
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: Corporate and M&A
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
James Boswell; Toby Parkinson; Sara Pickersgill
Other key lawyers
Sinead O'Shea; Celyn Evans; James McGivern; Emma Shelston; Tina Xu; Jia Meng; Monica Gemes