The investment funds group at Dentons has deep expertise across private and listed fund structures, with a strong focus on regulatory frameworks. Practice head Claire Armstrong is known for her expertise in both advisory and transactional work, focusing on closed-ended listed fund matters for Scottish, UK and global investment funds, managers and sponsors. Sarah Wylie leads on investment fund and asset management issues, and Owen McLennan leads the firm's private equity group and co-leads the firm’s global investment funds and asset management team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Broad range of relevant experience in the investment funds team. Multiple knowledgeable partners who remain engaged throughout the transaction. High-quality senior associates. Well resourced team.’
- 'The Dentons team are very knowledgeable and professional. I have found them easy to deal with and flexible, making themselves available at short notice, and the turnaround times for issues, even random/odd queries, has been excellent. The team has become a trusted partner for my organisation and I would not hesitate to recommend them to other clients.'
- 'Deep knowledge and market experience and expertise which goes beyond merely dealing with issues and includes insight and broader guidance.'
- 'Very knowledgeable and experienced individuals with a strong work ethic, commitment to clients and meetings objectives. The team is also happy to take a view on matters rather than erring on the side of caution. Special mention for Sarah Wylie as being an absolutely key individual.'
Key clients
- United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
- OpenseedVC
- The North American Income Trust plc
- Invesco Global Equity and Income Trust plc
- Cavendish Capital Markets Limited
- PRS REIT plc
- abrdn UK Smaller Companies Growth Trust plc
- Baillie Gifford & Co and its funds including: The Scottish American Investment Company; Baillie Gifford US Growth Investment Trust; Scottish Mortgage; Monks Investment Trust
- Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust
- Patria Private Equity (Europe)
- Scottish National Investment Bank
Work highlights
Advised FCDO on its MOBILIST programme.
Advised Patria (the former abrdn private equity business) on several investments in 2024.
Advised Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust on a court-approved reduction of capital in the Court of Session and return of up to £130m to shareholders, together with a change to investment policy.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Owen McLennan
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sarah Wylie
Practice head
Claire Armstrong
Other key lawyers
Sarah Wylie; Owen McLennan