Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP made several significant partner acquisitions in 2024, futhering its growth in the private equity space. Neal Reenan and Ian Bushner arrived from Latham & Watkins LLP in March, while Claire James  joined from Latham & Watkins LLP in October; the trio now co-chair the practice. Their expertise spans M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings, and they continue to advise major PE firms on both domestic and cross-border transactions. Further strengthening the team, Ryan Blicher arrived from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in November, bringing industry-spanning experience, while Sanjay Murti joined from Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in January. Additionally, Joshua Ayal, Steven Li, and Eva Mak joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in January 2024, bolstering the firm’s bench strength.
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Key clients

  • CVC Capital Partners
  • Patient Square
  • IP3
  • Zuora
  • Sonoco Products Company
  • Zeus Company
  • Ascendant Capital
  • Confluent
  • TPG
  • Bain Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised CVC on its carve-out acquisition of the Therakos business from global specialty pharma company Mallinckrodt. CVC will acquire Therakos for an enterprise value of $925 million, subject to customary adjustments.
  • Advised Patient Square Capital and its Elevage Medical Technologies platform on an investment by Elevage and Prudential Assurance Company (acting by its investment manager M&G Investment Management Limited) in 4basebio PLC.
  • Represented Indo-Pacific Partnership for Prosperity in leading the formation of a new coalition with Global Infrastructure Partners, KKR, and other global investors.

Lawyers

Practice head

Neal Reenan; Ian Bushner; Claire James

Other key lawyers

Ryan Blicher; Sanjay Murti; Joshua Ayal, Steven Li; Eva Mak