Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acts a preeminent advisors to global private equity sponsors on large-cap acquisitions and public-to-private transactions to portfolio company strategy, financing, restructuring and exit planning. The group is particularly skilled in large and mid-cap buyouts, consortium transactions, cross-border investments and bespoke sponsor-led structures. Anchored in the New York office, the team is jointly led by a group of co-heads, namely Kevin Schmidt, who is highly experienced in public-to-private transactions, carve-outs, joint control investments and bespoke liquidity solutions; Christopher Anthony, who specialises in multi-asset transactions and value-creation initiatives across the portfolio lifecycle; Kevin Rinker, who is an expert in areas of healthcare services, life sciences, healthcare technology and consumer health; Spencer Gilbert, who maintains a strong focus on sponsor-led transactions in healthcare, insurance and industrial services; Paul Bird, who shines in large-cap and platform-building transactions; and Uri Herzberg, whose strengths lie in sponsor-led transactions, carve-outs and special situations. Jennifer Chu left the firm in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What distinguishes Debevoise is its sophisticated, buyer-side focus on large and complex continuation fund transactions, with particular strength in negotiating against experienced counterparties while consistently protecting the client’s position. The team combines deep technical expertise with strong commercial instincts, anticipating pressure points, managing risk thoughtfully, and driving outcomes without unnecessary friction. Compared to other firms, they are notably more strategic, efficient, and solution-oriented, delivering partner-level engagement, disciplined execution, and a collaborative approach that adds real value in competitive, fast-moving processes. ’
- ‘Whole team is very solid and can be trusted very consistently, which is important for us.'
- ‘The Debevoise team works very effectively as a true partner and extension of our team. They collaborate well with internal colleagues (tax, funds, etc.), external advisors (PwC and others), management teams, etc. - while always staying highly coordinated with deal leads. As a result, there is tremendous trust and efficiency in how we work together.’
- ‘Kevin Schmidt - aggressive but practical. Kevin Rinker - practical, smooth, strategic. ’
- ‘Knowledgeable about market terms, strategic advice on how to get transactions completed, represent us in the same ways we want to present ourselves. Credible. Trustworthy. Practical. ’
- ‘Christopher Anthony - highly responsive, even-keeled, very thoughtful and creative though always respects precedent and has a good pulse on what is market’
- ‘High level of responsiveness, sensitivity to relationships and well representing clients, highly collaborative with other advisors, etc.’
- ‘The individuals we work with stand out for their judgment, accessibility, and ability to operate seamlessly across M&A, funds, and tax in highly complex continuation fund transactions. Compared to competitors, this team is more collaborative, more responsive, and more deeply engaged, with associates who mirror these qualities and contribute meaningfully at every stage of the transaction. ’
Key clients
- The Blackstone Group
- Brookfield
- Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
- The Carlyle Group
- Cerberus Capital Management
- Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
- Elliott Investment Management
- Kelso & Company
- Morgan Stanley Capital Partners
- Providence Equity Partners
- Stone Point Capital
- Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited
- TPG
Work highlights
Assisted Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in its acquisition, together with TowerBrook Capital Partners, of R1 RCM Inc. (NASDAQ: RCM) (“R1”), at an enterprise value of $8.9 billion.
Assisted Elliott Investment Management and Prosperity Life Group in an acquisition of Prosperity Life Group by JAB Holding Company.
Assisted Carlyle in the acquisition of Tarrytown Expocare.
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
Kevin Schmidt; Christopher Anthony; Kevin Rinker; Spencer Gilbert; Paul Bird; Uri Herzberg