Firms To Watch: Private funds

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP bolstered its funds practice in June 2021 with the addition of Edyta Brozyniak, who has experience in acting for fund managers and investors. Brozyniak now co-heads the team alongside Victoria Younghusband.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton continues to expand its funds practice, promoting Mike James to partner in January 2021 and bringing on counsel Sophie Smith in January 2022. The team acts for both GPs and LPs across a broad range of asset classes.
Since Ravi Longia joined the firm in November 2021, Gateley Plc has developed a practice with specialisms in handling the establishment of venture capital funds. Longia now heads the investment funds group.

Private funds in London

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP remains one of the most prominent firms in the London private funds space, with expertise handling bulge-bracket fundraisings for household names in this area. The team is highly active in private equity, drawing on the firm’s outstanding reputation in this sector, and also wins mandates to handle the establishment of credit, infrastructure and special situation funds. The group boasts additional expertise in ESG-focused funds, with the addition of Ruth Knox, who joined the firm in September 2021 from Linklaters LLP, further strengthening its offering in this area. Department head Richard Watkins takes the lead on private equity fundraisings and is ‘thoughtful, calm and measured’, while Anand Damodaran has a broad practice across PE, credit and infrastructure and offers ‘extremely strong technical skills’. Other key partners in the sizeable team include Christopher Braunack and Andrew Shore, who also receives praise from clients. Amala Ejikeme ‘takes the initiative to solve complex issues’ and has experience across both conventional and more novel fund structures. Beyond primary fundraisings, the team is well-regarded for its work on secondaries deals, with Theodore Cardos and Aleksander Bakic, who joined from Akin in January 2022, the key names in this area. Edward Prestwich joined the firm in March 2021 from Macfarlanes LLP, while Amy Fox joined in October 2021 from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Watkins

Autres avocats clés:

Anand Damodaran; Christopher Braunack; Andrew Shore; Amala Ejikeme; Theodore Cardos; Aleksander Bakic; Amy Fox; Jeremy Leggate; John Messent; David Pritchett; Edward Prestwich; Catherine Gokah

Les références

‘The differentiation of Kirkland is access to partners. At many other firms it is actually quite hard to get to speak with partners. Their knowledge of the market is a good as any other firm and far better than most. When we speak to them it they feel like friends and partners totally committed to our success, not just our legal advisors.’

‘Jeremy Leggate has outstanding technical knowledge and strategic advice. Always responds quickly whatever the time of day or night. Even though he is a partner very accessible and has a friendly style with strong inter personal skills. Similar applies to associate David Pritchett.’

‘The depth of their team is what makes them stand out – across the funds team but also the wider tax and regulatory teams. You get on point, commercial advice across the board, and high quality support from the associates, trainees and paralegals who are responsive, knowledgeable and organised.’

Principaux clients

BC Partners

Chorus Capital

FSN

GHO Capital

IK

Inflexion Private Equity

Livingbridge

JPM

Nordic Capital

Pollen Street

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised BC Partners on the closing of BC European Capital XI, its 11th flagship fund.
  • Advised Inflexion on the formation of Inflexion Buyout Fund VI, which recently held its final closing at its GBP2.5 billion hard cap.
  • Advised GHO Capital on the recent closing of GHO Capital III, its third fund, with available commitments in excess of EUR2 billion.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains at the top of the London private funds market, handling bulge-bracket fundraisings for some of the most prominent names in private equity. In addition to its well-known strength in this space, the team also wins instructions from GPs to handle the establishment of funds focused on mid-cap buyouts, emerging markets, credit and growth equity. Key names in the practice include the ‘legendary’ Jason Glover, who continues to act on mega-cap fundraisings, and Gareth Earl, who has close relationships with a number of multi-strategy fund managers. Elsewhere, Seema Shah is praised for her ‘excellent commercial understanding’, while Robert Lee‘s workload in 2021 included advising EGT on the fundraising of a a €15.7 billion infrastructure fund. Dan Lloyd is singled out as a ‘very smart and thoughtful lawyer’, and regulatory specialist Owen Lysak has been recently engaged to advise on the creation of innovative fund structures to give high-net worth retail investors access to alternative strategies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jason Glover; Gareth Earl; Seema Shah; Robert Lee; Dan Lloyd; Owen Lysak; James Board

Autres avocats clés:

John McGuire; Mia Hatfield

Les références

‘Commercial, technically savvy, creative, responsive, well-resourced, diligent. A USP is their market-leading technical knowledge due to number of large fundraising mandates and visibility of current market terms.’

‘The go-to private funds team in the UK. They have an enviable market position advising all of the large PE funds which means their industry knowledge is second to none.’

‘Dan Lloyd is really starting to the step out of the shadows of some of the big names and personalities in the STB team. He is a very smart and thoughtful lawyer. He’s also a genuinely nice guy.’

Principaux clients

The Blackstone Group Inc.

CVC Capital Partners

EQT Partners

Apax Partners

Cinven

BC Partners

Bridgepoint

Affinity Partners

Charterhouse Capital Partners

Astorg Partners

Coller Capital

Oakley Capital

EMH Partners

DBAG

Mid Europa Partners

GLP

Hedosophia

CapVest

Actis

Trill

Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance LLP remains a leading name in private funds, providing comprehensive advice on complex global matters in this space and offering clients ‘deep experience across the market’. The team’s client base includes a host of multi-strategy fund managers, who come to the practice for its ability to provide advice across a range of asset classes, fund structures and key jurisdictions. Alongside its work handling the establishment of credit, private equity, infrastructure and special situations funds, the team has a noteworthy presence in secondary transactions, including GP-led restructurings and the transfer of LP interests. Following the retirement of Nigel Hatfield in April 2022, Alexandra Davidson now serves as global head of funds and investment management and has substantial expertise in high-value fund launches; she is praised as a ‘brilliant, hands-on, pragmatic lawyer’. Gerard Saviola has wide-ranging expertise in this space, having previously worked in New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Alexander Chester and Jonathan Bray are also names to note in the team, while Lily Marcel was promoted to partner in May 2022 and is ‘calm and delivers a timely service’. Senior associate Vishal Mashru is praised as the ‘best right hand person you could have’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexandra Davidson; Gerard Saviola

Autres avocats clés:

Alexander Chester; Jonathan Bray; Lily Marcel; Stephanie Dunne; Pourab Paul; Camilla Blower; Vishal Mashru

Les références

‘The Clifford Chance private funds team is excellent. They are a diverse, knowledgeable, down to earth and user friendly team. Their approach to billing is refreshing especially compared to their peers.’

‘Led by Alex Davidson who is a brilliant, hands-on, pragmatic lawyer who engenders trust in her team. Largest green funds practice in the UK by an order of magnitude. Deep team with unequalled reach. Ability to draw on their offices in other countries to assist any time, including relevant Luxembourg and NY advice. Access to partners whenever you need.’

‘Alex Davidson is a consummate client partner, always available with pragmatic advice, makes it look easy even when its not. Extensive knowledge of the market. Unflappable and consummately team focused. Vishal Mashru is the best right hand person you could have.’

Principaux clients

Rothschild & Co Investment Managers

HSBC Alternative Investments & HSBC Global Banking and Markets

SUVA

Credit Suisse Asset Management Limited & Credit Suisse Asset Management LLC

Arcus Infrastructure Partners

EQT AB

ICG (Intermediate Capital Group)

Capital Dynamics

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Partners

DWS (investment management arm of Deutsche Bank)

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Rothschild & Co Investment Managers on the formation of its flagship direct lending fund, Five Arrows Debt Partners III Fund.
  • Advising Arcus Infrastructure Partners on the formation of Arcus European Infrastructure Fund 3, their latest European infrastructure fund, targeting commitments of €1.5 billion.
  • Advised DWS (the investment management arm of Deutsche Bank) on the successful structuring and raising of its inaugural Private Equity Solutions Fund.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s exceptionally strong’ private funds team provides ‘commercial and astute’ advice to both established and first-time fund managers. The team has broad expertise in this space, and is noted for its work on credit and secondaries funds as well as those focused on private equity, infrastructure and real estate. The practice particularly stands out for its work in emerging markets, where it acts for a number of managers in establishing Africa-focused funds. Practice head Geoffrey Kittredge is praised as ‘a dean of the private funds industry’ and has broad expertise across fund structures and asset classes. Matthew Dickman also has a varied practice, with a particular focus in technology and VC where he draws on his experience practicing in San Francisco. ‘Highly versatile’ partner John Rife is recognised for his experience handling both primary fundraisings and secondary transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Geoffrey Kittredge

Autres avocats clés:

John Rife; Matthew Dickman; John Anderson

Les références

‘Highly experienced and capable team. Very commercial and astute with their advice.’

‘John Rife is highly versatile and capable across primary and secondary PE markets.’

‘Market leading, unequaled credentials and authority.’

Principaux clients

AlbaCore Capital Partners

Apera Fund II

DBAY Advisors Limited

Development Partners International LLP

DN Capital (UK) LLP

Exponent Private Equity LLP

Fifth Wall

FitzWalter Capital Limited

Glendower Capital

Intermediate Capital Group plc

LCM Capital LLP

LeapFrog Investments

LGT Capital Partners AG

Mediterrania Capital Partners Limited

Park Square Capital

Tishman Speyer

Wafra Inc.

Principaux dossiers

  • Engaged by LGT Capital Partners AG in the fifth iteration of its flagship secondaries fund; Crown Global Secondaries V.
  • Advised Fifth Wall Asset Management in 2021 in connection with raising its flagship Climate Technology Fund, which focuses on early and late stage venture capital investments in real estate-related climate change mitigation technologies.
  • Advising Tishman Speyer in connection with the fundraising of Tishman Speyer European Real Estate Venture IX (the Fund), a European-focused value-add real estate fund.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP provides advice to clients across a broad range of fund strategies and asset classes, with experience in handling billion-pound fundraisings for credit, private equity and infrastructure funds. The team also has a strong client following in venture capital and ESG-focused funds, such as those investing in renewable energy assets. Kate Downey and Mark Mifsud jointly lead the practice, with Mifsud taking a sabbatical in summer 2022. Downey leads the firm’s European private equity funds practice and is deeply experienced in both fund establishments and secondary transactions, with ‘excellent’ market knowledge. David Christmas acts for multi-strategy managers in launching PE funds, funds-of-funds, funds-of-one and long-dated funds. Sam Wilson and Piers Harris are also key figures in the team, with Harris promoted to partner in March 2022. Harris and Christmas are praised as ‘available, approachable and very visible on matters’. Associate Karen Henderson is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kate Downey; Mark Mifsud

Autres avocats clés:

David Christmas; Piers Harris; Karen Henderson; Sam Wilson; Rebecca Harris; Robert MacVicar; Nathan McKinnon

Les références

‘The team is spearheaded by a very strong leader in Kate Downey. Her knowledge of the market is excellent and her advice second-to-none. The team works extremely hard and has a number of stand-out associates.’

‘Other than Kate Downey who is, of course, fantastic, David Christmas and Piers Harris are excellent partners. They are available, approachable and very visible on matters. They provide sound advice and I trust them with complex matters and difficult questions. Nathan McKinnon and Rebecca Harris are two stand-out associates. Their work is diligent, competent and demonstrates a deep understanding of the products and market they are advising on.’

‘Mark Mifsud has been around for a very long time and brings huge practical experience to his advice and guidance to clients.’

Principaux clients

Arcmont Asset Management

Bain Capital

Balderton Capital (UK) LLP

BlackRock

BlueBay Asset Management

Cairngorm Capital

Cambridge Innovation Capital

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Corten Capital

Crescent Capital Europe

CVC Credit Partners

Danske Private Equity

FSN Capital

Goldman Sachs

Greencoat Capital

HSBC Asset Management

iCON Infrastructure

Investec Bank PLC

Kennet Partners

Neuberger Berman

Norvestor Equity

Octopus Investment Limited

Palatine Private Equity

Permira / Permira Credit

Pioneer Point Partners

Rutland Partners LLP

VGO Capital Partners

Vision Capital

Vitol SA

Principaux dossiers

  • Acted as counsel to BlackRock in connection with the raising of its US$4.8 billion Global Renewable Power Fund III.
  • Acted as counsel to Balderton Capital in the formation and fundraising of its US$680 million ‘early growth’ fund, Balderton Capital Growth I, S.L.P.
  • Acted as counsel to Arcmont Asset Management in connection with the fundraising of its €5 billion Senior Loan Fund II and associated vehicles.

Goodwin

Goodwin has a broad practice, ranging from advising established fund managers on mega-cap fundraisings to acting for first-time managers on establishing smaller, more specialised funds. The team acts across a range of asset types, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate and credit and is also increasingly active in the secondaries space. It also stands out for the cross-jurisdictional nature of its work, with the London team frequently acting alongside the firm’s offices in the US as well as its growing Luxembourg team. Michael Halford leads the team and is praised as ‘one of the most intelligent and bright lawyers in the space’, with experience handling the structuring and fundraising of both bulge-bracket and mid-market funds. Ed Hall focuses on the private equity sector, including infrastructure PE, offering clients ‘intellect, experience and market knowledge’. Ravi Chopra, Ajay Pathak and Shawn D’Aguiar are other names to note in the team, winning instructions across fundraisings and secondary transactions. Hall and Chopra are ‘commercial, highly creative and totally unflappable’, while Pathak ‘strikes the right balance between technical excellence and finding the right fit for the client’. Counsel Benjamin Yeoh is another name to note with broad expertise across a range of asset classes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Halford

Autres avocats clés:

Ed Hall; Ravi Chopra; Ajay Pathak; Shawn D’Aguiar; Benjamin Yeoh; Michael O’Brien Kelly

Les références

‘The Goodwin Procter team is my number one go-to firm with regards to fund structures and GP led secondaries. They are extremely knowledgeable about terms and trends in the market and have a collegial approach where they draw on the experience of tea members across the firm in a timely and fluid manner. They are extremely efficient and responsive, and always take matters beyond the task and think outside the box.’

‘Michael Halford is extremely professional yet very personable and true pleasure to work with. He is one of the most intelligent and bright lawyers in the space.’

‘Innovative, commercial, collaborative, technically very strong with a good awareness of market trends and terms.’

Principaux clients

Abingworth

Antin Infrastructure

Bregal Investments

Endless

Glennmont Partners

Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)

Investcorp

LGT

Macquarie

Patron Capital

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Cordet on a direct lending fund, Cordet Direct Lending Fund II, with a target fund size of €400 million.
  • Acting for Polaris in the formation of Polaris Private Equity V k/s, one of the leading mid-market Danish private equity funds.
  • Advised Abingworth on its proposed acquisition by global investment firm Carlyle

Proskauer Rose LLP

Proskauer Rose LLP offers clients broad, deep expertise in the private funds space, with experience in acting for a range of GPs and LPs across private and growth equity, infrastructure, credit and renewable energy funds. The team’s expertise covers fund formation, fundraising and transactions; it is increasingly making a name for itself in the secondaries market, handling a steady stream of formations and transactions in this space including advising funds-of-funds and continuation funds. Jordan Hurwitz was promoted to partner in November 2021, joining the ‘outstanding’ Bruno Bertrand-Delfau as secondaries-focused partners in the team. Nigel van Zyl leads the ‘agile’ team and advises prominent clients on the establishment and management of funds. Edward Lee is noted for his focus on venture capital, while Peter Olds specialises in acting for infrastructure funds. The firm is well-known for its strength in funds matters in the United States, and London-based partners frequently collaborate with partners in the US. The group also boasts a strong bench of associates, with Christopher Elson picked out for his ‘calm demeanor, balanced views, network, and work ethic’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nigel van Zyl

Autres avocats clés:

Jordan Hurwitz; Bruno Bertrand-Delfau; Edward Lee; Peter Olds; Warren Allan; Lucie Rose; Christopher Elson; Aran Randhawa; Nick Rose; Sean Spence

Les références

‘The Private Funds team at Proskauer is one of the most experienced and dedicated teams that I know. Very efficient and pragmatic with strong business oriented approach. They’re able to to bring on board specialist and expert when needed.’

‘An agile team with good experience. Strong access to the overall platform of Proskauer if needed and good availability of the most experienced partners if needs be. A gender-balanced team with a mix of backgrounds and languages spoken. Practice covers all aspects of our business and is well tooled to answer all our needs.’

‘Bruno Bertrand-Delfau is an outstanding partner, very experienced, very agile, creative and intelligent. The support of Jordan Hurwitz is strong as well to run the practice. They both know our key criteria to negotiate, get straight to the point and can be very educational for us on complex matters.’

Principaux clients

2150

Access Capital Partners

Ardian

AnaCap

A.P. Møller

Capital Dynamics

EMK Capital

G Square Healthcare

Hg

Investcorp

Lexington Partners

Northzone

One Peak

Singular Capital Partners

Strategic Partners Fund Solutions

Tenzing Private Equity

2150

Access Capital Partners

Ardian

AnaCap

A.P. Møller

Capital Dynamics

EMK Capital

G Square Healthcare

Hg

Investcorp

Lexington Partners

Northzone

One Peak

Singular Capital Partners

Strategic Partners Fund Solutions

Tenzing Private Equity

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP is heavily involved in many of the most prominent trends in the private funds space, with an increasing focus on advising ESG and renewable energy funds as well as longer-dated and continuation funds. The ‘hugely experienced’ practice provides strategic advice to first-time managers on fund formations and fundraisings, and also continues to advise prominent GPs on the establishment of mega-cap funds. GP-led secondary transactions are another growing area of work for the team. Ed Gander leads the team and is ‘very experienced, commercial and a great sparring partner’. Other key names to note in the practice include the ‘invaluable’ James Bromley, Stephen Fox, who acts across primary fundraisings and complex structured secondaries, and James Sargent, who is praised as ‘responsive, thoughtful and very commercial’. The 4 partners offer expertise across asset classes including private equity, real assets, ESG and credit. Jacquelyn Volpe is the key senior associate in the group and is ‘highly responsive and efficient’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ed Gander

Autres avocats clés:

James Bromley; Stephen Fox; James Sargent; Jacquelyn Volpe

Les références

‘Weil convinced us they’d be the best advisors as we spun off from our prior firm to set up our own firm, a once in a lifetime move which we entrusted Weil to lead. They are delivering on the promise by delivering sound advice, great market knowledge, helping us at every stage to save time and cut through the best answer, ranging from decisions on structure, terms and service suppliers.’

‘Weil’s private funds team is top calibre across the board, from senior partner level all the way to more junior associates. Their experience and knowledge of the market clearly stands out compared to other firms, as does their ability to think outside the box and come up with practical solutions. I also found them very responsive and client-friendly.’

‘A great combination of technical expertise and commercial insights. I consider their pragmatic/commercial way of working a differentiator.’

Principaux clients

Actis

Advent International

American Securities

Apse Capital

ARA Europe

Arch Emerging Markets Partners

Argos Wityu

Astarte Capital Partners

Bain Capital

bd-capital Partners

Business Growth Fund

Blue Horizon

Brookfield

CapMan

Castleforge

Chiltern Capital

Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Dalmore Capital

Farview Equity Partners

Genstar

Gyrus Capital

ICG

Infracapital

InfraRed

Lazard Asset Management

Lindsay Goldberg

Lone Star

Oaktree

OMERS

OTPP

PAI Partners

PATRIZIA

Providence Private Equity

PSP Investments

River & Mercantile

Victory Advisors

Wovenlight

Yoo Capital

Principaux dossiers

  • Acting for longstanding funds client, Brookfield, in the development, launch and initial closings for the world’s largest dedicated energy transition fund.
  • Advising Gyrus on the establishment of its €1 billion target Gyrus Capital 2022 Bridge Fund.
  • Advised Infracapital on its €1.5 billion fundraise of Infracapital Greenfield II – one of only a handful of true greenfield infrastructure funds in the market.

Akin

Akin has a proven track record in the private equity secondaries space, advising on the establishment of continuation and secondaries-focused funds as well as handling transactions involving fund interests and GP-led restructurings. The team is ‘smart, quick to act and enjoyable to work with’; its work on fund launches extends to advising on the structuring and fundraising of private equity, growth and impact funds, with a notable specialism in emerging markets matters. John Daghlian is hugely experienced in the private equity space, with highly-praised partner Daniel Quinn another name to note in this area; Quinn is also recognised for his work on secondary transactions alongside Mary Lavelle, who ‘adds a tremendous amount of value’. Aleksander Bakic departed the firm in January 2022.

Autres avocats clés:

John Daghlian; Daniel Quinn; Mary Lavelle; Chris Jeanes; Simon Ellis; Qasam Mahmood; Felicity Stansfield

Les références

‘The funds team at Akin Gump are a great team who gel very well and juggle numerous clients very well as a group ensuring that there is seamless client service. We are quite straightforward in our requirements but there have been complexities along the way which has dragged to process beyond where we would have expected it to be, through no fault of Akin Gump.’

‘This is a team on the cutting edge of Private Equity Secondaries transactions. No one is better placed to shepherd you through a Secondaries deal – they literally wrote the book on the asset class.’

‘Daniel Quinn is as sagacious as Solomon. He is not unnecessarily belligerent but if conflict arises, he will win. Qasam Mahmood brings a sense of poise to transactions – he is one to watch!’

Principaux clients

Acumen Capital Partners

Adelis Equity Partners

Admaius Capital

Ahren Innovation Capital

Aliph Capital

Aliter Capital

Apollo Global Management

Coller Capital

EchoVC Partners

eEquity AB

Everstone

Expedition Growth Capital

Glendower Capital

Government of Singapore Investment Corporation

Harbour Litigation Funding

Intermediate Capital Group

KawiSafi Ventures

Key Capital

MVOF Management Limited

National Trust of Scotland

Oakfield Capital Partners

Ocean Fund LP

Oriens

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners

RIT Capital

Rubicon Partners

Stratus Group

Sunridge Partners

Turkven Private Equity

Wren House Infrastructure Management Limited

Zetland Capital Partners

Principaux dossiers

  • Acted for Adelis on the raising of their third fund, which had a first and final closing by invitation only and raised EUR 932 million.
  • Advised Coller Capital on its participation in the world’s largest private credit secondaries transaction alongside Ping An Overseas Holdings.
  • Continuing to act for renewables manager Quinbrook, having represented them since their inception.

Allen & Overy LLP

Offering clients ‘the combination of strong legal skills & market know-how’, Allen & Overy LLP acts for a client base including both fund managers and investors. On the fund manager side, practice head Matthew Huggett advises on the establishment of funds across a range of strategies, including growing areas such as environmental impact funds and funds-of-one. Nick Williams is active on fund launches, particularly in infrastructure and real estate, while Dominic Von Wulffen and MaameYaa Kwafo-Akoto act for institutional investors; Kwafo-Akoto is especially noted for her work advising sovereign wealth funds on investments.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Huggett

Autres avocats clés:

Nick Williams; MaameYaa Kwafo-Akoto; Dominic von Wulffen

Les références

‘Strong technical expertise and awareness of industry developments.’

‘Attention to detail and collaboration with all stakeholders. The team put the client at ease with the demonstrated level of expertise and professionalism exhibited.’

‘The level of attention provided on any given matter, makes the client feel like the individual from A&O is a member of the in-house team, rather than a legal consultant.’

Principaux clients

Aviva Investors

Electra Private Equity

Macquarie

Corestate

Ashurst

Ashurst has a well-rounded private funds practice that specialises in advising on fund launches, drawing on its tax and regulatory expertise as well as its offices in New York, Luxembourg and the Middle East. The team wins plaudits from clients for the commercial nature of its advice as well as for being ‘approachable, practical and down to earth’Piers Warburton leads the global investments fund practice group and has a strong client following in private equity; clients describe him as ‘exceptional and highly experienced’. Nick Goddard and Nicola Hopkins are also key names to note in the team and act for fund managers and investors across a range of asset classes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Piers Warburton

Autres avocats clés:

Nick Goddard; Nicola Hopkins; Peter Mallon; Hadrian Beckett

Les références

‘The Ashurst team works seamlessly with its clients. They always safeguard that clients only need to focus on the topics that really matter.’

‘Piers Warburton stands out as probably the best lawyer I have ever worked with, while still being extremely humble and likable. He has an ability to end negotiations with all parties feeling listened to and as winners, without his clients having lost or given up any important commercial items.’

‘Strong supportive team across many workstreams. Good accessibility to wider team and responsiveness to our requests and demands.’

Principaux clients

Sprints Capital

Intermediate Capital Group

Agilitas Private Equity

Equitix

ANZ

Foresight Group

Octopus Investments

BlackRock

General Atlantic

Vestas Investment Management

Shard Credit Partners

Sovereign Capital Partners

Axiom Private Equity LLP

Altor Equity Partners

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Sprints Capital Management Limited in relation to the formation of Sprints Capital International IV.
  • Acted for Intermediate Capital Group on the establishment of the ICG Asia Pacific Fund IV.
  • Acted for Agilitas Private Equity LLP on the structuring and establishment of the Agilitas 2020 Private Equity Fund.

Latham & Watkins

At Latham & Watkins, the ‘very commercial and knowledgeable’ funds group acts across the full spectrum of transactions in the private funds space, counselling clients on fund launches, investments, co-investments and secondary market deals. Practice head Nick Benson is ‘highly respected’ and has wide-ranging expertise across private equity, credit and infrastructure funds as well as in continuation vehicles. He is supported by James McCrory, who is adept at advising on venture capital fundraisings and also acts for LPs on investments. Clare Scott was promoted to counsel in January 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nick Benson

Autres avocats clés:

James McCrory; Clare Scott

Les références

‘The Lathams fund team is very commercial and knowledgeable of numerous structures across all jurisdictions.’

‘They work as unified team via several offices and have consistently provided seamless collaboration across numerous practice areas.’

‘Nick Benson is one of the leading international funds lawyers in London. He is highly respected in the industry and very hands on. Most important is that he understands the issues from the side of the investor, the administrator and the fund manager allowing him to push all parties to a compromise in a very efficient manner.’

Linklaters LLP

The funds team at Linklaters LLP has a strong offering to fund managers across private equity, infrastructure, credit and special situations, providing advice of ‘exceptional quality’ on structuring, marketing and fundraising. The firm’s office in Luxembourg enables the London team to provide comprehensive assistance on Luxembourg-domiciled funds, and it is also reguarly engaged to advise on funds based in Ireland and the Caymans. Matthew Keogh leads the practice and specialises in debt and credit funds, as well as access funds; clients find his knowledge in this space a ‘really outstanding resource to be able to call upon’. ‘Commercial and practical’ Rahul Manvatkar has broad expertise across a range of fund structures as well as experience in co-investment arrangements, while Clare Baker leads the team’s investor-side practice and acts for pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Keogh

Autres avocats clés:

Rahul Manvatkar; Clare Baker; Emily Simmons; Ben Jennings; Gabriela Patrikova

Les références

‘The Linklaters team have excellent market knowledge. LL have developed and maintained a core team that advise and support us – the advice/work products are delivered efficiently and are of exceptional quality.’

‘Stand out individuals are managing associates Ben Jennings and Emily Simmons. They understand our requirements and positions intimately as well as the market and are commercial/pragmatic in approach. At partner level, Matt Keogh leads the relationship and is a really outstanding resource to be able to call upon on the occasions when his expertise is required.’

‘We consider the Private Funds team integral to our success in bringing and broad scope of investment propositions to our investor base. Their in-depth knowledge of private credit and the market has been invaluable. As the scope of Private Credit has expanded, we have become increasingly appreciative of the Linklaters team’s breath of knowledge across asset classes and experience dealing with a range of investors in the market.’

Principaux clients

Ardian

Ashmore

Barings

British Business Bank

DWS

Macquarie

Morgan Stanley Investment Management

Nestle Ventures

Partners Group

PSP Investment, AIMCo, OTPP, CPPIB

SoftBank Investment Advisers

Universities Superannuation Scheme

Macfarlanes LLP

Macfarlanes LLP wins praise from clients for its ‘technically extremely able and highly commercial’ approach to fund formation, with the team’s ability to provide tax and regulatory advice particularly valued by fund managers. The practice is noted for its strength in credit and special situation funds, where it is engaged on billion-pound fundraisings, and is also regularly engaged by growth and impact fund managers. Practice head Stephen Robinson offers ‘an excellent, client driven service’ alongside Harriet Miller, while Sam Brooks specialises in credit funds and is ‘knowledgeable and incredibly easy to work with’. Christopher Good and Alex Amos are also key partners in the team; Good focuses on PE funds, while Amos’ work predominantly involves credit and real estate.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Robinson

Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Good; Alex Amos; Harriet Miller; Sam Brooks; Sweta Tandle; Henry Stewart-Brown

Les références

‘Technically extremely able and highly commercial. They are meticulous in keeping on top of all matters on a fund close and making sure nothing is missed. Always a reliable and trusted advisor. Great strength across all key areas of unregulated funds – including tax and regulatory.’

‘The team has good strength in depth and excellent engagement from partner level down to associate. We lean on Macfarlanes and the private funds team extensively for market insight and to ensure we remain cutting edge on both our fund structures and fund terms.’

‘The teams have provided exceptional service over the last few years with respect to our two funds and credit facilities to go with them. They are concise and clear in their communications with us which allows the team to trust in the process being undertaken.’

Principaux clients

Hayfin

Abrdn

17Capital

Alcentra

Warwick Capital Management

Signal Capital Partners

Apache Capital

August Equity

Circularity Capital

Growth Capital Partners

Scottish Equity Partners LLP

SV Health Investors

Signal Capital Partners

Octopus Investments

Muzinich & Co. Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised 17Capital on the raising of 17Capital Fund 5 which closed at $2.9bn.
  • Advising circular economy growth investor Circularity Capital on its latest fund, Circularity European Growth Fund II (CEGF II), which has successfully held an oversubscribed final closing at €215m.

Ropes & Gray LLP

Since practice head Tom Alabaster joined the firm in 2020, Ropes & Gray has made a name for itself in advising GPs and LPs on matters pertaining to a range of asset classes and fund structures. The team’s work for sponsors includes acting for prominent European and American fund managers in launching private equity, growth, impact and credit funds, while on the investor side it is particular active in handling co-investments. Alongside Alabaster, Emily Brown is also a key figure in the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Alabaster

Autres avocats clés:

Emily Brown

Principaux clients

The Blackstone Group

Partners Group

Baillie Gifford

Nordic Capital

Averna Capital

UBS

HarbourVest

Nexus Point

Northleaf Capital

Novacap

Sequoia Capital

Golding Capital Partners

TSG

UBS

Limerston Capital

Medicxi

SCOR SE

Cambridge University Endowment Fund

Incus Capital

GHO Capital Management LLP

Averna Capital

Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley Austin LLP has ‘a wide breadth of experience’ in the private funds space, offering clients expertise in structured and distressed credit, private equity and special situations funds, as well as in more specialist areas such as litigation funding. The London team frequently acts alongside the firm’s offices in the US to advise clients and also draws on its tax, insurance and banking practices to handle complex mandates. James Oussedik leads the team and focuses on complex credit, while Mateja Maher is the key name to note in private equity. Stephen Ross left the practice to join Macfarlanes LLP in January 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Oussedik

Autres avocats clés:

Mateja Maher; Adrian Grocock

Les références

‘Great hands-on and practical advice. The lawyers at Sidley take the time to understand your concerns and will provide you with practical advice.’

‘I find the lawyers very easy to work with and find them to be commercial in their advice.’

‘Our experience of working with the Sidley Austin investment funds team is positive. The Sidley team clearly has a wide breadth of experience in the sector, listens carefully and understands our business needs.’

Principaux clients

Alcentra

AllianceBernstein

Ashgrove Capital

B-Flexion

Forestay Capital

Lodbrok Capital

Moonfare

North Wall Capital

Queen’s Park Equity

RoundShield Partners

Synthesis Capital

Valence8

Principaux dossiers

  • Retained by AllianceBernstein to advise on the creation of its European Commercial Real Estate Debt platform, from the ground up and including complex areas of regulation affecting both investors and fund structures.
  • Acted as lead counsel on Queen’s Park Equity’s debut, oversubscribed £200 million private equity fundraising.
  • Acted as lead counsel in advising Roundshield Partners in relation to the launch of Fund IV. This is a European Distressed Credit and Special Situations Fund.

Travers Smith LLP

The ‘client-focused’ funds team at Travers Smith LLP sits alongside the firm’s leading private equity transactional practice to advise on the structuring and fundraising of private equity funds. Beyond PE, the practice is also active in venture capital, infrastructure and litigation financing funds. Aaron Stocks leads the overall funds team, with Sam Kay and Jeremy Elmore the key names to note in private funds. Kay, Elmore and Edward Ford all handle fund formation as well as GP-led secondary deals. Kay is ‘super responsive, calm, and always delivers for clients’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aaron Stocks

Autres avocats clés:

Sam Kay; Jeremy Elmore; Edward Ford

Les références

‘The Travers Smith Private Funds practice is a client-focused team that work to provide pragmatic and commercial solutions.’

‘They are responsive and bring their deep market knowledge to bear on any issue that needs to be dealt with.’

‘Sam Kay is our lead partner and works hard to provide the services and solutions we need.’

Principaux clients

abrdn

Abris Capital Partners

ADM Capital

Ansor LLP

Augusta Ventures

Bluegem Capital Partners

Bridgepoint Credit Advisers UK Limited

Element Ventures

Elysian Capital

GLIL Infrastructure

Hanover Investors Management LLP

Hermes GPE

Index Ventures

Litigation Capital Management Limited

Local Pensions Partnership Investments

London LGPS CIV Limited

Low Carbon

Medicxi

Melior Equity Partners

Molten Ventures plc

Njord Partners

PineBridge Benson Elliot

SilverTree Equity

Social and Sustainable Capital

TA Associates

TDC Pensionskasse

Templeton Asset Management Limited

VenCap

Principaux dossiers

  • Acting as fund counsel on the structuring and formation of Melior Equity Partners II, a mid-market private equity fund managed by the leading Irish private equity firm headquartered in Dublin, Melior Equity Partners.
  • Advising Hermes GPE on the $800m GP-led liquidity solution for a global portfolio of private equity assets, including the formation of a new continuation vehicle backed by CPP Investments.
  • Advising Bluegem Capital Partners on the €340m fundraise of its latest private equity fund focused on European consumer brand companies, Bluegem III SCSp.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie stands out for its strong following amongst sovereign wealth fund clients, and also acts for development banks, institutional investors and fund managers on a range of private fund matters. Another differentiator for the practice is the global nature of its workload, which covers deals across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and East Asia. The team is sector-agnostic and is increasingly active in climate-related impact funds. James Burdett leads the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Burdett

Principaux clients

Pollination Capital Partners Limited and HSBC Pollination Climate Asset Management

Equinix, Inc.

Chatham Financial

Triton Partners, Bregal Capital, Tikehau Capital, L-GAM Advisors, Arcus Infrastructure Partners and Alta Advisors

Townsend Holdings LLC / Aon Group

The Olayan Group

Iliad Partners Management

Camco Clean Energy

Government Pension Fund of Thailand

Government of Singapore Investment Corporation

Arcus Infrastructure Partners

Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corporation

Harwood Capital

HSBC Pollination Climate Asset Management

Allianz Capital Partners

Bregal Capital

Camco Clean Energy

First Sentier Investors

ARCH Emerging Markets Partners

Chatham Financial

Earth Capital Partners

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Pollination Capital Partners and HSBC Pollination Climate Asset Management in relation to a number of matters concerning their establishment and related governance and regulatory matters.

Dechert LLP

‘Truly partner-led with top calibre associates’, Dechert LLP has a varied practice covering closed and open-ended funds across private equity, venture capital, real estate and credit. In addition to the breadth of fund types it advises on, the practice is also noted for its geographic breadth, with experience handling fund establishments in the Channel Islands, the Caymans, and Luxembourg, where the firm has an office. The practice is also developing a presence in Ireland and continues to leverage its US links to advise on transatlantic mandates. Gus Black leads the team and alongside Christopher Gardner and Thiha Tun has substantial expertise advising US and EU clients on fund formations; the trio also handle GP-led secondaries.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gus Black

Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Gardner; Thiha Tun; Marianna Tothova; Claire Bentley; Samuel Hachez

Les références

‘Truly partner-led with top calibre associates. There’s very little attrition and the growth of team has been organic – a good sign of stable, long-term success.’

‘A highly experienced team that is able to advise/guide clients across the spectrum of private investment funds challenges. The team, led by Gus Black, is accessible and responsive which assists us in getting to the bottom of complex matters and being able to understand and consider relevant solutions/alternatives.’

‘The team has a market leading position in private funds. It has impressive breadth of expertise across different asset classes, with considerable depth to its bench.’

Principaux clients

Apollo Global Management

AGC Equity Partners Limited

Amber Capital UK LLP

Barings LLC

Blixt Group

Columna Capital LLP

Pemberton Capital Advisors LLP

StepStone Group

Warburg-Serres Investments

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Swiss Capital on the establishment of 16 Cayman Islands and Luxembourg funds (private credit) with 12 underlying portfolio managers.
  • Advised Cheyne Capital on the structuring and formation of Cheyne European Strategic Value Credit Fund II, a €1.15 billion opportunistic fund with a focus on stressed and distressed European credit.
  • Advised Blixt Group on the formation of its debut private equity fund.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP is well-known for its strength in the infrastructure funds space, but the team’s expertise extends beyond this to cover venture capital, private equity and impact funds. The ‘broad and versatile’ practice’s workload includes a steady stream of fund launches and investments as well as GP-led restructurings, co-investments and ongoing regulatory advice. Nicholas Holman leads the practice, and alongside Jeremy Pickles offers clients experience across a range of fund types and domiciles. Pickles is ‘pragmatic in his advice’ while Holman is valued for ‘providing good commercial counsel’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicholas Holman

Autres avocats clés:

Jeremy Pickles; Sarah Stewart; Amelia Stawpert

Les références

‘Strong and experienced team, from the top to the middle tier. That has been stable and well established for a long time.’

‘Nicholas Holman is extremely experienced providing good commercial counsel and who is supported by a strong team: Amelia Stawpert, Sarah Stewart’

‘Hogan Lovells has a broad and versatile funds practice.’

Principaux clients

abrdn (Aberdeen Standard Investments)

British Business Bank

Columbia Threadneedle

Committed Advisors

Eurazeo

FMO

Pantheon Ventures

UBS Optimus Foundation

Ventures Platform Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising abrdn (Aberdeen Standard Investments) on the launch of its most recent European infrastructure fund.
  • Advising abrdn (Aberdeen Standard Investments) on the launch of its third ‘global’ concession infrastructure fund.
  • Assisting Abrdn (Aberdeen Standard Investments) and Investcorp on their joint venture to establish a new concession infrastructure manager based in Bahrain and on the launch of its first infrastructure fund.

Paul Hastings LLP

While Paul Hastings LLP is active across private equity, growth capital and impact funds, it is most well-known for its work in credit funds space, where it acts for established managers in fund structuring and formation. The team also has a notable focus on secondaries; Ted Craig joined the firm from Dentons in July 2021 and has significantly added to the firm’s expertise in this space. The group is jointly led by Diala Minott, Christian Parker and Duncan Woollard. Minott and Woollard take the lead on credit funds, while Parker has a particular niche in advising on matters pertaining to risk retention funds. The practice is ‘honest and straightforward’ and is praised as ‘a pleasure to work with’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Diala Minott; Christian Parker; Duncan Woollard

Autres avocats clés:

Ted Craig

Les références

‘Always responsive, friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.’

‘A pleasure to work with.’

‘They are honest and straightforward to deal with, and have a good commercial mindset.’

Principaux clients

Pemberton Asset Management

AlbaCore Capital

Neuberger Berman

Angelo, Gordon & Co LP

Eurazeo (formerly Idinvest Partners)

Intermediate Capital Group Plc

Barclays

Pantheon

Montana Capital Partners

JPMorgan Asset Management

Principaux dossiers

  • Represented LaSalle Investment Management in raising the fourth vintage of the successful LREDs strategy, a real estate debt strategy with global investment strategy that had a successful closing of £1bn commitments from a diversified pool of investors across the globe.
  • Acted as lead counsel for Pemberton Asset Management in relation to a fund structure for direct lending investments to be made by a group of European insurance companies.
  • Advised Montana Capital Partners on an innovative secondary transaction through its investment in the Ping An Global Equity Selection Fund II and Ping An GP Opportunities Fund.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP handles private fund matters across key jurisdictions including the Channel Islands and Luxembourg, with experience across a variety of asset classes. In addition to its extensive work on fund launches, the practice also regularly handles investments, including co-investments and cornerstone investments. Panos Katsambas and Shervin Shameli jointly lead the ‘dedicated, efficient, technically strong’ practice and offer clients expetise in fund launches and investments involving complex fund structures. Brendan Gallen joined the team from Proskauer Rose LLP in late 2022.

Responsables de la pratique:

Panos Katsambas; Shervin Shameli

Autres avocats clés:

Matt Evans; Brendan Gallen

Les références

‘Shervin Shameli provides thoughtful and comprehensive analysis – he is a good mix of technical and commercial and provides creative solutions. He is incredibly responsive and user-friendly, so can be relied upon to conduct amicable negotiations with counterparties.’

‘Dedicated, efficient, technically strong.’

‘Shervin Shameli is very responsive and efficient in helping you to achieve your commercial objectives.’

Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood is well-regarded for its expertise in secondaries transactions, where practice head Gabriel Boghossian advises on GP-led restructurings and the establishment of continuation funds. Boghossian is also active on transactions involving limited partnership interests. Alongside its work in secondaries, the team has an active fund formation practice, with Sarah de Ste Croix taking the lead on this work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gabriel Boghossian

Autres avocats clés:

Sarah de Ste Croix

Les références

‘Market-leading GP advisory practice bringing together M&A execution alongside private funds knowledge following a decade of experience across a range of strategic capital transactions including complex GP-led secondaries and GP stake sales.’

‘Senior partners are heavily involved in every step of the process.’

‘They are extremely quick to make commercial decisions and understand the right balance between being commercial whilst extracting the best possible result for their client.’

Principaux clients

Horizon Capital

Capvis

Ufenau Capital Partners

ICG plc

Deutsche Private Equity

Northleaf Capital

Pelican Capital

Soho Square Capital

500Startups

Unigestion SA

Schroders Capital

Shard Capital Partners

Coniston Capital

GMG

Immobel Capital Partners

EMERAM

Bowmark

LifeArc

Verium AG

Balder Capital

Five Arrows (Rothschild)

Trafigura

Cossie

Amber infrastructure

Corre Energy

Oman Investment Authority

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Ufenau, a leading asset manager in the DACH region, in their GP-led secondary transaction selling two high performing portfolio companies, Altano and Corius, from Ufenau’s fifth fund to a newly established continuation vehicle.
  • Acting as platform funds counsel to Horizon Capital, including advising them on the first GP-led secondary transaction in Ukraine.  
  • Advised Soho Square Capital LLP on the restructuring and roll-on closing of its Luxembourg based fund with a master-feeder structure.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP provides advice to clients on the full lifecycle of funds from establishment and fundraising through to closing. Practice head Solomon Wifa is ‘knowledgeable and thorough’ with deep experience in advising on cross-jurisdictional private fund matters, while Henrietta de Salis specialises in providing regulatory advice. Colin Fulton was made up to partner in January 2021 and alongside Wifa handles both fund management and secondary transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Solomon Wifa

Autres avocats clés:

Henrietta de Salis; Colin Fulton

Les références

‘Colin Fulton is always available. Extremely hardworking and absolutely dedicated to finding solutions for his clients.’

‘Solomon is somewhat of a statesman of private funds in the UK. He is knowledgeable and thorough and mentors and supervises his team to ensure consistency of service.’

‘The team is diverse which provides a range of views which is useful in the field of investment funds.’

Principaux clients

Uhuru Partners

NTR plc

Stanley Capital

Blue Water Energy LLP

Sagard

Freshstream Investment Partners LLP

Insight Partners

Impax Asset Management plc

DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR

Banque Cantonale de Geneve

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Uhuru Partners on the structuring and raising of its flagship fund, Uhuru Growth Fund I, L.P.
  • Advised NTR on the closing of NTR Renewable Energy Income Fund II.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard's 'very personable, client focused team' has a focus on mid-market and emerging GPs. The investment management group is headed up by Lee Sheldon; he works alongside private equity fund formation head Jan Gruter, who splits his time between London and Glasgow. Recent work of note has included advising on the launch of commercial forestry investment funds, private equity fundraising and co-investment fund structuring arrangements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lee Sheldon; Jan Gruter; Daniel Woolston

Autres avocats clés:

Aidan McConville; Jagdip Gujral; Dhaksha Giga; Nicola Kirkpatrick; Judith Donnelly

Les références

‘Solid team, who work hard for their clients. True leaders in their market sector.’

‘A very personable, client focused team offering a high quality service at a very reasonable cost.’

‘Aidan McConville is a definite rising star associate.  Works tirelessly for clients across many issues and challenges.’

Principaux clients

Goddess Gaia Ventures

NBS Ventures

Border to Coast Pensions Limited

abrdn

Par Equity

Agathos Management LLP

YFM Private Equity

National LGPS Framework

Warrington Borough Council

Kamco Invest

Ecotree (Paintitgreen S/A)

AS Equity Partners

Aviva Investors

Pension Insurance Corporation

Federated Hermes

Northtree Investment Management Ltd

Actis LLP

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Par Equity on its high profile partnership with Aviva Investors which has the potentialto capture 1.4 million tonnes of carbon from Glen Dye Moor in West Aberdeenshire over thelife of the project and will see a huge amount of investment going into Glen Dye Moor
  • Advising Emerging GP Agathos Management LLP on the closing of Agathos II Fund, investing in UK SMEs.
  • Advised the Border to Coast Pensions Limited Partnership in relation to the establishment ofthe £2.7 billion Series 2 of the Border to Coast private markets programme.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Since Michael Newell joined the practice in May 2020, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP has developed a practice advising on the formation and management of funds investing across a range of asset classes, including credit, real estate and infrastructure. The practice offers expertise in handling the establishment of funds in jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands and Luxembourg. In addition to its activity for fund managers, the team is active in advising LPs on investments. In addition to Newell, who is praised by clients as ‘incredibly knowledgable’, Michael Gwydir is another name to note in the team with experience in the structuring of both onshore and offshore funds.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Newell

Autres avocats clés:

Michael Gwydir; Paolo del Val; Jack Kelly

Les références

‘Work well together and individually.’

‘Partner is available and reviews associate work in a timely fashion.’

Good rapport between team members make them a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited

Civitas Investment Management Limited

Greencoat Capital LLP

Proparco

GP Bullhound Asset Management Limited

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited on the final close of Social Supported Housing LP (SOHO), entering into lease agreements with UK-regulated care providers that provide support and care for tenants.
  • Advised GP Bullhound on the formation of a EUR90 million Luxembourg special limited partnership investing primarily in European and North American technology companies.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP

‘A close-knit team with years of experience’, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP stands out for the global nature of its funds practice, which encompasses advising fund managers and investors from the US, the Middle East and across Europe. The London-based practice assists on the structuring, formation and marketing of funds, working with its offices around the world to provide cross-jurisdictional advice. The team is jointly led by Thomas Laurer, an ‘incredibly diligent’ US-qualified lawyer who was previously a part of the firm’s New York funds group; Ryan Hansen, who provides advice on investments, corporate governance and regulations; and Daniel Lewin, a tax specialist who joined the firm in March 2022 from MJ Hudson. Bradley Doline departed the firm in November 2021.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thomas Laurer; Ryan Hansen; Daniel Lewin

Les références

‘A close knit team with years of experience working on private investment funds.’

‘I would say its a more bespoke personalised service where you do not feel like another horse in the stable.’

‘Curtis seems to have experts in all different areas of law, and they have done an excellent job of meeting our legal needs.’

Principaux clients

Energy Finance Partners

Burgan Bank

United Gulf Bank

Brevet Capital

HBM Partners

Quantum Capital

Ibex Investors

Blue Water Life Science Advisors

Oman Technology Fund

BC Partners

Oman Investment Authority

Thena Capital

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising the Oman Investment Authority on its closed-ended fund investment program.
  • Advising United Gulf Bank and Burgan Bank on their private funds investment program, providing them with advice on investments.  
  • Represents Brevet Capital Management, a US-based investment manager, on a range of matters relating to fund formation, investments, regulatory issues, compliance and day-to-day operational issues.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

In addition to its work on fund formation, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP handles a steady stream of investments into private funds, and is carving out a niche in advising sovereign wealth funds on these transactions. Stephen Newby has a highly international practice, having previously working in the firm’s Singapore and Dubai offices. Jonathan Blake is another name to note and is highly regarded for his work on private equity funds. Listed funds specialist Tim West is another key member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nigel Farr

Autres avocats clés:

Stephen Newby; Jonathan Blake; Tim West

Les références

‘The team are proactive and flexible around our needs.’

‘Well prepared for trustee meetings, and assisting the in-house team in ensuring appropriate advice and good governance is undertaken.’

Principaux clients

Acacia Research Corporation

AEW Europe LLP

Balance Legal Capital LLP

Blackstone Strategic Partners

BNP Paribas Asset Management

Cabot Square Capital LLP

Cinven Partners LLP

CNIC Corporation Limited

CVC Capital Partners

Fidelity Investments Inc.

Floreat Private Limited

General Atlantic Ltd

HarbourVest Partners (UK) Limited

Hastings Investment Management Limited

HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited

Insight Investment Management

JPMorgan Asset Management

KKR & Co. Inc.

Local Pensions Partnership Investments Ltd

M&G Investment Management Limited

Moorfield Group Limited

Neuberger Berman Private Equity

Niam Private Equity

Orchard Street Investment Management LLP

Pala Investments Limited

Permira

Quadria Capital

Signature Group

Stichting DNGB Fonds II

Sustainable Development Capital

Tristan Capital Partners

Vista Equity Partners

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising Cabot Square Capital on the establishment of their sixth buyout fund (Fund VI) and bespoke permanent capital vehicle.
  • Advising Sustainable Development Capital (SDCL) on the establishment of a private fund, SDCL Green Energy Solutions Fund, which is seeking to raise to invest in projects focused on energy efficiency, on-site generation and clean energy solutions.
  • Advising Moorfield Group Limited on the establishment of three parallel funds together constituting MREF V.

K&L Gates LLP

K&L Gates LLP entered the London private funds market in 2021, when Daniel Greenaway joined the firm, and has since developed a strong offering to fund managers and investors in the private equity space. Greenaway is ‘knowledgeable, practical, commercial and friendly’ and draws on his background in PE transactions to act for clients in this sector; he has a particular specialism in co-investment structures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Greenaway

Les références

‘Daniel Greenaway is an experienced funds lawyer. He has a good understanding of the needs of a GP, especially emerging managers, able to offer good practical advice as well as a legal opinion.’

‘Daniel Greenaway is highly valued by his clients.’

‘The team is excellent across the board.’

Principaux clients

TriSpan

Flywheel Partners

Future Business Partnership

Frog Capital

Seek Ventures

Astarte Capital Partners

RSF Partners

Inspirit Capital

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising TriSpan on raising Opportunities Fund II, which focusses on lower mid-market buy-and-build opportunities in the United States and Europe.
  • Advising Frog Capital which invests capital in scale-up companies across infrastructure and smart data.
  • Advising Future Business Partnership which invests in sustainable brands through raising ethically-motivated capital.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP advises institutional investors on investments into funds as well as on secondary market transactions, including the formation of funds of funds. The ‘highly knowledgeable’ practice also has a presence in the venture capital market where it advises on fund formation and secondary deals. Simon Currie leads the group, while Gawain Hughes is particularly focused on secondaries. Oliver Rochman and Robert Mailer are also key partners in the team; Rochman is a ‘real pleasure to work with’ while Mailer wins praise for his creative approach to VC fund structures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Currie

Autres avocats clés:

Gawain Hughes; Oliver Rochman; Robert Mailer; Tayne Rankine; Eliska Macnerova

Les références

‘An incredibly friendly and hardworking team, who do their best to support clients. They are very thoughtful, going above and beyond to meet our needs. They aren’t afraid to innovate when existing processes are cumbersome.’

‘Oliver Rochman can intuitively understand what we are asking for, often even before we’ve fully articulated our question. He is a real pleasure to work with and is always looking out for our best interests.’

‘I work mostly with Rob Mailer who is a great lawyer and advisor, he is trustworthy, very quick, pragmatic and entrepreneurial in his approach.’

Principaux clients

Pictet & Cie

Credit Suisse Group

JP Morgan Asset Management

Various Large Institutional Investor Clients

Digital Colony

Stone Harbour

Pantheon Ventures

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Pictet & Cie on both secondary transactions and primary investments.
  • Represented Credit Suisse AG in more than 30 private equity fund reviews and feeder fund formations in the last 12 months.
  • Representing JP Morgan’s Private Equity Group on an ongoing basis in connection with commingled fund investments and co-investments made by its commingled and single-investor private equity funds.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP continues to be highly active in the venture capital sector and also advises fund managers on establishing private equity and impact funds. Beyond acting for GPs, the team also advises LPs on investments and secondary deals. Tim Simmonds leads the Bristol-based practice, while ‘responsible and calm’ Helen Parsonage is the key name to note in venture capital. Simon Thomas is also recommended for his experience in alternative funds, where he ‘comes up with innovative solutions’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tim Simmonds

Autres avocats clés:

Helen Parsonage; Simon Thomas; Chiara Best; Lizette Hunter

Les références

‘We had a complicated transaction with a re-investment in a private equity holding. The team at Osborne worked hard to understand our requirments and worked efficiently and commercially to deliver excellent results.’

‘Simon Thomas led the team with very good support from Chiara Best.’

‘The pairing of Helen Parsonage and Lizette Hunter work very well together overlapping on timing and delivery for clients while allowing them some flexibility/part-time working.’

Principaux clients

Foresight

Bridges Ventures

Illuminate Financial Management

firstminute capital LLP

Hollyport Capital

Notion Capital

Brunel Pension Partnership Limited

Science Creatures Ventures

Amber Infrastructure

Pi Labs Limited

MMC Ventures Limited

Global Gate Capital

Downing LLP

AltaOne Capital LLP

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Amber Infrastructure on the launch of NTCA Green New Deal LP.
  • Advised firstminute capital LLP on the launch of its second fund, focusing on investment at the seed stage in technology start-ups in the UK, US and Europe.
  • Advised Bridges Fund Management, the specialist sustainable and impact investor, on the launch of Bridges Sustainable Growth Fund V.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Working closely with its network of offices across the UK, Pinsent Masons LLP‘s London office stands out for the breadth of its fund practice, which covers private equity, pensions, infrastructure and real estate funds. Valued for its ‘excellent service’ and ‘up-to-date market experience’, the practice acts for both investors and fund managers, with an increasing focus on climate and impact funds. Ian Warner co-heads the team alongside Edinburgh-based partner David Young, and is known for his work on African funds. Oliver Crowley is another name to note in London with experience in advising GPs and LPs across a wide range of asset classes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ian Warner; David Young

Autres avocats clés:

Oliver Crowley

Les références

‘Strong partners and senior non-partners to lead deals. Good depth of bench.’

‘Ian Warner and Oliver Crowley are all technically very able but pragmatic and solution oriented.’

‘The team are well resourced with individuals with a significant amount of relevant and up-to-date market experience – and always provide commercially focussed advice.’

Principaux clients

Abrdn

Aegon Absolute Return Pool

Aegon Private Equity Pool

Asian Development Bank

Bricks Capital Limited

Cargill Pension Plan

CDC Group plc

Costain Pension Scheme

Croda Pension Scheme

Dalmore Capital Limited

Environment Agency Pension Fund

Fife Pension Fund

HSBC Alternative Investments Limited

LCN Capital Partners

Lothian Pension Fund

Martin Currie

Merseyside Pension Fund

NEST

NILGOSC (The Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee)

PfP Capital Limited

Phoenix Life

Railpen

Railpen Investments

Resonance Impact Investment Limited

RWE/E.ON Trustees

Sango Private Equity

Scottish Widows

Southwark Pension Fund

Stichting Pensioenfonds KPN

Strathclyde Pension Fund

Systemiq Capital

TKPI Real Estate Fund

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Principaux dossiers

  • Advised Clean Growth Investment Management on 5 closings of its first fund, which reached its final target of £101m of commitments to invest in technologies aimed at reduction carbon emissions.
  • Advising the Asia Development Bank on structuring of a fund that is being established to facilitate the transition from coal power in certain Asian countries to clean technologies
  • Advising a consortium of development finance institutions, including CDC Group plc, BIO and Proparco on their investment in Incofin India Progress Fund.

Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP

Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP has a varied practice covering funds across a range of asset classes, including private equity, credit and growth capital. The private funds team draws on the wider firm’s expertise in hedge funds to advise existing hedge fund clients on establishing closed-end funds. It also has a specialism in litigation finance funds. Josh Dambacher and Christopher Hilditch jointly lead the team and offer broad funds expertise, with Jim McNally another name to note. Dambacher is praised as ‘smart, articulate, knowledgeable and sensible’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Josh Dambacher; Christopher Hilditch

Autres avocats clés:

Jim McNally

Les références

‘We feel that the Schulte team really knows us as a client.’

‘They bring to bear a deep understanding of the private funds space – commercial, legal and regulatory – from both sides of the Atlantic.’

‘Their lawyers are smart and responsive and it feels like you are dealing with one team, whether the lawyer is in London or New York or somewhere else.’

Principaux clients

401 Capital Limited

Alpha Wave Global

Arrowgrass Capital Partners LLP

Bybrook Capital

Cyrus Capital Partners Europe LLP

Fidera Vecta Limited

Flight Story Ventures LLP

Gurr Johns Capital Limited

Hagens Berman UK LLP

JNE Partners LLP

Kingsway Capital Partners Limited

Marshall Wace LLP

Naya Capital Management UK Limited

Orchard Global Asset Management

Palliser Capital (UK) Ltd.

Principaux dossiers

  • Represented Alpha Wave Global in establishing a joint venture with Chimera Capital to manage Alpha Wave Ventures II, LP — the fund invests in growth assets globally and has raised over US$10 billion to date.
  • Advised Fidera Vecta Limited in connection with the spin-out of York Capital Management’s UK operations, being the management of four principal funds and a number of managed accounts/funds of one, all focusing on the distressed credit space.
  • Advised its longstanding hedge fund client, Marshall Wace LLP, with respect to its move into the closed-end funds space, with a focus on cross-over investments.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP

‘An excellent, knowledgeable and credible team’, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP advises on cross-border fund establishments in sectors including special situations, private equity and credit. The practice also provides ongoing regulatory advice to funds managers, such as assisting with ESG disclosure requirements, and acts for investors including sovereign wealth funds. Greg Norman is the key name to note in the London office and is ‘patient and professional’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Greg Norman

Autres avocats clés:

William Hardaway

Les références

‘An excellent, knowledgeable and credible team that work well together in a responsive timeframe.’

‘Greg Norman and William Hardaway are recommended.

‘I believe the practice is unique as despite being one of the most established and reputable law firms out there, it continues to innovate and develop in emerging sectors and areas.’

Principaux clients

Citigroup Inc.

Citi Private Advisory, LLC

Crosstree Real Estate Partners LLP

IPI Partners, LLC and its portfolio company, Supernap Italia

Jet Investment a.s.

Neuberger Berman Group

Northzone Ventures

Odyssey Acquisition S.A.

Rezco Collective Investments

SDC Capital Partners

SDCL EDGE Acquisition Corporation

Quest Fund Placement

Principaux dossiers

  • Advising Crosstree Real Estate Partners in relation to the formation and capitalisation of their third special situations fund, focusing on UK special situations real estate investments.
  • Advised Neuberger Berman Group LLC in the merger of its Dyal Capital Partners division and Owl Rock Capital Group with Altimar Acquisition Corporation to form Blue Owl Capital Inc. at an enterprise value of US$12.5 billion.
  • Advising Citibank’s private wealth division on the formation and launch of investment products designed to provide Citibank’s clients access to certain selected private equity and private equity real estate funds.