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Clifford Chance LLP

Investment Funds: Private Equity

Europe Guide 2026 : UK

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Clifford Chance LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Investment Funds: Private Equity - UK

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

With a dominant private funds group, Clifford Chance has expertise across the range of structures and asset classes. The team is well known for debt, real asset and private equity fund formation work, and especially for its market-leading real estate debt offering. The firm's global resources are fully utilised by the London team, which is able to offer advice to clients from around the world. It acts for an impressive list of clients, including high profile UK, European and global fund managers.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Regarding secondaries and credit funds, Clifford Chance assisted SMBC with the launch of its secondary private credit fund Kuon Capital European Direct Lending Partners I, SCSp.

  • Regarding private equity, Clifford Chance advised Bridgepoint regarding the closure of the Bridgepoint Development Capital V fund. The fund closed after raising over EUR2.7 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance have first-class capabilities to handle complex matters, drawing on their market-leading teams across every jurisdiction.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

  • They are very responsive, knowledgeable and efficient, with a very good understanding of our objectives. They are always available and precise.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

  • Clifford Chance's strengths are their breadth of expertise, track record, market presence and knowledge, depth of bench, commercial acumen and their ability to get the deal done.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

  • Clifford Chance's ability to handle complex multi-jurisdictional deals seamlessly is what sets them apart.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

  • They provide an excellent service and are always responsive.

    Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Alexandra Davidson
    Alexandra Davidson

    Alexandra Davidson

    Alexandra Davidson is valued for her knowledge and experience advising sponsor clients, and assists them with everything from the formation to the closure of a comprehensive range of private equity-style funds.

    • Alexandra Davidson is sharp, direct, available, incisive and well known, with a strong reputation and credibility in the industry.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Alexandra is one of best funds lawyers out there and is always quick to respond.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Alexandra speaks with deep experience and is a problem solver. She weighs up the pros and cons and always gives good solutions.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope
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  • Gerard Saviola
    Gerard Saviola

    Gerard Saviola

    Gerard Saviola is noted for his expertise in advising both European and emerging market-focused asset managers on the formation of a range of funds. As well as buyout and infrastructure funds, he also regularly advises clients on the establishment of debt funds.

    • Gerard is an excellent sounding board and provides great advice.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Gerard Saviola has been on the top of his game for credit funds for years.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Gerard is a great communicator. He is pragmatic and provides solutions-oriented advice.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • In tricky negotiations, you can be happy that he is leading the team for you. Not only does he have the knowledge, but he has a good manner, style and presence. You feel you are in very good hands.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope
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  • Alexander Chester
    Alexander Chester

    Alexander Chester

    Alexander Chester is a specialist investment funds practitioner who advises GP-side clients on fund formation, restructurings and co-investments, covering a wide range of asset classes.

    • Alex Chester has been very strong for us. He is very solution-focused. He tries to help you find a sensible and pragmatic path forward on things.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Alex has consistently provided a very high level of service on our fund-related matters.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • He has a commercial approach combined with an excellent knowledge of the applicable legal frameworks and is a pleasure to work with.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope
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  • Jonathan Bray
    Jonathan Bray

    Jonathan Bray

    Jonathan Bray advises leading managers in the real asset and private equity fields. He is recognised for his expertise in real estate debt funds.

    • Jonathan is available and contactable. He is technically very strong, explains matters and is very helpful to the wider business.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Jonathan is very good on funds and uses technology to make things more efficient.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope
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  • Lily Marcel
    Lily Marcel

    Lily Marcel

    Lily Marcel advises clients on funds matters both domestically and internationally. She advises clients on a full range of matters across classes, including infrastructure, technology and energy.

    • Lily's negotiation skills were excellent. She can operate like a really seasoned partner, with a lot of experience, and she knows the details.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Lily's market knowledge, expertise and commercial acumen are second to none.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Lily is incredibly approachable and technically brilliant. She stays heavily involved in the funds and has a calming presence.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Lily is calm and measured. She is extremely knowledgeable, really thoughtful in the way she provides her advice and always available when you need her.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope

    • Lily provides us with clear advice tailored to our commercial context.

      Investment Funds: Private Equity respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Clifford Chance LLP (6)

UK

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