Investment Funds: Private Equity: Secondaries
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7786 9000About
Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Debevoise's European Funds/Investment Management practice is one of the most active in the market. It is part of an integrated global practice that has advised sponsors of, or investors in, over 2,100 private equity funds worldwide, with committed capital of over $2.6 trillion. This experience means Debevoise’s European lawyers have deep insight into funds pursuing every major investment strategy, including buyouts, venture capital, mezzanine, workouts and distressed debt, secondaries, real estate, infrastructure, media and telecommunications, healthcare, energy and other sector and regional funds, as well as funds of funds.
Such breadth of experience also means Debevoise’s European funds lawyers build solutions based on detailed business and legal data included in its proprietary database covering more than 2,800 private equity funds, , including over 500 venture capital funds, as well as an extensive library of flexible model forms, memoranda and precedents.
At a time of increasing regulatory complexity, the practice draws on its significant experience, as well as heavy involvement with the main European and emerging markets private equity trade associations, to ensure clients are well equipped to navigate the latest regulatory developments. For the benefit of clients, the practice has also developed a global survey of the securities and investment management laws relevant to the offer and sale of fund interests in more than 70 jurisdictions.
Chambers Review
Debevoise & Plimpton has a strong private equity funds practice that is regularly called upon for large pan-European formations by managers, large secondary transactions for buyers or sellers, and complex alternative capital raises. Debevoise's funds team also has additional experience in acting for investors in private funds. Funds targeting assets in emerging markets continue to be a core focus for the department, which offers sponsors full compliance and tax advice for both the US and EU regulatory landscapes.
Work Highlights
- Regarding private equity, Debevoise & Plimpton advised LCM Capital on the formation and fundraising of LCM Credit Opportunities 4.
- Regarding secondaries, Debevoise & Plimpton acted for HarbourVest Partners as co-lead investor in a continuation fund sponsored by Triton.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are highly knowledgeable subject matter experts who are able to execute on tight timetables."
"All of the members had very strong technical expertise and were always available."
"They have a large and experienced team who have worked on every type of secondary transaction. They are well positioned to offer expert advice gathered over years of transaction experience."
"The team offers thoughtful analysis and strategic recommendations in fund restructuring situations, foreseeing what might go wrong."
"Debevoise are very commercial, to the point and don't get stuck on minor points."
"They are highly knowledgeable subject matter experts who are able to execute on tight timetables."
"All of the members had very strong technical expertise and were always available."
"They have a large and experienced team who have worked on every type of secondary transaction. They are well positioned to offer expert advice gathered over years of transaction experience."
"The team offers thoughtful analysis and strategic recommendations in fund restructuring situations, foreseeing what might go wrong."
"Debevoise are very commercial, to the point and don't get stuck on minor points."
Notable Practitioners
Geoffrey Kittredge is US-qualified and is able to advise clients on US regulatory and compliance issues, as well as European regulatory matters. He advises sponsors on the formation of international private equity and credit funds.
"Geoffrey is commercial and deals with complex issues with ease."
"Geoff is one of the best funds lawyers in Europe and has a knowledge of the market acquired through years at the top. He focuses on what’s important to us and guides through difficult spots."
"Geoff has fantastic experience built up over many years in the industry."
John Rife is highlighted for his experience in forming European and emerging market buyout and credit funds. He can also assist on secondary transactions.
"John is very knowledgeable, helpful and approachable."
"John is a veteran in the industry, is very diligent and gives us good advice."
"John is a very smart guy and is always keen to roll up his sleeves and solve problems that arise during a fundraising."
Shawn D'Aguiar regularly assists clients with the formation and management of private equity funds, with additional expertise in debt and credit funds.
"Shawn is one to watch to move up."
Katherine Ashton advises clients in secondaries matters both domestically and internationally. She offers expertise in acquisitions, continuation funds and sales.
"Katherine has decades of experience in the secondary market and is a professional and commercial lawyer, offering excellent advice."
"Katherine is helpful and cheerful. Her team beneath her is strong."
"Katherine is highly rated."
Matthew Dickman enjoys a burgeoning practice in the private equity and secondaries space. He frequently advises both new entrants to the market and long-established European and US investment managers on flagship fund formation and launches.
"Matthew is very calm and thoughtful in supporting clients through the fundraising process."
"Matt has given us sound advice in tricky situations. He has done brilliantly."
"Matthew is a seasoned adviser and a calming voice on high-stakes and complex matters."
Ranked Lawyers at
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Patricia Volhard
Simon Witney