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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability

Europe Guide 2026 : UK

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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Our global team excels in working with corporates, financial sponsors, investment banks, investors and others to successfully execute and deliver mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, takeovers, and corporate restructurings, regardless of size or complexity or the locations of the parties or assets.

We pride ourselves on applying our outstanding technical knowledge in a practical manner to ensure our clients achieve their commercial goals and the service levels they expect of us.

Our reputation for the seamless execution of the most complex cross-border deals underlines the international scope and strength of our teams and the clients who call on us for these transactions.

Through a long-embedded sector focus we fully understand our client's specific industry drivers and risks and we combine that knowledge with deep seated transactional experience to navigate successful outcomes working with practitioners across the world in key practice areas such as competition, employment, IP, data protection, tax and ESG, to address issues and challenges common to those industries.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability - UK

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has a well-regarded practice that is often instructed on high-value cross-border transactions and prominent acquisition and disposal deals, earning a strong reputation for its abilities in public M&A. Its client base includes numerous blue-chip companies, leading investment banks and sovereign wealth funds. The department's broad sector expertise spans financial services, technology and real estate, among others.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advised Altice UK on the sale of its 24.5% stake in BT Group to Bharti Global.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Herbert Smith is a full-service firm that has excellent specialists in all areas.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

  • The firm provides excellent advice that advances business interests.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

  • The Herbert Smith M&A team stands out for its blend of technical excellence, strategic insight and regulatory fluency.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

  • The firm provides an expert strategic understanding of the M&A market and the ability to understand and navigate complex deals.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • James Palmer
    James Palmer

    James Palmer

    James Palmer is able to deploy a wealth of experience across a number of domestic and international corporate transactions. He has also previously sat as the chair and senior partner of the firm.

    • James is very knowledgeable and well connected.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • James' experience allows him to provide unique and valuable insights.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
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  • Stephen Wilkinson
    Stephen Wilkinson

    Stephen Wilkinson

    Stephen Wilkinson is widely respected thanks to his adroit handling of major M&A, and other corporate transactions, on behalf of a client base of corporates and financial institutions.

    • Stephen is a leader in the UK M&A market and a trusted adviser.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Stephen is a great lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
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  • Mark Bardell
    Mark Bardell

    Mark Bardell

    Mark Bardell impresses sources with his strong handling of domestic public M&A, especially as it occurs in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. He represents a client base of international companies, and impresses with his knowledge of the City Code.

    • Mark's direct real world experience has led to all of his advice being exactly spot on.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Mark is particularly outstanding and is very credible around public companies, takeovers in particular.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Mark is simply exceptional and he knows the Takeover Code inside and out. He is able to guide us through complex issues and documentation.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
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  • Gavin Davies
    Gavin Davies

    Gavin Davies

    Gavin Davies leads the firm's global M&A practice. He is valued for his sophisticated cross-border practice where he regularly undertakes deals in the EMEA region. He often supports clients in the TMT and real estate sectors.

    • Gavin is outstanding in every sense. He is tremendously capable, supportive and will always go the extra mile. He is also responsive and a true pleasure to work with.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • He has a breadth of knowledge and a commercial approach to situations.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope

    • Gavin is experienced, sophisticated and practical.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (4)

UK

Members

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