Competition Law - UK
What the team is known for
Kirkland & Ellis has a strong focus on assisting clients with obtaining competition law clearance for corporate transactions, including advising clients on phase I and II merger reviews and on foreign direct investment filings. The law firm is well known for acting for private equity houses on merger control mandates. In addition, the team has experience in behavioural investigations before the CMA.
Strengths
"The lawyers really care about the quality of their work but also solving the clients' issues."
"The lawyers are experienced and know competition law in depth, and are very hands on."
"Kirkland & Ellis is made up of a talented and smart group of individuals who take pride in their work and ensure nothing slips through the cracks."
"The team provides us with excellent access and clear advice."
Work highlights
Kirkland & Ellis advised NortonLifeLock on the merger clearance aspects of its acquisition of Avast, including a phase II CMA merger review.
Notable practitioners
Alasdair Balfour has particular experience in merger clearance mandates. He also assists clients with investigations into possible anti-competitive behaviour. "He is a particularly broad thinker, who is able to deliver an observation from a different angle that adds value." "He is very thoughtful and proactive."
Sally Evans often advises clients on obtaining merger clearance and foreign direct investment approval. She frequently acts for private equity houses. "She has been very good at explaining the deals in layman's terms." "Sally stands out as a result of her detail-oriented approach in applying the competition FDI filing regimes and her tenacity in ensuring with appropriate parties that responses are exhaustive and drafted in a clear, concise manner." "She's very timely and commercial with practical advice."
