Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
+44 20 7469 2000About
Provided by Kirkland & Ellis
Kirkland has the largest dedicated private equity and financial investor practice in the market, acting for a mix of US and European private equity funds, pension and sovereign wealth funds and financial investors with real estate funds. The team advises across all transactions types including public transactions, carve outs, minority and majority deals, bolt-ons and exits, across any sector. Working in conjunction with the deepest bench of private equity and financial investor-focused practitioners, Kirkland provides clients with unbeatable expertise in highly complex transactions and cross-border deals.
Chambers Review
Kirkland & Ellis is recognised as an outstanding sponsor-side practice handling complex, high-end private equity transactions which are often multijurisdictional in nature. It continues to act for a range of high-profile investors in the industry, with its client base spanning a broad spectrum of leading UK, US and European investors. The department's extensive expertise covers issues such as LBOs, going-private deals, restructurings and recapitalisations.
Work Highlights
- Kirkland & Ellis advised Apollo on its £506 million recommended all-cash acquisition of The Restaurant Group.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team at Kirkland go above and beyond to deliver timely and effective solutions, prioritising their client’s needs at any time of day or night."
"Kirkland have a deep bench of talent that is able to handle large amounts of work in a short time. We appreciate that they are also subject matter experts with deep expertise."
"The Kirkland team are well known in the market for being first-rate, unwavering and highly focused. They are also extremely active, practical and effective drivers in transactions."
"Kirkland & Ellis is one of the best and most experienced firms."
"The team at Kirkland go above and beyond to deliver timely and effective solutions, prioritising their client’s needs at any time of day or night."
"Kirkland have a deep bench of talent that is able to handle large amounts of work in a short time. We appreciate that they are also subject matter experts with deep expertise."
"The Kirkland team are well known in the market for being first-rate, unwavering and highly focused. They are also extremely active, practical and effective drivers in transactions."
"Kirkland & Ellis is one of the best and most experienced firms."
Notable Practitioners
David Higgins is widely acclaimed as a foremost talent in the UK private equity market. His leading practice is routinely engaged to advise in connection with major cross-border transactions. Higgins also sits on Kirkland's executive committee.
"David is extremely hard-working, responsive and commercial."
Adrian Maguire is the subject of acclaim from across the market owing to the superlative standard of his private equity practice. He represents clients in a range of sophisticated deals, often involving European and US sponsors.
"Adrian is a standout in terms of his commercial acumen, the ability to help navigate complex situations and in driving a negotiation forward."
"He is a fantastic lawyer with a friendly and approachable demeanour, making it all the more pleasant to work alongside him. I feel confident every time I put a delicate matter in Adrian’s hands."
"He is experienced, commercial, hard-working and always available."
Matthew Elliott maintains an excellent practice concentrated on the representation of private equity funds in a host of transactions. His reputation is particularly emphasised in the real estate space.
"Matthew is extremely committed and dedicated. No problem is too large or too small, no situation is unsolvable and no deadline is impossible to meet."
"Matt is the most sought-after adviser in our industry, and embodies the focus and performance that Kirkland prides itself on."
"Matthew is excellent at managing high-performing teams that work seamlessly together to achieve client objectives."
"Matthew and his team provide unparalleled service and commercial, pragmatic and strategic advice."
Alvaro Membrillera is widely respected for his close relationships with some of the foremost US-based sponsors in the market. Membrillera's matters have included acquisitions, disposals, minority investments and carveouts in a variety of European jurisdictions.
"Alvaro is a world-class lawyer. He continues to offer nuanced advice, focused on market insights and deep experience-based knowledge."
"Alvaro is incredibly commercial and technically able."
Stuart Boyd displays strength in representing private equity and other investor clients in a broad range of transactions. He is particularly known for his ability for take-privates, carveouts and acquisitions.
"Stuart is very commercial, calm under pressure and creative in terms of solutions."
"Stuart is knowledgeable and easy to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Kirkland & Ellis
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Kirkland & Ellis