Department profile
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above
UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
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Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Skadden advises private equity firms on the structuring and execution of large, cross-border and domestic private equity transactions, including the purchase and sale of portfolio companies. Our European private equity real estate team also advises on issues on behalf of clients involved in real estate, real estate investment, real estate finance and other real estate-related sectors. The firm combines this leading transactional experience with sophisticated financing and tax techniques in relation to a range of matters, including leveraged buyouts, management buyouts and recapitalisations.
Chambers Review
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Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Skadden advised Hg on the USD3 billion acquisition of AuditBoard.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Skadden are on top of every detail. They're the law firm you want on your side in tough negotiations.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUKSkadden's team consistently delivers on complex transactions. Its impressive bench of associates demonstrates outstanding project management capabilities that keep intricate deals moving forward.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUKThe firm has excellent technical lawyers with brilliant commercial judgement. The team are fabulously attentive and quick to respond.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUKSkadden has a highly dynamic, flexible and business-minded team.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Richard Youle
Richard Youle continues to distinguish himself as a top-flight practitioner whose work concentrates on handling transformational deals on behalf of major private equity houses. He exhibits strength in M&A and restructuring. He serves as co-head of the firm's private equity group. Richard is always available, provides great client service and is very commercial.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUKRichard is an exceptional commercial lawyer. The client service and deal execution that he and his team deliver is second to none in the market.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUKRichard is phenomenal. He is very efficient and knows the market incredibly well.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUK
Band 3 
Band 3 Katja Butler
Katja Butler represents private equity funds in a range of matters. She is experienced in M&A and investments, as well as ancillary issues impacting clients' capital structure.
Having someone as responsive as Katja is invaluable as it can be the difference between getting a deal done and not.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUKKatja is dynamic, thoughtful and extremely commercial. Furthermore, Katja is a joy to have on your team.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUKKatja is absolutely outstanding in everything she does.
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates (2)
UK-wide
Richard Youle
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above
View profile Katja Butler
Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above
View profile
Members
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Steven Hannah
Bruce Embley
George Gray
Katja Butler
View profile of Katja Butler
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