Private Equity: Buyouts: £500 million and above
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Richard Youle
Partner and head of Skadden’s London office and co-head of the firm’s Private Equity Group
+44 7786 938755
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
Skadden is a strong force in the UK buyouts market and offers counsel to a roster of top private equity sponsors on substantial transactions. The team excels in high-end transatlantic deals while demonstrating strength on pan-European work. It regularly advises in connection with substantial investments, financings and management incentive plans, as well as with regard to portfolio companies and strategics.
Work Highlights
- Skadden advised I Squared Capital on the acquisition of Arriva in a transaction that values the business at approximately EUR1.4 billion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Skadden is very competent in all matters and is commercial in proposing solutions to complex problems."
"The team at Skadden is fantastic and brings together the best combination of American efficiency and legal rigour. It's very helpful in terms of getting a private equity deal done the right way."
"Skadden is excellent. The team recognises its role and is very efficient."
"Skadden is very competent in all matters and is commercial in proposing solutions to complex problems."
"The team at Skadden is fantastic and brings together the best combination of American efficiency and legal rigour. It's very helpful in terms of getting a private equity deal done the right way."
"Skadden is excellent. The team recognises its role and is very efficient."
Notable Practitioners
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 absolutely excellent and provides a phenomenal service."
"He is a very smart lawyer."
"Richard is absolutely excellent. He provides a phenomenal service and is a rockstar."
"Richard is a joy to work with. He gives great client service, is super commercial and always willing to go the extra mile."
"Richard is a skilled operator."
Bruce Embley enjoys a relatively broad practice that involves advising financial sponsors in particular, but also other entities in the private equity space. He is noted for his experience on both major buyouts and high-end M&A.
"When Bruce joins the negotiation table, he strikes the right tone between constructiveness but also aggressiveness. He is usually the smartest guy in the room, so is great to have on your side."
"Bruce is excellent; he is very technical and strong on the law. He sees the strategic angle and is extremely commercial when he needs to be."
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.
"Katja is a star. She is amazing, always available and she has a strong business acumen."
"She is extremely clever and effective."
"Katja works very hard and is very capable."
Ranked Lawyers at
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates