Private Equity | Europe

Clifford Chance brings together partners from multiple offices to handle high-value transactions on behalf of European- or US-headquartered private equity companies. The law firm has an outstanding offering across Europe, with key offices in Poland, Spain, France, Germany and the UK. It handles investments into international target companies, portfolio acquisitions and buyouts. The firm's full-service offering also includes assistance with restructurings and fund formation. Clifford Chance has experience in deals in the pharmaceutical, energy and IT sectors.

Latham & Watkins has a superb private equity practice with the proven capacity to lead pan-European deals from the UK, France, Italy and Germany. The law firm attracts attention for strong borrower-side finance capabilities based in London and other key financial centres, which often assist with the negotiation of acquisition finance facilities for European transactions. It advises fund managers on leveraged buyouts of EU-headquartered target companies that have operations in multiple European jurisdictions.

Freshfields has an outstanding pan-European private equity group with significant European offices in Germany, France, Spain and the UK. The law firm works closely with the firm's competition law, finance and tax teams to provide full-service advice. It advises leading private equity houses on high-end deals, further advising on bolt-on acquisitions that facilitate the international expansion of portfolio companies and that necessitate both the drafting of new management incentive schemes and the negotiation of additional loan facilities. Freshfields offers notable experience in regulated sectors, including technology and life sciences, and also counts pension and sovereign wealth funds among its clients.

Kirkland & Ellis has a strong presence in France, the UK and Germany. The law firm handles high-profile investments, with clients hailing from the UK and US and across Europe, benefiting from the firm's strong American offering. Its expertise includes LBOs, restructurings and recapitalisations, as well as acquisitions in a range of sectors, including technology and real estate.

Linklaters has a significant private equity offering in Portugal, Spain, Germany, the UK, France and Italy. The law firm often acts for sponsors, advising pension funds, together with private equity firms, on investments in multi-jurisdictional target companies. Linklaters is active in a range of matters, including buyouts, exits and restructurings in the energy and healthcare sectors.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges has market-leading teams in London and Paris, with a further strong presence in Germany. The law firm acts for traditional private equity firms and other institutional investors on transactions that touch on multiple European jurisdictions. It frequently handles multi-jurisdictional transactions both for high-end and venture capital investment funds, assisting with LBOs and take-private matters. Weil Gotshal's further activity includes advising US private equity and Canadian pension funds on European deals in the real estate, TMT and healthcare sectors.

CMS is recognised as a highly active mid-market European private equity practice. The law firm benefits from an on-the-ground presence in several CEE jurisdictions, which facilitates the coordination of transactions involving target companies with operations across the region. Clients also benefit from a top venture capital offering in Germany. CMS is often active in transactions involving the life sciences and technology sectors.

DLA Piper is highly regarded for its notable offering in London, well reputed in particular for its mid-market capabilities. It has further key branches in Spain and Poland. The law firm handles portfolio company acquisitions and growth investments in a range of sectors, including real estate, consumer goods and healthcare.

White & Case leads multi-jurisdictional transactions from offices across Europe. Utilising its broad reach, the firm frequently handles matters in the Nordic region, as well as bringing together teams in London and Germany to advise on acquisitions, financing and sale processes. The law firm's clients include sovereign wealth funds and family offices, in addition to private equity firms and alternative credit providers.

The firm joins the rankings in recognition of its growing offering in France and the UK, with a leading practice in Spain. It leverages its expansive network to advise on cross-border investments, as well as handling acquisitions and disposals for private equity houses. The team is sought after for financial services, with additional experience in the pharma, energy and tech sectors. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Goodwin has a notable private equity presence in the UK and France. The law firm has a notable mid-market offering, advising investment funds and international private equity houses on investments in the tech and life sciences sectors. The lawyers are active in buyouts and exits, as well as financing.

"The team is always able to deliver for us and brings in the right people at the right time. It has excellent service levels and never lets the client down. Willkie has a strong team across Europe and good collaboration between countries; it is very reliable and dedicated to clients' needs."