Practice areas

Macfarlanes is one of the few firms that has been involved in the private equity industry in the UK since its inception.  We either designed or have been involved in the development of many of the concepts that are now regarded as "standard".  We remain one of the pre-eminent firms in the sector and we have ten partners who focus on private equity transactions, of whom a number have particular expertise and experience in acting for management.

We will have heard of every issue and every argument and know all of the market norms.  This depth of knowledge and experience is difficult to surpass.  It is because of this that management teams, who are routinely expert in their field but often have limited experience of private equity transactions, choose to rely on us.

We understand that the key issues for management are:

• their share incentives and other employment arrangements;
• their ability to run the company without undue fetter;
• the certainty of future funding to finance their ambitions; and
• the maintenance of their relationship with the investing private equity house.

We can guide you through these issues with great efficiency - ensuring that you push the right arguments and understand the lack of merit in others.  We can also offer invaluable insight into the workings of the investing private equity house and the private equity industry generally.

We work alongside all of the key intermediaries in the private equity industry, including those who focus on acting for management teams, and, with them, will form a strong team to represent your interests.