Private M&A
Advising on complex, high-value private M&A transactions
We advise international clients on all aspects of private M&A, whether acquiring, selling or investing in businesses in the UK and around the world. We are known for our track record in complex high-end matters, from founder-led exits to high-value cross-border transactions.
Our approach is strategic and grounded in the commercial priorities of our clients, whether that is protecting value, navigating time-sensitive competitive processes or managing significant cross-border issues. We regularly advise on bespoke deal structures and governance arrangements, where we are valued for our ability to simplify challenging issues and to come up with creative solutions.
Many of our transactions involve regulated or operationally complex businesses, particularly in financial services, asset management and professional services, where a deep understanding of the sector is critical to achieving the right outcome.
Our clients include UK and international privately-held businesses, private equity sponsors, family offices and entrepreneurs.
We work collaboratively with our experts across the wider firm, including tax, finance, competition, employment, pensions, private client and regulatory, to deliver seamless advice that helps clients anticipate and mitigate risk.
Work highlights include advising:
- leading private markets data solutions provider Preqin on its sale to global investment manager BlackRock for £2.55bn;
- long-standing client J. C. Flowers & Co. on the consortium arrangements with TowerBrook Capital Partners and Railsr shareholders relating to the all-cash offer by that consortium for Equals Group plc;
- long-term client Aberdeen Group plc on the sale of its European-headquartered private equity business to Patria Investments;
- Smith & Williamson (now Evelyn Partners) on its £1.8bn merger with Tilney Group, including Warburg Pincus’s co-investment alongside Permira;
- Banco de Sabadell S.A., a Spanish listed multinational financial services company, on the sale of TSB Banking Group plc to Banco Santander for £2.65bn;
- Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA, a Swiss bank specialised in wealth and asset management, on the English law aspects of its acquisition of Societe Generale’s UK and Channel Islands private banking and wealth management arm (SG Kleinwort Hambros);
- Dignity on its acquisition of Farewill Limited (Farewill), an award-winning leader in digital end-of-life services; and
- Argus Media Group, the leading independent provider of intelligence to the global energy and commodity markets, on a strategic agreement to support its next phase of growth.
