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:
- Evelyn Partners on a number of transactions, including the sale of its Professional Services business to funds advised by Apax Partners LLP and its £2.7bn sale to NatWest;
- Royals Sports Group on the $1.65bn sale of The Rajasthan Royals and other Royals cricket franchises to the Mittal Family and Adar Poonawalla;
- Genius Sports, one of the world’s largest sports technology companies, on the acquisition of Legend, the global digital sports and gaming media network, in a transaction valued at up to $1.2bn;
- Preqin, a leading private markets data solutions provider, 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;
- 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; 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.
