Katja Butler > Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP supports clients across the full range of M&A and PE deals, complementing its transactional prowess with expert knowledge across a multitude of sectors. Practice head Richard Youle is routinely engaged by financial sponsors and their portfolio companies, with recent highlights including high-end mandates in infrastructure, IT and software, and financial services. Co-head of the firm’s UK corporate practice, Katja Butler is praised as ‘dynamic, effervescent, and relentlessly positive’, advising on a wealth of transactions, including strategic bolt-ons, reinvestments, and disposals. Steven Hannah’s considerable sector breadth and ability to oversee complex leveraged buyouts, investments and disposals ensures that he is sought out by an array of European and global PE outfits, while Sandro de Bernardini is praised as ‘proactive, knowledgeable, and very practical in his approach.’ George Gray’s practice balances both domestic and cross-border deals, as well as instructions related to corporate governance. Noted for her experience working with funds and sovereign-wealth backed investors, Emma Ghaffari joined the team from A&O Shearman in July 2023.

With strong M&A and PE capabilities – anchored by a deep bench of advisers with extensive sector experience – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is routinely instructed by blue chip corporations and financial sponsors across myriad sectors, including financial services, pharmaceutical, telecoms and insurance. The team excels in transatlantic corporate deals, boasting strong capabilities in cross-border M&A and US inbound transactions. Team leaders include Lorenzo Corte, who specialises in cross-border transactions, contested takeovers, de-SPAC transactions and corporate governance work; Katja Butler, a private equity specialist; and George Knighton, who offers significant expertise in M&A, private equity and restructuring transactions. Simon Toms is recommended for his experience advising on transactions involving public bids. Also noted for their broad practice is Denis Klimentchenko, who is involved in various high-profile transactions, and Sarah Knapp, who continues to assist on a range of transactions. Both Scott Hopkins and John Adebiyi have retired.