Since the opening of its Brussels office in June 2021, Kirkland & Ellis International II LLP has been forging a reputation for handling global merger and foreign direct investments filing processes. Thomas Wilson, the founding partner of the local branch, is receiving increasing recognition for his ‘very good antitrust judgement’. Philipp Gnatzy, on secondment from London, is bringing ‘terrific energy and effectiveness’ to the practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Great understanding of material issues and how regulators will likely react. Creative problem solving. Commercial approach. Good understanding of the business and market.’

  • ‘They are substantively at the top of their legal game, as you would expect, but in addition they dig energetically and effectively into the facts.'

  • 'The whole team is strong, but I commend in particular Philipp Gnatzy, who shows terrific energy and effectiveness, and Thomas Wilson, who has very good antitrust judgement. They are a pleasure to work with.'

  • ‘Exceptional practice. Very strong team of partners and associates. Experienced in the most complex deals. Exceptional speed of response and level of service.’

  • ‘It is always a pleasure to work with Kirkland & Ellis. They have a pro-deal attitude, which fosters a productive working relationship, and are always at the forefront of the competition field.’

  • 'Thomas Wilson and Philipp Gnatzy are outstanding antitrust lawyers, with a very strong ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters. They are always committed to their clients and have extensive knowledge in different industries.'

Key clients

  • Digital Container Shipping Association
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Groupe Bruxelles Lambert
  • KKR
  • SK Capital Partners
  • Platinum Equity LLC
  • Warburg Pincus LLC
  • Hellman & Friedman
  • Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
  • Genstar Capital
  • Bain Capital Private Equity
  • Triton Partners / Pharmanovia
  • Vista Equity Partners
  • Greenbriar Equity Group
  • Wendel Group

Work highlights

  • Advising Digital Container Shipping Association on compliance issues relating to its initiative concerning IT standards for the container liner shipping industry.
  • Advising Eli Lilly on its acquisition of clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Versanis.
  • Advising SK Capital Partners on its acquisition of Apotex Pharmaceutical Holdings.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Thomas Wilson

Other key lawyers

Philipp Gnatzy, Andris Rimsa