Demonstrating ‘a great blend of patience and persistence’, the group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a strong choice for the gamut of deal types, including buy-side deals, exits, and IPOs. Major private equity houses, financial sponsors and sovereign wealth funds look to the group for its cross-border expertise and international footprint. The practice is co-led by Vincent Ponsonnaille, lauded for his ’proactive and thoughtful advice’. Alongside him, Laurent Victor-Michel acts as co-head and has particular experience in matters relating to foreign direct investment. Corporate specialists Louis Gosset and Emmanuel Enrici are additional names to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘For our recent transaction, K&E was able to provide comprehensive services including detailed French/US legal structure, tax, HR, regulatory, and other domains. The team was able to manage a complex process and structure. They were able to manage the process seamlessly.’

  • ‘The team maintained a very balanced view and did not get rattled easily. They had a great blend of patience and persistence and were always available to address questions or issues.’

  • ‘Vincent Ponsonnaille and Emmanuel Enrici - proactive and thoughtful advice.’

  • ‘Excellent legal skills, commitment, and availability, as well as a good understanding of the software segment.’

Key clients

  • AXA Investment Management
  • Advent International
  • Antin Infrastructure Partners
  • Ares Management Corporation
  • Cinven
  • CPP Investments
  • Five Arrows PE
  • GIC Private Limited
  • Groupe Bruxelles Lambert
  • Hellman & Friedman
  • PAI Partners
  • Partners Group
  • Platinum Private Equity
  • Providence Equity Partners
  • Searchlight Capital
  • Silver Lake
  • Thoma Bravo
  • Vista Equity Partners
  • Warburg Pincus
  • Wendel

Work highlights

  • Advised Groupe Bruxelles Lambert on the agreement to combine Webhelp and Concentrix Corporation.
  • Advised Data4 and Axa IM - Real Assets on the sale of Data4 to Brookfield Asset Management.
  • Advised co-controlling shareholders WP GG Holdings IV and ARCHIMED on the sale of Polyplus to Sartorius, a life science group.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Vincent Ponsonnaille, Laurent Victor-Michel

Other key lawyers

Louis Gosset, Emmanuel Enrici