US and UK securities expert Claire Keast-Butler heads up the team at Cooley (UK) LLP following the April 2024 departure of David Boles and is particularly well-versed in handling IPOs, public M&A, and dual listings for UK clients. The practice maintains close relationships with a host of clients in the life sciences sector, who routinely instruct it to act on primary and follow-on fundraises with both debt and equity elements. Simon Amies, who joined the team from Covington & Burling LLP in May 2023, is a key contact for this line of work.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Well-versed in US securities law and practical advice.’
'Sam Meiklejohn is an up and coming talent; responsive and stepping up to lead transactions.'
'A good, commercial and pragmatic team.'
Key clients
- Silence Therapeutics
- Redx Pharma
- WeTransfer
- Super Group Limited
- Alvotech
- Biote
- Immunocore
- Renalytix
- Verona Pharma
- Wizz Air
- Bicycle Therapeutics
- Allergy Therapeutics
- Scancell
Work highlights
- Advised Wizz Air on its Class 1 transaction relating to the purchase of a 75 aircraft.
- Advised Bicycle on a $230 million follow on offering of ADS and non-voting ordinary shares.
- Advised Allergy Therapeutics, a UK AIM-listed commercial biotechnology company specialising in allergy vaccines, on its £40.75m secured bridge debt financing and subsequent £40.75m equity financing as well as on a mandatory cash offer by ZQ Capital, valuing the company at £48 million as required under the Takeover Code as a result of completion of the equity financing.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Claire Keast-Butler