Praised for its ‘extensive experience, depth of practice and the quality of the individuals’, the equity capital markets practice at A&O Shearman maintains its reputation as a market leader in the space. The practice has a demonstrably strong track record acting on landmark issuer and underwriter-side mandates, particularly complex IPOs and equity fundraisings. With respect to its jurisdictional reach, the London team leverages the firm’s international strength to provide deep sector expertise across the UK, US, EMEA and Middle East regions. From the group’s deep bench, co-head of UK equity capital markets (ECM) James Roe focuses on strategic work in the space, and is recognised by clients as ’an authority in UK equity transactions and the rapidly changing regulatory landscape’. Fellow co-head Michael Bloch is a 'deeply knowledgeable' lawyer who advises a range of corporate and banking clients on IPOs and follow-on offerings. Head of US ECM Adam Wells, a pre-eminent US securities lawyer, advises companies, sponsors and investment banks on highly complex and transformative deals.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘James Roe is a highly technical lawyer who is heavily involved in guiding various industry groups through the multitude of regulatory reform initiatives currently ongoing in the ECM sector. He has a calm and composed manner that puts clients at ease - you know that you are in safe hands with him.
'Michael Bloch is quietly efficient and is able to navigate complex issues with unerring ease.’
‘A&O are rightly at the top table in terms of ECM advice. Extensive experience, depth of practice and the quality of the individuals mean that they deliver robust, actionable advice across EMEA and on US market access.’
‘James Roe is an exceedingly thoughtful, considered lawyer who brings robust solutions and outstanding client interaction and availability. Jeff Hendrickson brings quiet confidence and great judgement to deliver solutions to US disclosure and market access issues in complex situations.’
‘Strong mix of expertise and commercial experience; very attuned to the standards underwriters are obligated to meet.’
‘Adam Wells is a very experienced US securities lawyer who combines deep technical expertise with good knowledge of European market practice for ECM transactions.'
'James Roe is a talented UK corporate and securities lawyer who is recognised as an authority in UK equity transactions and the rapidly changing regulatory landscape.’
‘Michael Bloch is a very sensible pair of hands, deeply knowledgeable, very responsive.’
‘We work predominantly with James Roe. In addition to the points referenced above, his forward-thinking and collaborative mindset is incredibly helpful. He has a strong grasp of relevant issues, has a strong reputation in the sector and is highly collaborative.'

Key clients

Delek Group
TECOM Group
Abraj Energy
Empower
TUI AG
Minister for Finance of Ireland of the Republic of Ireland
Allied Irish Banks
Hellenic Financial Stability Fund
Virgin Active
Resolute Mining
Noventiq PLC (previously Softline)

Work highlights

Advised Delek Group as selling shareholder on the GBP 2.5 billion IPO and premium listing on the London Stock Exchange’s main market of its portfolio company, Ithaca Energy.
Advised TUI on its EUR 1.8 billion capital increase for repayment of WSF state aid and reduction of the KfW credit lines to strengthen its balance sheet.
Advised on the UK and US ECM aspects of numerous Middle Eastern IPOs, including Borouge, TECOM, Abraj Energy, ADNOC Gas, Americana Restaurants and Empower.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Adam Wells

Hall of fameA&O Shearman

Leading individuals

James Roe

A&O Shearman

Next Generation Partners