With expertise in multijurisdictional transactions, particularly in the technology sector, the M&A practice at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP has amassed an extensive client roster including leading investment banks and multinationals. The group’s offering encompasses mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and equity and debt financings. The team is headed up by global technology co-chair Shawn Atkinson, who has considerable experience leading on international transactions. He frequently acts for investors and technology companies. Katie Cotton specialises in cross-border transactions, representing clients from the technology, media, and artificial intelligence industries on mergers and acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, and carve-outs. Other key names in the group include Katrina Walsingham, Shaun Malone, and Charles Sheldon. James Connor left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team has been very supportive in all the relevant activities.’

  • ‘The team knows the structures, market, and documentation for growth investments very well and was also able to offer our investment team useful insights into the US Department of Energy process.’

  • ‘We worked with Shawn Atkinson and Charles Sheldon on selling a business deal and all were exceptionally professional.'

  • ‘The availability and depth of expertise of the partners involved was impressive. In addition to the legal expertise and advice, Orrick's lawyers were also familiar with the market terms and dynamics, which was significantly helpful in discussions and negotiations with the other parties.’

  • ‘Available, responsive, and expert lawyers who are up-to-date on market terms. Everything you would want in local counsel.’

Key clients

  • Aptean, Inc.
  • Atempo Growth
  • Azzurri Group
  • Busuu Online SL
  • Butternut Box
  • Cerillion PLC
  • Connexin
  • Digital Vega FX Ltd
  • Dream Games
  • Euclid Systems Corporation
  • Extrinsica
  • FIA
  • Finimize
  • Gates Industrial Corporation plc
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Graphcore Limited
  • Hadi Games
  • HelloSelf Ltd
  • Imperas Software Limited
  • Information Grid Ltd.
  • Ipsen
  • Keyless Technologies Ltd
  • Kinnevik
  • Kognitiv Corporation
  • Lilium GmbH
  • Magic Games
  • Michelin
  • Nexa3D
  • Nitro Entertainment GmbH
  • Oddbox Delivery Limited
  • Pancreta Bank S.A.
  • Rovco
  • Signalbox Technologies
  • SystemIQ
  • Trillian Group Limited
  • Unbiased
  • Vero Labs

Work highlights

  • Advised Vero Labs on its acquisition of Tokenise.
  • Advised FLEX Capital and EVEX Group on the acquisition of OPTIX Limited.
  • Advised Extrinsica on its sale to Iomart.

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.

Shawn Atkinson

Other key lawyers

Katie Cotton, Katrina Walsingham, Shaun Malone, Charles Sheldon