Slaughter and May retains a prominent position in the London market, advising a prolific roster of listed companies on M&A, with one client declaring the practice ‘market-leading in terms of public company work.’ Praised for its ’great depth and experience‘, the practice operates across a host of sectors including TMT, healthcare, construction, oil and gas, and insurance on domestic and cross-border matters. The practice is jointly steered by public and private M&A partners Richard Smith, who continues to lead on high-profile transactions, and Simon Nicholls, who is lauded for his ability to combine ’deep technical knowledge and expertise with pragmatic judgment. Roland Turnill regularly assists clients on public and private M&A, joint ventures, activism defence, governance and crisis management matters, while Rebecca Cousin stands out for her experience in the tech and IP sectors. Both Robert Innes and David Johnson are noted for for their broad corporate practices, handling public takeovers, joint ventures and equity financings. Described as ‘very responsive and pragmatic’, James Cook has particular expertise in advising large listed and private companies on corporate governance matters, and Paul Dickson continues to act on market leading public M&A transactions. A mix of UK and US-listed and large private corporates, PE houses and hedge funds turn to Sally Wokes, while Victoria MacDuff is recommended for her experience in the financial services and telecoms sectors. Steve Cooke has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The depth of experience is invaluable for developing tactics, understanding what the takeover panel will do, and giving our board confidence in the process.’
‘David Johnson's experience on top end M&A deals is invaluable for developing strategies on our own transactions. He has an uncanny ability to distil the complexities of English takeover laws into a language that resonates with CEOs and directors. I wouldn't contemplate doing a large M&A transaction in London without having David by my side.'
'Alex Dustan has extraordinary energy and with experience beyond his years. Destined to be one of the City's preeminent M&A lawyers.’
‘Team is market-leading in terms of public company work.’
‘We are hugely impressive by Paul Dickson and Alex Durstan; both leaders in their field.’
‘The firm has great depth and experience in the areas related to our business. If one associate has to step away, another steps in seamlessly.'
‘James Cook is lead on our transactions and he is very responsive and pragmatic and finds creative solutions to roadblocks.’
‘Simon Nicholls is an immensely impressive thought leader, combining deep technical knowledge and expertise with pragmatic judgment. Hugely credible and authoritative in high pressure situations.'
Key clients
- Allianz SE
- Ascential plc
- Aviva plc
- John Wood Group plc
- INEOS Enterprises
- Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc
- LKQ Corp
- Next plc
- Pennon Group plc
- Redrow plc
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS
- The Restaurant Group plc
- Vodafone plc
- Young & Co.'s Brewery plc
- Deutsche Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Aviva plc on the acquisition of AIG Life Limited from Corebridge Financial, Inc., a quoted subsidiary of American International Group, Inc., for consideration of £460 million.
- Acted for Vodafone Group Plc in relation to a combination of their UK telecommunication business with Three UK (Vodafone will own 51%, and CK Hutchison will own 49%, of the combined business).
- Acted for Redrow in relation to a recommended all-share offer for the combination of Barratt Developments plc and Redrow, pursuant to which Barratt will acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Redrow.
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.
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.
Richard Smith, Simon Nicholls