Fielding a team noted for its ‘extensive transactional experience, unwavering commitment, and sharp business acumen’, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton brings deep cross-border capabilities to bear on complex M&A, joint ventures, and strategic disposals, acting for a broad client base that includes multinational corporates, financial institutions, and asset managers. The firm is particularly adept at navigating multijurisdictional transactions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Co-head Tihir Sarkar draws on significant experience advising corporates and sovereign wealth funds, with a particular focus on transactions involving emerging markets. Fellow co-head Nick Rumsby is noted for his broad transactional expertise, spanning public and private M&A, corporate reorganisations, joint ventures, demergers, equity financings, and listing rule matters. The ’truly outstanding’ Nallini Puri is regularly instructed on high-profile cross-border M&A and strategic joint ventures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A diverse team that can handle truly unique problems. There were no precedents not only for our deal but for most of the contracts drafted. Highly technical lawyers who can handle any problem.'
‘The Cleary team seamlessly blends commercial awareness, legal knowledge, and interpersonal savvy in a way that gets deals done. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.'
‘I have never met a Cleary lawyer who was not operating at the top of their game - and we have used them for years in numerous countries. In London, I would call our Nick Rumsby and Nallini Puri, plus senior associate Julian Ried - all smart, aware, and incredibly committed to us as their client. ’
‘The team's extensive transactional experience, coupled with their unwavering commitment, dedication, and sharp business acumen, makes Cleary's practice truly unique and irreplaceable.’
‘Nallini Puri is truly outstanding. She played a pivotal role in a major transaction, acting as my right arm throughout. Her tireless dedication, sharp business sense, and creative problem-solving were invaluable. Nallini consistently brought fresh ideas and a commercial mindset that helped us navigate complex challenges with confidence.’
Key clients
- ABInBev
- Bridgepoint
- CANAL+
- DCC plc
- Central Group
- EG On The Move
- ENGIE
- Johnson Controls International plc
- McDonald’s
- Molson Coors plc
- OpenText
- Sixth Street
Work highlights
Assisted the Walt Disney Company on its $8.5bn merger of its Star India business with Viacom18.
Acted for Sixth Street on its $7.1bn take-private of ESR.
Assisted Canal+ on its £2.9bn listing on the London Stock Exchange in connection with its demerger from Vivendi SE.
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.
Practice head
Tihir Sarkar, Nick Rumsby
Other key lawyers
Nallini Puri; Ian Shawyer; Dan Tierney; Jim Ho; Jonathan Griggs; Chris Gollop