Counting FTSE 350 and Fortune 500 companies among its clients, the team at Clifford Chance LLP, described as responsive, diligent, calm and commercial’, regularly advises on takeovers, acquisitions and divestments. Drawing upon a deep bench of seasoned corporate lawyers, the practice assists clients across the healthcare, media, telecoms, oil and gas and banking sectors, in domestic and international matters. The team is jointly chaired by Melissa Fogarty and Nigel Wellings. A mix of blue-chip corporates, tech companies and financial services providers turn to Fogarty for her capabilities on a broad range of matters, while Wellings stands out for his expertise in the financial sector. Katherine Moir is noted for her specialism in complex cross-border public and private M&A, and David Pudge maintains a busy practice, advising clients on M&A, corporate governance issues, stock exchange matters and public takeovers. A host of corporates, investment banks and financial institutions turn to David Pudge for his expertise in public and private M&A, capital raisings and IPOs. Other notable individuals include James Bole and Gareth Camp, who specialises in public bids, private acquisitions and disposals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Without exception, members of the Clifford Chance M&A team were responsive, diligent, calm and commercial in their approach, notwithstanding a series of seemingly impossibly-tight external deadlines. They routinely overdelivered on every aspect of the deal on which they had any input.'
'David Pudge is outstanding in his leadership of his firm's team and his engagement with our business throughout the transaction, reflecting the investment of time he had made to understand the business over many years prior to the transaction, the depth of his M&A experience, and his peerless commitment to the delivery of advice.'
'A great team to work with. They have depth of knowledge and talent; bring enthusiasm and energy to the deals and a commercial objective eye which helps us to get transactions done.'
'Stephen Fox - outstanding, pragmatic, commercial focus. Great to have in the board room, when the big discussions and decisions are being made. Katherine Moir - unflappable with great public market expertise.'
'Probably the most innovative corporate team we deal with across all firms with a high degree of client attention and responsiveness and a solutions driven mentality.'
'Steven Fox is the consummate corporate legal adviser; always thoughtful and highly responsive. A pleasure to deal with over the last two decades.'
'David Pudge is highly experienced and forthright in his advice on key matters helping guide positive outcomes.'
‘Fantastic M&A team which can handle large and complex deals. Their presence across jurisdictions is really helpful in large international deals.’
Key clients
- WestRock Company
- HSBC
- Citibank N.A
- Harbour Energy
- Informa
- Unilever
- Entain
- Standard Chartered
- CK Asset Holdings
- Schibsted ASA
- Devro
- Generali
- Link Fund Solutions Limited
- Vanquis Banking Group
- La Francaise Des Jeux
- EPPF Services SA (NowCM)
- Admiral
Work highlights
- Advising WestRock Company on its combination with Smurfit Kappa.
- Advised Schibsted, the international listed media group, in connection with a voluntary tender offer led by a consortium of financial investors (including Permira and Blackstone) aiming to acquire all outstanding ordinary Class A shares in Adevinta.
- Advising Harbour Energy on the acquisition of a portfolio of assets belonging to natural gas and oil company Wintershall Dea from BASF and LetterOne.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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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.
Melissa Fogarty, Nigel Wellings