Latham & Watkins‘ diverse and multi-specialist PE practice boasts an impressive list of market-leading financial sponsors and considerable sector coverage. Over the past year, the firm has handled a significant flow of UK take-privates, cross-border M&A, carve-outs, and disposals – many within the sports, fintech and life sciences spaces. Practice head Tom Evans is a highly proficient adviser who works with funds and financial investors across M&A, minority investments and disposals. Fellow co-head Thomas Forschbach is particularly well-regarded for his cross-border leveraged buyout work and is a key port-of-call to a host of international PE outfits. Mike Bond, a close adviser to Onex Partners, handles a number of consequential UK and European deals, while Paul Dolman, who possesses ’great deal management skills’, has a strong track record in complex cross-border public to privates, restructurings, and leveraged acquisitions. Noted for his wide-ranging coverage, Kem Ihenacho handles international PE transactions for some of the firm’s largest global investment firm clients. David Walker ‘has a wealth of experience to bring to bear’ across a number of transactions, and Farah O’Brien’s tech and life sciences expertise ensures she’s sought out by an array of large and mid-cap sponsors. Linzi Thomas is a further name for cross-border M&A and PE work, while Huw Thomas is noted by clients as a ’balanced and considerate thinker’. Katie Peek has increasingly taken a leading role advising premium PE houses and infrastructure funds on multi-billion dollar disposals and exits. Mateja Maher and Adrian Grocock joined from Sidley Austin LLP in August 2023, further bolstering the team’s investment fund capabilities.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very strong, broad based team with excellent market knowledge. Quick to react and able to bring a large team to a transaction. Have successfully grown their offering to cover something close to magic circle full service levels in all the practice areas that matter to us.’

  • ‘David Walker is a senior statesperson in the industry, a balanced and fair negotiator with a wealth of experience to bring to bear.'

  • 'Huw Thomas is a balanced and considerate thinker.'

  • 'Paul Dolman is a bundle of energy and great deal management skills.’

Key clients

  • ArchiMed
  • Astorg Partners
  • BC Partners
  • Blackstone
  • Bridgepoint
  • Brookfield
  • CPP Investments
  • Cinven
  • CPDQ
  • CVC Capital Partners
  • EQT
  • Equistone
  • Epiris
  • Francisco Partners
  • GIC
  • Global Infrastructure Partners
  • Goldman Sachs
  • GTCR
  • Helios Investment Partners
  • Hellman & Friedman
  • Inflexion
  • KKR
  • KSL Capital Partners
  • L Catterton
  • Leonard Green & Partners
  • Madison Dearborn Partners
  • Nordic Capital
  • OMERS Infrastructure
  • OTPP
  • One Rock
  • Onex Corporation
  • Partners Group
  • Permira
  • Platinum Equity
  • PSP Investments
  • Silver Lake Partners
  • Spectrum Equity
  • TA Associates
  • The Carlyle Group
  • TPG

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.

Tom Evans, Thomas Forschbach

Other key lawyers

Mike Bond, Paul Dolman, Tom Evans, Kem Ihenacho, David Walker, Farah O'Brien, Linzi Thomas, Huw Thomas, Katie Peek, Mateja Maher, Adrian Grocock