Regularly working with some of the world's most prestigious private equity firms, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP demonstrates its deep sector specialism as it handles a wide variety of complex, pan-European transactions. Ben Spiers, who spearheads the group, has recently overseen large takeovers in the real estate sector, while James Howe is a key contact for Silver Lake, handling multi-billion dollar public takeovers and investments. Geoffrey Bailhache leverages his previous in-house experience at the firm to advise Blackstone and its various business arms, covering infrastructure and life sciences, among other fields. Clare Gaskell maintains a substantial cross-border practice; her public and private M&A expertise is complemented by her capital markets acumen. Amy Mahon is highly regarded in the infrastructure space for her work with sophisticated investors like KKR and EQT. Adam Signy‘s expertise covers M&A, PE and equity capital market transactions, and Christopher Vallance routinely advises on high-value deals across myriad sectors, from fintech and technology to consumer goods and retail. James Campisi and Paul Foote were both promoted to partner in January 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Apax Partners
  • Apollo Global Management
  • Blackstone
  • Bridgepoint Group plc
  • Bruin Capital
  • Corsair Capital
  • CVC Capital Partners
  • Hellman & Friedman
  • H.I.G Capital
  • EQT
  • Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
  • LetterOne Investments
  • Lonestar
  • Oakley Capital
  • Silver Lake
  • Technology Crossover Ventures

Work highlights

  • Represented affiliates of KKR in its recommended offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Smart Metering Systems plc.
  • Represented Silver Lake on its public takeover offer for all of the shares of Software Aktiengesellschaft.
  • Represented Blackstone Capital Partners on the acquisition of Civica from Partners Group.

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.
Adam Signy
Adam Signy
Hall of fameSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ben Spiers

Other key lawyers

James Howe, Geoffrey Bailhache, Clare Gaskell, Amy Mahon, Adam Signy, Christopher Vallance, James Campisi, Paul Foote, Wheatly MacNamara