Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP
Client SatisfactionSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP supports clients across the full range of M&A and PE deals, complementing its transactional prowess with expert knowledge across a multitude of sectors. Practice head Richard Youle is routinely engaged by financial sponsors and their portfolio companies, with recent highlights including high-end mandates in infrastructure, IT and software, and financial services. Co-head of the firm’s UK corporate practice, Katja Butler is praised as ‘dynamic, effervescent, and relentlessly positive’, advising on a wealth of transactions, including strategic bolt-ons, reinvestments, and disposals. Steven Hannah’s considerable sector breadth and ability to oversee complex leveraged buyouts, investments and disposals ensures that he is sought out by an array of European and global PE outfits, while Sandro de Bernardini is praised as ’proactive, knowledgeable, and very practical in his approach.’ George Gray’s practice balances both domestic and cross-border deals, as well as instructions related to corporate governance. Noted for her experience working with funds and sovereign-wealth backed investors, Emma Ghaffari joined the team from A&O Shearman in July 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A leading team of business-sensitive, commercial, dynamic and creative professionals. They are well keyed into the market, and its important players.'
- 'Katja Butler is dynamic, effervescent, and relentlessly positive; a force in getting the deal over the line, while providing nuanced counsel.'
- 'A very cohesive team with initiative and great associates base. It shows also that associates are empowered to make decisions, when appropriate, without partners involvement. Also have good knowledge and use of technology.'
- 'I would recommend Sandro de Bernardini. He's proactive, knowledgeable, and very practical in his approach.'
Key clients
- Hg
- I Squared Capital
- Castik Capital
- JAB Holding Company
- BlackRock
- InvestIndustrial
- H.I.G. Capital
- Permira
- TPG
- Black Diamond Capital
- Montagu
Work highlights
- Advising Hg on its investment in IRIS Software by Leonard Green & Partners at an enterprise value of around $4bn, and the negotiation of consortium terms going forward.
- Advising I Squared Capital on the acquisition of Arriva from Deutsche Bahn AG.
- Advising Hg Saturn 3 on its investment in Visma.
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.
Katja Butler
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Youle