Highly active in the mid-market private equity space, CMS‘s London team routinely handles transactions across various industries, including life sciences, professional services, technology, energy and infrastructure, and real estate. Practice head Jason Zemmel stands out for his ’commercial acumen, sector knowledge and capabilities’, qualities which make him a key contact for some of the firm's leading investor clients. Narinder Jugpal acts for a variety of sponsors and funds on leveraged buyouts, investment deals, and debt and equity restructurings – often with a cross-border focus. Daniel Weston and Jamie Burgess were promoted to partnership in May 2023; Weston is lauded for his ‘exceptional management capabilities in support of investor and management teams’, while Burgess is well regarded for his broad expertise across the full investment life cycle. Ben Booker acts on both sponsor and management-side buy and sell mandates, while Ben McParland is particularly recognised for his platform acquisition and bolt-on-focused practice. Edward Holmes left the firm to join A&O Shearman in June 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'My preferred choice. They are highly efficient, excellent at managing multiple disciplines to a timetable and highly commercial. They provide clear, concise advice. They maintain pragmatism and are creative to resolve issues. Excellent negotiators, often taking the heat out of key issues and finding resolution.’

  • ‘Impressive client delivery, knowledge & capability, particularly across the partner base. Strong case matter management and commercial knowledge.'

  • ‘Dan Weston and Jason Zemmel are both strong trusted advisers. Standout for commercial acumen, sector knowledge and capabilities. They also provide best in class customer service delivery.’

  • ‘The team were able to successfully navigate the complexities of a very unique transaction structure and situation. They developed thoughtful solutions to some unusual challenges and continue to be the driving force including managing other parties to get us to completion. They demonstrated extremely high commitment to getting us to the outcome we wanted.’

  • 'Dan Weston demonstrated exceptional management capabilities supporting the investors, management team (and at times other advieors) getting to the desired outcome. He took the lead role which involved explaining complex topics and providing clear guidance to help overcome issues and keep the project on track. As part of this they managed a large cross disciplinary team with a huge workload and tight deadline but ensured everyone was on the same page and always up to speed.’

  • ‘Pragmatic, responsive, and personable.'

  • ‘Great pan-European team. Deal was managed from the UK but involved several local teams, and the overall process was smooth.’

  • ‘Narinder Jugpal and Ben McParland were very good. Ben in particular: on top of everything, responsive, and commercial.'

Key clients

  • Horizon Capital
  • Synova LLP
  • Phoenix Equity Partners
  • TDR Capital
  • Providence Equity
  • August Equity
  • Bridges Fund Management
  • Queens Park Equity
  • Three Hills Capital
  • Twenty20 Capital
  • CBPE
  • AnaCap Financial Partners
  • Bay Tree Private Equity
  • BGF
  • Aquiline Capital Partners
  • L&G Capital
  • Patron Capital
  • Providence
  • Mayfair Equity Partners
  • Oakley Capital
  • Limerston
  • Sovereign Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Synova on its multijurisdictional acquisition and investment into Spain-headquartered Learnlight.
  • Advised Phoenix Equity Partners on its acquisition of and investment in UK-headquartered 4most, a provider of risk analytics and modelling products to banks and insurers.
  • Advised August Equity and management on the exit of Agilio to TA Associates and Five Arrows.

Lawyers

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.

Jason Zemmel

Other key lawyers

Narinder Jugpal, Daniel Weston, Jamie Burgess, Ben Booker, Ben McParland