Noted for its strength in acquisition and financing work in the sector, Linklaters LLP's 'amazing drive, content knowledge and real world experience' makes it a key choice for blue-chip clients seeking assistance on cross-border matters. Recent work highlights include acting for both buyer and seller on M&A, collective action litigation, and competition law litigation. The consumer sector group is headed by Michael Honan, who regularly advises clients on cross-border M&A. Co-head Michael Fanner works extensively on M&A and joint ventures, but is also noted for his experience in corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘During our acquisition, Linklaters demonstrated a superb mastery of both the legal aspects, as well as the potential risks to offset/mitigate, by truly understanding the business aspects underpinning the deal. The ability to pull in talented hardworking seasoned subject matter experts familiar with country particularities was amazing.’

  • ‘Amazing drive, content knowledge, real world experience, easy and pleasant to work with.’

  • ‘Linklaters is able to draw upon a strong cross collaborative bench of lawyers to support the multitude of client needs from a corporate perspective across multiple jurisdictions. Linklaters' key capabilities both for London and for foreign private issuers in the United States is excellent. Linklaters are always fast to react and engage and offer great client service. ’

  • ‘Very knowledgeable team, highly technically competent, great market knowledge, extremely hard working and collaborative. ’

  • 'High quality partners.’

Key clients

  • Unilever plc
  • Nestlé S.A.
  • Yum! Brands
  • JD Sports
  • Dr. Martens plc
  • Steinhoff International N.V.
  • Westfalia Fruit International
  • JDE Peet’s
  • Ocado
  • ASOS
  • Caffe Nero
  • Charoen Pokphand Group Co.
  • Sainsbury’s
  • John Lewis
  • Getir
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited
  • Telefonica S.A
  • Graff Diamonds

Work highlights

  • Advised Hyatt on the acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith, a luxury travel booking website.
  • Advising Sony in relation to an opt-out collective action before the CAT in relation to the operation of the PlayStation Store.
  • Advised the TLB Lenders on the sale of the luxury fashioner retailer, Matches to Sportsdirect.com Retail Limited - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mike Ashley's, Frasers Group plc.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Honan, Michael Fanner