Combining top-end M&A, PE and acquisition finance expertise, Clifford Chance LLP works with an array of sponsors and lenders on major company takeovers, large debt raises, and the purchase and sale of equity stakes in marquee energy players. The ‘top-notch’ team is especially noted for its capabilities in digital infrastructure and energy transition transactions, covering a host of renewables, utilities, and transport infrastructure assets. Practice co-chair Michael Bates works with asset managers and funds on debt financings, refinancings, and acquisition financings, while fellow co-chair Charlotte Madden handles complex  buy-side and sell-side M&A and PE transactions, both domestic and cross-border. Various global private equity firms, institutional investors, and sovereign wealth funds regularly seek out Jonathan Dillon for M&A and joint venture counsel, while Alexandra Dimsdale-Gill takes the lead on debt finance and refinancing mandates. Julia House is also noted for her comprehensive financing offering; she regularly oversees the acquisition finance piece underpinning major transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very well coordinated team, always looking after the client. Very high level of standards and making themselves available. Quality of work is very high.’

  • ‘Professionally they are very good, with a commercial approach and focusing on the important topics. Anticipation of potential issues and problems is also key.’

  • ‘Good sector knowledge and ability to negotiate efficiently.’

  • ‘The current infra team is top-notch in the sector. Very high capacity for creativity and novel technology in docs. They are generally top end of pricing but you really get what you pay for. I would recommend for anything that is "new in market" or likely to be complex or difficult as they have a very strong ability to change pace and restructure initial ideas to deliver market leading transactions for clients.’

  • ‘Julia House is a very cool operator and fully in the details of her deals. Can come up with creative solutions on the spot. Supported by top-tier associates at CC.'

  • ‘Very commercial and in tune with the market.’

Key clients

  • Partners Group
  • KKR
  • Infracapital
  • Brookfield
  • GI Partners
  • GIP
  • Asterion Industrial Partners
  • Igneo Infrastructure Partners
  • Macquarie Group
  • Ardian
  • 3i
  • DWS
  • Ontario Teachers Pension Plan

Work highlights

  • Advised KKR Infrastructure on its USD 750m investment in Zenobē.
  • Advised private investment firm GI Partners on its first infrastructure investment in Europe, the acquisition of ASK4 from Bowmark Capital.
  • Advised Brookfield on the acquisition of UK renewable energy developer and project owner Banks Renewables.

Lawyers

Hall of fame: Corporate M&A
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: Corporate and M&A
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Corporate and M&A
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.

Charlotte Madden, Michael Bates

Other key lawyers

Jonathan Dillon, Alexandra Dimsdale-Gill, Julia House