Counting FTSE 350 and Fortune 500 companies among its clients, the team at Clifford Chance LLP, described as responsive, diligent, calm and commercial’, regularly advises on takeovers, acquisitions and divestments. Drawing upon a deep bench of seasoned corporate lawyers, the practice assists clients across the healthcare, media, telecoms, oil and gas and banking sectors, in domestic and international matters. The team is jointly chaired by Melissa Fogarty and Nigel Wellings. A mix of blue-chip corporates, tech companies and financial services providers turn to Fogarty for her capabilities on a broad range of matters, while Wellings stands out for his expertise in the financial sector. Katherine Moir is noted for her specialism in complex cross-border public and private M&A, and David Pudge maintains a busy practice, advising clients on M&A, corporate governance issues, stock exchange matters and public takeovers. A host of corporates, investment banks and financial institutions turn to David Pudge for his expertise in public and private M&A, capital raisings and IPOs. Other notable individuals include  James Bole and Gareth Camp, who specialises in public bids, private acquisitions and disposals.

Confirming its status as a market-leading outfit for high-value M&A, the team at Linklaters LLP demonstrates extensive expertise in handling the full gamut of corporate work, advising buyers, sellers and financial advisers on public takeovers, carve-outs, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings. Leveraging the expertise of specialist groups in tax, antitrust, employment, and technology, the ‘technically excellent, commercial, and pragmatic’ team is renowned for its ability to manage multi-billion pound, cross-border transactions. Corporate division head Simon Branigan routinely handles transactions in the mining, retail and consumer, oil and gas and financial services sectors, while Aedamar Comiskey, senior partner and chair, continues to act on big-ticket public and private M&A. Elsewhere in the team, James Inglis focuses on public and private M&A, capital raisings and corporate governance advisory work, and Aisling Zarraga maintains a busy practice, leading on some of the largest M&A and joint venture transactions in the market. Other key figures include Fionnghuala Griggs, a specialist in the fintech sector; Ian Hunter, who has specialist knowledge in UK Takeover Code-governed transactions; and Derek Tong, global head of the technology group. Dan Schuster-Woldan left to join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in February 2024.

Slaughter and May retains a prominent position in the London market, advising a prolific roster of listed companies on M&A, with one client declaring the practice ‘market-leading in terms of public company work.’ Praised for its ‘great depth and experience‘, the practice operates across a host of sectors including TMT, healthcare, construction, oil and gas, and insurance on domestic and cross-border matters. The practice is jointly steered by public and private M&A partners Richard Smith, who continues to lead on high-profile transactions, and Simon Nicholls, who is lauded for his ability to combine ‘deep technical knowledge and expertise with pragmatic judgment. Roland Turnill regularly assists clients on  public and private M&A, joint ventures, activism defence, governance and crisis management matters, while Rebecca Cousin stands out for her experience in the tech and IP sectors. Both Robert Innes and David Johnson are noted for for their broad corporate practices, handling public takeovers, joint ventures and equity financings. Described as ‘very responsive and pragmatic’, James Cook has particular expertise in advising large listed and private companies on corporate governance matters, and Paul Dickson continues to act on market leading public M&A transactions. A mix of UK and US-listed and large private corporates, PE houses and hedge funds turn to Sally Wokes, while Victoria MacDuff is recommended for her experience in the financial services and telecoms sectors. Steve Cooke has left the firm.

In May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman. With a strong pedigree in cross-border deals, the firm is supported by a vast network of offices across Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. Operating across the TMT, energy and consumer goods sectors, the team regularly assists listed corporates in an array of matters including acquisitions, joint ventures, divestments, restructurings, risk management, carve outs and asset sales. Practice head Dominic Morris focuses on high-value corporate transactions for a host of blue-chip corporates. Paul Strecker, who is qualified to practice in England & Wales, New York, California and Hong Kong, joins the team post-merger, and is noted for experience acting on cross-border transactions. David Broadley is entrusted by UK plcs and international clients to assist with public and private M&A  in the financial services space. Seth Jones stands out for his expertise in advising on strategically important transactions, often involving public companies, while Claire Coppel‘s practice encompasses private and public M&A, equity capital markets transactions, corporate governance and shareholder activism. Other noteworthy individuals include Alex Tilley, praised for his ‘pragmatic advice’, and Nick Withers. Jeremy Parr has left the firm.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘pragmatic and commercial’ approach, the team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is turned to by a host of blue-chip companies, leading investment banks and sovereign wealth funds and listed companies. Practice head Gavin Davies is frequently engaged by clients operating in the tech, telecoms, financial services and industrial sectors. He is supported by James Palmer, who is noted for his focus on cross-border M&A involving the US and Europe, as well as Caroline Rae, who stands out for her experience in public takeovers. Stephen Wilkinson is recommended for his work on high-value corporate transactions and governance matters, while Heidi Gallagher - noted for her experience in corporate finance transactions - continues to act on a range of significant matters. Harriet Forrest is also recommended.

Latham & Watkins fields a ‘very sharp and thoughtful’ team that is well-positioned to assist clients in all-manner of corporate transactions, particularly across the tech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and leisure sectors. Praised for its ‘strength and depth at all levels‘, the group leverages its strong platform for international transactions and is increasingly active in regulated public company deals. Practice co-head Richard Butterwick  has a proven track record of working on complex, cross-border M&A, with a specific focus on Takeover Code law. Fellow co-chair Huw Thomas is noted for his experience advising on UK and international private equity and M&A transactions, joint ventures, and restructurings. Edward Barnett is a key port of call for global companies seeking assistance in complex M&A transactions, while Nick Cline engages in UK and international cross-border M&A, particularly in the energy, media, tech, and financial services sectors. A litany of multinational companies, financial investors and financial institutions turn to vice chair Sam Newhouse, who specialises in big-ticket, cross-border transactions across the UK, US, Africa and India. Farah O'Brien is recommended for her work with later stage growth-investors, sponsors and their portfolio companies.

With strong M&A and PE capabilities – anchored by a deep bench of advisers with extensive sector experience – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is routinely instructed by blue chip corporations and financial sponsors across myriad sectors, including financial services, pharmaceutical, telecoms and insurance. The team excels in transatlantic corporate deals, boasting strong capabilities in cross-border M&A and US inbound transactions. Team leaders include Lorenzo Corte, who specialises in cross-border transactions, contested takeovers, de-SPAC transactions and corporate governance work; Katja Butler, a private equity specialist; and George Knighton, who offers significant expertise in M&A, private equity and restructuring transactions. Bruce Embley continues to advise on high-profile and complex M&A transactions, while Simon Toms is recommended for his experience advising on transactions involving public bids. Also noted for their broad practice is Denis Klimentchenko, who is involved in various high-profile transactions, and Sarah Knapp, who continues to assist on a range of transactions. Both Scott Hopkins and John Adebiyi have retired.

‘User-friendly, responsive and pragmatic’, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton counts large multinational companies, financial institutions and asset managers among its clientele. The team is well-versed in M&A, joint ventures, disposals and entity formations, and enjoys success in high-profile cross-border matters. ‘High-quality, articulate and responsive‘,  Tihir Sarkar is well positioned to advise various corporates and sovereign wealth funds, especially in the context of emerging markets. He leads the team alongside Nick Rumsby, whose practice covers public and private M&A, reorganisations, joint ventures and demergers, listing rule work, and equity financings. The ‘exceptional’ Nallini Puri is sought out for her expertise in cross-border M&A and joint ventures.

Praised as ‘very responsive and commercial’, CMS is well-placed to advise on a range of deals, from local bolt-on acquisitions to bet-the-company transactions. With a comprehensive sector focus across energy, infrastructure, technology and private equity, the corporate practice is jointly led by Victoria Henry and Charles Currier. Henry specialises in corporatised real estate and fund formation, while Currier continues to lead on high-value and complex transactions in the energy sector. Louise Wallace is noted for her focus on the retail and consumer sector. Active in the retail, real estate, TMT, sports and hospitality sectors, James Parkes is also recommended.

Variously praised as ‘commercially focused’ and ‘excellent’, Macfarlanes LLP is frequently instructed by blue chip clients on high-value, cross border transactions. The team also attracts wide acclaim for its unique advice at the intersection of corporate and private client matters for wealthy individuals and families. Leading the team is Howard Corney, who undertakes a broad range of M&A work with a particular focus on private and cross-border M&A. He is supported by the ‘first class’ Justin Hope, whose practice covers all aspects of domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, restructurings, and joint ventures. Harry Coghill is frequently instructed by listed clients on a wide range of corporate governance matters, including activism situations.

Drawing on the firm's wider expertise in private equity and banking among other sectors, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s wide-ranging practice covers the full gamut of corporate work, including corporate acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, investments, restructurings, exits and public-to-private transactions. The ‘highly skilled’ team is lauded for its cross-border transactional abilities, advising major European and US sponsor clients. Team head Ben Spiers maintains a busy practice, focusing on public and private M&A, securities and corporate restructurings. Elsewhere in the team, Adam Signy is routinely engaged by banks, private equity firms and corporate clients across a wide range of industries, while Clare Gaskell is noted for her experience advising high-profile clients and preeminent sponsors on the market’s most complex and significant deals. Other key figures include Amy Mahon, who co-heads the firm’s global infrastructure practice, and Lucy Gillett, who is recommended for her cross-border expertise.

Lauded for its 'exceptional level of partner involvement', Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP's experience spans public and private M&A, as well as hostile takeover defence strategies, corporate governance and equity capital markets work. The corporate practice is led by David Avery-Gee, who stands out for his expertise in the natural resources and energy sectors, advising on cross-border M&A, joint ventures and capital raisings. Michael Francies is a seasoned transactional lawyer, noted for his ability to advise on high-profile domestic and cross-border deals, while Murray Cox acts for listed companies on a wide range of matters, with a particular focus on the infrastructure space. Other notable individuals include Sarah Flaherty, a public company takeover specialist, and Simon Lyell, who earns praise for his ‘unparalleled dedication.’

Noted for its ‘unrivalled global reach’, Baker McKenzie LLP fields a ‘very commercially minded’ team that is well-positioned to handle a range of high-value and multijurisdictional M&A transactions. The practice is jointly chaired by Jannan Crozier and David Scott. Crozier, ‘a very motivated and highly talented commercial lawyer’, regularly advises clients on cross-border M&A and carve-out transactions, while Scott is noted for his focus on the consumer, healthcare and tech sectors. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Richard Needham, who joined from KPMG in November 2023. Former practice head Helen Bradley has retired.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts on behalf of some of the market’s most significant financial institutions, private equity funds, UK plcs and US conglomerates. Well-placed to handle cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, its considerable sector reach spans the infrastructure, financial services, tech, healthcare, life sciences, energy and real estate industries. Key figures include Wim De Vlieger and Federico Fruhbeck, who jointly head up the private equity group in Europe and stand out for their experience in strategic cross-border M&A. Other noteworthy individuals from the London team include Alison Beal, who focuses large-scale tech sector deals, and Mark Sperotto, who has wide-ranging experience in both the UK and Italian markets.

Norton Rose Fulbright houses a ‘knowledgeable and hardworking’ team, noted for its ability to handle cross-border M&A transactions for clients across the financial services, technology, energy and healthcare sectors. The practice is chaired by Raj Karia, who has a wealth of experience advising companies and investment banks on M&A, joint ventures and restructuring transactions. Praised for his ‘very thorough, pragmatic and unflappable approach‘, Charez Golvala is noted for his focus on transactions in emerging markets. Paul Whitelock co-chairs the public M&A group and is recommended for his on public M&A and capital markets transactions, while Stephen Rigby earns praise for his ‘pragmatic advice and support.’

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is routinely instructed by blue-chip corporates, private equity firms and financial sponsors across a range of sectors, including healthcare, telecoms, financial services and retail. The team is noted for its focus on complex and high-profile transactions, operating on both a domestic and international scale. The practice is spearheaded by a talented team of partners including managing partner and co-head of the private equity group, Richard Pollack; Ben Perry, who specialises in cross-border M&A and private equity; and Jeremy Kutner, who maintains a busy practice, advising on public, private and cross-border M&A, joint ventures and restructurings for leading global companies, sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds and family offices.

Rated by clients for providing ‘first-class’ advice, White & Case LLP leverages its considerable global network to advice clients on a range of matters, including M&A, joint ventures and disposals. Operating across the energy and natural resources, mining and metals and pharmaceuticals sectors, the team is frequently engaged by multinationals, banks, financial sponsors, UK plcs and hedge funds. Practice head Alan Burke has an extensive track record in international and domestic mergers and acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, reorganisations and restructurings. Patrick Sarch, who rejoins the team from Hogan Lovells International LLP, is a key port of call for boards of many UK and international listed companies, financial institutions, and investors. A ‘second to none partner‘, Hyder Jumabhoy, co-heads the financial services M&A practice, assisting with restructurings, disposals, joint ventures and business integrations.

Led by UK Takeover Code specialist Will Pearce, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s London team regularly advises on listings, takeovers and international public and private M&A. Turned to by a range of UK, US and international listed companies,as well as privately held companies and private equity firms, the team excels in complex, cross-border transactions. Pearce is supported by counsel Joseph Scrace, who possesses strong capabilities in Takeover Code work.

Fielding a ‘very strong M&A team’, that goes the ‘extra mile’, Hogan Lovells International LLP is well-positioned to advise financial institutions and listed companies on corporate policies, M&A transactions of all types and sizes and ESG matters. Leading the team is John Connell, who assists clients across the financial institutions, insurance, fintech, and infrastructure sectors. Global co-head of the energy and natural resources sector group, Sarah Shaw, focuses on private equity and infrastructure funds on public takeovers, joint ventures, restructurings, acquisitions, and disposals, particularly in Africa. The ‘fantastic’ Anthony Doolittle has developed in-depth knowledge in the financial services, insurance, life sciences, and energy sectors. Patrick Sarch left the firm to join White & Case LLP.

Jones Day is frequently engaged by domestic and multinational companies on a host of matters, offering strong capabilities in M&A and venture capital, as well as UK public takeovers and private equity transactions. The team stands out for its expertise in cross-border transactions, with one client noting that ‘the global reach and knowledge base of the team is frankly unparalleled.’ The practice is jointly steered by Giles Elliott and Leon Ferera: Elliott is a key port of call for companies, sponsors and financial institutions, while Ferera handles a range of corporate transactions including M&A, joint ventures and public takeover offers.

Milbank‘s London corporate practice excels in European M&A and private equity, often managing transactions in aviation, energy, infrastructure, and growth equity. Turned to by FTSE 100 and Fortune 250 companies, financial institutions, infrastructure funds and energy companies, the London team is led by Lisa O’Neill and Andrej Wolf. O’Neill draws superlative praise for her ability to handle large-scale public and private M&A, divestitures, joint ventures, reorganisations and commercial contracts, while Wolf is noted for his expertise in the private equity arena.

Praised for its ‘strong technical support and advice’, the ‘proactive and pragmatic’ team at Paul Hastings LLP advises clients on the full spectrum of deals, including public and private M&A. The ‘outstanding’ practice head Matthew Poxon is sought out by clients in relation to M&A transactions, particularly concerning public companies. Jessamy Gallagher is noted for her focus on international public and private M&A in the infrastructure, energy, and real assets markets, while David Prowse is a key port of call for UAE-based institutions.

Noted for its expertise across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, financial services, wealth management and technology, Travers Smith LLP is frequently involved in high-value matters, comprising public takeovers, group combinations, acquisitions and investments. Entrusted by FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, private equity firms and financial sponsors, the practice is noted for its dedicated listed company advisory team. Key figures include joint practice heads Spencer Summerfield , who maintains a broad and busy practice; Adrian West, who is praised for his ‘deep equity capital market knowledge’; and Lucie Cawood, head of the firm’s private equity and financial sponsors group. Elsewhere in the team, Andrew Gillen routinely advises listed and larger private companies in relation to public and private M&A transactions, joint ventures and corporate governance matters.

Described as ‘very knowledgeable and business oriented’, the team at Dechert LLP handles a host of domestic and international M&A transactions across the financial services, life sciences, healthcare and TMT sectors. The practice is jointly led by Philip Butler, who advises clients on the on the implementation of complex debt structures, and Christopher Field, who is noted for his expertise in multijurisdictional corporate carve-outs. Ross Montgomery is a key adviser to major international corporations on highly regulated, cross-border transactions. Douglas Getter has left the firm.

Counting FTSE 100 and Fortune 100 companies among its key roster of clients, Mayer Brown International LLP handles the full scope of M&A transactions including asset and share sales and purchases, joint ventures and leveraged buyouts. The team is spearheaded by Kate Ball-Dodd, who is a key port of call for public companies and financial intermediaries seeking assistance on listing and AIM rules, Takeover Code and general company law. Elsewhere in the team, Rebecca Bothamley stands out for expertise across the mining, tech telecoms and insurance sectors, while Richard Page maintains an active practice, advising on high-profile and high-value transactions.

Standing out for its expertise in the tech, gaming, life sciences and healthcare sectors, Morrison Foerster, praised for its ‘great depth and breadth of legal knowledge’, remains active on high value and cross-border M&A transactions. Global co-chair Gary Brown‘s practice focuses primarily on cross-border M&A and private equity investment deals, with a particular focus on on tech sector M&A. London managing partner Andrew Boyd advises UK and international clients on cross-border M&A and private equity mandates.

Active across the insurance, energy, and infrastructure sectors, the M&A team at Sidley Austin LLP continues to handle a steady stream of deals for a diverse portfolio of clients. The team is noted for its ability to handle multi-jurisdictional transactions, leveraging its global network to assist on matters. Steering the practice is Thomas M. Thesing, whose practice encompasses cross-border M&A, corporate finance, and corporate governance. Philip Cheveley has a wealth of experience advising clients on cross-border and domestic public takeovers, mergers, acquisitions, and disposals, while James Wood is rountinely instructed by senior client stakeholders on a range of transactions.