Sofia Lind

May 31, 2011 | International Edition

SJ Berwin has posted a 40% increase in profits per equity partner (PEP) two years after the firm's PEP almost halved during the financial crisis. The firm saw PEP rise from £447,000 in 2010-11 to £626,000, while fee income grew 5% from £171m to £179m.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 26, 2011 | International Edition

Taylor Wessing's UK partnership has boosted profits per equity partner (PEP) by 19%, marking the second consecutive annual increase after PEP fell 30% two years ago. The firm's 2010-11 financial results have seen UK PEP rise to £537,500, with revenue up 9% from £84.5m to £92.1m - the same level it stood at two years ago.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 26, 2011 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons has confirmed that it is hiring a five-partner finance team from Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP). In addition to John Hayward and Mark Waghorn, former Berwin Leighton managing partner Robert Jones is also joining Simmons along with partners Simon Kildahl and Richard Hughes.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

May 25, 2011 | International Edition

Clifford Chance (CC) and Linklaters have advised on the financing of a £1.2bn European private equity deal. The deal, which closed earlier this month (5 May), saw Swedish buyout house EQT buy local refrigeration products manufacturer Dometic for SEK12bn (£1.2bn). EQT turned to Swedish law firm Vinge, where Stockholm M&A and private equity partner Christina Kokko took the lead on corporate aspects of the transaction.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 25, 2011 | International Edition

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge is launching a London banking practice with the hire of City finance veteran Charles Proctor from Bird & Bird. The US law firm said the move had come in a bid to sustain its growing transactional practice, including in private equity and venture capital as well as its insurance practice, as Proctor also has substantial regulatory experience.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 25, 2011 | International Edition

Sullivan & Cromwell has hired Simmons & Simmons white collar crime partner Louise Delahunty as a European counsel in the London office. Delahunty will join the US firm on 20 June in its criminal defense and investigations group.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 24, 2011 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons is set to recruit a team of finance partners from Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP). The team is believed to include John Hayward and Mark Waghorn, with three further partners understood to be in discussions to follow the pair to Simmons. BLP has confirmed that Hayward and Waghorn have left the firm.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 23, 2011 | International Edition

Hogan Lovells has taken a lead role on a high-profile deal in the fashion industry which has seen exclusive shoe brand Jimmy Choo sold to a family-run holding company. The value of the deal - which saw Labelux fight off competition from private equity group TPG Capital to secure the acquisition - has not been announced, but has been reported at more than £500m.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 23, 2011 | International Edition

Trowers & Hamlins has closed its office in Jeddah just one year after it opened. The UK firm confirmed that the office had closed, saying it had opened the base in a bid to get a feel for the market, but found it could sufficiently service the Saudi Arabian market from its Riyadh office.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

May 23, 2011 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons and Taylor Wessing have taken headline roles on the £53m sale of the Waterstone's book chain by struggling music retailer HMV. Simmons took the lead role for the seller, fielding a team led by City M&A partner Giles Dennison, while Taylor Wessing acted for buyer A&NN Capital Fund Management, led by London corporate finance partner Tim Stocks. The deal marks a first-time appointment for Taylor Wessing and comes on the back of a market recommendation, while Simmons is a longstanding adviser to HMV.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read