Sofia Lind

October 06, 2010 | International Edition

SNR Denton has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan following the new transatlantic firm's formal launch last week. The newly-merged firm - which was formed by the union of City firm Denton Wilde Sapte and Chicago's Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal - has said it will launch a Houston office within nine months and is in advanced discussions to enter South America.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

October 01, 2010 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) has named its next Moscow managing partner as Russia head Tony Humphrey is preparing to retire from the magic circle firm next year (30 April). The firm has appointed Brussels banking partner Peter Bienenstock as Moscow managing partner, who will relocate to take up the role from May 2011.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 29, 2010 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) is moving to build its reputation for substantive research with the publication of a client guide for the global leveraged finance market. The report forms the first piece of research from the magic circle firm's recently-established intelligence unit, which brings together senior partners and leading academics to provide clients with business intelligence on areas of international law. The team, led by special global counsel Philip Wood QC, is designed to give clients an overview of the risks and benefits of doing business in different global jurisdictions.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 29, 2010 | International Edition

SJ Berwin's management has publicly backed its proposed merger with New York's Proskauer Rose amid mounting speculation that the long-running talks are faltering. Senior partner Jonathan Blake conceded that talks with the US firm - which have been ongoing since the beginning of the year - had been complicated, but stated that they were still progressing. He told Legal Week: "The talks are ongoing but were delayed by the summer. I think it is going to go ahead but we are both real partnerships so these things take time. Clearly there are a lot of issues to work out."

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 29, 2010 | International Edition

Cravath Swaine & Moore and Sidley Austin have taken the lead corporate roles on a multibillion-dollar US acquisition by consumer products group Unilever. The acquisition sees Unilever acquire haircare rival Alberto Culver - owner of brands such as V05, St. Ives and TRESemme - in a $3.7bn (£2.3bn) deal, adding to the Anglo-Dutch group's portfolio of haircare brands such as Dove and Sunsilk.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 29, 2010 | International Edition

Ex-Tube Lines legal chief Clare Wardle has re-emerged at Kingfisher where she is set to review the retail group's current roster of preferred firms. Wardle has taken up the role of group head of legal at Kingfisher, owner of home improvement retailers including B&Q, where she will review the current list of approved law firms. The roster consists of around 20 firms and has not been updated for several years. She replaces previous head of legal, Martin Chambers, who has retired.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 29, 2010 | International Edition

Clifford Chance (CC) litigation partner Roger Leese has been named chairman of pro bono organisation Advocates for International Development (A4ID). A4ID acts as a broker between law firms and developing countries that require legal assistance, to aid their international development, trade programmes and debt situation.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 27, 2010 | International Edition

Cravath Swaine & Moore and Sidley Austin have taken the lead corporate roles on a multibillion dollar US acquisition by consumer products group Unilever. The acquisition sees Unilever acquire hair care rival Alberto Culver - owner of brands such as V05, St. Ives and TRESemme - in a $3.7bn (£2.3bn) deal, adding to the Anglo-Dutch group's portfolio of hair care brands such as Dove and Sunsilk.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read

September 27, 2010 | International Edition

SJ Berwin real estate head Jon Vivian is leaving the firm for Irwin Mitchell alongside a three partner team.Vivian, one of the firm's most well-respected partners, is joining the top 30 firm alongside fellow real estate partners Lewis Myers, Rob Thompson and Jo Footitt.

By Sofia Lind

3 minute read

September 24, 2010 | International Edition

Allen & Overy (A&O) is advising on a €1.75bn (£1.5bn) M&A deal which could see pharma giant Johnson & Johnson seal the takeover of Dutch vaccine maker Crucell. Johnson & Johnson already holds an 18% stake in Crucell, but is in advanced discussions about making an all cash public offer to take ownership of the outstanding shares. A&O is leading on the Dutch side for Crucell, with a team led by Amsterdam corporate and finance of counsel Johan Kleyn, while Clearly Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is providing US law advice to the target company with a team led by New York M&A partner Daniel Sternberg.

By Sofia Lind

2 minute read