Katten Muchin Rosenman has hired Hogan Lovells private equity partner Philip Watkins along with two associates to boost its London corporate practice.

Watkins joined legacy Hogan & Hartson from Latham & Watkins in 2008. Prior to Latham, Watkins worked as cultural adviser to the foreign office of the Japanese Government in Tokyo.

He regularly advises on mergers and acquisitions, takeover offers, joint ventures, and public and private securities offerings in the UK and internationally.

The team hire follows the recent appointment of private equity partner Barry Breen, who joined Katten from Sidley Austin last year.

Peter Sugden, managing partner of Katten UK said: "Philip and his team have a wealth of knowledge and experience in our core areas of corporate, financial services and real estate, which make them an excellent fit with our team in London and the firm as a whole. Their decision to join Katten is a great indication of the positive momentum our firm has going into this new year. We anticipate bringing on additional attorneys in the coming months as we continue to develop the office."

Hogan Lovells recently appointed London partner Tom Whelan as global co-head of private equity, taking over from Alan Greenough, who will retire from the firm next year.