Weil Gotshal & Manges has hired Herbert Smith Freehills' (HSF) London head of private equity, James MacArthur.

Corporate partner MacArthur will be based in Weil's London office and will focus on private equity and M&A transactions in the infrastructure and real estate sectors.

Weil London managing partner Mike Francies said: "Many of our clients have funds dedicated to infrastructure and real estate deals, either as standalone funds or as part of a wider multi-fund alternative investment strategy. James' recruitment will help us increase the range of services we offer our clients."

MacArthur joined HSF in February 2010 from the London office of Kirkland & Ellis, where he was a partner in the corporate and private funds group.

Prior to joining Kirkland & Ellis, James was at White & Case from 2002 to 2006, where he joined from legacy Herbert Smith, three years after qualification.

While at HSF, MacArthur acted for private equity group Carlyle on several matters, including the sale of its real estate portfolio, Freeport Group.

He also advised the Bank of England Pension Fund on the auction sale of its private equity holdings.

Weil's London office is currently advising BHS on restructuring issues following the high street stalwart's well publicised slide into administration.

Weil's team is being led by London head of restructuring Adam Plainer. The US firm has been advising BHS for some time, with Legal Week reporting in March that it had advised BHS on its proposal for a company voluntary agreement with its landlords.