U.S. firm Goodwin Procter has hired a heavyweight four-partner team from Taylor Wessing, led by international corporate co-head David Mardle.

According to one person at the firm, Mardle ran for the role of managing partner at Taylor Wessing in its most recent election. He was defeated by Shane Gleghorn.

Mardle joined Goodwin's London office this week after 16 years at Taylor Wessing.

Three additional partners – Malcolm Bates, Tim Worden, and Adrian Rainey – are due to join him upon completing their notice periods.

Head of U.K. corporate technology Rainey specialises in representing technology companies and venture capital firms, particularly on matters of private financings and M&A transactions.

Longstanding partner Bates' practice covers life science licensing and collaboration matters in the U.K. and across Europe.

Worden's expertise includes advising on licensing and collaboration transactions, R&D and clinical trial agreements, and regulatory matters.

Goodwin has expanded across the globe in recent months, with a particular focus on tech and life sciences.

It launched a European life sciences practice last year with the hire of a four-lawyer team from Dechert, including two in the U.S. and two in the U.K.

Earlier this year, the firm hired four life science partners from U.S. rivals Fenwick & West and Sidley Austin, in its San Francisco and Silicon Valley bases.

Goodwin Procter's London revenue soared by 58% last year, jumping from $42.3 million in 2017 to $66.8 million in 2018.