Weil Gotshal & Manges has hired Sidley Austin London private equity partner Mark Thompson, in a move that adds weight to its City practice after several departures.

Thompson joins the US firm's London office after six years at rival Sidley, according to one person with knowledge of the matter.

Previously at King & Spalding, Thompson oversaw that firm's Moscow and London office launches. He also held roles as a co-leader of its entertainment group and private equity practices.

He has a particular focus on the life sciences, real estate and electronic payments industries.

Weil London managing partner Mike Francies said: "Mark is joining the London office during an exciting period of growth in our private equity and real assets groups. Adding a partner of Mark's calibre will further enhance our offering to sponsors and corporates, as we continue to build out our platform in London."

His hire follows two partner departures from Weil in January, when private equity partner Samantha McGonigle left to co-found a private equity fund and tax partner David Irvine exited for Kirkland & Ellis.

Weil's London banking head Mark Donald also left the firm last year, though his move to White & Case has been held up due to client issues.

Sidley has also seen movement within its ranks during the past 12 months. At the start of this year, it hired Pillarstone general counsel and ex-Kirkland partner Mark Knight to restock its City restructuring practice, after the exits of partners Yen Sum and Jennifer Brennan to Latham & Watkins last summer.

Its City base also recently underwent a change in management, with London corporate co-head Thomas Thesing taking over from Matthew Dening, who has since returned to his former firm Baker McKenzie.

Thesing said: "We thank Mark for the contributions he made during his time with us and wish him well."