HSF, Davis Polk and Eversheds complete the set as Next acquires collapsed Made.com

HSF, Davis Polk and Eversheds complete the set as Next acquires collapsed Made.com

Lawyers from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), Davis Polk and Eversheds Sutherland have earned advisory roles on the administration and £3.4m sale of online retailer Made.com to Next. 

Last week, Made.com filed notice of its intention to appoint administrators, which saw HSF drafted in. The HSF team was led by London restructuring partner John Chetwood with corporate support from fellow London partners Ben Ward and Caroline Rae. Since the administration, 320 Made.com jobs have been axed as the company has collapsed.  

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Sponsored briefing: M&A: Agility is key to support clients in complex transactions

Sponsored briefing: M&A: Agility is key to support clients in complex transactions

Deals are becoming more complex as companies increasingly use mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to pursue ambitious strategic goals and new stakeholders disrupt the market. Successful M&A lawyers must be able to combine excellent legal knowledge and process management skills with in-depth business awareness to support clients in complex transactions.

PRAGER DREIFUSS has extensive experience and a longstanding tradition in supporting clients in complex M&A transactions, including acquisitions and sales, mergers, spin-offs and joint ventures. They are part of the firm’s core business. PRAGER DREIFUSS will take the client through the entire process, from structuring the deal to its execution. Its lawyers conduct legal due diligence at a target company, negotiate the necessary agreements, set up acquisition vehicles and optimise the capital and tax structure of the deal. Throughout this process, the firm can call upon excellent interdisciplinary knowledge. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: M&A: Agility is key to support clients in complex transactions”

Shining a light on the next generation of dealmakers

Shining a light on the next generation of dealmakers

It’s no secret that the M&A markets have been busier than ever of the last 18 months. Here, UK Legal 500 editor Georgina Stanley asked some of those set to dominate the City deal market over the next ten years to take a short break from their negotiations to share their tips for success. All ten of the lawyers featured over the coming pages have demonstrated the client relationship and transactional skills required to secure their spots as Next Generation M&A partners in the UK Legal 500 2022. From the deals that have defined their careers, through to the importance of staying calm in a crisis and the growing significance of ESG considerations and legal tech, they offer their insight into the profession and its future.

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Marching on

Marching on

‘People typically underestimate the innovative powers that are out there,’ reflects Rick van Aerssen, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s global managing partner. ‘The adaptability of society has been significant. The way that the different economies have weathered the storm from the pandemic has been north of what we would have anticipated two years ago. I personally think the same will hold true for any crisis.’ Continue reading “Marching on”

Deals Yearbook 2022: Nick Withers, Shearman & Sterling – partner since 2020

What has been the absolute deal highlight of your career so far and why?
The refinancing of Eddie Stobart plc in late 2019 was a real highlight. Being able to navigate a complex situation, working as an integrated team with our financing colleagues, and deliver a great result for our client was very satisfying, doing so to save a company that is a household name even more so. After the transaction closed our client received a letter of thanks from one of Eddie Stobart’s long serving employees for saving the company, which really brought home the real-world significance of what we did. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Nick Withers, Shearman & Sterling – partner since 2020”

Deals Yearbook 2022: Caroline Rae, Herbert Smith Freehills – partner since 2016

Deals Yearbook 2022: Caroline Rae, Herbert Smith Freehills – partner since 2016

Why did you decide to become an M&A lawyer? Was there anyone in particular who inspired you early on in your career?
Once I had decided to become a lawyer there was never a doubt that I would specialise in M&A. When I was younger, I wanted to be in the cCty and to work on deals on the front page of the FT. For me, that meant M&A and it never crossed my mind that I would do anything else. It was a great source of disappointment when I realised that lawyers never get mentioned in the FT of course… but by then it was too late. When I interview graduates, I do encourage them to have an open mind about different areas of law, but I confess for me it was only ever M&A. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Caroline Rae, Herbert Smith Freehills – partner since 2016”

Deals Yearbook 2022: Fionnghuala (Finn) Griggs, Linklaters – partner since 2017

Deals Yearbook 2022: Fionnghuala (Finn) Griggs, Linklaters – partner since 2017

Why did you decide to become an M&A lawyer? Was there anyone in particular who inspired you early on in your career?
I started off my training contract with Linklaters sitting in the M&A team and quickly realised that I really valued and enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with clients on strategically important transactions, and to work with a broad range of teams and offices within the Linklaters network. It’s a great way to build relationships. During that first seat I worked on a demerger of a company and its UK listing, and 15 years on I am still working with that company as a key client of the firm – which is a real testament to the opportunities that you have as an M&A lawyer to build relationships and become a trusted adviser. Continue reading “Deals Yearbook 2022: Fionnghuala (Finn) Griggs, Linklaters – partner since 2017”