Private Equity: Buyouts

Kirkland & Ellis is recognised as an outstanding sponsor-side practice handling complex, high-end private equity transactions which are often multi-jurisdictional in nature. It continues to act for a range of high-profile investors in the industry, with its client base spanning a broad spectrum of leading UK, US and European investors. The department's extensive expertise covers issues such as LBOs, going-private deals, restructurings and recapitalisations.

"If you need a deal done in a week, Kirkland & Ellis can do it. Everyone is excellent from partner down to associate; it is incredibly slick dealing with them."

"Kirkland & Ellis provides around-the-clock service, 365 days a year. It is simply outstanding."

"Kirkland has an incredibly strong and deep bench of talented individuals who focus solely on financial sponsors and long-term investors. It is an absolute force in its industry."

Kirkland & Ellis advised EQT on a EUR6.8 billion agreement to acquire Baring Private Equity Asia.

David Higgins is widely acclaimed as a foremost talent in the UK private equity market. His leading practice is routinely engaged to advise in connection with major cross-border transactions. Higgins also sits on Kirkland's executive committee. "David has seen everything and every different type of transaction. Whatever there is, he has seen it before and he knows the solution." "David gives practical and pragmatic advice on how to deal with specific situations." "David gives his clients a great deal of comfort that he will find the solution. He figures out how to get things done in a manner that is acceptable, even with thorny issues."

Adrian Maguire is the subject of acclaim from across the market owing to the superlative standard of his private equity practice. He represents clients in a range of sophisticated deals, often involving European and US sponsors. "Adrian has sophisticated, broad legal expertise combined with an astute commercial mindset. He keeps his calm and he is firmly in control even in the most hectic of moments." "Adrian is very easy to work with. He is practical and commercial." "Adrian has an encyclopedic legal mind. He is a star."

Matthew Elliott maintains an excellent practice concentrated on the representation of private equity funds in a host of transactions. His reputation is particularly emphasised in the real estate space. "Matthew Elliott provides an excellent level of client service. He is able to adapt and deliver on complex transactional issues." "Matthew is always available and willing to advise and support. We continue to be impressed with his incredible market insight, level of sophistication and vision." "Matthew Elliott has what every client looks for in a lawyer; he is incredibly user-friendly as well as effective and rigorous."

Alvaro Membrillera is widely respected for his close relationships with some of the foremost US-based sponsors in the market. Membrillera's matters have included acquisitions, disposals, minority investments and carve-outs in a variety of European jurisdictions. "Alvaro Membrillera is a highly commercial, innovative and solution-oriented lawyer." "Alvaro is a great partner to work with and to lean on for critical advice." "Alvaro is extremely efficient in the way that he moves things forward. He prides himself in moving the ball far enough down the court that he only needs to discuss a handful of points with us."

Stuart Boyd displays strength in representing private equity and other investor clients in a broad range of transactions. He is particularly solid in take-privates, carve-outs and acquisitions. "Stuart Boyd is very practical; he understands the business aspects of a deal. We value him has a thought partner." "Stuart instils confidence in everything he does. He provides calm and thoughtful guidance while efficiently marshalling multiple inputs and stakeholders across different time zones and specialist disciplines."