Investment Funds: Private Equity

Among the dominant forces in the big-ticket buyout space, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett exclusively handles the largest European fund formation mandates. The funds team offers managers an excellent platform for multibillion-pound launches in London, with innovative structuring solutions. Additional areas of expertise include secondaries transactions, with the firm recently bolstering its dedicated team in this area. Its enviable client list includes the largest US and European private equity firms, and the department continues to advise these clients on their most significant fundraisings.

"Simpson Thacher & Bartlett act for the best, largest-cap fundraisers in the buyouts market."

"We wouldn't send mega-cap fund launches anywhere else."

"Simpson Thacher cover all aspects of funds work credibly and expertly. We have yet to find an asset class or product idea where they do not have proven expertise and experience."

"I am impressed by the team's proactiveness, structured way of working, level of advice and their knowledge base."

"No one else can do what their team does; they are the midwives of mega funds."

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett advised EQT in relation to its tenth flagship buyout fund, EQT X, which is seeking a EUR21 billion hard cap.

Jason Glover is widely viewed as the leading practitioner for multibillion-pound fund launches. He has extensive expertise in the space and is adept at advising on major European buyout funds. "Jason Glover is an absolute force to be reckoned with in the market. He's the godfather: the founding figure of the funds world. Because he represents most of the big funds, you go to him because he has the finger on the pulse and knows what's going on in the market." "Jason is something of an icon in the industry. He is THE name in Europe for funds work. He's an outstanding adviser in this field. Very commercial, very knowledgeable, extremely intelligent, on point, very constructive and helpful to deal with." "Jason is somewhat of a guru in the field and his vast experience and knowledge base is much acknowledged and appreciated. He's a very valuable senior speaking partner to have on your side. Very attentive and service-minded." "The don of the industry, and the founding father of London's funds market."

Gareth Earl is deeply experienced in raising international private equity, buyout, growth and real estate funds. He advises market-leading private equity firms on big-ticket fund launches. "One of the very best lawyers in the entire city across all disciplines. Gareth is very commercial, smart, responsive. Frankly, he's a pleasure to work with and a trusted business adviser." "Gareth is a phenomenal lawyer." "Gareth's very responsive and very knowledgeable about market terms in particular." "A phenomenal talent."

Seema Shah acts for leading sponsors on the formation of European private equity funds, including growth and secondaries funds. "Seema is excellent. She's very knowledgeable about fund formation work." "Seema is always prompt, very approachable and understands perfectly what is required of her as a key relationship partner. She is highly analytical and extremely thoughtful and provides sound guidance on even the most complex and nuanced of questions. Her commercial acumen is another particular strength." "She is extremely smart and one of the best funds lawyers I have ever dealt with. She is commercial and pragmatic, balancing excellent technical know-how with a solution-oriented approach. Her judgement is outstanding, particularly on difficult or sensitive issues."