Private Equity - Sponsors

Private equity investment is all about long-term return, so structuring the investment terms to achieve that outcome is vital. Our specialist team of private equity lawyers provides results-focused advice throughout the investment lifecycle, from deal structuring to exit. We advise on all aspects of an investment, including setting up new funds, buy-outs, exits and bolt-on acquisitions, as well as on a range of operational and structural challenges, such as tax and employment. We help with around fifty private equity deals a year and our team spans Europe and the West and East coasts of the US, allowing us to work seamlessly across borders.

In 2019 we advised on private equity transactions with an aggregate deal value in excess of £3.5 billion.

Osborne Clarke is a highly effective and valuable partner that has supported us through a number of recent transactions. The private equity team has consistently demonstrated a balance of highly professional technical rigour and commercial pragmatism which is extremely helpful in concluding a successful deal" - James Blake, Partner, Growth Capital Partners LLP

Above all, we’re used to providing pragmatic commercially focused advice within tight deadlines and high-pressure negotiations, remaining focused on your objectives throughout the deal, and beyond. Our work for equity investors, investee companies, banks and vendors and strategic partners keeps us tuned into the market ensuring our advice is based upon the most up-to-date market knowledge.

The more trust you have in your legal team’s experience and commercial acumen, the more confidently you can approach a deal. We have the knowledge and experience you can rely on from start to finish.

The quality Private Equity Team at Osborne Clarke, led by Al Livingstone, are a key legal partner for us. They are personable, technically strong, seek commercial solutions and work to the tightest deadlines to get deals completed." - Alex Bowden, Synova Capital LLP

Their ability to draft is top-notch and they give a masterclass in negotiation. They're polite, friendly and engaging, and aggressive when needed. We got a fantastic result." - Chambers UK 2019

You get good, down-to-earth common sense, commercial pragmatism and they are very straightforward to deal with. You also get access to properly experienced lawyers with the maturity to advise, including good access to partners." - Chambers UK 2019

This powerhouse enjoys a good reputation for its high quality client base and 'commercial' partners, 'professional' approach and a 'deep bench' of lawyers across the ranks are matched by respected market knowledge of the banking scene." - Chambers UK

… they [OC] were available at short notice as the deal ebbed and flowed, and brought a calm and experienced voice to the table." - Chambers UK