The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011: Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation
On an annual basis, Chambers & Partners conducts extensive research and thorough data analysis in compiling its objective list of talent available at the highest level of international legal practice. Its research methodology has been independently audited and confirmed to be thorough, robust and complete.
In Chambers' 2011 review of international legal talent in the area of Investment Funds, our Firm is listed among the best in the world.
Chambers' comments:
Investment Funds: Private Equity: Fund Formation
Global Ranking: Tier 2
The Firm: This international brand is traditionally credited for its coverage of the New York, London and Hong Kong private equity markets, and is increasingly recognised for its commitment to European funds. With more than 150 lawyers who handle funds in nine offices, this is one of the largest groups of its kind. The partners are commended for their work on high-profile mandates, including work for a large European infrastructure fund. The London team also represented Candover Partners in connection with its recent fund restructuring. Sources praise the firm's efficient and conscientious approach and consistent service.
Sources say: "One of the best fund formation teams in London." "I'd give the firm top marks."
Key Individuals: Chicago-based Bruce Ettelson leads Kirkland's private funds group. In London, Mark Mifsud manages the department's European operations.
USA Ranking: Tier 2
According to clients, Bruce Ettelson is "very available and user friendly." He chairs the private funds group from Chicago and centres his own practice on high-end fund formation work. In one notable highlight, he advised Energy Capital Partners II, an energy infrastructure fund targeting USD3.5 billion in commitments. Kirk Radke works in New York and is focused on both LBOs and fund formation work. Clients describe him as "very forward thinking and precise in his approach." He has been busy representing CVC European Equity Partners V on a number of high-value matters. Chris Kallos is based in the Chicago office. He predominantly acts for private equity fund sponsors on domestic and international fund formation issues. His experience includes advising Versa Capital Fund II, a turnaround stage buyout fund targeting USD650 million in commitments.
Asia-Pacific Ranking: Tier 2
The Firm: Kirkland & Ellis is regarded as an authority on private equity funds, offering a large, dedicated practice with seven partners. Clients are full of praise for the firm's responsiveness and its understanding of relevant regulatory developments. The team continues to grow, and is gearing up for increased work coming from China. It recently represented a global buyout fund on its parallel renminbi fund and advised a European hedge fund on its European/Chinese arbitrage fund.
Sources say: "The firm is excellent, in terms of both its responsiveness to enquiries and the thoroughness of its responses." "The lawyers give valuable advice during negotiations and help us understand regulatory changes affecting the funds industry."
Key Individuals: Senior partner David Patrick Eich leads the firm's private equity practice.
Reprinted with permission from Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 — www.chambersandpartners.com.
