The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011: Private Equity

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 Private Equity, our Firm is listed among the best in the world.

Chambers' comments:

Private Equity
Global Ranking: Tier 2

The Firm: This is a particularly visible player in this market, with a notable US presence. The firm is also very active in London and in Germany, where partners represented Golden Gate Capital Partners in its acquisition of Infineon Technologies for EUR250 million. Other noteworthy international transactions include advising Bain Capital in its first investment in India and Silver Lake Partners in its purchase of a majority stake in Allyes Online Media Holdings, China's leading digital media business.

Sources Say: "When we use this firm, we know we're going to get good, strong service."

Key Individuals: James Learner oversees the European arm of the practice from London; Graham White is another prominent UK-based practitioner. Volker Kullmann is one of the firm's lead partners in Munich, while senior partner David Patrick Eich is the department's contact in Hong Kong. In the USA, Jeffrey Hammes, Kevin Evanich, Douglas Gessner and Kirk Radke remain top names.

USA Ranking: Tier 1

The vastly experienced New York partner Kirk Radke is a key figure in the market, and clients hail his practice as "ahead of the pack." He handles a broad range of matters and has gained international recognition for his cross-border work. Chicago-based partner Kevin Evanich is a senior and respected lawyer who specialises in structuring, supervising and closing LBOs. Jeffrey Hammes is another eminent member of the group and chairs the firm's worldwide management committee. He is much admired for his work on complex buyouts, both domestically and overseas, and splits his time between Chicago and San Francisco. Douglas Gessner is a Chicago-based private equity expert who is well respected for his work on the LBOs of public and private companies.

Reprinted with permission from Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 — www.chambersandpartners.com.