Private equity is a major driver in the global M&A and capital markets and its dynamic and entrepreneurial nature requires a unique blend of specialist skills. In today's challenging market environment, our clients are looking to us more than ever as a key strategic adviser, requiring practical, commercially minded legal advice to help them and their portfolio companies to respond swiftly and effectively to the challenges and opportunities they face, whatever their jurisdiction.

Established in the early 1980s, our award-winning private equity practice has been structured around the needs of our clients and is uniquely equipped to provide this support.   The unrivalled breadth and depth of resource we can offer across our global network allows us to offer legal and commercial solutions of the highest quality across all aspects of private equity and to provide  a "one stop shop" to service all our clients' requirements:

• We possess market-leading expertise and experience across all aspects of private equity (transactions, acquisition finance, fund formation and restructuring) as well as across all other key legal areas. Combined with our business focused, pragmatic and innovative approach, this strength and depth of expertise gives us a commercial edge and a real understanding of what is needed to achieve a successful outcome for our clients.
• With established practices throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the US, our integrated global private equity network, enhanced by specialist, local and  regional expertise, can service all elements of our clients' transactions, wherever they are located and can respond swiftly to global market developments.  Our private equity specialists regularly work in cross-practice and cross-border teams and our standardised approach to many elements of our working practices ensures a consistent and first class service, whichever office leads or advises on the deal.

Our aim is to develop a powerful team relationship with our clients that reaches beyond the particular deal or mandate and adds real value to their businesses.  We aspire to the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in all that we do.

Leading private equity transaction capability

Independent commentators recognise that our lawyers are the best in the business:

• "Sources say: "This firm has a better client list than anyone. With its international spread it is the firm to beat." "Normally you ask lawyers for A, B and C and you are lucky if you get A and B – but with them you get A, B, C, D, E and F"." – Private Equity: Global: Chambers Global 2010

• "Recognised globally as one of the leading private equity players, Clifford Chance possesses an Asian team that is held in high esteem across the market" - Private Equity: Buyouts: China/Hong Kong Chambers Asia 2010

• "This private equity group’s lawyers, scope and clientele make Clifford Chance the firm to beat… Sources Say: "It enjoys a position on the international scene that is second to none." – Private Equity: Buyouts: UK-wide: Chambers UK 2010

We are involved in many of the market's ground-breaking and innovative deals and we use the experience and insight which we gain to provide our clients with an edge in today’s competitive environment.

For our indicative global large and mid-market experience, see our global private equity deal page.

For our general M&A expertise, see our global M&A/corporate page.

Leading acquisition finance capability

Our market-leading finance practice will ensure our private equity clients are at the forefront of market developments. The number and range of deals on which we advise, acting both for borrowers and lenders, gives us a unique commercial insight into successful financings, allowing us to identify problems and work towards solutions.

For more information on our acquisition finance capability, see our global acquisition finance page.

Leading restructuring capability

We offer a market-leading global restructuring and insolvency team with restructuring and finance expertise across a full spectrum of products and structures as well as specialist knowledge in areas which often prove pivotal in distressed situations, such as pensions, tax and derivatives. Our overall depth, scope and experience means we are well placed to provide proactive legal and technical advice of a consistently high quality, irrespective of the industry or the scale and complexity of the transaction.

For more information on our restructuring capability, see our global restructruring page.

Leading fund formation capability

Our private funds group is the number 1 industry recognised team with unparalleled experience in all aspects of fund establishment, including structuring and authorisation, advising on marketing and investor negotiations, tax structuring (including carried interest arrangements) and listing of fund vehicles. In addition, we stay involved with fund managers throughout the lifecycle of the funds, advising on operational issues and working closely with our leading private equity transactional and acquisition finance teams. We also act for other industry participants, such as investors, placement agents and major funds custodians/administrators.

For more information on our private equity fund formation capability, see our investment management page

For more information on our global private equity sector group, contact David Walker (Global Head of Private Equity) or one of our other private equity specialists.