Overview
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has been ranked by PitchBook‘s Q1 2021 Global League Tables as a top five law firm in private equity both globally and in the US. Refinitiv’s Global Private Equity Legal Advisor Review ranked McDermott #3 in PE–Advisers to Firm: LBO & Related Rounds and #4 in PE–Advisors to Firm: All Rounds.
Throughout the first quarter, McDermott’s deep bench of experienced private equity lawyers closed deals across industries that are reshaping global markets, including technology, energy, manufacturing, distribution, life sciences, health services and entertainment sectors.
McDermott’s diversified practice performed well across all sectors, continuing its dominant position in the healthcare PE rankings; the Firm took Pitchbook’s #1 spot again and ranked #5 in both IT and financial services private equity. McDermott was listed as fourth most active in PE globally representing investors as well as fourth most active in private equity in the US representing investors. McDermott ranked #5 for private equity buyouts as well as #5 for “other” private equity deals.
“Our private equity team has been extremely active working with clients on their investments across industries,” Frank Steinherr, co-head of McDermott’s private equity group, said.
“Building on the momentum seen throughout the second half of 2020 and into the first quarter of this year, we expect to see strong activity for the rest of 2021 and beyond.”
“Clients know that we keep our finger on the pulse of where middle-market private equity deals trade, regardless of the particular industry involved in the transaction,” Gregory Metz, co-head of the Firm’s private equity group, noted. “For some time now, we have been helping our clients diversify their portfolios across multiple industry sectors, and we are expecting increased competition and a seller’s market for the second half of 2021.”
Snapshot of recent transactions on which McDermott advised include:
- Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA in the auction and sale of a controlling interest in its US life sciences subsidiary, Solesis, Inc., to Altaris Capital Partners for $475 million.
- The Sterling Group in its $202.5 million acquisition of Merchants Metals, and in its subsequent $105 million acquisition of Binford Supply.
- Wellspring Capital Management LLC in connection with its acquisition of HealthPro Heritage for $375 million.
- H.I.G. Capital, LLC in its cross-border acquisition of Hibu, Inc. from its UK-based parent for $370 million.
- Lindsay Goldberg in the sale of Women’s Care Enterprises, a leading multi-specialty provider of women’s health services, to BC Partners.
PitchBook’s full Q1 2021 league tables can be accessed here. Refinitiv’s full Q1 2021 Global Private Equity Legal Advisor Review can be accessed here.
With more than 100 private equity lawyers spanning 20 locations globally, McDermott’s private equity practice serves as a trusted advisor to investment funds of all sizes. In addition to PitchBook’s notable rankings, we are named Top 10 in PE by The Deal, Top 10 in PE Buyouts by Mergermarket and Top 10 in US Mid-Market by Bloomberg.
About McDermott
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver innovative and highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
