BLP hires retiring Allen & Overy corporate partner Paul

Alan Paul, who made partner at A&O in 1985 and sat on the firm’s board, will join BLP’s London office as a senior consultant in its corporate practice in May.

Paul, who was A&O’s relationship partner for Macquarie Group, has more than 20 years’ experience acting in private equity leveraged deals. He announced his retirement from A&O in November 2011 (28 November 2011), halfway through his four year reappointment to the board.

Paul’s hire closely follows that of former Linklaters global corporate head David Barnes, who joined BLP in February (27 February 2012).

BLP’s corporate department, led by John Bennett, acts for Tesco, Balfour Beatty and Blackstone. In a statement, Bennett said: “The upward momentum of our corporate practice remains a strategic priority for the firm. Alan’s a very welcome addition to the team given the strength and depth of his M&A experience, particularly at the higher end, and his almost unrivalled involvement in public takeover situations.”

Paul added: “There are exciting developments taking place at BLP as they balance investment in their homegrown team with external recruitment. I look forward to being able to make my contribution to the firm’s ambitious plans for its international corporate practice.”

Tokyo-based partner Simon Black, who specialises in financings and corporate investment, has since been appointed to replace Paul on A&O’s board.