Ropes edges into City PE space with DLA capture

The US firm is also set to relocate Boston-based ­private equity partner Bill Mone to London, with both partners set to take up their new positions in the City
in June.

Ropes is understood to have been looking to expand its City private equity ­presence for some time, with several high-profile partners previously being linked with moves.

London office co-founding partner Maurice Allen said: “It’s about building for the next 10-15 years and attracting future stars. Going forward, we’d like to be able to tap into the Bain Capitals and TPGs, but that’s a long-term project.”

Rosen is the third private equity partner to join Ropes’ nascent London office this year. The firm has already recruited partners Kiran Sharma, also from DLA Piper, and Peter Baldwin from Jones Day.

Policy committee member David Chapin said: “This gives us a team that can address the significant opportunities we see.”

The Boston-headquartered firm also bolstered its City office with its first promotion last November. Finance counsel Tania Bedi was promoted as part of a 10-strong global round.

Rosen has been at partner at DLA Piper since January 2008, having left Weil Gotshal & Manges the preceding July. He joined Weil on its London launch in 1996.

DLA Piper UK corporate head Charles Severs said: “Will’s made a positive ­contribution during his three years with us and he leaves on good terms.”