SJ Berwin guides new client on e800m fund

A multi-jurisdictional team was led by London corporate partner and funds specialist Nigel van Zyl. The SJ Berwin team also ­featured Dubai head Benjamin Aller and tax partners Sylvie Vansteenkiste in Paris and Christian Schatz in Munich.

Ropes & Gray New York corporate partner Bill McCormack acted for Gilde as US counsel, while Loyens & Loeff tax partner Marco de Ligni worked on Dutch law aspects of the deal.

Around half of the total commitment from investors in the over-subscribed fund came from Europe. A further 35 per cent was from the US with the remainder coming from the Asia-Pacific region.

Commenting on the deal, van Zyl said: “The fundraising was a tremendous ­success for Gilde in a ­difficult fundraising environment and shows the ability of quality European middle market managers to attract new investors into their funds.”

Earlier this year, van Zyl advised Apax Partners on a $956m (£622m) investment by the Chinese ­Investment Corporation - a deal that helped scoop SJ Berwin Corporate Team of the Year at this year’s The Lawyer Awards.

Last week, the firm added to its funds practice with the hire of Babcock & Brown general counsel Michelle Thomsen as a partner in the infrastructure funds group.