SJ Berwin partner moves to Cabots

SJ Berwin corporate finance partner Matthew Hudson has joined City investment house Cabot Square Capital as chief counsel and as an investment director.

Hudson - a leading player in SJ Berwin's highly-rated private equity unit - told The Lawyer that he had been brought in for his deal execution skills but added that he will also be closely involved in investment decisions.

Cabot Square Capital was launched in 1996 by John Van Deventer, former head of European structured finance at Goldman Sachs International, and James Clark, who held a similar position at Lehman Brothers International.

The company, whose core investor is Credit Suisse First Boston, has invested in a wide range of businesses since it was set up, including hotels, pubs, motorway service areas and engineering firms.

Hudson, who has been at SJ Berwin for 11 years, said: "It is an opportunity to feel you are investing your own money. I will be closer to the deals."

A delighted Van Deventer said: "Matthew is a senior player with a wealth of experience and he will be a major influence in our fund raising and investment deal flow."

SJ Berwin senior partner David Harrel said: "Matthew goes very much with our blessing."