In-house interview: acting as Three’s legal antenna
With 5G launching and data regulation becoming more complex, Three GC Stephen Lerner and his in-house team have to aim for maximum coverage across the mobile network’s business
The defection of the Taylor Wessing Four raises questions over California and Cambridge
The departure of four Taylor Wessing partners last week to Goodwin Procter not only leaves a hole in the firm’s life sciences practice, but prompts questions about its longer-term international TMT strategy in light of its talks with Wilson Sonsini.
Freshfields and Simpson Thacher advise on KKR’s media takeover
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have taken advisory roles for KKR in its public takeover offer for German publisher Axel Springer. The deal puts the publishing company’s worth at around $7.7bn. Private equity group KKR is being jointly advised by the pair on corporate and finance matters. Freshfields deal team is led […]
New York Attorney General launches an investigation into cryptocurrency trading platform
By Adam Solomon The New York Attorney General’s investigation has determined that the Bitfinex trading platform and the virtual currency, ‘tether’, have covered up the apparent loss of $850 million in co-mingled client and corporate funds. The Attorney General, Letitia James, said: “New York state has led the way in requiring virtual currency businesses to […]
A&O wins key mandate for pension fund on £504m telecoms purchase
Allen & Overy is advising the Universities Superannuation Scheme on its acquisition of UK telecoms group KCom. London partner Richard Hough is leading the magic circle firm’s team for the pension fund USS, which is buying KCom through a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary company. He was supported by banking partner James Graham. KCom, a Hull-based broadband […]
Former Davis Polk partner joins Facebook as new GC
Facebook has found a new general counsel to helm its in-house legal functions after its top lawyer Colin Stretch left the company at the end of last summer. The role has been filled by Jennifer Newstead, whose career has spanned both law firm stints and government duties. She was the first woman to head the […]
Sky appoints former Olswang partner as new UK GC
Sky has named a new general counsel for UK and Ireland, promoting its former director of legal in content and commercial Claire Canning to the role. Canning started her career at Clifford Chance as a trainee, moving to Olswang after a year in the media team. There, she worked her way up to partner in […]
Trends in the food and drink sector
By James Webb Despite 2018 being a very tough year for many in the food and drink industry, according to research compiled by Grant Thornton, M&A and private equity deal activity in the sector remained steady with a fall of just 2.8% compared to 2017. This is supported by our experience during the period where […]
Eversheds targets telecoms with senior real estate hire
Eversheds Sutherland has made a timely hire one year on from the introduction of the new Telecoms Code, taking on Fladgate’s head of real estate litigation and telecommunications specialist Thekla Fellas. Fellas joins Eversheds on 1 April to build a team around her specialism in “Telecoms Code” disputes. Her appointment follows the controversial Electronic Communications […]
Shoosmiths boosts technology capabilities with strategic hire
UK law firm Shoosmiths has appointed corporate partner James Klein, who is expected to significantly rack up Shoosmiths’ presence in the tech and digital space. James has been brought in to head the London corporate team at Shoosmiths. His areas of expertise include domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, corporate restructuring and reorganisations and joint ventures. […]
At a glance guide to Jersey schemes of arrangement
Increasing numbers of complex and high-value cross-border M&A deals are being effected by way of scheme of arrangement in Jersey. Ogier’s Jersey team has worked on the two highest value schemes on record – our combined corporate and dispute resolution teams have significant experience and expertise in this area. Onshore counsel will be familiar with […]
Leaked nudes and talent morality clauses: A lesson for the digital age
Not every morality clause is created equal and the parties must consider what they hope to achieve when drafting the clause in order to ensure their reputation is protected. In November 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed a leave to appeal application on the application of a morality clause. Certain lessons can be pulled from […]