
On The Merits
Why a Deals Surge in 2025 May Not Be a Law Firm Boon
Dec 10, 2024
Neil Barlow, a private equity partner at Clifford Chance, shares his expertise on the anticipated surge in mergers and acquisitions. He discusses how a favorable political climate might ignite M&A activity, yet paradoxically reshape the types of deals law firms handle. Barlow highlights the shift from complex transactions to a greater volume of simpler ones, emphasizing the evolving nature of private equity deals. He also addresses legal challenges and the critical role of law firms in navigating these dynamic market conditions as they strive for success in 2025.
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Quick takeaways
- The anticipated surge in M&A activity in 2025 may shift lawyers' focus from complex transactions to a higher volume of simpler deals.
- Private equity's increasing complexity and regulatory challenges necessitate law firms to enhance their private capital practices and expand service offerings.
Deep dives
Trends in Private Equity Deal Structures
The current landscape of private equity is marked by a notable increase in complexity within deal structures. Investors show an appetite for deploying capital; however, many firms are turning to club investments, where multiple capital providers collaborate on acquisitions. This approach allows for shared risk and brings diverse experiences to the table, promoting better decision-making and investment strategies. As a result, sellers benefit by achieving liquidity through partial sales, evolving the dynamics of traditional M&A transactions.
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