Private Capital

Private equity clients operate in a dynamic and highly competitive environment, where the ability to execute transactions swiftly and efficiently is critical. Whether navigating complex management buyouts, negotiating shareholder arrangements, or planning investment exits through trade sales or IPOs, sponsors must manage a range of commercial, regulatory and operational risks. The challenge is heightened by the need to run dual-track processes, manage competitive sales, and ensure alignment between stakeholders, all while maximising value and minimising execution risk.

Ashurst’s Private Equity practice is recognised for its market-defining work and deep sector knowledge. Our global team of partners and lawyers brings extensive experience advising on both buy-side and sell-side transactions, supporting clients through every stage of the investment lifecycle. We understand how sponsors approach M&A and are adept at structuring and negotiating deals to achieve optimal outcomes. Our track record includes advising on high-profile transactions and delivering innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by private capital clients.

Private credit has emerged as a significant force within the global financial landscape, offering alternative sources of capital outside traditional banking channels. This asset class includes direct lending, mezzanine financing, distressed debt, and special situations, providing flexible funding solutions to a wide range of borrowers, from mid-market companies to large corporates. The growth of private credit has been driven by regulatory changes affecting banks, investor demand for yield, and the need for bespoke financing structures. Participants in the private credit market must navigate a complex environment characterised by evolving borrower needs, increased competition among lenders, and heightened regulatory oversight.

Ashurst’s Private Credit team combines deep market insight with technical expertise to support clients across the full spectrum of private credit transactions. We advise lenders, borrowers, sponsors, and investors on all aspects of private credit, from origination and structuring to execution and ongoing management. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that clients receive commercially focused, pragmatic advice tailored to the unique demands of the private credit market, enabling them to capitalise on opportunities and manage risk effectively in a dynamic environment.

Venture capital operates in a fast-paced environment where the ability to identify, secure, and grow investments in technology and innovation companies is paramount. The challenges include structuring seed and initial investments, managing risk in early-stage companies, and navigating complex commercial and regulatory landscapes. Clients must also consider strategic partnerships, venture debt, and the evolving needs of high-growth businesses.

Ashurst’s dedicated Venture Capital team is strategically located in key global centres, offering a wealth of expertise to funds, corporate venture divisions, and private equity investors. We have advised leading technology companies, financial institutions, and high-growth businesses on a wide range of investments, from seed rounds to complex venture debt and commercial lending products. Our experience spans the UK, Europe, APAC, and beyond, enabling us to provide practical, commercially focused advice that supports each client's ambitions in the innovation economy.

To find out more about our Venture Capital and Tech M&A team, please visit our Technology M&A page.

Ashurst supports clients in the Private Capital sector in the following areas:

• Mergers & Acquisitions: We understand how sponsors approach M&A on both buy-side and sell-side transactions, and regularly advise on undertaking management buyouts, negotiating shareholder arrangements and investment exits by trade sale and by IPOs (including running dual-track processes and competitive sales processes).
• Leveraged finance: We advise on the full spectrum of financing acquisitions in private equity, real estate, and infrastructure projects, helping clients navigate complex market terms, structures, and regulatory requirements.
• Restructuring: We advise investors in navigating corporate distress and market volatility, offering global expertise in restructuring, insolvency, and distressed investing, helping clients capitalise on opportunities and manage risk.
• Infrastructure: We provide expert guidance across all stages of infrastructure investment, from navigating regulatory complexities to structuring and executing transactions in diverse asset classes. We deliver commercial, solutions-focused advice on projects spanning core and core-plus infrastructure, public and private partnerships, datacentres, and digital infrastructure.
• Financial regulatory: We help clients to navigate complex and evolving regulatory environments, manage compliance risks and respond to investigations or enforcement actions. With deep expertise across derivatives, securities, credit, payment systems, and funds, our team delivers practical, risk-balanced solutions to protect reputations and achieve business objectives.
• Dispute resolution and regulatory responses: We seek to resolve disputes efficiently, manage regulatory risk, and protect commercial interests in instances where a dispute or regulatory investigation arises.
• Competition: We provide coordinated, practical advice on complex antitrust and consumer law issues, particularly in cross-border transactions and investments. We advise on merger control, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance, competition litigation, and state aid, delivering tailored, risk-balanced solutions to support our clients’ strategic objectives.
• Renewable energy: We advise on structuring investments and managing regulatory and commercial risks in the global renewable energy sector. With deep expertise across all energy sources, carbon, environmental regulation, construction and IP, our integrated team delivers forward-looking advice on emerging technologies and market opportunities.
• Employment: We provide transactional advice on managing employment, discrimination, industrial relations, and workplace health and safety issues. We deliver comprehensive, practical support on both strategic and day-to-day employee relations to help ensure smooth ownership changes.
• Risk advisory: Our Risk Advisory team delivers comprehensive legal led risk advisory services, enhancing enterprise risk management, aligning risk practices to global standards and regulatory expectations, and supporting the successful execution of business strategies.
  
  Click on the links in the "How we can help" section below to find out more.