Michael James has a broad corporate practice focusing on a range of international corporate and private equity transactions, including cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity fund formation, and joint ventures, co-investments, and consortium transactions.
Michael joined the firm as a trainee in 2010 and became a partner in 2021. He was resident in the New York office in 2011 and between 2013 and 2014.
Notable Experiences
Selected Private Equity Investments
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TPG Capital funds in a range of transactions including in relation to Mey İçki Sanayi ve Ticaret, Times Higher Education, TES Global, and Victoria Plumb, and in various strategic and platform relationships.
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Warburg Pincus and General Atlantic in the joint acquisition from Banco Santander of a 50% stake in Santander Asset Management, in the subsequent proposed combination of Santander Asset Management with Pioneer Investment Management, and in the disposition of Allfunds Bank.
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Sixth Street in a range of transactions including in relation to the acquisition of the Lundy portfolio from Lloyds Banking Group, and in numerous joint venture or consortium arrangements in relation to investments in European loan portfolios, insurance assets and energy assets, and various strategic and platform relationships.
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TPG Growth funds and The Rise Fund in a range of transactions including investments in Digital House, Gro Intelligence, and a number of other early-stage venture and growth investments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and in various strategic and platform relationships.
Selected Corporate M&A Experience
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BNP Paribas in connection with a novel transaction in relation to the transfer of Deutsche Bank’s global prime brokerage and electronic equities platform.
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ArcelorMittal in connection the disposal of certain pan-European steel assets to Liberty House Group.
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Amundi in the acquisition of a 87.5% stake in Kleinwort Benson Investors from Oddo et Cie.
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Credit Suisse Asset Management with respect to certain asset management divestments.
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Schroders in its acquisition of Adveq.
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Rosneft in its $55 billion acquisition of TNK-BP from BP and AAR.
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Lafarge S.A. in its 50:50 joint venture with Anglo American plc to combine their UK cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, and contracting businesses.
Selected Private Fund Experience
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Sixth Street in a wide range of fund matters, including the formation and operation of a number of credit and special situations funds, and in various separate accounts, co-investment arrangements, and other strategic initiatives.
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TPG in the formation of certain private equity and other specialty funds, co-investments, and other strategic initiatives.
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Hillhouse in the formation of its first private equity fund.
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Certain leading sovereign wealth funds in connection with investments in numerous private funds.
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Numerous sponsors in connection with AIFMD and other European regulatory matters.
Publications
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Private Equity Market Snapshot: Silicon Valley Bank Focus April 2023
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From Industrials to Cleantech Germany Offers Private Equity Opportunities
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UK National Security Regime: Enforcement Practice and Updated Guidance
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Strong Valuations Have Mixed Consequences for Private Equity
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Holding On: The Growing Benefits of Evergreen Fund Structures in Private Capital
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Negotiating GP Stakes Deals in Times of Economic Uncertainty
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Rise of GP-Led Transactions Reshapes Private Equity Secondaries
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Large Target: The Growing Opportunity for Private Equity Investment in Sport
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Competition Watchdogs Increase Scrutiny of Private Equity Takeovers
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European Investment Remains Resilient in Challenging Conditions
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New Tax Rules Aim to Level Playing Field for UK Holding Companies
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IPOs Versus Staying Private: Weighing the Benefits for Private Equity
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Wide-Ranging New UK National Security Regime Comes Into Force
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Private Equity Must Prepare for Higher Sustainability Standards
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Valuations Sharpen U.S. Private Equity Appetite for UK Companies
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Investor Expectations and Regulatory Scrutiny Rise as Sovereigns Co-Sponsor Deals
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New UK National Security Regime to Come Into Force in January 2022
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Longer Investment Periods Drive Creation of Longer-Term Funds
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Italian Airport Concession Rebalancing May Be a Missed Opportunity
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Directors’ Duties: Private Equity Responsibilities to Portfolio Companies
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The Power of Teamwork... The Continued Rise of Consortium Buyouts
Events
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September 14, 2021
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February 6, 2019