Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom has appointed private equity lawyers Richard Youle and Katja Butler as partners in the firm’s European private equity practice in London.
Youle and Butler will add a expertise to Skadden’s global private equity and corporate platforms.
Youle was the co-head of both the global and EMEA private equity groups at his previous firm, from which Butler is also joining. His practice focuses on private equity, and he advises private equity houses and financial sponsor clients on all forms of leveraged M&A and portfolio assistance, including restructuring advice.
Butler focuses on transactional private equity, particularly issues impacting capital structures, and she assists portfolio companies between buy-out and exit.
Pranav Trivedi, head of Skadden’s London office, says: “Richard and Katja will assume fundamental roles in driving our private equity practice forward, working with other members of our PE team and our M&A, capital markets, investment management, real estate, banking and tax lawyers.”
Scott V Simpson, Skadden’s co-head of global transactions, says: “This is a very exciting move for the firm. Richard and Katja will greatly enhance our ability to advise on high-end PE work in London and across Europe, complementing our broader corporate capabilities globally.”
Youle adds: “Skadden has one of the most envied corporate practices in the world and an exemplary quality-focused team that is simply unmatched. Katja and I look forward to collaborating with the firm’s London lawyers, as well as my new colleagues across the global platform.”
Skadden represents private equity firms in connection with all aspects of their businesses, including structuring and organising fund sponsors and their investment funds; executing acquisitions, financings and exit transactions; and providing corporate, securities, financing and litigation advice to portfolio companies.
