Morgan Lewis is ramping up its efforts to capture a larger share of the mergers and acquisitions market in London, according to the firm's leaders. The US-based law firm plans to add more partners and deepen its focus on private equity transactions, aiming to compete more aggressively with top-tier firms.
Expansion strategy
The firm has already hired several partners from rival firms this year, including from Latham & Watkins and Kirkland & Ellis. These hires are part of a broader strategy to strengthen its corporate practice in London, where it currently has about 30 partners. The goal is to increase that number significantly over the next few years.
Morgan Lewis's London office has traditionally been strong in litigation and regulatory work, but the firm sees a major opportunity in M&A, particularly in private equity. The UK market for private equity deals has been robust, with many US firms seeking to expand their presence.
Market conditions
According to data from Mergermarket, the total value of UK M&A deals in 2024 reached £250 billion, up 15% from the previous year. Private equity accounted for about 40% of that total. Morgan Lewis aims to capture a larger slice of that activity by offering a full-service platform to clients.
“We see a real opportunity to grow our M&A practice in London, especially in the private equity space,” said John Smith, managing partner of Morgan Lewis's London office. “Our clients are looking for a firm that can handle complex cross-border transactions, and we have the talent and resources to deliver that.”
Competitive landscape
The London legal market for M&A is highly competitive, with firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Freshfields dominating. However, Morgan Lewis believes it can differentiate itself through its global reach and deep industry expertise. The firm has already advised on several high-profile deals, including the acquisition of a UK-based tech company by a US private equity firm.
“The key is to have the right people and the right focus,” said Sarah Johnson, a partner who joined from Latham & Watkins. “We are building a team that can compete with anyone.”
Future plans
Morgan Lewis plans to continue hiring laterally and also invest in training its junior lawyers. The firm is also considering opening a new office in another UK city, such as Manchester, to tap into regional deal activity. The expansion is part of a broader push by the firm to grow its international revenue, which currently accounts for about 30% of total revenue.
“London is a critical market for us, and we are committed to being a major player here,” Smith added. “We have the ambition and the resources to make it happen.”
