He is a market-leading transactional lawyer with nearly 30 years corporate finance experience, advising on both public and private M&A transactions and a wide range of equity capital markets projects. David works with international clients across a broad range of sectors but with a significant focus on financial institutions.
David is a "Market leader" in IFLR1000 for M&A and ECM, and listed in the Hall of Fame in Legal 500 for M&A and ranked Band 2 in Chambers UK legal directory for M&A.
David is Global Co-Head of M&A and a member of the Executive Committee.
Expertise
Industries
Experience
Representative matters
Virgin Atlantic on its £1.2bn recapitalisation plan.
Quilter on its demerger from the Old Mutual group of companies and the associated IPO of Quilter on the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
The Brinks Company Inc on the acquisition of the conventional cash business of G4S plc across 14 jurisdictions.
Prosus on its hostile and contested GBP5.5bn cash offer to acquire Just Eat, the UK based international online food order and delivery service.
21st Century Fox on its GBP27.7bn takeover bid for Sky and the subsequent GBP11.6bn sale of its 39% stake in Sky to Comcast; and on its USD66bn combination with The Walt Disney Company.
Worldpay on its GBP2.24bn IPO on the London Stock Exchange, at its time the largest IPO of a private equity company in the UK and the largest UK FinTech IPO.
Virgin Money on its GBP4.4bn merger with CYBG (having advised Virgin Money on the acquisition of Northern Rock and its GBP1.25bn IPO on the London Stock Exchange).
A subsidiary of a financial institution on its GBP4bn rights issue and subsequent acquisition by Lloyds Banking Group and the associated GBP11.5bn placing and open offer.
Direct Line Insurance Group plc and parent company, a subsidiary of a multinational financial institution, on the GBP2.9bn IPO of Direct Line on the London Stock Exchange (and pre-IPO Tier 2 debt issuance).
KCA Deutag on its USD660m acquisition of Dalma Energy's Omani and Saudi Arabian land drilling business.
The core UK shareholders in a European division of a payments technology company on the company’s EUR16.5bn acquisition of that European division.
Published Work
- Co-Author, 2011, United Kingdom chapter in "Mergers & Acquisitions", Global Legal Insights by Global Legal Group
Recognition
“David expertly leads matters with care and flair”
Chambers UK, 2024
“David is held in high regard for the service and expertise he brings to the engagement ”
Chambers UK, 2023
Awards
- Restructuring deal of the year – Virgin Atlantic recapitalisation plan -2021 International Financial Law Review (IFLR) Europe Awards 2021
- Worldpay IPO - Equity Deal of the Year IFLR Europe Awards 2016
- KCA Deutag's acquisition of Dalma Energy – M&A Deal of the Year, IFLR Middle East Awards 2018
Qualifications
Admissions
Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 1996
Academic
MA, History & Philosophy, University of Leeds, 1992
Languages
English