Europe

We understand Europe’s changing economic, political and regulatory landscape. Our lawyers evolve with the market and they are deeply committed to advancing clients’ commercial objectives. We drive successful outcomes, whether related to a particular transaction or litigation matter, using our vast knowledge of English law. The team’s goal is to know and enhance our clients’ businesses while offering sound, cost-efficient advice across the European market.

The strengths of our European team include:

Banking & Finance – We advise major financial investment banks, commercial banks, alternative capital providers, and corporate and private equity funds. Our clients benefit from our sophisticated understanding of the industry worldwide, whether their transaction is local, national or international. We work with clients to analyze potential risks and develop short- and long-term plans designed to meet their goals. Our business-focused approach and integrated teams produce a seamless execution for both financing providers and users in financings, including asset-based lending, receivables and invoice financing; bid financing; corporate lending; derivatives and structured finance; event-driven financings; leveraged buyouts, dividend recapitalization and acquisition financing; real estate financing; subscription financing; and super senior, term loans, mezzanine and subordinated financings.

Competition/Antitrust & EU Law – Our lawyers are experienced in the competition/antitrust field at the EU and UK levels, as well as internationally. We advise on a range of EU and national merger control proceedings, including second-phase cases and worldwide multijurisdictional matters. Our experience includes antitrust and abuse-of-dominance cases under EU, UK and other national competition rules and we provide counselling and compliance advice and training in these areas. We also advise on EU state aid, public procurement and EU regulatory matters. Our competition lawyers and litigators work together on appeals of competition authorities’ decisions and we have cutting-edge skills in civil competition litigation in UK courts.

Corporate – Our corporate team guides clients through complex and evolving issues associated with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, commercial contracts, equity fundraising, corporate finance and securities (including listings on the LSE and AIM). Our lawyers advise public and private companies seeking to expand their operations overseas, as well as corporates and investors seeking business opportunities in the UK and other countries around the world. We provide clients with the 360-degree deal coverage they expect, including project management and coordination of transactions, and liaising with other professional advisers and foreign counsel.

Data Privacy – Our data privacy lawyers serve as business advisers to clients in all aspects of GDPR compliance, such as assisting and advising on required data mapping, reviewing and developing corporate policies and contracts, and supporting their handling of day-to-day data practices. We also counsel clients on proposed changes to EU laws relating to e-privacy, particularly in the context of direct marketing communications and online tracking of user activity.

International Arbitration & Litigation – Our litigators handle international disputes, from the initial stages of a controversy to representation at hearings through enforcement. Our industry experience spans a broad range of key industries, including financial services, energy, construction and others. We represent clients in complex High Court litigation, including obtaining injunctions and other urgent interim relief, and in multijurisdictional disputes. McGuireWoods litigators appear for clients in high-stakes international arbitrations under all major rules in key arbitral forums in Europe, including London, Paris and Amsterdam. We also assist clients before disputes arise to understand and minimize litigation risks, including advising on drafting issues from the outset of transactions.

Labor & Employment – Our attorneys work with employers to stay ahead of the curve on global workplace risk, partnering with them to manage issues before they arise. We advise and assist on pan-European issues, including contract and policy reviews, collective labor relations, drafting and enforcement of post-termination restrictions on mobile and foreign employees, cross-border business transfers and multijurisdictional re-organizations.

Real Estate – We advise on all aspects of corporate real estate; investment and funds work; development and regeneration projects; structured sales, purchases and restructuring of UK and European assets and portfolios; and leasing and asset management for national and international investors, developers and end users. Our lawyers are experienced in the pharmaceutical, industrial, energy/infrastructure, care home and student accommodation sectors. In addition, we handle the real estate aspects of corporate and finance cross-border transactions.

UK Fraud & Regulation – Led by the former first general counsel to the UK Serious Fraud Office, our team advises clients on economic crime, bribery, anti-money laundering and civil fraud. We have contacts and experience cooperating with government investigators and prosecutors around the world. Clients benefit from the fraud experience of our civil, criminal and regulatory lawyers, who work together on strategies to ensure maximum financial recoveries.