Simmons & Simmons

????? November's ESG View is now live! ? As the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku wraps up today, we reflect on the busy month it has been for the sustainability agenda across the globe.? ? In this edition of ESG View, we recap the pivotal updates from Biodiversity COP16, alongside highlights on regulatory developments across Europe and the Middle East, and delve into key litigation news including the seminal Shell decision from the Netherlands.? ? This month’s bulletin is uniquely packed with live consultations, spanning nature transition planning, new updates from the UK Stewardship Code, and the final touches on sustainable finance taxonomies in Australia and Thailand. Read the full newsletter now: https://lnkd.in/eYmvaKdr #COP29

?? Exciting News! ?? ? We′ve advised the partners of insurance broker Griffiths & Armour on its sale to leading global professional services firm Aon. This transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is a significant step in Griffiths & Armour’s growth strategy and aligns with Aon's expansion plans. ? Griffiths & Armour is renowned for its expertise in professional indemnity insurance and general insurance broking. This deal highlights our prowess in the financial services sector and our ability to advise on complex M&A deals for regulated clients across multiple jurisdictions. ? Our team, led by corporate partner David Hicks, included support from Kim Farrar, David Brangam, Jennifer Watters, and a cross-practice, multi-disciplinary team.? ? Congratulations to all involved! ?? ? Read here: https://lnkd.in/dPymHcrq ? #MergersAndAcquisitions #Insurance #FinancialServices #GrowthStrategy

Law.com 2024 has published its prestigious Private Equity Rising Star power list – and we’re delighted to see Elise Boehmer has made the cut!??? Elise, a supervising associate in our?Amsterdam office, is named as one of?25 of the best up-and-coming private equity lawyers in the UK and Europe. Among other qualities, Elise was recognised for her ability to provide “quick, actionable advice” for her clients. The accolade also highlights her continued focus on enhancing her leadership skills and leveraging the use of AI in private equity transactions, recognising its growing importance in the industry. ??Congratulations Elise!??

?? On 18 November, the Data Centre construction sector came under significant scrutiny when the EU Commission conducted unannounced inspections, known as Dawn Raids, targeting companies active in this field. In conjunction with these raids, formal requests for information were issued, marking a pivotal moment for the industry. ?? Listen to Barry Gross and Dr. Andrea Pomana, partners in our Simmons & Simmons Antitrust and Competition team, in this special episode of the Data Dive Special: Dawn Raids on the DC Construction Sector podcast where they delved into the implications of these actions, exploring what this means for the sector, what we can anticipate happening next, and the broader consequences for businesses involved. Listen now on our website or wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/e7Kkufpn

A groundbreaking new whale rights law – “Te Mana o Te Tohorā". We’re really proud to have launched a new global initiative through our pro bono work – which will support governments to confer legal personhood on whales and other cetaceans. Developed with the Pacific Whale Fund and Ocean Vision Legal, the proposed legislation offers a pathway for nations to adopt similar laws and contribute to a global movement recognising the rights of nature. Integrating Māori and Pacific values, the bill sets a new global benchmark for environmental protection. As Simmons partner Robert Allen explains, the legislation “builds upon existing protections for whales and dolphins”, and “challenges outdated legal frameworks that view these beings as mere resources, providing a blueprint for a new era of legal recognition and respect for all ocean life." Read more: https://lnkd.in/dMGMCsxx #RightsofNature #ProBono | Pacific Whale Fund | Ocean Vision Legal

Join Andrea Finn, Dan Ornstein, Tair Hussain, David McDonald, Sarah Berkeley and Julia Gori for a discussion on the legal and regulatory issues arising when managing regulated individuals. Our international employment lawyers will share their regional expertise to provide insights and offer perspectives on best practice and potential pitfalls related to compliance with employment law and regulation across jurisdictions.? ? Register now: https://lnkd.in/eUqg5Smn

♂ Today is International Men’s Day which recognises the positive impact men have in the world, on their families and in their communities. ♂ ? The theme for 2024 is “Positive Male Role Models”. In line with this, our Gender Balance network hosted a number of events across our offices to highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s wellbeing. ?? ? First up was a successful breakfast event in our Bristol office. It was great to see so many sharing stories about male role models in their lives. ? Following this, in our London office our Coffee, Cake and Conversation morning offered a wonderful opportunity for all colleagues to come together to mark the occasion creating the space for colleagues to engage with and support one another. Here's to celebrating all the amazing men in our lives! ?? #InternationalMensDay #genderbalance #genderequality

? One day to go: we’re excited to kick off day 1 of Global Legal and Business Outlook 2024 tomorrow! ??? Expect fascinating talks, emerging trends, essential tools and strategies to equip your business, opportunities to interact with leaders in the field, and a chance to be part of?a community shaping the future of legal innovation. For more information, see the full agenda on our website: https://lnkd.in/ekdTqNeW Pssstt... ?? What session are you looking forward to most? Tell us in the comments below and don’t forget to share your highlights with us! ????

?? More asset and wealth management deal news! We're thrilled to report that we have successfully advised on another corporate transaction within the asset and wealth management sector, acting for the management shareholders of Clifton Asset Management Ltd on an investment by private equity firm CBPE. ? The transaction is a significant move for Clifton, as it seeks to accelerate its growth under the new partnership with CBPE. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will support both organic growth and Clifton’s acquisition strategy. ? The Simmons team advising Clifton’s management shareholders was led by corporate partner David Hicks, with support from Counsel Alexander Critchley and other members of the UK corporate team, alongside private equity partner Richard Kyle and Counsel Linda Zeman. ? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBWbdSPT

?? We're delighted to welcome Diane Richardson as a new partner in our Bristol office! With extensive expertise in global loans and real estate finance, she will bring her experience leading on complex, high-value cross-border financings to our team.? ? ?? Diane will lead our banking practice in Bristol, focusing on expanding our team and enhancing our services in the financial institutions and asset management sectors. Her appointment marks a significant step in our UK Banking Group's growth, aligning with our strategy to meet the increasing demand for our services. ? Please join us in welcoming Diane!??? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eiKbPaaB