Squire Patton Boggs has further expanded its Global Corporate Practice in London with the appointment of partner Fergus Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher joins from McDermott Will & Emery where he was a corporate partner.
Mr. Gallagher’s practice is focused on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, equity capital markets (IPOs and secondary fundraisings), corporate restructurings and corporate governance advice. Since qualifying in 2007 at Hogan Lovells, Mr. Gallagher has developed a deep understanding of, and extensive experience within, the FMCG (particularly food and beverages) and industrials sectors. He also brings considerable emerging markets experience, with his international work involving acquisitions in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Uganda, Vietnam and Argentina.
Mr. Gallagher’s work highlights include advising SABMiller plc in relation to the placing of its US$1billion shareholding in JSE-listed gaming, hotel and entertainment group Tsogo Sun Holdings Limited; advising on the sale of the Peroni, Grolsch and Meantime business to Asahi Group Holdings Ltd; advising Asahi on the acquisition of the Fuller’s beer business from Fuller Smith & Turner plc; and advising Smiths Group plc on its acquisition of Seebach GmbH.
Welcoming Mr. Gallagher, Jane Haxby, who co-leads the UK Equity Capital Markets team and is managing partner of the London office, said, “Fergus’ cross-border experience and his M&A, capital markets and public company expertise adds to our growing practice in London. Together with Julian Thatcher, who also joins today, he complements our recent London hires – Jayson Marks in equity capital markets and Charles Leeming and Ben Squires in private equity and funds – and also brings valuable transactional experience to our dynamic Africa team, already strong in energy, projects, international arbitration and public policy advice.”
“We are delighted to have Fergus with us,” said Corporate partner Hannah Kendrick, who leads the firm’s Food & Beverage Industry Group. “In his work in the FMCG sector, Fergus has demonstrated the legal and industry know-how and commercial awareness we know our clients value. This broad experience and Fergus’ strong relationships enhances our global food and drink capabilities.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gallagher said, “I’m excited to be joining the team at Squire Patton Boggs. The talent and energy across the firm, its collaborative, multi-practice culture and the advantages of its global platform offer great opportunities to contribute to the practice in the sectors and markets of strategic focus.”