We are pleased to announce that Richard Youle and Katja Butler have joined the firm in London as partners in the private equity practice.
Mr. Youle, one of the U.K.'s pre-eminent private equity practitioners, was co-head of both the global and Europe, Middle East and Africa divisions of the private equity group at his previous firm, from which Ms. Butler is also joining. He advises private equity houses and financial sponsor clients on all forms of leveraged M&A and portfolio assistance, including restructuring.
One of the U.K.'s rising private equity stars, Ms. Butler focuses on transactional private equity, particularly issues impacting capital structures, and assists portfolio companies between buyout and exit.
Pranav Trivedi, head of Skadden's London office, said, "Richard and Katja will assume fundamental roles in driving our private equity practice forward, working with other members of our PE team and our M&A, capital markets, investment management, real estate, banking and tax lawyers."
Scott Simpson, Skadden's co-head of Global Transactions, said, "This is a very exciting move for the firm. Richard and Katja will greatly enhance our ability to advise on high-end PE work in London and across Europe, complementing our broader corporate capabilities globally."
Mr. Youle added, "Skadden has one of the most envied corporate practices in the world and an exemplary quality-focused team that is simply unmatched. Katja and I look forward to collaborating with the firm's London lawyers, as well as my new colleagues across the global platform."