European law firm Fieldfisher bolsters its Corporate practice and private equity offering with the addition of Partner Philip Watkins.
Philip joins Fieldfisher from Withers LLP, effective 3 February 2025, and will be based in the firm's London office.
Philip brings more than 27 years of experience to Fieldfisher, with a focus on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, takeovers, strategic investments, joint ventures, restructurings, buyouts and exit strategies. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including key areas for Fieldfisher such as technology and financial services, alongside media and telecommunications, retail, hospitality and leisure, education, luxury brands and fashion.
Working with leading private equity houses, family offices, integrated media groups, luxury hotel brands and international education providers, Philip has built a reputation as a trusted counsel, with considerable knowledge and experience in handling complex, high-value cases. His appointment and his focus on private equity will enable Fieldfisher to leverage its existing private equity experience.
Philip joins Fieldfisher's market-leading Corporate practice, which specialises in global M&A, equity capital markets and venture capital and includes over 26 partners across Birmingham, London and Manchester and over 300 lawyers globally. The firm’s UK practice consistently tops AIM-adviser rankings and is known for handling some of the most significant transactions in the market, including advising on SigmaRoc's USD $1.1 billion acquisition of CRH's European lime and limestone business, and advising Cornish Metals Inc. on £56m fundraising and National Wealth Fund investment
His appointment reflects the continued expansion of the Corporate practice, which recently welcomed Partner Tom Rush in the UK and Partner Peter O'Neill in Ireland. It also underscores the growing demand for Fieldfisher’s expertise in business investment across Europe.
Neil Matthews, UK Head of Corporate at Fieldfisher, commented: Welcoming Philip to Fieldfisher is a significant step in our strategic growth plans for our Corporate practice. His track record of delivering in high-stakes transactions will enable us to continue providing exceptional service to our clients in the UK and internationally.
Philip Watkins added: The reputation of Fieldfisher as a firm with a strong and diverse Corporate practice is well known, and the firm's expertise in the technology and financial services sector aligns with my experience and client base. I Iook forward to collaborating with colleagues both in London and across the international network to deliver for our clients of all sizes.
This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.