Legal Counsel - M&A

Legal Counsel – M&A

London, United Kingdom

Gresham Hunt is currently partnering with leading Financial Services client who are seeking an experienced Legal M&A Counsel to join their London-based team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting the mergers and acquisitions activities within the insurance sector. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a talented legal professional to contribute to high-impact transactions and collaborate closely with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting due diligence reviews on potential M&A transactions, analyzing legal risks, and providing strategic advice to the executive team.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of transactional documents, including letters of intent, purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, and ancillary agreements.
• Collaborating with internal departments, external legal advisors, and other relevant parties to ensure seamless execution of M&A deals.
• Assisting in the structuring and implementation of transactional strategies, including corporate reorganizations, joint ventures, and divestitures.
• Providing guidance on regulatory compliance matters related to M&A transactions, including insurance regulations, competition law, and corporate governance requirements.
• Supporting post-closing integration efforts, including the assimilation of acquired businesses and the resolution of any legal or contractual issues that may arise.
• Keeping abreast of industry developments, market trends, and best practices in M&A law to enhance the company's competitive advantage.
• Providing general legal advice and support to various business units on an ad-hoc basis, as needed.

Qualifications:

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with 2-5 years PQE in mergers and acquisitions, preferably within the insurance or financial services sector.
• Strong academic background with a law degree from a reputable institution; additional qualifications such as an LLM or MBA would be advantageous.
• Proven experience in managing complex M&A transactions including due diligence, negotiation, and documentation.
• Excellent drafting skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and succinctly.
• Sound understanding of corporate law, contract law, and relevant regulatory frameworks impacting the insurance brokerage industry.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to assess legal risks effectively.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.