DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott represents Kewsong Lee and BellTower Partners in United Soccer Leagues investment
October 1, 2025
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte represented Kewsong Lee and BellTower Partners, a private investment firm supporting operating platforms focused on scalable, lasting growth, in a strategic investment in United Soccer Leagues, LLC, the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States.
The McDermott M&A team was led by Brian Gordon and included William Hadler, Sarah Sarb, Nicole Waitzman, Hudson Todd, Ellie Atkins, Debbie Harrison, Nicholas Neathamer, Melis Solaksubasi, Jeffrey Holdvogt, and Scott Kenkel. The McDermott Investment Funds team was led by Prem Amarnani and included Nana Taylor, Cheng-Hau Kee, and Matt Moreno.
Patrick McCurry is the relationship partner for Kewsong Lee and BellTower Partners.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte advises Théradial on the acquisition of the TauroSept® solution
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advises Théradial on the acquisition of the TauroSept® solution
October 1, 2025
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Schulte advised Théradial, specialist in the distribution of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, on the acquisition of the TauroSept® solution, a reference product in the prevention of central venous catheter-related infections.
This flagship product joins Théradial’s portfolio, strengthening its position in the vascular access market and opening new opportunities at the European and international levels.
The McDermott Will & Schulte team comprised:
- Diana Hund, Partner, on Corporate aspects
- Anne-France Moreau, Partner, Ludivine Rabreau, Alice Villagrasa, Nejma Palasse, associates, on transactional and regulatory aspects
- Charles de Raignac, Counsel, on intellectual property aspects
- Côme de Saint Vincent, Partner, and Paul-Henry de Laguiche, associate, on tax aspects
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Advises H.I.G. European Middle Market Fund On Its Acquisition Of France Workwear From Rentokil Initial
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises H.I.G. European Middle Market Fund On Its Acquisition Of France Workwear From Rentokil Initial
October 1, 2025
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte advised one of the affiliates of H.I.G. Capital (“H.I.G.”), a leading global alternative investment firm with $70 billion of capital under management, on its acquisition of the France Workwear business from Rentokil Initial. The business will be rebranded and operate under a new name in early 2026.
Headquartered in France, France Workwear is a leading provider of full-cycle textile services, specialising in the design, rental, and laundry/repair of workwear, flat linen, and hygiene solutions. It combines scale, service quality, and sustainability to deliver mission-critical services across 34 sites and a nationwide logistics network. France Workwear serves over 21,000 customers across diverse industries through long-term subscription contracts, with high levels of customer retention.
McDermott’s cross-border team was led by London-based partner Fatema Orjela (private equity) and included counsel Zoe Woodhouse, and associates Tom Johnson, Arjun Sehgal, Raees Khan and Jessica Dawood (all private equity). The team was supported in Paris, by partner Fabrice Piollet (private equity) and associates Julien-Pierre Tannoury, Faycal Laraki, Jordan Ohayon and Khimia Maddelin (all private equity), partners Côme de Saint Vincent and Antoine Vergnat (tax), partner Sabine Nauges (environmental regulatory) and counsel Matthieu Adam (environmental regulatory), partner Jilali Maazouz (employment) and associates Naré Arshakyan, and Abdel Abdellah (employment), partner Romain Perray (privacy) and associate Mai Matsubara, , counsel Charles de Raignac (intellectual property) and associate Emie Paganon (intellectual property), and Elizabeth Amzallag (finance).
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Will & Schulte advises Ardian Growth on its exit from the Proteor Group
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Will & Schulte advises Ardian Growth on its exit from the Proteor Group
October 1, 2025
Read time: 3 min
McDermott Will & Schulte advised Ardian Growth on its exit from the Proteor Group, a recognised player in the orthopaedics market.
Eurazeo, through its Nov Santé Actions Non Cotées fund, Crédit Mutuel Equity and Bpifrance are acquiring a stake in the family-owned group, alongside BNP Paribas Développement, which is reinvesting in the transaction.
The McDermott Will & Schulte team comprised:
- Diana Hund, Herschel Guez, partners, and Jordan Ohayon, associate, on corporate aspects
- Antoine Vergnat, partner, and Fanny Le Pogam, associate, on tax law aspects
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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Legal 500 UK 2026 rankings highlight McDermott Will & Schulte’s expanding London presence
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
Legal 500 UK 2026 rankings highlight McDermott Will & Schulte’s expanding London presence
October 1, 2025
Read time: 6 min
October 1, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has been recognized in Legal 500 UK 2026, with 25 practice rankings, the most rankings received to date. Additionally, the firm received 60+ lawyer recommendations, including 16 new. Of those recommended, 20 lawyers earned special distinctions in the “Hall of Fame,” “Leading Partners,” “Next Generation Partners,” and “Leading Associates” categories. This excellent performance underscores the rapid growth of the London office and reinforces the firm’s position among the world’s leading legal firms.
A standout achievement is that the Hedge Funds practice was ranked Tier 1, making the firm one of only two firms in the London market to hold that distinction this year. Furthermore, the firm gained new rankings in EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping, customs, and sanctions (Tier 3); Projects, Energy and Natural Resources: Oil and Gas (Tier 5); and TMT: Technology, Media and Telecoms (Firms to Watch). The firm moved up in the rankings in Securitisation (Tier 3); Commercial Property: Investment (Tier 4); and Bank Lending: Investment Grade Debt and Syndicated Debt Loans (Tier 4).
The firm’s overall rankings have been significantly bolstered following the 2025 merger of McDermott Will & Emery with Schulte Roth & Zabel, strengthening the London office and creating a powerful presence that delivers results. The expanded team now offers clients unmatched cross-border capabilities, driving growth and innovation in a competitive legal market.
Clients have consistently praised the team for their professionalism, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. One client described the team as “my go-to on both commercial and legal idea exchanges,” while another said, “They’re always available when needed, bringing creative ideas and competent solutions to the table. A truly and remarkably excellent group of professionals.” Additional feedback highlighted the firm’s ability to provide clear guidance and support in complex matters, with one client noting, “Excellent collaboration, insights and support; responsive and able to cut through ambiguity.”
View the full Legal 500 UK rankings list.
ABOUT LEGAL 500
The Legal 500 series, is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest legal referral guide. More than 300,000 buyers of legal services are surveyed and interviewed globally each year. Legal 500 is an independent guide, and firms and individuals are recommended purely on merit. It is the only guide to truly reflect the needs of corporate counsel by focusing on the strength in depth of the teams (practice and associates) rather than simply listing individual partners.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott named International Law Firm of the Year finalist by British Legal Awards
AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott named International Law Firm of the Year finalist by British Legal Awards
September 30, 2025
Read time: 3 min
September 30, 2025 – International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has been named a finalist for International Law Firm of the Year as part of the 2025 British Legal Awards. The recognition underscores McDermott’s commitment to the UK market, where it continues to expand its presence and deliver top-tier legal advice across core practices.
McDermott has also been recognized in the Outstanding Corporate Culture category for McDermott Well – the Firm’s global initiative designed to provide stigma-free support, practical resources, and tools to enhance well-being, resilience, and high performance across its offices.
Hosted by Law.com International, the British Legal Awards celebrate the most outstanding achievements of law firms, in-house teams, chambers, and individuals shaping the future of the legal profession.
Read more about the finalists here.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott Advises Süd BG on the Sale of its Shares in KKL Group to Triton Portfolio Company bluu unit
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott Advises Süd BG on the Sale of its Shares in KKL Group to Triton Portfolio Company bluu unit
October 6, 2025
Read time: 3 min
Frankfurt, October 6, 2025 – McDermott Will & Schulte advised Stuttgart-based investment company Süd Beteiligungen GmbH (SüdBG) on the sale of its shares in KKL Holding GmbH (KKL), Düsseldorf, to bluu unit GmbH, a portfolio company of Triton Partners. The transaction also comprises the shares held by founder Andreas Kohmann and the participating management. The transaction is still subject to antitrust approvals.
Founded in 1987, KKL is one of Germany’s leading specialists in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration technology. SüdBG invested in the company in 2018 as part of a management buyout and has since worked with the founder and advisory board to support the management team in executing its growth strategy. KKL now employs around 300 people and generates sales of over €80 million.
bluu unit headquartered in Ludwigsburg is an alliance of regionally strong, independent companies focused on sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning technology.
SüdBG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW), one of the leading investment companies in the German-speaking region and a long-term investor. Over the past ten years, SüdBG has supported more than 70 companies with around €600 million and a broad network in sustainable corporate development.
The McDermott team was led by Christian Marzlin and Benedict von Schorlemer, and included partners Rolf Hünermann and Heiko Kermer, counsels Holger Mlynek, Dr. Simon Groneberg, Marcus Fischer and Laura Stammwitz as well as associates Jennifer Rogalski, Jan Ischreyt, Constanze Götz, Carina Schützeberg and Sönke Wassermann.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott represents SAP in its acquisition of SmartRecruiters
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott represents SAP in its acquisition of SmartRecruiters
September 24, 2025
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte represented SAP (NYSE:SAP), a global leader in enterprise application software, in its acquisition of SmartRecruiters, a leading talent acquisition software provider. The transaction was first announced on August 1 and was completed on September 11, 2025.
The SmartRecruiters platform will now be integrated with the SAP SuccessFactors Human Capital Management (HCM) suite. This addition will make it easier for enterprises to manage the entire hiring lifecycle, from sourcing to onboarding, with enhanced AI-enabled recruiting capabilities that result in faster time-to-hire, improved candidate experiences and deeper analytics for workforce planning.
The cross-border McDermott team was led by David Lipkin with invaluable assistance from the core M&A team comprised of Charles Darantiere, Meredith Schwartz, and Oliver Cheng, and paralegal Matt Moreno. Evan Belosa, Scott Kenkel, and Lauren Salas Mationg advised on executive compensation and employee benefits matters; Pankit Doshi, Rob Marshall, Thomas Gennert, Jilali Maazouz, Danielle Cummins, Lennart Neumann, and Naré Arshakyan advised on employment matters; Nickou Oskoui advised on intellectual property matters; Jon Dubrow, Stéphane Dionnet, Laura Stammwitz, Emilia Bonine, Noah Feldman Greene, and Graham Hyman advised on antitrust matters; Julian André and Caitlin Sheard advised on ethics and compliance matters; Raminta Dereskeviciute, Raymond Paretzky, and Michal Chajdukowski advised on trade and export controls matters; Jonathan Ende, Katelyn Ringrose, and Lorraine Maisnier-Boché, advised on privacy and cybersecurity matters; Hudson Todd and Kevin Hall advised on tax matters; Erin Kansy advised on real estate matters; and Niraj Patel, Deepak Tamasker, Eric Benoliel, and Traci Ottenfeld assisted on commercial contracts matters.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott adds former USPTO commissioner to IP Practice
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott adds former USPTO commissioner to IP Practice
September 23, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Vaishali Udupa has joined the firm as counsel in its Intellectual Property (IP) Practice Group, based in Washington, DC. She joins the firm after serving as commissioner for patents at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where she led the agency’s patent operations and spearheaded its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, including guidance on inventorship, subject matter eligibility, and the use of AI tools in patent practice.
“We’re excited to welcome Vaishali to McDermott. Her unique blend of public and private sector leadership will be a tremendous value-add to our clients navigating complex IP landscapes,” said Jennifer Mikulina, co-head of McDermott’s Global Intellectual Property Practice.
“Vaishali’s arrival adds significant dimension and depth of knowledge to our group. Her experience and insight will benefit our clients and our existing lawyers immeasurably,” added Doug Carsten, co-head of McDermott’s IP Practice.
A nationally recognized IP lawyer, Udupa brings more than two decades of experience spanning private practice, in-house counsel roles, and public service. Prior to her role at the USPTO, Udupa held senior legal positions at a Fortune 500 technology company, where she managed high-stakes litigation disputes and advised on portfolio development, licensing, and enforcement. Her experience spans networking and telecommunications systems, software, e-commerce, consumer products, and medical devices.
“I’ve had a longstanding relationship with McDermott and have always admired the firm’s deep bench of talent and collaborative culture,” said Vaishali. “This team embodies a rare and powerful blend of intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence – distinctive qualities that are essential for navigating today’s biggest IP challenges with insight and precision.”
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McDermott advises Allianz in Coterie Insurance equity investment
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott advises Allianz in Coterie Insurance equity investment
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte represented Allianz X, the strategic investment arm of the Allianz Group, in a strategic equity investment in data-powered managing general agent Coterie Insurance (Coterie).
The deal invests in AI-driven underwriting and servicing, coupling stakeholder support with strong risk selection and underwriting discipline. The investment also establishes a long-term, expanded reinsurance relationship between Coterie and Allianz Reinsurance, the reinsurance arm of the Allianz Group.
The deal team was led by Michael Byrne and included Andrea Best, Amber Adair, and Leila Fujiwara.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
