ProfessionalsMatthew Hearn
Tel: +44-20-7601-8739
Fax: +44-20-7691-7790
mhearn@paulweiss.com
A partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group, Matthew Hearn advises clients on sophisticated domestic and cross-border corporate transactions, with a focus on public takeovers and complex private M&A across a broad range of industries.
Matt’s public takeovers practice encompasses representing both bidders and target companies, including international and UK entities, in recommended, hostile and competitive situations. He also co-manages the firm’s UK Public M&A practice.
Matt also has particular experience in the financial services sector, having advised banks, insurers and asset managers across a broad range of transactions and strategic advisory matters.
Recognized as an "Up and Coming" Partner and Notable Practitioner for Corporate/M&A: 800m+ by Chambers UK 2025, and a Key Lawyer in UK Legal 500 2024 for M&A: Upper Mid-Market and Premium Deals, Matt is lauded for his technical expertise, ability to guide clients through difficult issues, detailed approach and dedication. Additionally, he has been ranked among the Top 10 UK Dealmakers of 2024 by Law.com.
EXPERIENCE
Matt’s notable representations have included:
- General Atlantic on its c. £800m recommended takeover of Learning Technologies Group
- Mondi in relation to its competing proposed all share combination with DS Smith
- Spirent Communications on its £1.16bn competing takeover by Keysight Technologies and its £1bn takeover by Viavi Solutions
- Ageas on its proposed takeover of Direct Line
- PIMCO on its sale of Hellenic Bank to Eurobank and associated mandatory takeover offer
- Vistry Group on various matters, including its £1.25bn recommended cash and share combination with Countryside Partnerships
- WSP Group on its:
- £600m proposed takeover of RPS Group
- US$1.9bn acquisition of John Wood Group’s E&I business
- Uni-Select on its US$2.1bn public acquisition by LQK Corporation
- Metro Bank on its takeover defense against The Carlyle Group
- Tate & Lyle on various matters, including:
- on its acquisition of CP Kelco for c. $1.8bn from JM Huber Corporation
- the US$1.7bn separation and sale of a controlling stake in its primary products business to KPS Capital Partners and the establishment of associated joint venture arrangements
- Advent on its £4bn recommended takeover for Cobham
- Ophir on the £400m recommended takeover by Medco
- Sibanye-Stillwater on its £285m recommended takeover for Lonmin
- Friends Life Group on the £5.6bn recommended takeover by Aviva
- The Jardine Matheson Group on various matters, including its sale of the Jardine Motors Group to Lithia
- Old Mutual on the £12bn managed separation of its four constituent businesses into independent businesses and related initial public offering of Quilter
- Schroders on its acquisition of a majority stake in leading impact investor BlueOrchard
- intu properties (in administration) on its financial restructuring
- Santander on the acquisition of a majority stake in UK fintech Ebury (and subsequent investments)
- The Carlyle Group in relation to the acquisition of a 30% interest in CEPSA
- Rothesay Life on various matters, including:
- the buy-out of Goldman Sachs by Blackstone, GIC and MassMutual
- the creation of a £1.5bn capital pool for future investment
- the acquisition of UK annuities and supporting assets from Scottish Equitable
- the issuance of £250m subordinated notes qualifying under Solvency II
- Lloyds Banking Group on various matters, including:
- the implementation of UK ring-fencing legislation
- UK Government sell-down
- share buyback programs
- various other transactions