ProfessionalsMatthew Hearn
Tel: +44-20-7601-8739
Fax: +44-20-7691-7790
mhearn@paulweiss
mhearn@paulweiss
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 2024, 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.
EXPERIENCE
Matt’s notable representations have included:
- 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