Ashurst boosts City capital markets bench with returning senior partner

Ashurst has hired White & Case senior capital markets partner Jonathan Parry in London, strengthening its corporate team as it targets growth in equity capital markets.

Parry brings more than 25 years of experience advising on equity capital markets transactions across the LSE and European exchanges, including IPOs and rights issues, acting for both issuers and investment banks.

Corporate focus

The hire signals continued investment in ECM capability within Ashurst’s broader corporate offering, which spans both private M&A and public company work. It follows the firm’s hire of a three-partner private equity team from Goodwin in March.

Jason Radford, global head of corporate at Ashurst, said: "Our corporate practice is a full-service offering, covering all aspects of private M&A and public company work, and equity capital markets is a core part of that."

He added: "Jonathan is a proven leader in the ECM space, bringing deep experience advising both issuers and financial institutions across the full spectrum of public offerings."

The move also comes after several senior departures from Ashurst’s ECM team towards the end of the last year, including former ECM head Simon Bullock to Baker McKenzie and long-serving partner Nicholas Holmes to Pinsent Masons.

Return to Ashurst

Parry rejoins the firm after nearly a decade, with Ashurst positioning the move as both a capability boost and a strategic return.

Nick Williamson, UK head of corporate, said: "It is great to welcome Jon back to Ashurst, he is a great addition to our corporate team.” He added that Parry brings "the rare blend of being a very strong technical lawyer, whilst also being commercial and pragmatic.”

He added that Ashurst clients will benefit as “ECM activity builds”.

Market timing

The hire comes as firms look to position themselves for a potential rebound in ECM activity following a subdued period for listings and equity issuance.

Global chief executive Paul Jenkins said: "As companies navigate evolving market conditions and seek strategic access to equity capital markets, Jonathan will play a key role in strengthening our ability to deliver best-in-class advice”.

Parry said he was joining "at a time of real momentum" and highlighted the firm’s focus on expanding its corporate practice.