Dentons swoops up a Kirkland partner to strengthen PE

Dentons has hired Jack Donelan as a corporate partner in London, joining from Kirkland & Ellis as the firm looks to strengthen its private equity capability.

Donelan advises financial sponsors and corporate clients on acquisitions, portfolio company matters and exits, with a focus on mid-market private equity transactions.

Alongside his sponsor-side work across multiple sectors, Donelan also advises affiliated platforms and financial institutions, as well as handling co-counsel mandates, M&A and general corporate matters.

PE capability

Dentons said the hire aligns with a broader push to expand its corporate offering, particularly in mid-market private equity, a segment where deal activity has remained relatively steady even as large-cap buyouts have slowed.

Sullivan & Cromwell also picked up two corporate Kirkland partners in December including private equity partner Aprajita Dhundia.

What they said

Paul Jarvis, chief executive of Dentons UK, Ireland and Middle East (UKIME), said: “Expanding our private equity capability is a key priority for our corporate practice.

Jack brings significant experience advising sponsors and portfolio companies, and his arrival significantly strengthens our team in the UKIME as well as our wider international corporate platform.”

Darren Acres, partner and co-head of Dentons’ UK corporate practice, added: “Jack has developed an impressive sponsor-focused practice and strong client relationships in the mid-market private equity space.

His experience will enhance our existing capability and help drive further collaboration across our banking & finance, tax, competition and commercial teams.”

Donelan said Dentons’ global platform and cross-border capabilities were key to the move, noting its “entrepreneurial culture” and ability to support sponsor clients internationally.