Paul Weiss taps Simpson Thacher partner for European infrastructure push

Paul Weiss has hired Simpson Thacher partner Paul Foote to lead its European infrastructure M&A practice, continuing its push to build sector depth in London as capital pours into energy transition and digital infrastructure assets.

Foote spent five years at Simpson Thacher, where he advised infrastructure and private equity sponsors including EQT, Blackstone, KKR and Stonepeak on major European deals. He was at Clifford Chance before he joined the US firm.

His experience spans energy transition and digital infrastructure, with mandates including consortium deals, restructures and take-private transactions. He made partner in 2024 and has previously spent time on secondment at Blackstone and Antin Infrastructure Partners.

At Simpson Thacher, Foote recently acted for Stonepeak on its acquisition of a 65% stake in BP’s Castrol lubricants business, with Paul Weiss, including London office co-head Neel Sachdev, advising on the financing aspects.

London growth

After its headline-making London reboot in 2023, Paul Weiss has continued to add talent to its City benches.

Most recently, the firm picked up private equity partner Francesca Storey-Harris from US rival Kirkland. Last May, it added digital infrastructure specialist Tom Levine and restructuring partner Nick Charlwood, both from A&O Shearman.

Paul Weiss has also built out its disputes capability in London, launching a litigation practice last year led by Richard Hornshaw, formerly Akin’s head of disputes in the City.

The firm’s London office now counts 52 partners, according to its website.

What they said

"Paul has a vast understanding of the infrastructure sector and the trends driving surging investor interest in it," said Roger Johnson, global co-chair of the M&A practice and co-head of the London office. "Our European infrastructure practice has been growing rapidly to meet client demand in this important space."

Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp said: "His significant experience representing leading private equity sponsors and their funds will be invaluable to our clients as they increasingly invest in infrastructure in the UK and Europe."