Covington Grows Private Equity Practice in London

Covington Grows Private Equity Practice in London

March 1, 2022

LONDON–Mark Thompson has joined Covington’s London office as a partner and co-chair of the firm’s global private equity practice.

Mark has an established private equity practice in London, where he has been advising on transactions in a variety of industries, including life sciences, energy, telecommunications, electronic payments, banking, finance and real estate, for the past 20 years. He has extensive experience advising clients, including sovereign wealth funds, on making investments in the U.S., Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. Mark regularly advises private equity funds in strategic investments in emerging markets, as well as navigating issues arising in the acquisition of distressed companies.

“Mark is a fantastic addition to our team and will make an immediate impact for our firm’s global private equity clients seeking counsel in EMEA and emerging markets,” said Gregor Frizzell, head of Covington’s EMEA Corporate Practice. “In addition, his experience in Western Europe will combine neatly with the private equity expertise in the firm’s Frankfurt office that has a strong reputation in Germany and beyond.”

“Growing our private equity practice continues to be a strategic priority for Covington. We will continue to grow our private equity practice, including in New York and London,” said Catherine Dargan, chair of Covington’s Corporate practice.

Covington launched its private equity practice more than 25 years ago. Sergio Urias and Amy Wollensack, who are based in New York currently serve as co-chairs of the practice, and will continue in these roles along with Mark. Covington’s private equity practice represents sponsors and lenders in buyouts, LBOs, growth investments, restructurings, recapitalizations, secondary transactions, as well as provides a wide range of services to portfolio companies and management teams. The firm also regularly advises private equity and private debt funds in a wide range of finance transactions, including acquisition financings and direct lending transactions.

“The strong global private equity market suggests tremendous appetite for seeking out sound investment opportunities around the world,” said Sergio. “Yet at the same time, a complex geopolitical environment coupled with the intense focus on compliance and regulation mean that the role of lawyers advising on these transactions is more crucial than ever.”

“Covington is uniquely positioned to assist private equity funds as they face increased government scrutiny and regulation around the world,” said Amy. “Our strong dealmaking capability combined with our unmatched global regulatory and public policy expertise provide clients with the necessary holistic legal and business advice needed for the most complicated transactions.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the Covington team,” said Mark. “Now, more than ever, global funds, investors and private companies seeking to boost their portfolios need law firms that can help clients navigate increasingly complicated regulatory environments. Covington’s industry depth and global multi-disciplinary capabilities will be a powerful complement to our private equity clients. This is the reason why I believe that Covington, with its collegial environment and collaborative culture, is the best platform for expanding my private equity practice.”

Mark is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Bowdoin College. He is a registered foreign lawyer in the UK and is admitted to practice in the United States in New York, the District of Columbia, and Georgia.