Simpson Thacher & Bartlett added James Howe to its mergers and acquisitions practice as a partner in the London office.

“We are very pleased to welcome James to Simpson Thacher,” Bill Dougherty, chairman of Simpson Thacher’s executive committee, said. “His extensive experience advising private equity firms and financial institutions on complex deals in the United Kingdom, continental Europe and around the world will further enhance our strong London-based platform.”

Howe focuses on cross-border leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. He has advised a range of clients across the globe, including many private equity sponsors and financial institutions. He joined Simpson Thacher & Bartlett from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

“Given his experience advising many of the most sophisticated private equity sponsors on a wide range of high-profile transactions, James is a perfect fit for the firm,” Jason Glover, managing partner of the London office of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, said. “His dealmaking prowess further bolsters our existing top-notch global private equity mergers and acquisitions capabilities, adding further depth to our extraordinarily talented bench of lawyers in London.”

“James has earned an excellent reputation in the market for his commercial nature and ability to provide clients with well-rounded advice that is solutions-driven. He is a wonderful addition to the team, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our mergers and acquisitions practice in London,” Ben Spiers, London mergers and acquisitions head for Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, said.