Paul Claydon and James Gubbins have joined the London office of Covington & Burling LLP, boosting its comprehensive global life sciences practice.
Both arrive from Morrison & Foerster LLP.
Claydon has more than 20 years of experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, private equity and venture capital transactions.
His recent representative matters include advising vaccine company Acambis in relation to the £276 million recommended takeover offer by Sanofi-Aventis.
Gubbins is experienced in handling securities issues, financings, private equity transactions, and mergers and acquisitions over a range of industries including life sciences and technology.
“The addition of this team is an important further step in our strategic growth in Europe,” said Timothy Hester, chair of Covington’s management committee. “They have a stellar reputation in both the life sciences and high tech sectors. They bring key capabilities and in-depth experience that will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”
“Quite simply, there could not be a better fit for our practice,” said Claydon.
“We have worked across the table from Covington and have always been impressed. Their leading regulatory and licensing practices are a unique asset and advantage to getting deals done,” added Gubbins.
Both practitioners feature in The International Who’s Who of Life Sciences Lawyers.