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ProfessionalsMatthew Hearn

Matthew Hearn
Partner

Tel: +44-20-7601-8739
Fax: +44-20-7691-7790
mhearn@paulweiss

+44-20-7601-8739
London

20 Air Street
London, United Kingdom W1B 5AN
Fax: +44-20-7691-7790

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A partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group, Matthew Hearn advises clients on sophisticated domestic and cross-border corporate transactions, with a focus on public takeovers and complex private M&A across a broad range of industries.

Matt’s public takeovers practice encompasses representing both bidders and target companies, including international and UK entities, in recommended, hostile and competitive situations. He also co-manages the firm’s UK Public M&A practice.

Matt also has particular experience in the financial services sector, having advised banks, insurers and asset managers across a broad range of transactions and strategic advisory matters.

Recognized as an "Up and Coming" Partner and Notable Practitioner for Corporate/M&A: 800m+ by Chambers UK 2025, and a Key Lawyer in UK Legal 500 2024 for M&A: Upper Mid-Market and Premium Deals, Matt is lauded for his technical expertise, ability to guide clients through difficult issues, detailed approach and dedication.

EXPERIENCE

Matt’s notable representations have included:

  • General Atlantic on its c. £800m recommended takeover of Learning Technologies Group
  • Mondi in relation to its competing proposed all share combination with DS Smith
  • Spirent Communications on its £1.16bn competing takeover by Keysight Technologies and its £1bn takeover by Viavi Solutions
  • Ageas on its proposed takeover of Direct Line
  • PIMCO on its sale of Hellenic Bank to Eurobank and associated mandatory takeover offer
  • Vistry Group on various matters, including its £1.25bn recommended cash and share combination with Countryside Partnerships
  • WSP Group on its:
    • £600m proposed takeover of RPS Group
    • US$1.9bn acquisition of John Wood Group’s E&I business
  • Uni-Select on its US$2.1bn public acquisition by LQK Corporation
  • Metro Bank on its takeover defense against The Carlyle Group
  • Tate & Lyle on various matters, including:
    • on its acquisition of CP Kelco for c. $1.8bn from JM Huber Corporation
    • the US$1.7bn separation and sale of a controlling stake in its primary products business to KPS Capital Partners and the establishment of associated joint venture arrangements
  • Advent on its £4bn recommended takeover for Cobham
  • Ophir on the £400m recommended takeover by Medco
  • Sibanye-Stillwater on its £285m recommended takeover for Lonmin
  • Friends Life Group on the £5.6bn recommended takeover by Aviva
  • The Jardine Matheson Group on various matters, including its sale of the Jardine Motors Group to Lithia
  • Old Mutual on the £12bn managed separation of its four constituent businesses into independent businesses and related initial public offering of Quilter
  • Schroders on its acquisition of a majority stake in leading impact investor BlueOrchard
  • intu properties (in administration) on its financial restructuring
  • Santander on the acquisition of a majority stake in UK fintech Ebury (and subsequent investments)
  • The Carlyle Group in relation to the acquisition of a 30% interest in CEPSA
  • Rothesay Life on various matters, including:
    • the buy-out of Goldman Sachs by Blackstone, GIC and MassMutual
    • the creation of a £1.5bn capital pool for future investment
    • the acquisition of UK annuities and supporting assets from Scottish Equitable
    • the issuance of £250m subordinated notes qualifying under Solvency II
  • Lloyds Banking Group on various matters, including:
    • the implementation of UK ring-fencing legislation
    • UK Government sell-down
    • share buyback programs
    • various other transactions

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