Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its private equity capabilities with the appointment of Sarah de Ste Croix as partner in its London office.

De Ste Croix specialises in the establishment and operation of closed-ended investment funds. She has 15 years’ experience advising both sponsors and cornerstone investors across the full life-cycle of closed ended investment funds. De Ste Croix specialises in fund formation, GP-led secondaries, LP portfolio sales and complex fund-related transactions, including GP removals.

“We’re witnessing record levels of activity, not only private equity transactions but also fund raisings and secondary transactions,” said Jonathan Pittal, head of private equity, Stephenson Harwood. “The track record, commercial insight and technical abilities that Sarah brings is in great demand. Sarah’s appointment to partner is testament to her commitment and talent, and is an exciting step in the growth and diversification of the firm’s private equity team.”

“Strengthening our private equity capabilities has been a key focus over the past few years – particularly in London, but also in our Paris office,” said Eifion Morris, CEO, Stephenson Harwood. “Sarah is the fifth partner to join the group in the last 18 months, following the arrival of partner Clotilde Billat in Paris, and partners Malcolm MacDougall, Adam Crossley and Richard Coleman in London, where we have one of the largest, dedicated private equity practices in the mid-market. I’m also really pleased that Sarah is our third woman partner in the group, which demonstrates our commitment to improving diversity and gender balance across the firm.”

Stephenson Harwood's international private equity practice provides technical and transactional advice to private equity houses, management teams and investee companies. The group advises clients on buyouts, growth and venture capital investments, management advisory roles, bolt-on acquisitions, secondary sales, GP-led liquidity processes and fund formation.