Sarah De Ste Croix

Sarah De Ste Croix

Partner - Head of Private Equity, London

Sarah is head of private equity at Stephenson Harwood, known for her strategic guidance in fund formation and complex secondary transactions.

D +44 20 7809 2561 M +44 7901 216 154

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Awards and Recognition

"Sarah is a phenomenal lawyer who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty to get things done."

"She is very commercial and has a knack for finding ways to bridge gaps when issues reach an impasse."

"Sarah’s relentless focus, deep experience and negotiation abilities are instrumental to achieving optimal outcomes for clients."

Chambers UK 2025

"Simply amazing and my number one go to for GP/LP advice. She is consistently at the top of her game and a lovely person as well! Always thoughtful but tough when needed, always responsive, and creative in seeking a solution. Knows when to step in as needed with the junior team."

The Legal 500 2025

Top Ranked for Investment funds: Private equity: Secondaries 

Chambers UK 2025

Investment Funds: Real Estate Funds and Investment Funds: Private Funds    

The Legal 500 2025

Sarah was in included in the Hot 100.

The Lawyer 2023

Biography

Languages - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales

Sarah de Ste Croix is head of private equity at Stephenson Harwood. She is Band 1 ranked by Chambers for her expertise in secondaries transactions.

Her clients value her relentless focus and deep experience, which are instrumental in overcoming challenges and driving success. Sarah's reputation as a phenomenal lawyer is underscored by her role in groundbreaking transactions, such as the first GP-led secondary in Ukraine and successor fundraise against the backdrop of military conflict.

Her ability to act quickly and think commercially makes her a trusted guide for clients seeking to deploy capital effectively in the private equity landscape.

Experience

  • GP-Led Sponsor Side    

    Platform secondaries counsel for Ufenau with respect to their series of continuation funds, Ufenau Continuation 3 and Ufenau Continuation 4 (combined €1bn)

     

    Advising Deutsche Private Equity on DPE Continuation Fund 1 LP (€700m)

  • GP-Led Buy-Side    

    Advising both Five Arrows and TPG with respect to Citadel Continuation Fund SLP

     

    Advising Astorg with respect to Ardian Expansion Syclef Continuation Fund

     

    Advising Hayfin with respect to Impilo Orphan Drugs AB

  • LP Portfolio

    Advising ICG Enterprise Trust PLC on its acquisition of 175 tail end fund interests from Abrdn Investments.

     

    Advising Tesco PLC Pension Scheme on the disposition of c.50 partnership interests at a value of $1bn to six separate buyers.

  • Fund Formation    

    Platform counsel to Horizon Capital on their first continuation vehicle and subsequent fundraise HCGF IV (combined €600m).

     

    Platform counsel to Soho Square on their fund reopening and Brexit restructure