Penningtons Manches LLP has opened an overseas office in San Francisco’s financial district. This builds upon the firm’s considerable network of clients and contacts in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Led by partners James Klein (corporate and technology) and Hamish Corner (IP and IT), the team will provide English law advice on corporate, commercial, intellectual property, immigration and employment matters for US businesses undertaking corporate activity in the UK or Europe – particularly those with a technology focus.

This will strengthen the firm’s position as a leading US/UK inward investment specialist as well as bolstering the existing cross-border M&A practice, as the firm continues to act for US investors and acquirers on transactions.

The focus of the office will also complement the firm’s key sector strengths in cloud-based IT services, data analytics/big data, internet/e-commerce, life sciences and renewable energy/clean tech.

Commenting on the opening of the new office, Penningtons Manches chief executive, David Raine (pictured), said: ‘The launch of our San Francisco office is not only a clear statement of intent about our international aspirations but shows how much the team has achieved in a short period of time in terms of building relationships and winning West Coast clients.  

‘We are delighted to be able to help to service the sector’s growing need for UK and EU advice as technology companies expand the scope of their operations outside the US.’

James Klein said: ‘Since the formation of Penningtons Manches just over a year ago, the imperative to respond to a growing trend towards transatlantic investment by US enterprises has been strengthened by our enhanced capability not only in the technology sector as a whole but within the life sciences, clean tech, data privacy and outsourcing sub-sectors.’

‘Last year the number of European buyouts with a US sponsor reached around €18bn, double that of 2009 and we are now confident of both our West Coast relationships and our firm-wide ability to service clients in these sub-sectors.’

Topics