March 31, 2026
Willkie partner Gavin Gordon, Chair of the European Private Equity Practice Group and a member of the Firm's Executive Committee, was profiled by Law360 as part of its UK Expert Analysis series. The in-depth article addressed emerging issues in the private equity industry, the keys to effective deal counsel, and Gavin’s advice to up-and-coming attorneys, among other topics.
Gavin shared his experience with complex private equity transactions, highlighting the need to navigate multiple work streams, including simultaneous acquisition and part disposal, often on compressed timelines, as well as the ability to work constructively with counterparties.
"Much of the skill is in being able to manage work streams or timelines to meet client expectations," he told Law360. "In other words, the ability to deliver under pressure but also appropriately manage expectations so that these are aligned with the art of the possible."
Gavin noted a merger of two of India's largest mobile telecom operators as the most challenging deal of his career. "A combination of time zones, time pressure, an incredibly complex regulatory environment, financial pressure on the businesses, and having the need to negotiate both the merger and the go-forward equity arrangements made the transaction uniquely demanding," he said.
Gavin also noted the challenges posed by antitrust and foreign direct investment filings. He discussed dealing with mismatches in valuation expectations between buyers and sellers, noting that while sellers often seek to apply the multiples they originally paid, today’s buyers are looking at valuation through an entirely different lens. “[D]eal lawyers can really add value in helping to structure deals that can manage the expectations of both the buyer and the seller.”
Gavin also provided advice for junior lawyers. “I truly believe that in almost everything in life, people succeed in areas where they are happy and enjoy it,” he said, adding, “There is, unfortunately, no substitute for hard work.”
Read the full profile here.
Gavin shared his experience with complex private equity transactions, highlighting the need to navigate multiple work streams, including simultaneous acquisition and part disposal, often on compressed timelines, as well as the ability to work constructively with counterparties.
"Much of the skill is in being able to manage work streams or timelines to meet client expectations," he told Law360. "In other words, the ability to deliver under pressure but also appropriately manage expectations so that these are aligned with the art of the possible."
Gavin noted a merger of two of India's largest mobile telecom operators as the most challenging deal of his career. "A combination of time zones, time pressure, an incredibly complex regulatory environment, financial pressure on the businesses, and having the need to negotiate both the merger and the go-forward equity arrangements made the transaction uniquely demanding," he said.
Gavin also noted the challenges posed by antitrust and foreign direct investment filings. He discussed dealing with mismatches in valuation expectations between buyers and sellers, noting that while sellers often seek to apply the multiples they originally paid, today’s buyers are looking at valuation through an entirely different lens. “[D]eal lawyers can really add value in helping to structure deals that can manage the expectations of both the buyer and the seller.”
Gavin also provided advice for junior lawyers. “I truly believe that in almost everything in life, people succeed in areas where they are happy and enjoy it,” he said, adding, “There is, unfortunately, no substitute for hard work.”
Read the full profile here.
