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Stephen Kitts

Chair
Chair, Asia

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Languages: English

Stephen is the Chair for Eversheds Sutherland in Asia. 

He is an experienced corporate M&A and private equity partner acting for multinational corporations, financial institutions, state-owned enterprises and entrepreneurs on complex cross-border transactions. 

Stephen is responsible for the offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Singapore, and also leads the Eversheds Sutherland Asia Pacific Alliance that is a nonexclusive group of 30+ independent law firms in Asia Pacific.

Key to Stephen’s responsibilities is the development of the firm’s strategy in Asia, with particular reference to client development and alignment with the global business.

He has over 30 years of corporate finance experience in providing advice to a diverse group of clients from entrepreneurs to financial institutions to international corporations. Stephen has a particular specialism in international M&A transactions where he has successfully acted for clients on cross-border acquisitions and disposals. He uses his project management skills to ensure that his clients get the best deal done on the best terms – on time and on budget.

Stephen also focuses on private equity work acting for institutions on new investments, portfolio work and exits. He also has wide experience of acting for management teams as they work with private equity houses on new investment opportunities.

Recent feedback for Stephen includes:

"It's been a great advantage having you around and I've really appreciated your personal support and commitment. Your professionalism is world class making you a great ambassador for your business" Wayne Beedle, CFO, St Tropez Group.

"I always felt that Stephen Kitts was on our side - he carefully balanced the interests of the management team against the requirements of the other parties to the transaction Stephen added value as a key member of our transaction advisory team - always available, highly responsive and a trusted advisor." Humphrey Cobbold, CEO, Wiggle.

Stephen’s experience includes advising:

  • CKI on its bid to acquire London City Airport

  • Joy Global Inc, the NYSE list mining equipment manufacturer, in its US$1.1 billion acquisition of LeTourneau Technologies Inc.
  • Rolls-Royce plc, the world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, in its $160m joint venture with Temasek to establish Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems to carry out research and development into hi-tech fuel cell technology
  • Caudwell Group, the Phones4U mobile telephone retail and distribution business, in its £1.46 billion sale to Providence Equity Partners and Doughty Hanson
  • management on £180m MBO of Wiggle funded by Bridgepoint Capital

Stephen is recognized as a leading corporate lawyer by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. He is renowned for delivering pragmatic and commercial advice. Chambers describes him as "tenacious, good at solving problems and possesses tons of commercial nous" and "leads the team from the front".

Stephen was voted "Corporate Lawyer of the Year" at the Dealmakers Awards 2008 and 2010/11/12.

Registered Foreign Lawyer (England & Wales)

Stephen Kitts

Chair

Chair, Asia

Stephen Kitts

Chair

Chair, Asia

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