Key Takeaways
- • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett hired private equity partner Nick Appleton from Kirkland & Ellis in London, reinforcing the firm's expansion of its PE practice in Europe following recent strategic hires in both London and Boston.
- • Appleton, who made partner at Kirkland in October 2023 after over eight years with the firm, will focus on structuring private equity transactions, leveraged buyouts, commercial contracts, and general corporate advisory work within Simpson Thacher's corporate group.
- • The hire follows Simpson Thacher's July appointment of James R. Howe and Geoffrey Bailhache as co-heads of European M&A, as well as December 2024 additions of leveraged finance partners Bryan Robson and William Gwyn from Sidley Austin LLP in London.
- • Simpson Thacher is simultaneously building out its Boston office, launched in 2024, with hires including registered funds partner and private equity specialists from competitors including Ropes & Gray and Cooley.
- • Appleton's background includes early-career experience at U.K. top-50 firm Addleshaw Goddard, positioning him as an experienced advisor to top-tier financial sponsors on strategically significant M&A deals.
Summary
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has hired private equity partner Nick Appleton from Kirkland & Ellis in London, continuing an aggressive expansion of its private equity capabilities across both European and U.S. markets. Appleton, who spent over eight years at Kirkland & Ellis and attained partner status in October 2023, will join Simpson Thacher's corporate group, where he will specialize in structuring private equity transactions, leveraged buyouts, commercial contracts, and broader corporate advisory services for top-tier financial sponsors.
The Appleton hire is part of a broader talent acquisition strategy in London. In July 2026, Simpson Thacher named James R. Howe and Geoffrey Bailhache as co-heads of European M&A, signaling renewed commitment to the region. The firm has also bolstered its leveraged finance bench with the December 2024 hires of Bryan Robson and William Gwyn from Sidley Austin LLP, building depth in debt structuring capabilities alongside its core M&A practice.
Paralleling its London expansion, Simpson Thacher has launched and is actively staffing a Boston office that opened in 2024. Recent Boston hires include private equity partners from Ropes & Gray and registered funds specialists, positioning the firm to serve the substantial institutional investment community in the Northeast. The firm's Boston office is scheduled to move to new space in the second quarter of 2027, indicating sustained commitment to the market.
Appleton's appointment underscores Simpson Thacher's positioning as a leading advisor to the private equity sector globally. According to James R. Howe, co-head of European M&A, Appleton brings "a wealth of experience advising top-tier financial sponsors on strategically significant M&A deals." His addition complements the firm's existing platform led by Global Head of Private Equity Elizabeth Cooper, one of the sector's most recognized dealmakers. Appleton's early-career experience at U.K. top-50 firm Addleshaw Goddard demonstrates deep roots in UK corporate practice, enhancing Simpson Thacher's ability to execute complex cross-border PE transactions.
The Appleton hire is part of a broader talent acquisition strategy in London. In July 2026, Simpson Thacher named James R. Howe and Geoffrey Bailhache as co-heads of European M&A, signaling renewed commitment to the region. The firm has also bolstered its leveraged finance bench with the December 2024 hires of Bryan Robson and William Gwyn from Sidley Austin LLP, building depth in debt structuring capabilities alongside its core M&A practice.
Paralleling its London expansion, Simpson Thacher has launched and is actively staffing a Boston office that opened in 2024. Recent Boston hires include private equity partners from Ropes & Gray and registered funds specialists, positioning the firm to serve the substantial institutional investment community in the Northeast. The firm's Boston office is scheduled to move to new space in the second quarter of 2027, indicating sustained commitment to the market.
Appleton's appointment underscores Simpson Thacher's positioning as a leading advisor to the private equity sector globally. According to James R. Howe, co-head of European M&A, Appleton brings "a wealth of experience advising top-tier financial sponsors on strategically significant M&A deals." His addition complements the firm's existing platform led by Global Head of Private Equity Elizabeth Cooper, one of the sector's most recognized dealmakers. Appleton's early-career experience at U.K. top-50 firm Addleshaw Goddard demonstrates deep roots in UK corporate practice, enhancing Simpson Thacher's ability to execute complex cross-border PE transactions.
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