Eversheds Sutherland’s Eric Knai appointed to Head of M&A (International)

Eric Knai, partner and head of Eversheds Sutherland’s Corporate/M&A team in Paris, has been appointed by the global law firm as Head of M&A (International).

Paris-based Eric Knai, is a dual qualified UK and French M&A lawyer who has practiced in London and then Paris since 2000. His international background (Canadian, French and Norwegian) and global client base positions him well to lead an M&A practice which spans the UK, Continental Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He will also be working closely with Robert Copps, partner and Head of M&A for the US. 

This appointment comes at a time of very strong M&A activity internationally coupled with the ever-increasing demand from Eversheds Sutherland’s global client base for strategic advice on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions.

International by virtue of his personal history, Eric, who is trilingual, has always worked with multi-national clients, helping them transcend cultural boundaries and legal traditions on their transactions across the globe.

In addition to his seasoned experience as an M&A practitioner, Eric will bring a dynamic, inclusive and entrepreneurial approach to the leadership of Eversheds Sutherland’s 500 plus M&A lawyers internationally.

Keri Rees, Co-Head of Eversheds Sutherland’s Global Company Commercial Practice Group, commented:

“Eric will be working closely with all of the firm’s M&A practitioners to refine our market proposition and to deliver complex, strategic M&A work.

“The sector saw a flurry of activity late last year and into early 2021 and we expect these levels to continue to rise. We complete over 400 deals per year across the globe - testament to the trust our clients place in us to successfully deliver truly global, complex matters. It’s important that we reinforce our offering with collaborative and strong leadership to ensure that we evolve with the market and continue to consistently meet the changing needs of our clients.”

Eric Knai commented: 

“I look forward to leading the International team and working closely with Robert and the wider team. I intend to focus on our strong sector and sub-sector specialisms and to expand our service offering to position ourselves as a go-to firm for strategic M&A across the globe.”