Sidley expands private equity practice with hire of partner Tony Downes

Sidley Austin has welcomed Tony Downes as a partner in the firm’s M&A and private equity practice. He was previously a partner in the private equity & M&A group at Proskauer.

Based in the firm’s London office, Downes’ practice includes private equity transactions, public and private M&A and investments, joint ventures, and other complex cross-border corporate matters, as well as advising in relation to high value commercial matters in the sports and betting and gaming industries. He has extensive experience working for private equity sponsors and corporates across the real estate, hospitality, sports, media, technology, and betting and gaming sectors.

“We are excited to welcome Tony to Sidley, as his skillset and experience provide a wonderful complement to our private equity practice in London,” said Thomas Thesing, a member of Sidley’s management and executive committees and managing partner of Sidley’s office in London. “As our private equity practice continues to grow, Tony’s relationships with several of our private equity clients will enhance our excellent client service.”

Previously, Downes held several roles in the sports and sports betting industries, including a role as the deputy general counsel of Gala Coral and as the legal director at the International Boxing Association, the World Series of Boxing, and the Ladies European Tour, and he has worked on numerous high-profile sports-related matters throughout his career.

“Tony is a great addition to our private equity practice which has already seen growth in 2022,” said Dan Clivner, a member of Sidley’s executive committee and co-leader of the firm’s global M&A and private equity practice. “All signs point to us continuing to expand our work across our current portfolio of clients and adding new relationships as we approach the second half of the year.”