Giles Pratt

Freshfields is advising longstanding client and the UK’s largest household energy supplier Octopus Energy on the first standalone investment round into its world-leading AI-powered operating platform, Kraken. The funding round values Kraken at $8.65bn, and is led by D1 Capital Partners and includes other new investors Fidelity International, Durable Capital Partners and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board. The new investors, together with existing Octopus Energy investors, will acquire c. $1bn of Kraken equity to fund both Octopus and Kraken, while investors led by Octopus Capital are injecting a further $320m into Octopus Energy. The investment round paves the way for Kraken’s demerger from Octopus Energy, enabling Kraken to operate as a fully independent technology platform for utilities worldwide, accelerating global adoption and deepening partnerships, while allowing Octopus Energy to focus on scaling its consumer, generation, and clean technology businesses. A cross-border, cross practice Freshfields team is led by partners Ed Cole and Tom Godwin, supported by associates Yoel Gordon and Tom Hirao-Sandford. Partner Matt Goulding, counsel Michal Netanyahu, and associate Andrew Rondeau advised from a US private capital perspective. Partner David Haworth, counsel Rose Swaffield, senior associate Benjamin Crompton and associate Tom Gardner provided tax advice; partner Giles Pratt, counsel Tom Dye and associate Vanessa Jiang advised on IP and separation aspects; partner Andrew Heathcote and associate Magdalen Olonilua advised in relation to Octopus Energy’s banking facilities; partner Michele Davis, senior associates Harriet Drury and Kaidy Long, and associate Anna Smith supported on antitrust/regulatory matters; and partner David Mendel, counsel Regina Erie and associate Sarah Richardson advised on employment and incentive arrangements.

Jan 5

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields today announced the appointment of Intellectual Property (‘IP’) and TMT partner, Harry Evans, to its global transactions practice in Singapore. Evans joins from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer in Singapore, where he served as co-head of its Asia IP/Commercial team. With over 15 years’ experience, he advises clients on business-critical tech, IP and general commercial issues. Evans is a qualified lawyer in England & Wales and Australia (Victoria), and a registered foreign lawyer in Singapore. He has considerable experience advising clients on the IP/tech/data aspects of corporate transactions and has advised on a number of commercial and patent disputes in the life sciences sector. Harry will work closely with Richard Bird, head of Freshfields IP/data practice group in Asia, and collaborate with our leading M&A, antitrust and disputes teams in Asia, the US and Europe, on high-stakes mandates involving intellectual capital and cutting-edge technology. “We are excited to have Harry join us. The tech and life sciences sectors continue to attract significant investment in Asia and represents a key area of growth for our clients,” said Matthew O’Callaghan, Regional Managing Partner, Asia. “Harry’s deep expertise and proven leadership in life sciences are invaluable as part of our strategic investment into southeast Asia and other high-growth industries.” Singapore Managing Partner Nicholas Lingard shared: “Harry’s extensive experience in IP and TMT will be a huge asset to our clients in Singapore and beyond. His expertise in complex commercial arrangements, particularly in the life sciences and tech sectors, will help us deliver even more effective solutions for our clients. We look forward to welcoming Harry to the team.” Giles Pratt, global head of our IP/Data practice, added: “Harry is a fantastic addition to our existing IP/Data platform in Asia. He is a seasoned IP/Commercial practitioner and, together with Richard Bird and other colleagues in Hong Kong and Singapore, Harry will give us added depth to service clients across tech, life sciences and other sectors in the region.” Harry Evans added: “I am thrilled to be joining Freshfields and contribute my expertise. The strength of the firm’s global IP and commercial offering is unparalleled and I look forward to continuing to build the team’s capabilities.”

Jul 16

2 min

Global law firm Freshfields has today published its 2025 Data Law Trends report, an in-depth annual analysis that identifies the key trends expected to shape the data law landscape in the years ahead. This report explores eight critical themes, including AI governance, cyber risks, emerging regulations, and other key trends that will challenge businesses aiming to capitalise on the opportunities offered by data and emerging technologies. As the pace of change in data law accelerates, its impact on business strategy becomes increasingly profound. The trends we’ve identified are not merely regulatory shifts; they present significant opportunities for companies to innovate and stay ahead in a competitive landscape. From evolving AI governance to new data transfer rules, these trends are reshaping how businesses manage risk and identify growth opportunities. These eight themes identified are: AI Governance Takes Center Stage International Data Transfers are Under the Spotlight A New Wave of Cyber Threats is Here New Global Regulations Are Changing Our Digital Operations Tougher Enforcement is Reshaping Data and Privacy Compliance US State Consumer Privacy Laws are Expanding Asia’s Privacy Laws are Maturing New EU Data Access Regulations Are Shaping the Future Christine Lyon, Giles Pratt and Christoph Werkmeister, global co-heads of Freshfields data privacy and security practice, commented: “Data law is no longer a peripheral concern – it's the heartbeat of modern business strategy. As we stand on the brink of transformative change, it's crucial to recognize that adapting to these emerging trends is not just about compliance; it's about seizing the competitive advantage in a data-driven landscape. This report equips you with the insights to not only navigate the complexities ahead but to thrive in them.” Further information on this year’s report can be found here.

Oct 24

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields has advised Qatar Investment Authority (‘QIA’), the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, on its acquisition of a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the future Formula 1 factory team of German car manufacturer Audi AG. With this strategic investment, QIA will enter the project as a long-term investor and partner. QIA's investment will provide a substantial capital injection and further pave the way for increasing infrastructure and team buildout, positioning the team for long-term success in the Formula 1. QIA was established in 2005 to protect and grow Qatar’s financial assets, and to help diversify the economy. It is a global investment organization with investments spanning all major global markets, asset classes, sectors and geographies. Audi will officially enter Formula 1 with a factory team with the change of the technical regulations in 2026. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. The Freshfields team was led by Partner Ralph Kogge (Corporate/M&A, Munich) and also included: Partners: Helmut Bergmann (Antitrust & Competition, Berlin), Giles Pratt (Commercial/IP/IT, London), Stephen Hewes (Corporate/M&A, London) Counsel: Judit Gajdics (Corporate/M&A, Munich), Mariusz Motyka-Mojkowski (Antitrust & Competition, Berlin), Martin Rehberg (Tax, Munich) Principal Associates: Sandra Jung (Corporate/M&A, Munich), Moritz Lehmann (Tax, Munich) Associates: Charlotte Schings (Corporate/M&A, Munich), Caroline Guichoux, Christopher Sickinger (both Antitrust & Competition, Berlin), Tochukwu Egenti, Jaymie Younger (both Commercial/IP/IT, London) Senior Transaction Lawyer: Franz Dahl (Hamburg) Inhouse the transaction was advised by Michael Schweppe.

Dec 2

1 min

Global law firm Freshfields is advising BAE Systems plc on its strategic business joint venture with Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (“JAIEC”) to form a new company to deliver the next generation combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (“GCAP”). The joint venture builds on the trilateral government, defence, and industrial cooperation between the UK, Japan, and Italy on GCAP since it was established in December 2022.  The new joint venture will be accountable for the design, development and delivery of the next generation combat aircraft (targeting a 2035 aircraft in-service date) and will remain the design authority for GCAP for the life of the product, which is expected to go out beyond 2070. BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIEC will each hold a 33.3% shareholding in the new joint venture, the incorporation of which is subject to regulatory approvals. The new joint venture will have operations and joint teams working in each of the partner nations. It will be headquartered in the UK, to ensure alignment and collaboration with the GCAP International Government Organisation (“GIGO”) which will also be headquartered in the UK. GCAP is a significant programme and, through effective knowledge and technology transfer, it will help to evolve and deliver important sovereign combat air capability in each nation. The Freshfields team advising BAE Systems includes partners Piers Prichard Jones, Giles Pratt and Alex Potter; senior associates Lucy Cliff and Zofia Aszendorf; and associates Yoel Gordon, Remony Vials, Jaymie Younger, Alastair Milne and Charlie Bouchier.

Dec 19

1 min