Will Smith

Partner, London

Biography

“Excellent technically and hugely experienced; he provides clear and comprehensive advice on incredibly complex matters.”
Chambers UK 2020

Overview

Will Smith is a partner in our global Tax practice based in London.

Will is a transactional and advisory partner who focuses on the direct and indirect aspects of a range of international and UK tax matters.

With an emphasis on representing a wide range of investment funds and investment advisers, Will has extensive experience in the tax aspects of cross-border investment and structuring, structured and cross-border finance (including CLOs), real estate structuring and transactions, corporate transactions and reorganizations and complex incentive arrangements (including carry).

Bars and Courts
England and Wales
Education
MA
Cambridge University

Clare College

BA in Law
Cambridge University

Clare College

Languages
English

Experience

Representation of leading global mining operator on the sale of mining assets in Africa

Representation of investor on the proposed disposal of African mining operations

Representation of the controlling shareholders of Union Bank of Nigeria on its sale to Titan Trust Bank

Representation of Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading supplier of gaming terminals in the UK, on the proposed transformational acquisition of the Gaming Technology Group of Novomatic UK Ltd*

Representation of Variant Equity in its agreement to purchase Stagecoach Group's North America Division*

Representation of eBay Inc. on its acquisition of Motors.co.uk from Cox Automotive Relation Solutions*

Representation of Cincinnati Financial Corporation on its acquisition of MSP Underwriting at Lloyd's from Munich Re*

Representation of Archer Daniels Midland on its acquisition of Probiotics International Limited, a UK-based provider of probiotic supplements for human, pet and production-animal use*

Representation of Buckthorn Partners on its acquisition of TWMA Group Limited, a drilling waste management and solutions provider*

Representation of Wells Fargo Bank NA in the purchase of its new European headquarters based in London*

Representation of Health Care REIT, Inc. on the acquisition of a portfolio of care homes in England from Gracewell Healthcare for £153 million*

Representation of a leading US hedge fund on the establishment and continuing operation of UK functions covering, amongst other issues, the UK investment management exemption and international secondments*

Representation of a leading US hedge fund on the establishment of a European credit fund*

Representation of a UK financial services group on the establishment of an innovative joint share ownership scheme*

Representation of Munich Re on its £5 billion pension scheme longevity swap*

Representation of the Indonesian mobile operator XL Axiata on its acquisition of Axis Telekom Indonesia from the Saudi Telecom Company*

Representation of Western Union Company on its acquisition of Travelex Global Business Payments Division for £606 million*

*Experience prior to joining White & Case

Awards and Recognition

The Legal 500 UK 2017 for Corporate Tax, where clients note that he "blends technical excellence with a great grasp of business issues."

Most recently, he has been recognized by Chambers UK 2020, where clients say he is "excellent technically and hugely experienced; he provides clear and comprehensive advice on incredibly complex matters."