At Akin Gump, our lawyers have advised alternative investment funds for more than 30 years — representing many of the largest and most prominent hedge funds and private equity funds in the world. We have helped these clients raise, invest and realize billions of dollars. Akin Gump was ranked among the top firms in the United States in the area of private equity/fund formation, (Chambers USA 2005-2007) and was ranked third in the top hedge fund law firms in
Alpha magazine's 2007 Alpha Award.
While a number of firms provide advice in the distinct fields of private equity and hedge funds, Akin Gump has a recognized global practice in both. We believe this gives us a competitive advantage over other firms when advising investment entities that have chosen to diversify into the alternative investments area.
Our particular strengths lie in:
- structuring alternative investment funds products for major houses and boutique managers, including private equity, funds of funds and hedge funds
- the establishment and listing of all types of permanent capital vehicles
- extensive international tax experience, including structuring investment funds and portfolio investments in U.S., Middle East, Russia, Europe, Asia and Latin America, Asia.
- a pre-eminent practice in establishing private equity funds and hedge funds concentrating on emerging markets, real estate and distressed investing
- advice on complex structured products, prime brokerage, ISDA and other derivative products utilized by funds
- regulatory and tax advice to funds of funds regarding their structure and formation as well as advice in connection with their portfolio investments
- counseling investment managers with respect to seed capital investments in start-up fund entities or emerging managers, including advice on related tax planning and employment issues
- structuring hybrid investment funds with both hedge fund and private equity fund features
- advice to major institutional investors in alternative fund products
- registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The services we offer are extensive and continue to expand as we anticipate and respond to changing client needs, new laws and regulations, and world events.
Akin Gump’s transactional experience reflects the diverse nature of our clients, their investment programs and their investors. Our lawyers regularly counsel clients in connection with new and innovative fund products, including hybrid and derivative structures, acquisitions and joint ventures, exit strategies and portfolio investment transactions.
The fund formation group is a core practice of the firm and of Akin Gump’s corporate practice group; we have over 60 lawyers specializing in investment funds. Our investment funds practice is headquartered in New York and includes teams located in London, Dallas, Washington, Moscow and Beijing. We are the only firm to offer such specialized services on such a global scale, concentrating on worldwide financial centers. The fund formation team is also closely supported by skilled professionals in the firm’s tax, employee benefits, corporate, labor and employment and litigation practices.
Throughout all of our offices our commitment remains the same: helping our clients overcome obstacles and expand opportunities — for the long-term success of their firms and their investors.