At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead M&A deals from start to finish, ensuring legal compliance and strategic alignment.
- Company: Besins Healthcare Group, a global pharmaceutical leader focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a small, agile team with direct access to senior management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry while working on exciting international deals.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10+ years in M&A and corporate transactions.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Besins Healthcare is an international pharmaceutical group growing through acquisitions, joint ventures and venture investments, as part of a strategy built on innovation. As M&A Legal Counsel, you will lead the legal side of these deals from structuring to closing, and set the group’s legal standards for them. You will define the positions, playbooks and approval guidance, and the wider legal team will apply them.
What you will do:
- Lead acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures and investments from term sheet to closing and post-closing integration, including structuring and negotiating the main agreements.
- Run legal due diligence and turn findings into price, warranty, indemnity and condition protections.
- Advise Business Development, Finance, Tax and Treasury on deal structure, risk allocation, regulatory and competition requirements, and approval routes.
- Support the group’s venture capital company in the Netherlands on investment agreements and governance, working with local counsel.
- Build and maintain the group’s transaction templates, playbooks, precedents and lessons learned.
- Select and manage outside counsel and keep spend within budget.
- Prepare the legal input for Executive Committee and Board papers, through the General Counsel.
- Train the legal team and business partners on transaction matters.
- Help set up and lead the legal side of a new deal desk with Finance.
How decisions work:
You will set the group’s legal positions for transactions, approved by the General Counsel, and decide legal points on individual deals within approved playbooks. Acquisitions and divestments are approved by the General Counsel, and you will prepare and recommend them.
Who we are looking for:
- Qualified lawyer with 10+ years’ experience, mostly in M&A and corporate transactions, in a leading law firm, in-house, or both.
- Track record of leading cross-border deals from structuring to closing.
- Strong English drafting and negotiation, with experience of English-law transaction documents.
- Experience leading due diligence and managing outside counsel to scope, timetable and budget.
- Strongly preferred: Life sciences or pharmaceutical transactions, including regulatory, IP and supply aspects.
- Preferred: Venture or minority investment experience, merger control and foreign-investment screening, post-closing integration.
- Experience presenting to an executive committee or board.
- An advantage: French, Italian, German or Spanish.
You will be comfortable working in a small, geographically dispersed team, with direct access to senior management and a hands-on workload.
You will work closely with:
The IP & Innovation team (licensing, R&D collaborations and IP due diligence), the Distribution & Commercial Contracting team, and Tax, Treasury and Finance. Day-to-day commercial contracting by the markets sits outside this role.
What success looks like after 12 months:
- Live deals run to timetable, with outside counsel spend tracked against budget.
- A transaction playbook and template set is in use across the team.
- Clear working lanes with the IP and commercial contracting teams, so no deal falls between them.
M&A Legal Counsel employer: Besins Healthcare
Besins Healthcare is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where compliance and ethical practices are at the forefront of our operations. We prioritise employee growth through comprehensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities, fostering a culture of integrity and collaboration. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that not only enhances your career but also contributes to meaningful change in the pharmaceutical industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land M&A Legal Counsel
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Besins Healthcare, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace M&A Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Besins Healthcare, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Besins Healthcare and the specific role of M&A Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Besins Healthcare’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Besins Healthcare
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Besins Healthcare.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Besins Healthcare.
