The former European general counsel of private equity behemoth Blackstone, Geoffrey Bailhache has quickly adapted to life back in private practice since joining Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in 2021. After nearly 11 years in-house, Bailhache has swapped over to the other side of the deal table, acting on a wide range of asset classes. In a move that has made Simpson Thacher’s relationship with Blackstone even stronger, Bailhache has wasted no time in getting back in the fray. In 2022, he completed a take-private deal for Blackstone Infrastructure on its acquisition of Atlantia, a preferred equity structured deal on Blackstone’s £140m investment in Currencies Direct, a competitive private equity auction on the buy-side for Blackstone’s investment into Esdec Solar and a carve-out sale for Bourne Leisure on Butlin’s acquisition by the Harris family.
Additionally, Bailhache has also charted a wide set of initiatives since he joined the firm. He currently serves on the firm’s pro bono committee, along with a seat on its business development committee as it tries to help clients think more broadly. 2023 will see Bailhache pursue more innovative transactions and making the most of his in-house nous.