Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (STB) and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) have confirmed plans to open offices in Luxembourg, with both set to launch operations early next year. The move reflects Luxembourg’s growing role as a key jurisdiction for private capital and alternative investments in Europe.
Luxembourg has become a significant hub for private equity and private capital funds, driven by its robust regulatory framework, long-standing expertise, and position within the EU single market. The country is increasingly used by private equity firms as the primary location for structuring and distributing funds to European investors.
STB’s Luxembourg office will be led by three funds partners with the firm being well-known for advising major private equity fundraisers, including Blackstone, CVC, and EQT. HSF’s office will similarly focus on private funds.
Gareth Earl, head of STB’s European Funds Practice, described Luxembourg as a pivotal location for the firm’s private equity work: “Luxembourg has become the gateway to Europe for large private equity funds. If you want to market to European investors, you’re almost certainly going to do that through Luxembourg.”
The establishment of these offices signals the increasing demand for legal expertise in Luxembourg as global private capital firms continue to expand their operations in the region.