Our Corporate Tech M&A team has advised client Clio, the world's leading provider of legal technology, on its US$1 billion acquisition of global legal intelligence platform, vLex.
vLex is a global legal intelligence platform known for its AI-powered research and extensive cross-jurisdictional legal database. Its flagship product, Vincent AI, is used by leading law firms and legal institutions worldwide for legal research and drafting.
The acquisition of vLex marks a significant step in Clio's international expansion as it expands its platform to serve firms of all sizes. It combines two leading legal technology platforms and signals a new approach to how legal professionals manage and deliver legal services.
The deal strengthens Clio's position in the global legaltech market and supports its mission to transform the legal experience for all, through connected, intelligent solutions.
Led by Partner and Head of Tech M&A and Venture Capital (UK) Rebecca Burford, the deal team included Principal Associate Róisín Bergin and corporate team members Siân Dewing, Simon Elliott, Emily Chittick, Henry Stride, Al Budrikas, Haseena Hussain, Aimee Halfyard, Beth Bloor, Holly Marsh and Tim Casben.
The transaction involved a number of complex connected elements and required close collaboration across jurisdictions and time zones.
Rebecca Burford commented: "This was a strategically important transaction for Clio. It brings together complementary platforms and positions the business to lead the next phase of legaltech. We're extremely proud to have supported the team every step of the way. The Clio senior leadership team are incredibly impressive, and we love working with them. What Clio has achieved to date in the legaltech space is groundbreaking and we look forward to seeing where they take the business next."
The acquisition is Clio's largest to date and is expected to complete later this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Niamh Pollak, Vice President of Legal at Clio, said: "This deal represents a major milestone for Clio, and I'm incredibly proud of how our teams collaborated to bring it to fruition. The legal and corporate structure of this transaction was complex and global in nature, requiring close coordination across multiple jurisdictions. The Gowling WLG team was instrumental in helping us manage that complexity with clarity and confidence."
Our M&A team advises on a wide range of cross-border corporate transactions, from mergers and acquisitions to joint ventures, strategic investments and disposals. We work with clients across sectors and jurisdictions, providing clear, commercially focused guidance at every stage. With strong experience in mid-market deals, we help clients navigate complexity and deliver transactions efficiently.