Our Corporate Tech M&A team has advised Clio, the global leader in legal AI technology, on the successful completion of its US$1 billion acquisition of vLex - a global legal intelligence platform known for its AI-powered research tools and extensive cross-jurisdictional legal database.
This landmark deal is one we've been proud to support throughout and represents a significant milestone for our Tech team.
This strategic transaction marks a major step in Clio's international expansion and strengthens its position in the legal technology market. By combining Clio's legal operating system with vLex's Vincent AI platform, the deal enables Clio to support legal professionals across firms of all sizes and extend its reach into enterprise markets worldwide.
The acquisition closed alongside Clio's US$500 million Series G funding round, which values Clio at US$5 billion and includes a US$350 million debt facility. Oakley Capital, majority shareholder in vLex, also took equity in Clio as part of the deal - reflecting long-term confidence in Clio's strategy and future direction.
Partner and Head of Tech M&A and Venture Capital (UK) Rebecca Burford, Corporate Partner Ian Piggin, Principal Associates Róisín Bergin and Siân Dewing led the transaction together with Corporate Associates Emily Chittick, Henry Stride, Haseena Hussain and Trainee Solicitor Alice Grimley Evans.
The corporate team were supported by a cross-firm team, with Banking & Finance advice led by Partner Navin Prabhakar and Associate Karnvir Nanra, with support from Legal Director Angela Rawlins, Associate Chloe Collins and Trainee Solicitor Nicole Baines. Partner Samantha Holland and Legal Director Susannah Fink advised on Warranty & Indemnity Insurance, with Tax handled by Partners Kate Featherstone and Matthew Poole. Employment matters were supported by Legal Director Hannah Swindle and Partner Jocelyn Pauley advised on commercial contracts.
Rebecca Burford commented: "This transaction marks a pivotal moment for Clio as market leaders of the LegalTech industry. Our deep expertise in the Tech sector meant we were well placed to help Clio navigate this complex transaction. We're very proud to have supported the Clio team throughout this historic deal and look forward to seeing the transformative impact it will have on the profession".
Niamh Pollak, Vice President of Legal at Clio, added: "This deal involved a complex legal and corporate structure across multiple jurisdictions. The Gowling WLG team helped us manage that complexity with clarity and confidence. Their support was instrumental in bringing the transaction to a successful close."
Our global Tech team comprises over 300 lawyers and our Corporate Tech M&A team advises on a wide range of large, cross-border corporate transactions, from mergers and acquisitions to joint ventures, strategic investments and disposals. We work with clients to provide clear, commercially focused guidance at every stage. With strong experience in mid-market and high-value deals, we help clients navigate complexity and deliver transactions efficiently.