Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has completed its fourth London partner lateral in 2020 with the hire of Allen & Overy's co-head of global antitrust, Antonio Bavasso.

The move caps an exceptionally busy year for the top New York firm in London where it has already tapped two other UK magic circle firms for senior talent – Clifford Chance and Linklaters – as well as West Coast US giant Gibson Dunn. Last year the office, which currently lists 26 partners in London, achieved revenue of more than $200m. 

Bavasso's expertise spans antitrust and regulatory matters, advising clients across various industries, though particularly in the technology, media and telecom sectors.

Bill Dougherty, chairman of Simpson Thacher’s executive committee, said: “Antonio has extensive experience that is relevant to our clients, having advised on the antitrust aspects of some of the most high-profile transactions in recent years. That experience will further enhance our ability to provide clients operating across Europe with top-tier advice in both tackling complex transactions and in navigating the enforcement landscape.”

Bavasso brings with him more than two decades of experience at Allen & Overy, most recently as co-head of the firm’s global antitrust practice and co-head of its technology, media and telecoms practice, working on a number of high-profile and precedent-setting merger and litigation cases. 

David Vann, head of antitrust for Europe and Asia at Simpson Thacher, said: “Antonio is known throughout the market for his superb judgment and ability to provide clients with insightful and practical advice on high-profile, cross-border transactions, as well as in complex antitrust litigation and enforcement matters.”

He added: “This diversity of experience makes him a natural fit for Simpson Thacher and a wonderful addition to both our global M&A and antitrust and trade regulation practices, and sets the stage for the further expansion of our European antitrust and competition practice.”

Bavasso is also a non-governmental adviser on unilateral practice and merger control for the International Competition Network of competition authorities, and regularly advises on matters before the European Commission, the UK Competition and Markets Authority and other global regulators.

His arrival coincides with the appointment of fellow antitrust specialist Etienne Renaudeau to the partnership in London in the latest partnership promotion round, along with banking specialist Edward Hampson.

Jason Glover, managing partner of Simpson Thacher’s London office, said: “Given the sophistication and versatility of his experience, Antonio will deliver tremendous value to our clients and is an excellent addition to our outstanding group of lawyers in London. Along with our recent promotion of Etienne Renaudeau to partner, we expect David, Antonio and Étienne to spearhead the future growth of our European antitrust practice.”

In September, the firm hired financial regulation specialist Owen Lysak from Clifford Chance, in August it secured private equity partner James Howe from Gibson Dunn and in February it took on Linklaters' former head of tax, Yash Rupal.

Other eye-catching London hires secured by top US firms in London this year have seen Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom snap up Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's global M&A client group co-head, Bruce Embley, while rising star Freshfields M&A partner Sam Newhouse signed up to Latham & Watkins.