Bird & Bird boosts its Equity Capital Markets capabilities with appointment of two partners, a Legal Director and a Senior Associate in London

Clive Hopewell and Adam Carling join from Charles Russell Speechlys as partners, with Nick Heap joining as Legal Director (from Fieldfisher), and Sharon O'Donnell as Senior Associate (from Locke Lord).

Clive will lead Bird & Bird's expansion of its Equity Capital Markets practice, which has an established reputation for AIM transactions in the technology sector and a long track record acting for overseas companies. Clive and Adam are well known in the London market, where they act for institutions and issuers. In particular, they have extensive natural resources sector experience, an area of increasing activity - particularly for equity capital markets work – and complementary to Bird & Bird's energy practice.

Adam has a strong reputation for public takeovers. He joins the firm's highly regarded Simon Allport who leads the firm's practice in that area. The firm recently advised Alternative Networks on its £165m takeover by Daisy.

Internationally, Clive has strong contacts in the Middle East, having been based in Bahrain for five years, whist Adam has significant experience in Africa and has advised on numerous high-profile mining deals on the continent.

Nick Heap is a well-known figure in the London market and has extensive experience in advising on London listings, corporate fundraisings and public takeovers. He advises issuers and institutions on matters spanning a variety of sectors, but with particular expertise in the energy and natural resources, life sciences and healthcare and technology sectors.

Sharon O'Donnell advises on listings, fundraisings and takeover related matters for AIM and Main Market listed companies, in the UK and internationally.

Neil Blundell, Head of the London Corporate Group at Bird & Bird says: "We are thrilled to welcome Clive, Adam and the team to Bird & Bird. The team's extensive experience in the sector will help drive the expansion of our established equity capital markets practice where we are positioning ourselves as a leading mid-market team. We are also looking forward to them playing an important role in our Energy & Utilities sector to further increase our reputation in the mining and oil and gas sectors – both industries being dramatically changed by technology, particularly in emerging markets."

Clive Hopewell commented: "Bird & Bird's international strategy made the firm an obvious choice for the next stage in my career. I'm looking forward to working with both my new London and international colleagues and making my contribution to achieving the firm's ambitions."

Adam Carling added: "I am delighted to be joining Bird & Bird. It's a great opportunity to help grow the equity capital markets practice at such an established and well-respected firm."