Andrew M. Ahern
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Advises fund sponsors on the formation of a broad range of private equity and venture capital funds. Advises sponsors and investors on complex secondary transactions.
Andrew’s practice focuses on advising sponsors of private investment funds, including buyout, energy and infrastructure, credit opportunities and venture capital funds, as well as funds of funds. He also advises leading fund sponsors and investors in connection with complex secondary transactions, including fund restructurings and recapitalizations, GP-led tender offers and stapled secondary offerings.
Andrew is recognized for his private equity and venture capital fund formation work by Chambers USA, which says he is “adept at launching a range of funds including buyout, credit, energy and venture capital funds.” Clients quoted by Chambers say Andrew is “fabulous,” “gives very sound advice” and “is incredibly intelligent and commercial.”
Experience highlights
Andrew’s representations prior to joining Davis Polk include the following:
Fund Formations
- Providence Equity Partners in raising multiple buyout, credit and growth funds, including Providence Equity Partners VIII, a $6 billion global media, entertainment and communications fund, and Providence Equity Partners VI, a $12.1 billion global buyout fund focused on investments in media and communication companies.
- PSG in the formation of PSG Europe, a €1.25 billion European growth fund.
- EIG in the establishment of a fund to purchase upstream assets from a public oil company and in raising multiple global hybrid debt and structured equity funds focused on investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure.
- Sequoia Capital in raising multiple venture capital and growth funds, including Sequoia Capital Global Growth Fund III - Endurance Partners, an $8 billion global venture fund.
- Lightspeed Venture Partners in raising multiple venture capital funds, including multiple funds of more than $2 billion.
- Silver Lake Waterman in the formation of Silver Lake Waterman III, a $1 billion North America mezzanine fund.
- Oak HC/FT in the formation of Oak HC/FT Partners III, an $800 million U.S. venture fund investing in healthcare and financial services.
- Gramercy in raising multiple distressed credit funds.
- FS Investments in the formation of FS Investments Tactical Opportunities Fund, a private fund for institutional investors.
Secondaries and Other Transactions
- J.F. Lehman & Company in the closing of several single-asset continuation vehicle.
- Zenyth Partners in the formation of a continuation fund.
- Providence Equity Partners in numerous transactions, including a single-asset fund restructuring, a GP-led stapled tender offer, the combination of Blackboard and Anthology, and sales of minority interests in the firm.
- StepStone Group in multiple transactions.
- HarbourVest Partners in multiple transactions.
- EIG in the formation of Harbour Energy, a joint venture with Noble Group Limited to invest in upstream and midstream energy assets globally, and on EIG’s sale of a minority interest to China Investment Corporation.
- Leeds Equity Partners in the $100 million recapitalization of Leeds Equity Partners Fund IV.
- Newport Global Advisors in the recapitalization of Newport Global Opportunities Fund LP.
- AAC Capital Partners, the former management team of ABN AMRO Capital, in its spinout from ABN AMRO Capital.
Credentials
Recognition
Chambers USA – Private Equity: Fund Formation
Chambers USA – Venture Capital: Fund Formation, California
IFLR1000 – Investment Funds, Private Equity, Private Equity Funds, Highly Regarded
Law360 – “Fund Formation MVP of the Year,” 2019
Education
- James Kent Scholar
- Member, Columbia Law Review
- magna cum laude
Professional history
- Davis Polk since 2024
- Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton, 2014-2024
- Associate, Debevoise & Plimpton, 2005-2014
Qualifications and admissions
- State of California
- State of New York