John Van de North is a partner in Goodwin’s Private Equity group. He is an experienced private equity and venture capital adviser and worked for several years outside of private practice in venture capital and venture-backed companies.
Experience
Mr. Van de North’s has advised clients on private equity, growth and venture investments, debt financings and fund formation matters for over 25 years. Recent representative transactions include:
- Queens Park Equity
- on its investment in TelcoSwitch, a leading communications software provider to the UK SME market
- and DCSL in connection with the acquisition and integration of Guidesmiths Limited to form DCSL Guidesmiths
- on the leveraged acquisition of Sagacity Group, a London-based IT consultancy company
- in connection with the formation of their debut fund Queens Park Equity Fund I and the associated above the fund equity arrangements*
- on its acquisition of Learndirect*
- OpCapita on the refinancing and sale of NKD*
- DN Capital Partners on dozens of investments in portfolio companies; the sale of Datanomic to Oracle as well as fund formation and executive compensation matters*
- Emona Capital Partners on the formation of Emona Capital and its engagements with or investments in RDL Realisation and Studio Moderna*
- RDL Realisation plc, a premium listed investment fund, on its proposals to accelerate the repayment of the Zero Dividend Preference Shares issued by its subsidiary, RDLZ Realisation plc (RDLZ)*
Professional Activities
Mr. Van de North served as a partner in and senior counselor to other leading international law firms in London and as the vice president and general counsel of a venture-backed agricultural seed business.
Credentials
Education
JD1996
University of Iowa College of Law
(with high distinction)
BS1992
University of Notre Dame
Admissions
Bars
- District of Columbia (active)
- Minnesota (inactive)
Recognition & Awards
Mr. Van de North was recognized for excellence in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Van de North has been recognized by Best Lawyers in their ‘The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom 2023’ rankings.