Adam Wells
Image of Adam Wells

Adam Wells

Partner

Email

adam.wells@aoshearman.com

Phone

+44 20 3088 3792

Offices

London

V-CARD

Adam is Global Co-Head of US Capital Markets & Global ECM.


Adam has nearly 25 years' experience advising clients in both the developed and developing markets and across many industry sectors. His experience includes advising on IPOs, rights issues, placings and open offers, accelerated bookbuilt offerings and other private placements as well as US aspects of cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

He is recognised as one of Legal 500' s Hall of Fame Capital Markets lawyers, and is ranked as a leading Capital Markets lawyer by Chambers and IFLR.

Adam is based in our London office, having previously practiced in New York. He is a member of the Bar of the State of New York.

Expertise

Experience

Representative matters

  • On over 50 IPOs in his career, including IPOs by OQ Base Industries, OQ Exploration and Production ADNH Catering, a subsidiary of a state-owned oil company, Empower, Abraaj Energy Services, Borouge, TECOM, Azelis, Noventiq, Ebusco, SPEAR Investments, Disruptive Capital Acquisition Company, Moonpig, ESG Core Investments, Allegro, JDE Peets, Marel, DWF, Quilter, DP Eurasia (Domino's Pizza Turkey), Allied Irish Bank, Emaar Development, Balta, VolkerWessels, Neinor Homes, Alfen, Árima, McCarthy & Stone, CMC Markets, Ibstock, Softcat, The Gym Group, Hastings, Spire Healthcare, Emaar Malls, Refresco Gerber, Lucas Bols, NN Group, Intertrust and bpost.
  • Listed companies and banks across the globe on strategic equity-related transactions and other significant change events. This includes capital raising, M&A, demergers, and reorganisations.
  • Rights issues, placings and open offers and other fully marketed offerings by Ooredoo, Euronext, Marks & Spencer, Energias de Portgal (EDP), Marks & Spencer, Piraeus Bank, Hellenic Bank, Cobham, Capitec, KPN, REN, Wereldhave and Circassia Pharmaceuticals. 
  • Accelerated bookbuild offerings relating to Eurobank, Azelis, Moonpig, Allied Irish Banks, Astrazeneca, Network International, Informa, Hiscox, The Gym Group, Vodacom, Neinor Homes, Spar, Capitec, PSG, bpost, McCarthy & Stone, Spire Healthcare and NN Insurance.
  • Companies, shareholders and underwriting banks on SEC reporting matters. This includes assisting clients, particularly non-US companies with compliance with US securities regulation.

Published Work

  • European IPOs.  Back on track or the end of a good run?  PLC Magazine, March 2015
  • The European IPO market: signs of life, PLC Magazine, December 2012
  • US private offerings: Solicitation and advertising on the cards, PLC Magazine, October 2012
  • Pre-marketing in the EU and the US, convergence ahead? PLC Magazine, September 2010
  • Anatomy of a deal: IPOs, Lawyer 2B, October 2007
  • Preparing a company for an IPO, PLC Cross Border Quarterly, July - September 2007

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • New York Bar, 1998
  • US District Court for the Nothern District of New York, 1999

Recognition

“He can turn his hand to any deal with a U.S. component. He understands what the banks need”
Chambers UK (Capital Markets: Equity)
“Adam is pragmatic and doesn't hide from problems. He has a great depth of experience and is never fazed”
Chambers UK (Capital Markets: Equity)

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted to the Bar, State of New York, 1998

Registered foreign lawyer, England and Wales, 2012

Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.