What it is
A service, not software and not a single report. A fund usually owns many companies, and each one runs into legal questions in other countries: hiring abroad, opening a subsidiary, a dispute with a supplier, a regulator. The Portfolio Legal Desk gives every company the same front door for those questions, so they are mapped properly and sent to the right lawyers, and the fund can see what is going on across the portfolio.
When to use it
When your fund owns several companies that operate in more than one country, and you want their cross-border legal questions handled in one consistent way instead of company by company. It also helps when you plan add-on acquisitions inside the portfolio.
How to use it
You tell us about your portfolio: which companies, which countries, and which matters are open. WLA sets up the desk. The CEO or CFO of each company then signs in and brings a question when one arises. WLA maps it and, where advice is needed, introduces the right firm. You, as sponsor, see the portfolio's legal activity in your own view, and receive a quarterly report.
What you gain
Portfolio companies know exactly where to take a cross-border question, and do not lose time looking for lawyers. Questions are mapped before money is spent on advice. You see what your companies are facing, without having to ask each one.
THE SITUATIONA fund owns eight companies in six countries. The CFO of one company wants to open a subsidiary in Poland and hire two engineers. A different company has a disagreement with a supplier abroad.
WITHOUT A DESKEach company finds its own lawyers, in its own way, at its own pace. The fund hears about problems late, and often only when they have become expensive. Nobody sees the same issue appearing in more than one company.
WITH THE DESKEach CFO brings the question to the same desk. WLA maps each one: which countries, which areas of law and in what order, then introduces the right firm for each. The company chooses and engages the firm directly. The fund sees the activity in its own view and in the quarterly report.
SponsorThe private equity or venture capital fund that owns or invests in the companies. The sponsor sets up the desk.
Portfolio companyA company that the sponsor owns or has invested in. Its CEO or CFO uses the desk.
Front doorOne single place to bring a question, instead of many different routes.
MappingWorking out which countries, areas of law and steps a question involves, and in what order, before anyone gives advice.
Designated firmThe partner law firm WLA introduces in a country. It is legally separate from WLA and is solely responsible for its own advice.
Add-on acquisitionA company that a portfolio company buys to grow. It is a deal in its own right and has its own legal checks.
