William Samengo-Turner
Partner
London

William Samengo-Turner
Partner
London
Contact Details
Will’s practice focuses on corporate and commercial matters with a particular emphasis on the tech sector and its related industries both in Europe and the United States. From emerging enterprises and startups to large public corporations, Will advises some of the world’s leaders in technology on a range of issues including M&A, JVs, private fundraising, and digital transformation.
A member of A&O’s London corporate team, Will has spent considerable time living and working in Silicon Valley as a secondee to the offices of Fenwick & West, one of America’s leading technology firms. His experience on the West Coast included a wide variety of M&A and financing transactions for corporations of varying sizes and stages of development – ranging from seed round investments in start-ups to major acquisitions and disposals by listed multi-national companies.
Will is also a leader of the firm’s digitalisation practice, advising clients at all stages of development and across a broad range of sectors on the challenges and opportunities brought about by digital disruption and innovation in their markets.
“A great support and ally for the in-house function, not just a trusted adviser.” Legal 500 UK 2021 (Fintech)
Qualifications
Professional
Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2009
Academic
MA (Oxon), Modern History, University of Oxford, 2005
Graduate Diploma in Law, Oxford Brookes University, 2006
Legal Practice Course, College of Law Moorgate, 2007
Experience highlights
Having lived and practiced in Silicon Valley, Will continues to act as a bridge for a wide variety of West Coast clients looking to buy, build or collaborate in Europe and beyond. His practice covers the entire life-cycle of technology companies, from seed to exit and he has a deep understanding of the unique challenge faced by fast-growth founder-led businesses.
Will has advised a wide range of the world’s leaders in technology on their strategic acquisitions – from discrete acquihires to major cross-border M&A. His work includes advising Facebook on numerous deals across Europe; HP, Inc. on its £380m acquisition of Apogee Corp; Shanghai Giant on its $4.4bn acquisition of Playtika; and eBay on its acquisition of Kapaza.
Will has a wealth of experience in advising both companies seeking to raise private capital and also investors wishing to take stakes in high growth businesses. From early stage raises to significant pre-IPO investments, experience includes advising issuers such Zopa; Trussle; Monese; and R3, and investors including Khosla Ventures; Allianz; and a number of major Tech giants.
Will regularly advises on a wide range of digital transformation projects across numerous sectors outside technology with clients which include Toyota, Allianz Asset Management and Mercuria. Projects include the development of industry-redefining blockchain platforms, strategic collaborations with start-ups and established tech businesses, and the development and launch of new digital business units within a client’s group.
News & insights

Publications: 14 DECEMBER 2020
Consortia for digital innovation: building new business models
In today’s digital economy, rather than doing it alone, many organisations are finding that collaboration is a faster route to driving innovation or building new business models.
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News: 04 NOVEMBER 2020
A&O advises on acquisition of largest colocation provider in Greece
Allen & Overy is advising Lamda Hellix, southeastern Europe’s leading colocation provider, on its acquisition by Interxion, a Digital Realty company and a leading European provider of carrier and…
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Publications: 24 SEPTEMBER 2020
Fintech M&A: The future of dealmaking post Covid-19 coronavirus
After a run of high-value deals at the start of the year, fintech M&A has dramatically slowed. What will dealmaking look like in the future?
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Publications: 06 MAY 2020
Whilst the full impact on private fundraisings and the growth capital sector will not be seen for some time, it is clear that the days of free flowing cash for growth companies are coming to an end.
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Qualifications
Professional
Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2009
Academic
MA (Oxon), Modern History, University of Oxford, 2005
Graduate Diploma in Law, Oxford Brookes University, 2006
Legal Practice Course, College of Law Moorgate, 2007
Pro-bono experience
- Governor of Sacred Heart School, Camberwell, London
Recognition
A great support and ally for the in-house function, not just a trusted adviser.
Legal 500 UK 2021 (Fintech)