Shearman & Sterling further bolsters its global Mergers & Acquisitions Group with the addition of Rodney Cannon, who joins as a partner in Abu Dhabi.

Cannon joins the firm from Mubadala Development Company, where he was the Group General Counsel and a member of the Mubadala Capital Investment Committee. During his time at Mubadala, Cannon managed complex mergers and acquisitions and joint venture transactions as well as various funds and private equity investments. Prior to joining Mubadala, Cannon practiced in the corporate department of a Magic Circle firm in Hong Kong. Cannon is a dual-qualified solicitor in Victoria and New South Wales in Australia as well as England and Wales.

"We are delighted to welcome Rodney to the firm. With his extensive experience both in-house and in private practice, Rodney brings a thorough understanding of the legal and business challenges faced by our clients," said Creighton Condon, Senior Partner at Shearman & Sterling. "He is a superb addition to our global Mergers & Acquisitions Group, and we are confident that he will play a particularly key role in the continued success of our Middle East offerings."

"Rodney's arrival helps advance our long-term strategy in the Middle East," said the firm's Regional Managing Partner of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "His unique experience and in-depth knowledge of regional government-related entities will enable us to deepen our client capabilities and enhance our market-leading position in the region."

Shearman & Sterling’s Head of Mergers & Acquisitions in Europe and the Middle East, Laurence Levy, adds, "Rodney is a great fit for us. His experience working on complex cross-border transactions will expand our corporate capabilities not only in the Middle East but across Europe."

"The caliber of Shearman & Sterling's lawyers, its global reach and excellent reputation provides the perfect platform for my return to private practice," Cannon said. "I'm very excited to be joining such an impressive team whom I've had the pleasure of working with since 2008."

One of the first law firms to establish a presence in the Middle East, Shearman & Sterling has advised clients throughout the region since 1965. The firm serves clients through offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across Saudi Arabia in association with Dr. Sultan Almasoud & Partners.