Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands in East Midlands

BHW Solicitors

With in-depth expertise in supply train contracts, BHW Solicitors is a key port of call for various institutional lenders. With a ‘great presence in the local market’, the practice’s recent caseload encompasses cross-border restructuring, employee ownership trust matters, and succession projects. Ed Nurse oversees the team and is lauded by clients for his ‘exceptional commercial knowledge.’ Matt Worsnop is active in the owner-managed sector and privately-owned sectors, while Stephen McElhone is vastly experienced in corporate fundraising. Worsnop, McElhone, and James Dent are praised as ‘three of the best corporate and commercial lawyers in the area.’ Other key members of the team include Alex Clifton and Cameron Connolly. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Leicester.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ed Nurse


Autres avocats clés:

Matt Worsnop; Stephen McElhone; James Dent; Alex Clifton; Cameron Connolly


Les références

‘BHW employs high quality people within their corporate and commercial team. We have worked with various members of the team, individually and collectively, and they are very well-organised. They are very client focused, always efficient, and an absolute pleasure to deal with.’

‘The team at BHW have strength in depth in terms of their knowledge of the commercial landscape. They take a pragmatic view and work in partnership with their client, ensuring that they understand the implications of what is being proposed and the practical alternatives.’

‘A great presence in the local market. The team always seem on top of all situations, and I find them a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

Correlation Investments Limited


Lavendon Group Limited


Gardner Group Limited


Oadby Plastics Limited


BPX Group Limited


NatWest Bank Plc


Nationwide Platforms Limited


HSBC Bank Plc


KCT Holdings Limited


Technicut Limited


Quartz Holdings Limited


HomePro Ltd


Creative Software Solutions (Europe) Limited


Colson Castors Limited


Evergreens (UK) Limited


Delta Global Source Holdings Limited


Red Sands Insurance Company (Europe) Limited


AutoProtect Group Limited


Beowulf Mining Plc


The Engineering Technology Group Limited


Money Redress Limited


Nationwide Windscreen Services Ltd


Pharmacare Group Limited


Mensa International Limited


Rothley Law Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Correlation Risk Partners on the disposal of Animal Friends Insurance to Pinnacle Pet Group.
  • Advised the shareholders of the Verdon Timber Group on their sale to nationwide counterpart, Howarth Timber Group.
  • Advised the shareholders of Hycontrol Limited on the sale of the company to Envea.

Freeths LLP

Lauded by clients for its ‘depth of knowledge in the healthcare sector’, Freeths LLP is well-equipped to assist clients on the corporate aspects of sale and leaseback transactions. The ‘efficient and helpful’ team is also knowledgeable of corporate restructuring and financing, property acquisitions and disposals, as well as share purchase agreements. Based in Leicester, Phil Baigent co-leads the team with the ‘excellent’ Thomas Golding, who works out of Nottingham. Baigent has over two decades of experience in advising both banks, buyers, REITs, and sellers operating in the healthcare sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Phil Baigent; Thomas Golding


Les références

‘A depth of knowledge in the healthcare sector – they have great response times.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable, approachable, and able to communicate clearly which helps us understand the contracts and transactions.’

‘They are easy to work with and our preferred solicitors.’

Principaux clients

LNT Group


Anchor Hanover Group


Pressbeau Care Homes


Optimo Care Group Limited


Country Court Care Group


Yorkare Homes Limited


Danforth Care Partners


Lawrence Baker Group


Sandstone Care Group


Warwick Capital Partners


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Halesowen Care Development Limited on entry into a circa £8,300,000 loan facility agreement with Cynergy Bank Limited.
  • Advised K/S Weybridge on drafting and negotiating transaction documents.

HCR Hewitsons

Noted for its capabilities in commercial IP and IT matters, HCR Hewitsons enjoys a strong presence in the automotive, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The practice is also particularly skilled at demergers, governance issues, reorganizations, as well as refinancing transactions. David Davies oversees the team and is lauded for ‘his wide and detailed knowledge and his totally professional style’, while David Browne is commended as ‘patient and personable.’ Neil Harpham is experienced in banking and finance matters, while Anne-Sophie Reynolds is particularly active in the agricultural sector. Motunrayo Adeeyo is noted for his expertise in the dental sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Davies


Autres avocats clés:

David Browne; Neil Harpham; Anne-Sophie Reynolds; Motunrayo Adeeyo


Les références

‘This is an experienced and highly competent team that is well balanced, hard-working, and good humored. They are capable of taking on and successfully completing a very wide range of complex transactions. They can be relied upon to do a very good job.’

‘On large corporate transactions in which they excel, they have a wide range of very competent specialists to support them, including in employment law, pensions, commercial contracts, commercial property, and commercial litigation.’

‘The team is a settled and long-standing one, Neil Harpham and Anne-Sophie Reynolds are excellent. The team is headed by a highly experienced, hard-working, commercially-minded and very intelligent partner in the form of David Browne. He can be relied on to do a thorough and extremely competent job.’

Principaux clients

Perrys Motor Sales Limited


Hi-Force Limited


Biogen (UK) Limited


Homes England


Fencor Packaging Group Limited


Northampton Rugby Football Club Limited


AA Thornton IP LLP


The retiring members of DNG Dove Naish LLP


Medigold Health Consultancy Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the members of DNG Dove Naish LLP on the sale of their members’ interests in the limited liability partnership to Shaw Gibbs.
  • Advised VSL Dental Limited on the acquisition of the business and assets of the dental practice, Holly Tree House Dental.
  • Advised on a demerger of a major landowning and investment group of companies.

Howes Percival LLP

Acquisition financing, corporate banking matters, as well as real estate developments are cornerstones of practice at Howes Percival LLP. In Northampton, Matthew Thompson leads on mid-market M&A transactions and is a strong choice for large and SME owner-managed businesses. Paula Dumbill is knowledgeable of commercial trading agreements and is lauded as ‘exceptionally patient and highly organised.’ Haydon Simmonds leads the East Midlands banking and finance team, while Miles Barnes is praised by clients as an ‘excellent, deal-orientated solicitor’, and is knowledgeable of distribution, licensing, and manufacturing. Gerald Couldrake is another key team member and Gareth John joined the practice in May 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matt Thompson; Paula Dumbill; Haydon Simmonds


Autres avocats clés:

Miles Barnes; Gerald Couldrake; Katherine Cereghino; Jeremy Hyde; Ben Hancox; Gareth John


Les références

‘We have received a good service from the team who always acted in an efficient and professional manner, providing advice and guidance often to very tight deadlines.’

‘Howes Percival boasts a formidable presence with multiple offices strategically positioned across the East Midlands. Each location houses high-caliber legal professionals with a breadth of experience across various disciplines.’

‘The team has a strong bench of talent. They’re consistently one of the top performing corporate teams in the East Midlands and work on their fair share of deals in the region. Within the team they have experience of EOTs as well as mainstream disposals, restructurings, de-mergers and acquisitions.’

Principaux clients

Medigold Health Consultancy


Connells Limited


E-Bate Limited


Cinch Cars


BCA Automotive


Brewers Decorating Centres


Euro Food Brands


Foresight Capital


SPAR (UK)


BGF


FA Simms


The DX Group


Arne Clothing


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Medigold on a transformational acquisition of Health Management Limited for US based Maximus Group.
  • Advised Brewers Decorating Centres on its acquisition growth strategy.
  • Advised E-Bate Limited on a number of equity fundraisers from a number of investors, including Mercia.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is geared to advise entrepreneurial, family, and high-growth businesses on transactional and reorganisation work. Practice head Roy Botterill and Ashley Taylor are praised for their ‘breadth of knowledge and experience’, Botterill is a key contact for tax advisors and is experienced in advising owner-managed businesses on business sales and business purchases, as well as internal structures and strategy. Lisa Botterill is well-informed in care home transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Roy Botterill


Autres avocats clés:

Ashley Taylor; Michael Squirrell; Lisa Botterill


Les références

‘The team are knowledgeable and approachable. We have been working with them for many years and so I absolutely trust their advice, guidance, and direction. Working with Shakespeare Martineau feels like a collaborative process, rather than the more traditional “client instructing adviser” type relationship.’

‘They are approachable, friendly, and have great understanding of our needs. They are not afraid to gently point out issues relating to areas that are not our specialism.’

‘We are always very impressed by Roy Botterill and Ashley Taylor’s breadth of knowledge and experience. ’

Principaux clients

WBR Group


Shield Engineering Group


Mindera


Langdale Group


3T Logistics


Rotherwood Group


Bostik Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for an individual on the sale of the entire share capital of VouchedFor Ltd.
  • Acting for a client who was a new entrant to the care sector including advising on acquisition and fund raising.

Sills & Betteridge LLP

Recently engaged in insolvency restructuring, Sills & Betteridge LLP enjoys a strong reputation in the agri-business, financial services, healthcare, and retail sectors. Praised as ‘exceptional with his knowledge’, James Conduit oversees the practice, and his broad caseload encompasses corporate finance, M&A, as well as share and assets sales and purchases. Euan McLaughlin is regarded in the engineering sector and is well-informed on commercial contracts, including joint venture agreements. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Lincoln.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Conduit


Autres avocats clés:

Euan McLaughlin; Martin Walsh


Les références

‘We have enjoyed working with Sills and Betteridge over the past few years on a range of business acquisitions that we have undertaken with their legal support.’

‘All of our transactions have progressed smoothly and contracts have been drafted in a suitable succinct and tailor made approach, covering our requirements fully, rather than in an ‘off the peg’ documentation with endless revisions of non-relevant elements. ’

‘The team were great all through the acquisition process and our contact James Conduit was always on hand to help where needed. From the minute you walked into the Lincoln office you felt as though you were being looked after by professionals who cared.’

Principaux clients

Active8 Managed Technologies Limited


Ballet Makers Europe Limited


Beaphar BV


Chandlers (Farm Machinery) Limited


Clydesdale Bank PLC


Hemswell Estates Limited


HFL Financial Advisers


Lincoln College Group


Micronclean Limited


NerG Ltd/ NERG Holdings Ltd


Omex Agriculture Limited


SHD Group


Sleeping Disorders Centre Group


The Burdens Group


Turnbull & Co Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the shareholders of Hawkins Electrical on their sale to RSK Environment Ltd.
  • Advised the buyer in an MBO of Bio 8 Ltd.
  • Advised Chandlers (Farm Equipment) Limited on its acquisition of the business and assets of Ross Farm Machinery.

Chattertons

Often working in conjunction with the firm’s commercial property and employment teams, the ‘pragmatic and business-oriented’ practice at Chattertons is a key contact for agricultural businesses. ‘Consummate professional’ Anna Horrell leads the team from Stamford and her caseload encompasses commercial contracts, corporate structuring, and restructuring, as well as M&A. In Lincoln, Stuart Newell advises on constitutional documents, joint ventures, as well as shareholders agreements, and is ‘a very thorough and detailed operator.’

Responsables de la pratique:

Anna Horrell


Autres avocats clés:

Stuart Newell; Jenny Horsley


Les références

‘Anna Horrell was a consummate professional through the whole of our recent restructuring transactions. She kept us informed and reassured at every significant juncture.’

‘Anna Horrell heads the department and has to be one of the most commercially minded individuals I have come across in the legal sector. I have always been very impressed by her. ’

‘I have always been impressed with Anna Horrell’s “no-nonsense” commercial approach to each matter which I consider stands out against her competitors. ’

Principaux clients

Birchester Care Holdings Limited


Birchester Care Limited


EdgVR Limited


Education Group Limited


Horizon Agricultural Machinery Limited


Ilex Envirosciences Limited


Barkwith Associates Limited


Greylees Limited


Principaux dossiers


Nelsons Solicitors Limited

Counting various international conglomerates, owner-managed businesses, PLCs, and SMEs on its client roster, the Leicester-based practice at Nelsons Solicitors Limited is headed by Rik Pancholi. Pancholi is proficient in disposals, M&A, as well as reorganisations, while Ziaur Rahman’s niche expertise encompasses corporate charity matters, EOTs, and specialist partnership agreements. Palbir Vadesha is noted for her strength in corporate governance, manufacturing and engineering commercial contracts, as well as shareholder agreements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rik Pancholi


Autres avocats clés:

Ziaur Rahman; Palbir Vadesha


Les références

‘They are always helpful and very responsive. The team gave good advice and worked well to get our deal across the line.’

‘The practice has successfully completed a number of projects for our clients and in all cases they have been able to achieve the “tight deadlines” required and equated the final costs within the original estimates.’

‘The team are very flexible and goal orientated, they also understand deadlines and are a pleasure to work with, especially Ziaur Rahman.’

Principaux dossiers


Roythornes Solicitors

With broad transactional capabilities, including joint ventures, M&A, private equity, and reorganisations, Roythornes Solicitors is well-versed in commercial, construction, and engineering contracts. Martin Jinks is informed in equipment installation and support contracts, as well as loan investments, while the ‘highly experienced and friendly solicitor’, Mike Matthews leads the M&A team and is well-versed in corporate finance. Lizzie Walters and Spalding-based Emily Wright are highlighted for their strength in corporate restructuring, while Beth Wallace in Alconbury is skilled in corporate finance. All of the individuals that have been mentioned split their time between Spalding and Alconbury unless stated otherwise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Jinks


Autres avocats clés:

Mike Matthews; Lizzie Walters; Emily Wright; Beth Wallace


Les références

‘Mike Matthews is a highly experienced and friendly solicitor. He was always available via telephone or Zoom, and he always offered sound solutions to various challenges that arose during the course of the transaction.’

‘Mike Matthews met all the deadlines necessary to complete the transaction, kept us informed of progress, was very knowledgeable, and gave competent and straightforward advice when needed.’

‘Mike Matthews made a difficult process manageable. Mike is very client-centric, enabling us to understand the processes involved and alleviating our concerns.’

Principaux clients

Ceres Rural LLP


TC Bulley Davey Limited


BA Bush & Son Limited


FESA (UK) Limited


Peterborough Renewable Energy Limited


Frontier Agriculture Limited


Pigeon Investment Management Limited


Inivos Scientific Limited


Specialist Health Solutions Limited


Lawrence David Limited


Sakata UK Limited


Fortis Hire


Italian Beverage Company Limited


AB Texel


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Delightful Food Group Limited on the acquisition of March Foods Limited.
  • Advised A B Texel UK Limited on the acquisition of Aitken & Merry Contractors.
  • Advised the shareholders of MarketplaceAmp on the sale to Optimizon.

Wilkin Chapman LLP

Wilkin Chapman LLP’s key strengths lie in equity and debt financing transactions, franchise agreements, M&A, and partnership restructurings. With extensive experience, Ian Sherburn leads the practice from Grimsby and is a strong choice for entities operating in the petrochemical and retail insurance industries. In Grimsby, Adam Ottley handles commercial contracts, as well as company sales, acquisitions, and re-organisations. Working out of Lincoln, Limara Rickell is skilled at corporate governance, commercial, and shareholder agreements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ian Sherburn


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Ottley; Limara Rickell


Les références

‘The practice manages to blend youth and experience in servicing their clients. There is a willingness to work collaboratively with other professionals to provide clients with a successful outcome.’

‘The individuals from the practice demonstrated in-depth knowledge within their field of expertise, working with colleagues from different departments so as to provide clients with a truly rounded service. The practice has demonstrated the ability to anticipate and deal with issues so as to keep transactions on course.’

‘The team at Wilkin Chapman have been absolutely fantastic, they have gone above and beyond their remit. Without their dedication, hard work, and continuous input our deal would never have been achieved.’

Principaux clients

Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited


Blackrow Group


GHA Investments Ltd


St Lawrence Academies Trust Ltd


Tong Engineering Limited


Unitas Wholesale Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Blackrow Group on the management buyout of an established engineering group.
  • Advised Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited on a licensor agreement relating to its carbon capture project.
  • Advised Unitas Wholesale Limited on the buyback of shares from members.

Wilson Browne Solicitors

Wilson Browne Solicitors‘ broad caseload encompasses corporate restructuring, franchising, governance, as well as shareholder agreements. Holly Threlfall leads the team from Northampton and is knowledgeable of partnership agreements, restructuring, and succession planning; she is also praised as ‘knowledgeable, dedicated, and approachable.’ In Corby, Duncan Crowther is skilled at equity investment and lending, M&A, and shareholder arrangements. Northampton-based Andrew Kerr handles commercial agreements and management buy-outs, while in Corby, Jessica Hooley is well-versed in charity law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Holly Threlfall


Autres avocats clés:

Duncan Crowther; Andrew Kerr; Jessica Hooley


Les références

‘I have no hesitation in referring clients to the firm. They are a reliable, technically strong team from a variety of backgrounds and have a professional but down-to-earth approach.’

‘The team at Wilson Browne are extremely knowledgeable, very accessible, and meet set deadlines. They keep you updated on any developments without the need to chase them.’

‘Wilson Browne is a very approachable practice with dedicated staff to work with and assist us on all legal matters that arise within our business.’

Principaux clients

Festo Limited


Kingmaker Group Limited


Jalex Limited


Blue Fort Holdings Limited


Jonathan Kitching & David Brown


C Butt Limited


Walkerpack Limited


Associated Engineering Services Limited


PBC Business Recovery and Insolvency Limited


National Education Union (NEU)


Magnus Shoes Limited


Siren Design Limited


Titanium Fireworks Limited


First Business Water Limited


Daylight Centre Fellowship


Edmund Arnolds Charity


Midland Stone Centre Limited


Manuscripti Limited


Deceased Online Limited


Stephensons Online Limited


Innocean UK Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised C Butt Limited on a range of corporate restructuring issues as well as customer and supplier contracts.
  • Advised Dawn Farm Foods on commercial contract review.
  • Advised two individuals on the sale of Beckworth Limited.

Austin Moore & Partners LLP

Noted for its strength in commercial property and employment matters, Austin Moore & Partners LLP is geared to handle corporate governance, private equity transactions, and reorganisations. Austin Moore leads the practice and is proficient in business and share transactions, joint ventures, and start-up funding. Dav Jaspal is frequently engaged in financing and secured lending, while Laura de Banke is noted for her private equity capabilities. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Nottingham unless stated otherwise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Austin Moore


Autres avocats clés:

Dav Jaspal; Laura de Banke; Rebecca Del Grosso


Principaux clients

AW Lymn The Family Funeral Service


Thrive Learning Limited


Clifton Packaging Group Limited


Smartway


Pharmaseal International Limited


Morvern Group


Durable Brands Limited


Lifeboat Capital Ltd


Embrace Steel Group


Stat Holdings Limited


Gerard Poly Mouldings Ltd


Hydroscand Ltd


Warlord Games


Rock Compliance Holdings Limited


Mornington Partners Limited


GEV Holdings Limited


MA Group Limited


Buster & Punch Holdings Limited


Primis Capital Limited


Clifton Packaging Limited


Foresight Independent Financial Planning Limited


Cloud Orca Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised exiting shareholder on the cross-border acquisition of Gerard Poly Mouldings Limited by US aerospace sector specialists, AE Industrial Partners.
  • Advised Stat Holdings Limited on a series of share and business asset acquisitions.
  • Acted for the founding shareholders of SalamanderSoft on their exit to private equity backed Education Technology Services.

CMP Legal Limited

Commended for its ‘attractive depth of knowledge and experience,’ CMP Legal Limited’s key strengths lie in corporate restructuring, M&A, and shareholder agreements. Anna Cattee oversees the practice from Chesterfield and is well-informed in healthcare law. The ‘technically accomplished, well-connected and commercially minded’ Cattee is also knowledgeable of distribution agreements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anna Cattee


Les références

‘The team at CMP have an attractive depth of knowledge and experience coupled with excellent client care skills. They go above and beyond to meet timescales and expectations with first rate advice.’

‘I needed the CMP team to respond in a very timely fashion, and they achieved this completely. I sold my business and dealt with some very complicated issues, which were handled completely efficiently by CMP. Their support staff, their commercial property associates, and their contracts and litigation teams worked seamlessly together.’

‘CMP Legal provides efficient advice and can provide quick turn around times when required.’

Principaux clients

PCT Healthcare Limited


SMH Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised SMH Group on the purchase of an accountancy practice.
  • Advised Peak Pharmacy on a development agreement, JCT agreement, and associated construction contracts for the build and internal fit out for a a £20m central warehousing and office hub in Chesterfield.
  • Advised Peak Pharmacy on a share acquisition involving several retail pharmacy branches.