‘Thorough, calm, and comprehensive’, the equity capital markets team at Addleshaw Goddard combines deep regulatory expertise with broad geographic coverage, advising issuers, NOMADs and brokers across the UK on AIM and Main Market transactions. Known for its strong track record in IPOs, secondary offerings and public M&A, the team is particularly adept at handling cross-border takeovers governed by the UK Takeover Code, especially in the tech, financial services and gaming sectors. The practice is jointly steered by Giles Distin and Simon Wood, the latter praised for his ‘great attention to detail’; both regularly advise public companies on the full spectrum of corporate finance matters. Distin, along with Julian Stanier, joined the firm from Pinsent Masons in 2025, bolstering the team’s expertise in Main Market and AIM transactions. Stanier specialises in advising UK and international issuers and investment banks on IPOs and equity fundraisings in London and abroad. Gareth Jones has extensive experience of various corporate finance transactions including IPO’s and secondary offerings, both on the Main Market and AIM, and public takeovers.

With a truly global footprint, CMS is a go-to for equity deals spanning London, Europe, Asia and the US, aided by built-in US securities expertise. The team is regularly instructed on AIM and Main Market IPOs, secondary raises and cross-border fundraisings, often involving growth companies, listed funds and investment banks. Known for its fluency in complex transactions, the group is especially active in the healthcare, tech, real estate and infrastructure spaces. Spearheading the team is Alasdair Steele, who brings extensive expertise advising both Main Market- and AIM-listed companies. Elsewhere in the team, James Parkes handles a diverse mix of domestic and cross-border M&A and ECM mandates, while Jack Shepherd is a key port of call for corporates, listed funds and investment banks on both the Main Market and AIM.

Norton Rose Fulbright maintains a strong equity capital markets practice, known for advising on a wide range of cross-border transactions, including IPOs, secondary fundraisings, de-SPACs and takeovers. The team is particularly active in growth markets across EMEA and has notable experience acting for both issuers and bookrunners, including major institutions such as J.P. Morgan and HSBC. Its work spans the AIM and Main Markets, with regular activity in the energy, mining and technology sectors. Practice head Raj Karia focuses on international securities transactions, cross-border M&A, and restructurings, advising both corporate clients and investment banks. With a prolific deal sheet spanning AIM, the Official List and fund IPOs, Richard Sheen leads the firm’s global Funds and Asset Management group and is a go-to adviser for listed companies. Richard Sheen; Thomas Vita; Fiona Millington; Clementine Hogarth; Alexander Green

Pinsent Masons LLP offers a full-service ECM practice with strong national coverage and deep sector expertise in tech, life sciences, and energy. The team is active across the deal spectrum, regularly advising listed companies, NOMADs and brokers on IPOs, secondary fundraisings, and public M&A — including takeovers, reverse takeovers, and exchange transfers. Its capability spans both domestic and cross-border matters, offering end-to-end support on equity transactions. Co-head Rob Hutchings  stands out for his specialism in ECM, as well as public and private M&A. Fellow co-head Sunjay Malhotra advises international and UK companies, investment banks and brokers on a range of corporate transactions. Adam Cain has broad experience across a number of industry sectors and jurisdictions, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Julian Stanier and Gareth Jones have left the firm.

Stephenson Harwood combines strong cross-border capabilities with deep sectoral insight, frequently advising brokers and listed investment funds on IPOs, fund mergers, takeovers, and secondary fundraisings. The team is also adept at steering international and offshore clients through UK equity issuances and dual listings, acting across the financial services, life sciences and tech sectors. Leading the team is Tom Nicholls, who advises a range of AIM-listed companies, particularly in the mining and natural resources sectors, on a broad spectrum of fundraising transactions. David Dowding advises corporates, investment banks, and brokers on IPOs and secondary fundraisings across both the Main Market and AIM.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s equity capital markets team, embedded within its corporate transactions practice, stands out for its expertise in listings, fundraisings, and public takeovers.  Renowned for handling AIM listings and secondary offerings across energy, leisure, and real estate sectors, the team leverages a strong international presence to navigate complex cross-border deals in key markets like the US, consistently advising leading issuers and NOMADs. Richard Werner has particular expertise in the real estate and listed closed-ended funds sectors. He oversees the practice alongside Tom Bacon, whose practice covers IPOs and secondary issues (Main Market and AIM) both in London and internationally and public company takeovers. Lara Rush advises domestic and international clients on M&A, takeovers, IPOs, secondary offerings, joint ventures, and general corporate matters across both the Official List and AIM.

Lauded as 'proactive, supportive and communicative', the team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises AIM, Main Market and foreign-listed companies on the full spectrum of ECM matters, with notable strength in cross-border transactions including take-privates, reverse takeovers and issuances involving US, Southeast Asian and Australian markets. The team is jointly led by Stephen Nash, whose practice focuses on corporate finance transactions, including public M&A, IPOs and secondary fundraisings, and Richard Moulton, who remains active across the technology, financial services and healthcare sectors.

Practice head Brad Isaac anchors Fieldfisher‘s ECM offering with deep expertise in cross-border energy transactions, steering the team’s work on IPOs, fundraisings and public M&A. The group is particularly active on AIM, advising issuers in the energy, tech, industrials and financial services sectors. Key figures in the team include George Cotter, who handles take-privates, Dominic Gurney-Champion, who is noted for his focus on IPOs in the natural resources space, and Edward Westhead, who leads on both UK and international fundraises.

Fielding a ‘highly diligent and efficient’ team, Gowling WLG is recognised for its robust handling of AIM transactions and its strong track record advising on international listings and fundraises, particularly within the energy and natural resources sectors. The practice is jointly led by David Brennan, who brings deep expertise in guiding technology companies through every stage of growth, and Kris Rogers, a seasoned adviser on IPOs, secondary issues, and convertible or exchangeable securities, acting for both issuers and their sponsors or NOMADs. Charles Bond remains a leading advisor in the mining and natural resources sectors, while Alexander Davidson advises a wide spectrum of AIM and Main Market clients, including those in the tech, life sciences and natural resources sectors.

Highlighted for its ‘safe pair of hands’ and ‘practical advice’, the team at K&L Gates LLP is a go-to for both overseas issuers eyeing the London markets and UK companies pursuing dual listings or international fundraises. The group is especially well-equipped on US matters, regularly collaborating with the firm’s American offices to steer clients through equity and hybrid offerings involving US securities law. Paul Tetlow leads the team and is a trusted adviser to companies, sponsors, NOMADs and brokers alike, guiding them through a wide range of equity capital markets transactions. The ‘excellent’ James Green has extensive experience advising on IPOs, secondary issues, takeovers and corporate governance matters, both domestically and internationally.

Renowned for its close ties with UK investment banks, Travers Smith LLP provides trusted advice in sponsor and underwriting roles across both IPOs and secondary fundraisings. The group, which earns praise for its ‘sensible, pragmatic and commercial’ advice, also supports a broad portfolio of AIM-listed clients from various sectors on equity transactions. Co-head Spencer Summerfield  focuses on UK and cross-border corporate finance, with experience spanning mergers, acquisitions, disposals, IPOs, underwritings, joint ventures, and general corporate advisory work. Fellow co-head Adrian West regularly advises clients on the Market Abuse Regulations and compliance with the UKLA Listing Rules and AIM Rules. Both Andrew Gillen and Tom Coulter specialise in advising clients on public and private M&A transactions.

Brown Rudnick LLP acts on a host capital markets and fundraising mandates, with recent work spanning block trades, share acquisitions involving public companies, and reverse takeovers for both UK-based and international issuers as well as their nomads. Lena Hodge  heads the team, advising public and private companies and U.S. sponsors on IPOs, secondary fundraisings, M&A, takeovers, and corporate matters.

Operating across a myriad of sectors including tech, energy, and mining, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP regularly acts for both issuers and financial advisers on fundraisings, restructurings, and tender offers. Practice head Andrew Collins is the go-to for guidance on share issuances and both public and private M&A transactions. Mark Howard  stands out for his strong ECM expertise in the TMT sector, while Paul Arathoon  frequently assists international clients through takeovers of UK-listed companies.

Dentons‘ ECM team is well-equipped to advise AIM-listed clients and brokers on fundraisings and public M&A, while also offering particular strength in cross-border equity transactions. The group frequently handles deals involving US securities and brings a broad international perspective to listings and fundraises in emerging markets. Both Darren Acres and Jayne Schnider head up the team, with expertise across AIM IPOs, capital raisings, secondary sales, and public and private M&A. Neil Nicholson and Verity Kent earn praise for their ability to 'deliver excellent service in a fashion that is easy to understand.'

Noted for its 'strength and depth', Hill Dickinson LLP's national team handles a steady stream of  ECM transactions, regularly advising issuers across the  healthcare, energy and natural resources sectors on AIM and Aquis fundraisings. The group is also well-versed in reverse takeovers, take-privates and cross-border listings, with increasing work coming from international companies navigating the UK markets. Leading the team is Michael Bennett, who brings particular expertise in the energy, natural resources, and life sciences sectors, including medical cannabis. Amy Grosvenor advises on IPOs, reverse takeovers and investment strategy implementation, with a particular focus on guiding clients through complex ECM processes.

Praised for the way its 'collaboration and cohesion shines through in how they engage with clients', the team at Macfarlanes LLP is especially well-regarded for its close relationships with investment funds and its expertise across complex ECM work, including equity placements, takeovers, and capital restructurings. The group also regularly advises brokers and NOMADs, with notable strength in asset manager M&A. The 'highly experienced' and 'commercially astute' Richard Burrows leads the team, advising across the full spectrum of corporate and capital markets work, from public takeovers and IPOs to private fundraisings and acquisitions. The 'sharp and diligent' Sanjana Singh is also recommended.

Well-regarded for its 'excellent client communication' and 'very practical and actionable advice', Mayer Brown International LLP brings together UK and US ECM expertise to advise on a wide spectrum of equity deals, including AIM listings, SEC-registered offerings, and cross-border mergers. The team is particularly active in the energy, life sciences, mining, and tech sectors, and frequently supports private equity clients on public takeovers and share investments. Practice head Kate Ball-Dodd covers corporate finance, M&A (including public takeovers), equity fundraising, joint ventures, and corporate governance. Harriet Hainsworth is the go-to expert for companies and financial intermediaries on Listing Rules, Prospectus Regulation, AIM Rules, the Takeover Code, and company law.

The team at Reed Smith LLP expertly navigates IPOs, secondary fundraisings, de-SPAC transactions, and takeovers, while also providing guidance on shareholder activism for a diverse client roster that includes leading banks, brokers, and PLCs in financial services, technology, and real estate. Steering the practice is Michael Young, who regularly advises emerging and scaling companies on listings and broader corporate finance work. He is supported by Delphine Currie, who is noted for her work on IPOs, contentious shareholder matters and the more intricate aspects of AIM and Takeover Code compliance, and Kat McGriskin.

RPC handles a broad range of equity capital markets and regulatory matters, with particular strength in navigating complex transactions and supporting both Main Market and AIM-listed clients through all stages of their lifecycle. At the helm of the practice is a trio of experts:

With strong links to clients nationwide, Squire Patton Boggs’ ECM practice operates seamlessly across its UK offices and internationally, advising on AIM fundraisings for both issuers and underwriters. Active across the tech, life sciences, and industrials sectors, the group regularly handles domestic and cross-border retail offerings and take-private deals. Spearheading the team is Jane Haxby , who regularly advises listed clients on a broad range of equity capital markets transactions

Burges Salmon LLP brings a strong energy focus to its ECM work, regularly advising renewables companies, their sponsors, and advisers on a mix of public and private equity deals. The team is also equipped to handle the regulatory side of takeovers and public M&A, with cross-border capabilities that allow it to guide clients through admissions to UK markets and beyond. The team is jointly led by Nick Graves, who advises a wide range of public and private companies and private individuals on company law and corporate governance issues and Dominic Davis , who is described as ‘excellent, technical and  practical.’

Lauded for its ability to provide 'clear, commercial and pragmatic' advice, the team at DAC Beachcroft LLP is a key port of call for issuers, brokers, and banks seeking assistance on a range of AIM and Aquis matters, from equity fundraisings and tender offers to cross-border take-private deals. The group also supports clients with ECM issues arising from corporate restructurings, recapitalisations, and wider corporate finance activity. Practice head Jonathan Deverill is praised as 'highly experienced and commercially focused.'

Well-regarded for its 'exceptional client service, expertise, commerciality and agility', Dorsey & Whitney advises a mix of AIM-listed companies and mid-market investment banks on equity issuances, tender offers, and takeovers. The team is especially adept at cross-border matters, regularly guiding US and Chinese clients through the UK and EU regulatory landscape on securities transactions. Leading the team is the 'truly excellent' Kate Francis.

Rated for its 'technical excellence' and 'solutions-focused approach', Druces LLP guides issuers, NOMADs and AIM-listed clients through fundraisings, listings and a range of equity-driven matters, with a strong track record assisting international players entering the UK market. Steering the practice is Jack Dervyn, who stands out for his work in AIM, AQSE, and Main Market transactions, reverse takeovers, and secondary fundraisings.

Acting for a diverse mix of growth companies, funds, brokers and plcs, Edwin Coe LLP’s team handles a steady flow of AIM fundraises, private placements and UK aspects of cross-border equity deals. Practice head Russel Shear  Is noted for his ECM and corporate finance expertise, while Daniel Bellau advises on all aspects of corporate law, specialising in public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity and VC investments.

Noted for its ‘very solutions based advice’, the team at Fladgate LLP is particularly active on AIM and Aquis deals, frequently advising issuers and brokers on listings, fundraisings and equity transactions, especially in the natural resources, tech, crypto and e-sports arenas. The team is also well-versed in navigating cross-border takeovers and international company listings on UK markets. Practice head David Robinson  handles a steady stream of fundraises and IPOs.

Goodwin ECM team, led by Ariel White-Tsimikalis, works across a range of sectors with a focus on tech, life sciences, and private equity-backed companies. The group advises on IPOs, dual-track exits, and take-private transactions, with notable experience guiding UK-headquartered businesses through listings on the Main Market, AIM, and US exchanges.

Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP's capital markets team, led by Nick Davis, offers deep-rooted expertise in London equity markets, particularly AIM, where the team is a go-to for IPOs, complex fundraisings, and public takeovers. The practice is especially active in high-growth sectors like energy transition, mining, and sustainable tech, regularly handling cross-border deals involving jurisdictions such as North America and South Africa.

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP’s London team offers comprehensive support on Main Market and AIM listings, pre-IPO structuring, secondary fundraisings, and public M&A, frequently working in tandem with colleagues in the US and Brussels to advise international clients on UK capital markets activity. Practice head Sean Page advises on cross-border M&A, ECM, and venture capital matters, with particular expertise in UK–China transactions.

Michelmores LLP’s ECM team advises a broad mix of UK and overseas issuers, as well as nominated advisers, on IPOs, secondary fundraisings, and cross-border public M&A. Experienced across both AIM and Main Market transactions, the team is also known for providing UK legal input on international equity deals. Leading the team is Ian Binnie, who regularly acts for clients in the natural resources, fintech, and life sciences sectors.

Operating out of Cambridge, Birmingham, and Norwich, Mills & Reeve LLP supports growth-focused businesses, particularly in tech and life sciences, through IPOs and secondary fundraisings. The team frequently acts for AIM-listed companies on public and private offerings, and regularly advises plcs on share capital transactions involving regional targets. The practice is led by Stephen Hamilton , who brings experience across ECM work and shareholder engagement issues.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP‘s equity capital markets practice has carved out a strong niche advising high-growth companies in tech, life sciences, energy, media and financial services on listings and fundraisings across the globe. The ‘very pragmatic’ team is especially active on issuer-side mandates, guiding clients through IPOs, direct listings and follow-on offerings on UK, US, European and Asian exchanges. Practice head Ed Lukins advises both listed and high-growth private companies, as well as their investors and founders, on a broad spectrum of corporate finance and equity capital markets matters.

Lauded for its ability to combine 'technical strength with a strong understanding of the commercial and regulatory landscape', Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises a broad mix of investors, brokers, and AIM-listed companies, particularly in the real estate, life sciences, and tech sectors, on IPOs and follow-on fundraisings. Public M&A specialist Seb Orton jointly leads the practice alongside Adam Carling, who focuses on corporate finance and transactional work in the energy and TMT spaces.

Fielding a ‘great team’, Shoosmiths LLP is recognised for its strong sponsor and broker services, advising clients like on IPOs, follow-on offerings, and private placements. The team has particular strength advising tech and life sciences issuers on a wide range of fundraising activities. Headed by Ben Turner from Birmingham, the UK team also includes Nick McCarthy and Oliver Pilkington, who regularly support corporate issuers and their NOMADs on equity deals.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises a wide range of AIM-listed clients and their brokers on equity capital market transactions, with particular strength in energy and natural resources. Practice head Chris Kilburn, who leads both the ECM and oil and gas teams, assists UK and international clients on a range of matters, while Jan Mellmann focuses on hybrid financing structures combining debt and equity.