Bristows LLP has a comprehensive M&A offering, enabling the team to advise on public and private transactions both domestically and internationally. The group’s wide-ranging capabilities and experience handling high-value and high-profile deals continue to attract new clients to its roster which is comprised of notable names from the technology, healthcare, and retail sectors. Iain Redford sits at the helm of the practice and is sought out for his expertise in technology and life sciences-focused M&A, joint ventures, and financings. He is supported by Marek Petecki who is a key contact for businesses from IP-rich industries seeking assistance with spin-outs and joint ventures. On the cross-border transaction front, David Horner and Nick Cross are names to note, while Richard Swaine concentrates on distressed M&A, and Samuel Munday is adept at acting on both the buy- and sell-side of deals.

With expertise across public and private M&A, financing, and divestments, among other areas, the corporate and capital markets practice at Brown Rudnick LLP remains a reference in the London market. The group is regularly instructed by notable names from the technology, media and entertainment, and financial services sectors to assist on both domestic and cross-border mandates, and its deep transactional experience continues to attract new clients to its roster. Thomas Braiden co-heads the team alongside Mark Dorff and stands out for his aptitude handling high-value, multijurisdictional M&A, joint ventures, and commercial contracts. Dorff is adept at advising on technology and life sciences transactions, as well as venture capital deals. On the public company takeover front, Lena Hodge is a key name to note, while Angus Ford – who joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in December 2024 – is the go-to for transactions in the real estate sector. The department has also been bolstered by the arrival of Matthew Edwards who joined from Osborne Clarke LLP in February 2025.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP maintains its market leading position in the London corporate transaction space. The group has a robust offering which encompasses public and private M&A, restructuring, and financing, as well as corporate real estate, investments, and buyouts, among other areas. With extensive experience acting on both the buy and sell-side of complex, high-value, and high-profile transactions, alongside cross-border capabilities, the department is sought after by a notable and expanding client roster, which consists of impressive names from a variety of sectors such as luxury and fashion, technology, and professional services. David Coates sits at the helm of the practice and stands out for his aptitude for leading on private M&A domestically and internationally, with a particular focus on the leisure, retail, and IT industries. The team also benefits from the expertise of technology specialist Mark Howard and corporate real estate authority Keir Gordon. Other central practitioners in the group include Daniel Rosenberg, Charlie Ring, and Ashwin Pillay.

Specialising in the energy, real estate, and education sectors, as well as the construction, technology, and financial services industries, the corporate practice at Clyde & Co is well-equipped to assist a wide array of clients on complex, high-value, and high-profile transactions- both domestically and internationally. The group’s deep M&A expertise and cross-border capabilities continue to attract new clients to its roster, which is comprised of impressive names including the likes of TotalEnergies. Simon Vere Nicoll, Nick Purnell, and Simon Gamblin co-head the department and bring a wealth of experience to the team – Nicoll is sought after for his aptitude for handling multijurisdictional M&A, joint ventures, and public offerings for both public and private companies; Purnell is noted for his marine and shipping prowess, regularly advising on M&A, joint ventures, and investments; and Gamblin is adept at leading on public and private M&A, cross-border joint ventures, and financings. Other key practitioners in the group include divestments specialist Anna Nerush, MBO expert Richard Turner, and private M&A authority Ben Chalkley.

Praised by clients for its ‘pragmatism and sensible approach to risk,’ while showcasing ‘technical acumen, and an ability to handle cross-border transactions,’ DWF‘s corporate group is instructed by an extensive, impressive, and expanding client roster which is made up of household names from an array of industry sectors including technology, consumer goods, and financial services, to name a few. The team has a robust offering that encompasses private and public M&A, joint ventures, and management buy-outs, as well as divestments, syndicate transfers, and restructuring transactions, both domestically and internationally. Heading up the London team is cross-border transaction specialist Paddy Eaton who is regarded as a ‘market leading candidate’ and stands out for his expertise handling complex M&A deals in the technology, financial services, and real estate sectors. He is supported by Laurence Applegate and Justin Edgar, both of whom are adept at advising on public and private M&A and private equity transactions. Other key practitioners in the department include structuring specialist Raeesa Chowdhury, head of the India group Dhruv Chhatralia BEM, and Jayne McGlynn who concentrates on multi-jurisdictional mandates.

Offering assistance with multi-jurisdictional M&A, public takeovers, and joint ventures, as well as divestments and restructurings, the corporate and M&A team at Fladgate LLP is well-equipped to advise a wide variety of businesses on transactional mandates. The group is instructed by notable names from the technology, real estate, and financial services sectors, among others, to lead on high-value and high-profile matters, and its experience handling complex deals across an array of industries continues to attract new clients. At the helm of the practice is David Robinson, who specializes in public and private M&A, with a particular focus on the publishing sector. He is supported by Jamie Hamilton and Anthony Shatz, both of whom stand out for their expertise in cross-border M&A and joint ventures. On the public takeover front, Tessa Trevelyan Thomas is the key contact in the department; she has deep experience acting for main market and AIM listed targets and bidders on schemes of arrangement and contractual offers.

Lewis Silkin maintains a strong position in the London market with a well-experienced corporate practice that covers an array of transactions. The group is adept at handling high-profile, high-value, multi-jurisdictional deals including public and private M&A on the buy- and sell-side, divestments, and management buy-outs, as well as restructurings, share capital transfers, and investments for an impressive and expanding client roster comprised of notable names from the technology, financial services, and advertising and marketing sectors. Media and entertainment expert Paul Rajput heads up the department and is recognised for his M&A prowess, regularly advising on complex transactions involving foreign jurisdictions, earn-out and retention arrangements, and regulatory elements. Jo Evans is another key member of the team and concentrates on M&A, growth plans, and exit strategies, while Gavin McNaughton stands out for his breadth of expertise which spans M&A, joint ventures, and debt financing. Other core practitioners include Sadiq Tajbhai, Karish Andrews, and Joe Lythgoe.

Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP‘s corporate and transactional practice stands out for its extensive experience advising on high-value and high-profile transactions both domestically and internationally ranging from privatisations and related restructuring to public and private M&A and share sales and purchases. With a breadth of expertise and cross-border capabilities, the group has amassed a strong and expanding client roster comprised of notable names from the financial services, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Simon Evers specialises in assisting public companies and investment firms with multi-jurisdictional disposals and divestments. The team also benefits from the aptitude of Stephen Bowman who concentrates on M&A, sales, and fundraising.

Noted by clients for its ‘ability to combine deep sector knowledge’ and  ‘collaborative and pragmatic approach,’ DAC Beachcroft LLP is relied upon by technology, healthcare, and financial services businesses to assist on high-profile and high-value transactions both domestically and internationally. The corporate group’s aptitude for public and private M&A, corporate structuring, and divestments, as well as take private deals, joint ventures, and takeovers, alongside its cross-border capabilities, continue to attract new clients to its roster. At the helm of the practice is Jonathan Deverill who ‘stands out for his commercial focus, responsiveness, and ability to engage with the detail’, and focuses on cross-border M&A in the healthcare and insurance sectors. Matthew Darling is another notable name and is recognised for his public M&A prowess, while Michelle Jones specialises in schemes of arrangement.

Regarded for its ‘great mix of technical ability and commercial flare,’ Farrer & Co‘s corporate group is a good choice for media, pharma, and education businesses seeking assistance on complex transactions. The practice has a robust offering which encompasses public and private M&A, joint ventures, and investments at domestic and cross-border levels, and the team has particular expertise acting on the sell-side of deals. Heading up the department is Jonathan Haley who specialises in advising family offices and regulated companies on private M&A and joint ventures. On the restructuring and reorganisation front, Richard Lane is the key contact in the team, regularly supporting US and Middle Eastern clients, while Anthony Turner is adept at handling corporate transactions in the financial services sector. Other indispensable practitioners in the group include Simon Ward, Tom Bruce, and India Benjamin.

With a robust corporate offering that encompasses both public and private M&A, divestments, and shareholder agreements, Fox Williams LLP is capable of handling high-profile, multi-jurisdictional transactions on behalf of an expanding client roster. The group is instructed by notable names from a wide array of sectors including technology, energy, and publishing, and has particular expertise in assisting on the sell-side of deals. Richie Clark, who is praised by clients for being ‘commercially focused whilst providing accurate and sound advice,’ sits at the helm of the practice and specialises in public and private M&A and venture capital transactions, with a strong focus on the financial services, natural resources, and technology industries. Mary Elliott concentrates on publishing-focused M&A, while Andrew Woolf is a key contact for public acquisitions and divestments. Guy Morgan is another name to note.

Specialising in the media and entertainment sector, Harbottle & Lewis LLP’s corporate team is sought after by notable game developers, marketing agencies, and music businesses to assist with both domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and investments. The group stands out in particular for its extensive experience advising on high-value and high-profile transactions, most notably the sale of Queen’s music catalogue in 2024. Spearheading the practice is Charles Leveque who specialises in public and private M&A, investments, and joint ventures, with a focus on the technology, media and entertainment, and retail sectors. Tom Macleod is another key member of the department and concentrates on acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures. At the associate level, Emily Miles, Teresa Walker, and Katerina Capras are the names to note.

Noted for its ‘extensive and in-depth experience’ alongside ‘meticulous attention to detail,’ the corporate and commercial group at Hill Dickinson LLP is well-equipped to handle public and private M&A on both the buy and sell-side. The team is adept at leading on domestic and cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on the healthcare and energy sectors. Its industry expertise continues to attract new clients seeking assistance on high-value deals. Michael Bennett heads up the department and stands out for his breadth of practice which spans acquisitions, asset transactions, and joint ventures, as well as share buybacks. On the cross-border front, Shantanu Sinha is the key contact, while Michael Corcoran and James Paton-Philip focus on takeovers and share buybacks respectively. Other notable members of the group include Monica Macheng, Sam Hudson, and Francois De Lange.

Katten is well-equipped to handle a range of high-profile, complex, and multi-jurisdictional transactions including M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring. The team’s wealth of experience and cross-border capabilities continue to attract new clients to its roster, which is comprised of businesses from the financial services, hotels and leisure, and life sciences sectors. Oliver Williams co-heads the practice alongside Edward Tran, and stands out for his expertise in international M&A, investments and shareholder arrangements. Tran is noted for his aptitude for deals involving financial services and funds elements and is praised by companies for his ‘in-depth understanding of the commercial aspects of each transaction.’ On the corporate real estate front, David Wood is the key contact in the group while Alexander Taylor focuses on distressed M&A.

Praised by clients for combining ‘technical excellence with real commercial focus,’ Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is home to a team of experts capable of handling high-value, high-profile, and multi-jurisdictional transactions. The corporate practice covers a wide array of industry sectors such as manufacturing, education, and technology, and the roster continues to expand. Spearheading the department is Matthew Martin who stands out for his breadth of practice, which spans public and private M&A, disposals, and acquisition finance, as well as restructuring, refinancing, and divestments. He is supported by the ‘trusted’ Mona Patel, who specialises in cross-border acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, and management buyouts. At the associate level, Emily MacDonald is the name to note for accelerated sales processes, restructuring, and debt and equity financing.

With sector strengths spanning technology, travel and tourism, and education, as well as automotive, healthcare, and retail, the corporate practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP is capable of advising a wide range of clients on complex, high-profile, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group offers assistance with both public and private M&A, joint ventures, and rationalisations, alongside reorganisations, buy-and-build strategies, and general corporate advisory which- together with its cross-border capabilities- continue to grow its client roster. Leading the department is Joe Bedford, who specialises in public M&A, corporate structuring, and investments. On the demerger front, Keith Syson is the name to note, while Jenny Robertson is adept at handling management buy-outs. Other key practitioners in the group include cross-border M&A expert Oscar Horwich, technology and media authority Nick Atkins, and Heidi Sawtell, who focuses on regulatory.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a robust M&A offering which spans private equity-backed M&A, restructuring, and refinancing, as well as bolt-on acquisitions, divestments, and disposals. The practice has amassed extensive experience advising on complex domestic and cross-border deals on both the buy and sell-side across a wide range of sectors including pharma, technology, and recruitment, among others. Tim Nye sits at the helm of the practice and is noted for his breadth of expertise which covers investments, buyouts, divestments, and disposals with a particular focus on the healthcare industry. He is supported by the ‘outstanding’ Alison Chivers, who regularly assists operational businesses, private equity houses, and family offices on M&A, joint ventures, investments, and divestments. Recruitment and human capital specialist Steven Raize is another key contact for share sales and purchases, management buyouts, and cross-border M&A.

Recognised for offering ‘a standard of service akin to that of a magic circle law firm,’ Wedlake Bell LLP is a popular choice for businesses from the industrials, hospitality, and technology sectors seeking assistance on high-profile, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The corporate practice is adept at advising on both the buy and sell-side of public and private M&A and its expertise- alongside its cross-border capabilities- continues to attract new clients. Heading up the group is Adam Lynch who specialises in advising hospitality and leisure, real estate, and healthcare companies on domestic and international M&A and corporate financing. On the disposal front, Nigel Taylor is the go-to practitioner, while Mark Tasker is sought after for his strengths in technology M&A and share sales and purchases. Other key members of the team include Stephen Callender, Edward Craft, and Kamalprit Lally.

Specialising in the media, technology, and entertainment sectors, Wiggin LLP is sought after by video game, production, and gambling companies to advise on domestic and cross-border M&A, investments, and joint ventures. Alongside the group’s deep sector expertise and multi-jurisdictional capabilities, it has extensive experience assisting public and private businesses on corporate transactions, which continues to attract new clients to its roster. Ciaran Hickey heads the department and is praised by clients for his negotiation prowess. He concentrates on M&A, disposals, and investments, while Ben Whitelock is the key contact for joint ventures, cross-border M&A, and shareholder arrangements. On the venture capital and technology investments front, Tom Gastrell– who was promoted to partner in April 2024– is the name to note. Clemency Barrett is another central member of the team.

Withers LLP‘s corporate practice spans an array of industries including hotels and hospitality, financial services, and technology, as well as sports and entertainment, luxury and fashion, and education. With such a broad sector focus, the team is capable of assisting a wide variety of clients with high-profile and high-value transactions- both domestically and internationally. The group is particularly adept at advising on M&A, investments, and share purchases and sales, although it also has strengths in acquisition finance, refinancing, and joint ventures. Sharon Whitehouse is a key member of the department and stands out for her ‘highly responsive, well-informed, and wholly dedicated’ approach to M&A, restructuring, and investments. On the divestment front, Graham Webster is the name to note, while Paul McGrath is an expert in demergers.

With expertise advising on both the buy and sell sides of transactions, the corporate team at Blake Morgan LLP is well-equipped to handle domestic and cross-border M&A and disposals. The practice is sought after by a growing client roster comprised of notable names from the financial services, hospitality, and learning and development sectors, to name a few. Martin Kay heads up the department and specialises in management buyouts, public and reverse takeovers, and capital restructuring. He is supported by Stojan Essex, who regularly advises entrepreneurs, investors, and HNWI on M&A, joint ventures, and investments, and Dov Katz, a specialist in corporate finance (including AIM flotations), who works with various investors and owner-managed businesses on M&A and MBOs. The group also benefits from the aptitude of Michelle Davenport, who concentrates on M&A, shareholders’ agreements, and joint ventures.

Browne Jacobson LLP‘s transactional capabilities have been bolstered by the arrival of Sandra Wong from the Nottingham team, bringing with her deep expertise in cross-border M&A, buyouts, and bolt-on acquisitions. She co-heads the practice alongside Richard Cox and Jon Snade, both of whom are adept at handling a range of corporate deals across a variety of sectors; Cox specialises in advising fashion and beauty, food and beverage, and technology clients on management buyouts and buy-ins, M&A, and joint ventures, while Snade concentrates on assisting fintech and insurtech businesses on M&A, disposals, and reorganisations. The department as a whole continues to attract new clients due to its overall experience leading on high-value and high-profile transactions both domestically and internationally.

With experience advising on domestic and cross-border, public and private M&A on both the buy and sell-side, Dorsey & Whitney is a good choice for clients from the energy, media and entertainment, and manufacturing sectors. The team’s broad capabilities have amassed a strong client roster comprised of notable names including the likes of Motor Fuel Group. Spearheading the group is the ‘standout’ Kate Francis, who specialises in multi-jurisdictional M&A in the technology, insurance, and professional partnerships spaces. She is supported by Carsten Greve, who concentrates on advising Norwegian businesses and individuals on M&A, and Fabrizio Carpanini, who is adept at assisting with international joint ventures and corporate finance. On the investment front, Stewart Worthy is the name to note.

Druces LLP‘s corporate and commercial team is sought after by multinational businesses for being ‘well-versed in handling cross-border deals.’ The group is adept at leading on public and private M&A, disposals and divestments, and reverse takeovers. Its transactional breadth, alongside its cross-border capabilities, have amassed an expanding client base comprised of companies from a wide range of sectors including technology, healthcare, and insurance, among others. At the helm of the practice is Christopher Axford who concentrates on multi-jurisdictional M&A, disposals, and joint ventures, as well as corporate structuring, investments, and corporate finance. Other key members of the department include real estate specialist Antony Cotton, regulated M&A authority Caroline Cropley, and Claire Rigby– who was made partner in November 2024.

With expertise advising on domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and disposals, as well as investments, distressed acquisitions, and reorganisations, Howard Kennedy LLP is sought after by notable clients from a wide range of sectors including retail, hospitality, and real estate. Gillian White heads up the M&A practice and is noted by clients for her ‘ability to boil down complex issues into workable solutions.’ She specialises in advising Scandinavian and US clients from IP-rich sectors on investments and divestments, strategic acquisitions, and asset transactions. Another key contact in the department is Ashley Reeback, who stands out for his aptitude for public and private M&A, with a focus on the sell-side.

Irwin Mitchell is home to a well-experienced corporate practice that is praised by clients for its ‘exceptional legal prowess.’  The group is adept at handling domestic and cross-border M&A, disposals, and refinancing, as well as investments, shareholders’ agreements, and regulatory compliance for an expanding client roster which consists of businesses from the aviation, consumer, and fintech sectors. Heading up the department is Bryan Bletso, who specialises in private, multi-jurisdictional transactions. Debbie Serota is another key practitioner in the team, and concentrates on joint ventures, M&A, and shareholders’ agreements. On the buyout front, Geraint Lloyd is the name to note, while Ute Mueller is the go-to for Anglo-German deals.

Acting for a strong client roster comprised of notable public and private companies from the financial services, infrastructure, and technology sectors, KPMG Law‘s deals and structuring practice has deep experience advising on domestic and cross-border M&A, disposals, and investments and divestments, as well as demergers, joint ventures, and spin-offs. With a broad scope- both in terms of transactions and industry coverage- the group continues to attract new clients. Kate Eades heads up the group and specialises in national and international M&A, joint ventures, and corporate finance, alongside corporate restructuring and general advisory. She is supported by technology, fintech, and life sciences expert Richard Woods and Eoin Broderick, who concentrates on M&A and joint ventures.

Noted for its ‘attentive, supportive, and commercial’ approach, Marriott Harrison LLP‘s corporate department is a good choice for technology, software, and hospitality businesses seeking assistance with domestic and cross-border M&A, management buyouts, and investments and divestments, as well as disposals, distressed M&A, and bolt-on acquisitions. The team has extensive experience advising on high-value and high-profile transactions which- alongside its multi-jurisdictional capabilities- continue to attract new clients to its roster. At the helm of the practice is Jonathan Leigh-Hunt, and he is supported by Ian Morris, who is adept at leading on buyouts and is praised by clients for his ‘great commercial acumen.’ Other key members of the group include start-up authority David Baverstock, transatlantic transaction expert Andrew Ross, and sell-side specialist Daisy Divoká.

McGuireWoods London LLP‘s M&A and energy transactional department, ‘driven by lawyers with excellent commercial acumen and a deep knowledge’, is adept at handling domestic and cross-border M&A, disposals, and investments, as well as joint ventures and restructuring. The group has particular expertise advising businesses from the food and beverage, technology, and corporate real estate sectors, although its client roster has expanded to include companies from the financial services industry. Heading up the department is the ‘exceptional’ Mehboob Dossa, who specializes in M&A, leveraged buyouts, and joint ventures, alongside restructuring, divestitures, and investments. He is supported by national and international M&A specialist Karl Hemingway.

Taking a ‘commercial approach to transactions,’ the corporate practice at Payne Hicks Beach LLP is well-equipped to handle high-profile cross-border M&A with a focus on the media and entertainment sector. Its multi-jurisdictional capabilities, alongside its expertise in M&A on both the buy and sell-side, joint ventures, and investments and divestments, continue to attract new clients to its roster. Department co-head Max Baird-Smith concentrates on advising UHNW individuals and private businesses on international acquisitions and sales, while fellow co-lead Howard Taylor predominantly acts for investors and investee companies. Jonathan Gatward also co-leads the group and focuses on cross-border transactions in IP-rich sectors. Isobel Symonds is another key contact in the team.

Shoosmiths LLP has a robust offering that encompasses domestic and cross-border M&A on both the buy and sell-side, investments, and joint ventures. The group’s transactional capabilities have been bolstered by the arrival of Kurt Ma and Mark Churchman from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Trowers & Hamlins LLP in January 2025 and December 2024 respectively. Ma brings with him deep experience handling technology and insurance transactions including M&A, joint ventures, and investments, while Churchman specialises in private equity-backed acquisitions and disposals. Sanjeev Sharma co-leads the practice alongside Amit Nayyar, and is adept at advising listed companies and venture capital houses on multi-jurisdictional M&A, international joint ventures, and investments. Nayyar is sought after for his expertise in the education and edtech sectors.

Specialising in the sell-side of M&A, the corporate and commercial group at Teacher Stern LLP is well-equipped to handle high-value and high-profile transactions both domestically and internationally. While the practice focuses on the sell-side, it also offers assistance with joint ventures, share purchases and sales, and acquisitions. Its breadth and cross-border capabilities have amassed a strong and growing client roster comprised of notable names from a variety of sectors such as corporate real estate, hotels and leisure, and energy, among others. Spearheading the department are David Ponsford and Kelly Whitfield, both of whom have extensive experience leading on corporate transactions; Ponsford is particularly adept at acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures, while Whitfield concentrates on M&A, corporate real estate transactions, and corporate governance.

Wallace LLP‘s corporate practice, highly regarded by clients for its ‘deep industry specialisation and client-centric approach,’ is sought after by technology, energy, and industrials companies to advise on domestic and multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group is adept at acting on both the buy and sell-side of M&A and also regularly assists with bolt-on acquisitions, pre-sale reorganisations, and disposals. John Woodhouse, described as ‘extremely pragmatic’ and ‘commercially astute,’ sits at the helm of the department and specialises in technology and consulting M&A. On the takeover and management buyout front, Andrew Cooke is the key contact, while Angus Young focuses on M&A, joint ventures, and commercial arrangements. Other central practitioners include Rex Newman, Charlotte Wheeldon, and Ilya Alexandrov.

Freeths LLP‘s corporate practice- headed up by Tom Rowley- regularly advises professional services firms, consumer goods businesses, and shareholders on both the buy and sell-side of M&A, investments, and share sales and purchases. Rowley is particularly adept at handling domestic and cross-border acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, and public company takeovers, while IT and hospitality expert Francis Dalton concentrates on both public and private M&A, alongside capital markets transactions. Other central practitioners in the department include Robert Chidley, Henrietta Rendell, and Ewen Lowrie.

Praised by clients for providing ‘excellent services, very good advice, and very timely results,’ the corporate group at Edwin Coe LLP is relied upon by companies from the technology, healthcare, and real estate sectors to assist with public and private M&A, joint ventures, and share sales and purchases. Heading up the practice is Russel Shear, who is noted for his expertise in domestic and cross-border M&A, corporate finance, and international joint ventures, with a particular focus on the technology, defence, and aerospace industries. Other central practitioners in the team include real estate specialist Daniel Bellau, French inbound investment authority Alexandre Terrasse, and insolvency-related transactions expert Jamal Saleh.

Following the 2025 merger between Seddons Solicitors and GSC Solicitors, Seddons GSC LLP has bolstered its corporate and commercial offering which covers domestic and cross-border M&A, take privates, and joint ventures, as well as shareholders’ agreements, investments, and disposals. Spearheading the practice is Clive Halperin who regularly handles M&A for a wide variety of companies ranging from healthcare and retail to manufacturing and gaming. He is supported by public takeover expert Ilan Kotkis and David Nathan, who specialises in share purchases and sales, with a particular focus on the hospitality and care home industries.

Hamlins LLP‘s corporate practice offers assistance with domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and reorganisations, as well as disposals and forward sales. With experience advising on complex, high-value transactions, the group has an expanding client roster which consists of businesses from the sports and entertainment, property development, and financial services sectors. Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood leads the department and specialises in corporate acquisitions and real estate finance. Other key practitioners in the team include disposals expert Roger Pointon, the ‘commercially savvy’ Matthew Pryke, and Katie Bentley, who is praised by clients for her ‘high standard of competency.’

With expertise in domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and disposals, as well as reorganisations, asset purchase agreements, and facility agreements, Culbert Ellis‘s corporate and commercial practice is sought after by a growing client roster of businesses from the food and beverages, professional services, and technology sectors. Tony Roberts co-heads the department alongside Justin Ellis and concentrates on international and UK M&A, joint ventures, and shareholders’ agreements. Ellis stands out for his aptitude for investment agreements and M&A. Joe Moulding is another key practitioner for M&A, joint ventures, and investments.

JMW Solicitors LLP is adept at handling both the buy and sell-side of corporate transactions including domestic and cross-border M&A, disposals, and demergers, as well as investments, joint ventures, and asset sales and purchases. The group has a wide sector coverage, with clients from the hotels and leisure, professional services, and financial services industries, to name a few. Craig Harrison leads the corporate practice and regularly advises shareholders, family offices, and investors on M&A, management buyouts, and demergers. He is supported by acquisition and disposal expert Edwin Richards, business sales and purchases specialist Alex O’Leary, and multi-jurisdictional transaction authority Caterina Iodice.

Keystone Law‘s corporate M&A team is equipped to advise SMEs, entrepreneurs, and businesses from the TMT and healthcare sectors on M&A, disposals, and related tax and compliance matters. The practice notably employs a multi-disciplinary approach, involving practitioners from the property, employment, tax, and pensions groups, to provide a holistic service to clients. Key contacts in the department include sell-side expert Nadim Zaman, healthcare M&A specialist Dee Sian, and transaction structuring authority Andrew Stilton. On the cross-border front, Jeremy Davis is the go-to, while Stuart Mathews is the primary member of the team for disposals.

Noted for its ‘rare combination of deep legal expertise with a truly commercial mindset,’ Russell-Cooke LLP has amassed deep experience advising on domestic and cross-border M&A, investments, and corporate real estate transactions, as well as share purchases and sales, restructuring, and disposals. With broad capabilities, the group continues to attract new clients to its roster, which consists of businesses from the financial services, construction, and real estate sectors. Jonathan Thornton spearheads the group and is supported by the Guy Wilmot, who specialises in technology investments and share sales. On the private M&A front, David Webster is the main contact, while Sally Johnston focuses on commercial contracts and advisory. Demerger expert Rachael Taylor is another notable name.

The corporate department at RWK Goodman has a comprehensive M&A offering which spans domestic and cross-border transactions, investments, and disposals, alongside reorganisations, joint ventures, and management buyouts and buy-ins. Its broad capabilities and multi-jurisdictional capabilities continue to attract new clients to its roster which is comprised of technology, advertising and marketing, and manufacturing companies, among others. John North and Richard Pull co-head the practice and both share expertise in public and private M&A. Edward Hoare is adept at handling disposals, buy-outs, and partnership mergers, while Bharti Moore focuses on both buy and sell-side M&A and corporate finance.

Specialising in the media and entertainment sector, Simkins LLP is sought after by production studios, music groups, and marketing companies to assist with a range of corporate transactions. The practice is capable of advising on high-profile, multi-jurisdictional M&A, disposals, and joint ventures, as well as debt financing, international expansions, and IPOs. Leading the department is Giao Pacey, who is adept at leading on public and private M&A, debt investments, and joint ventures. She is supported by Ben Gisbey, who focuses on M&A, shareholder arrangements, and lending, and Stuart Smith, who concentrates on strategic acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures.

Simons Muirhead Burton‘s corporate, commercial, and finance team, praised for its ‘superb client service and the ability to really connect with clients,’ offers assistance with public and private M&A, both domestically and internationally, disposals, and investments. The group is sought after by a growing client roster which consists of companies from a range of sectors such as technology, financial services, and media and entertainment, among others. Natalie Wright co-heads the department alongside Neal Hodges and stands out for her expertise in EMI Share Options, restructuring, and M&A. Hodges is noted for his aptitude for leading on the buy and sell-side of M&A, joint ventures, and corporate structuring.