The employee share schemes and incentives team at Clifford Chance LLP is well-equipped to handle an array of remuneration and incentives work. The team specialises in high-profile, global transactions and advisory work for financial services clients and listed companies. Heading up the practice, Sonia Gilbert frequently leads matters involving pay arrangements, remuneration issues, and the implementation of global all-employee share plans. Gilbert has recently been engaged in deals and advisory work with global banks, asset managers, listed companies, and investment firms. Andrew Patterson is a key contact within the team, leading on employee share plan and remuneration matters with multi-jurisdictional elements. Other notable practitioners within the team include Becky Moore and Juliette Graham, who assist with international tax and incentives matters.
Employee share schemes in London
Clifford Chance LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Sonia Gilbert
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Patterson; Becky Moore; Juliette Graham
Les références
‘The team working in conjunction with other specialists in cross jurisdictions and disciplines, provides holistic advice and pragmatic solutions, which is fantastic.’
‘They have a good understanding of the market, and were able to offer practical solutions.’
Principaux clients
Virgin Money
Unilever
Informa
Recursion Pharmaceuticals
Arcadis
Siemens
Syensqo
Diageo
Permira
Alter Domus
Wizz Air
Allegro
easyJet
Aviva
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Virgin Money on its £2.9bn acquisition by Nationwide.
- Advised Unilever on the incentives aspects of three separate disposals during 2024: the sale of its Elida Beauty business to Yellow Wood Partners, the sale of its stake in the Qinyuan Group to Yong Chao Venture Capital Co, and the sale of its Pureit business to A.O. Smith.
- Advised a leading global alternative asset manager on the design, implementation, and operation of a management incentive plan reset for one of its portfolio companies, a bank based in Eastern Europe.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Lauded by clients as a ‘diverse team able to offer an integrated full spectrum of legal services to resolve multi-dimensional legal issues’, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP frequently acts for financial services, logistics, and professional services companies. Co-leading the global practice, Paul Ellerman frequently leads on incentives and remuneration aspects of transactions, often working for listed companies and financial and professional services firms. Alongside him, Mark Ife co-leads the global practice, specialising in remuneration, reorganisation, and incentives matters for financial services firms. Niall Crean boasts expertise in assisting clients with matters involving executive recruitment arrangements and incentives arrangements, often acting for local and international private and listed companies. Kiran Khetia is a key practitioner within the team, assisting clients with executive remuneration and incentives matters, often working on transactions, IPOs and demergers. Christopher White consistently provides support on an array of advisory work, including drafting all-employee share and cash plans, employee benefit trust arrangements, and global employee share plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Ellerman; Mark Ife
Autres avocats clés:
Niall Crean; Kiran Khetia; Christopher White
Les références
‘Commercial, responsive, technical.’
‘Mark Ife is excellent.’
‘Capable diverse team able to offer an integrated full spectrum of legal services to resolve multi-dimensional legal issues.’
Principaux clients
Associated British Foods
BAT
BHP
British Land
Cohort
Comcast
easyJet
Ferrexpo
Genus
Inchcape
Jet2
Kin + Carta
LVMH
Marex
N Brown Group
Page Group
Shaftesbury Capital
Spirax-Sarco
The Ardonagh Group
WH Smith
Wickes
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Wincanton plc on the share plan and incentive aspects of its publicly contested takeover offers, namely the original cash offer from CEVA Logistics S.A., a subsidiary of the France based ports operator CMA CGM S.A, and on the subsequent competing cash offer from U.S. listed, GXO Logistics, Inc.
- Advising Marex on its initial public offering, registration with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and listing on Nasdaq (April 2024), including on the impact of the pre-IPO reorganisation on the various series of leveraged growth shares held by its employees.
- Advising Kin + Carta on the share plan aspects of its takeover by funds advised by BC Partners.
Linklaters LLP
Lauded by clients for its ‘knowledge, commercial acumen, responsiveness and reliability’, the practice at Linklaters LLP specialises in advising large multinational corporations on global share plans. The team’s notably broad client roster includes global energy companies, consumer goods companies, banks, and mining companies. Practice head Alexandra Beidas is highly experienced in handling both transactional and advisory work for global, high-profile clients; her recent caseload consists of advising on remuneration and incentives issues for a broad client base, including retailers, energy companies, and asset managers. Cara Hegarty is skilled at advising on remuneration issues and employee stock ownership plans, as is Bradley Richardson, who often acts for banks and consumer goods companies. Ben McCarthy, Kaleigh Jones, and Stephanie Creese are other key names within the team, frequently assisting on remuneration and employee incentive matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alexandra Beidas
Autres avocats clés:
Cara Hegarty; Bradley Richardson; Ben McCarthy; Kaleigh Jones; Stephanie Creese
Les références
‘The quality of legal advice is excellent, especially from the partners, who provide commercial advice in a technical area.’
‘They are responsive and always seek to understand the problems we are trying to solve from a commercial, rather than just legal perspective.’
‘They are a pleasure to deal with and are very responsive.’
Principaux clients
Spirent Communications plc
Britvic plc
National Grid plc
Barratt Redrow plc
HSBC Latin America Holdings
Rightmove plc
Mondi PLC
Raspberry Pi
Hg Pooled Management Limited
Anglo American plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Cambridge-based Raspberry Pi on all incentives aspects of its IPO and listing on the Premium Segment of the London Stock Exchange.
- Advised Britvic plc on all employment and incentives’ aspects of its takeover by Carlsberg A/S for £3.3bn combining two major bottling providers of PepsiCo Inc.
- Advised Anglo American on the employee share plan, remuneration, and HR aspects of its successful defence of what would have been one of the largest takeovers in recent years, with a deal value of £39bn, by BHP.
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May boasts a broad transactional and advisory offering, with the team’s client roster consisting of banks, retailers, pharmaceutical companies, and energy companies. The team consistently handles complex, high-value, multi-jurisdictional matters, primarily implementing incentives plans, as well as advising clients on employee share schemes issues. Operating out of the firm's wider pensions, employment, and incentives practice, Philip Linnard heads up the employment and incentives team, with his expertise encompassing remuneration, long-term incentive plans, and retention arrangements. Philippa O’Malley frequently leads on high-value matters involving drafting and negotiating settlement agreements, as well as complex transactions and implementing remuneration policies. Ian Brown drafts incentive arrangements and advises on deferred share bonus plans and carried interest arrangements. Rosemary Nelson assists with matters pertaining to regulatory issues and corporate governance, while Chloe Sanderson advises on transactional share options matters, as well as global share incentive plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Philip Linnard
Autres avocats clés:
Philippa O’Malley; Ian Brown; Rosemary Nelson; Chloe Sanderson
Les références
‘The team has a great pipeline of talent, are pragmatic and commercial, and communicate their advice is an easy to digest yet comprehensive manner.’
‘Affable, great at listening, and appreciate all the commercials.’
‘Ian Brown stands out every time we work with him. Ian is an encyclopaedic of knowledge about share schemes, he is practical, commercial and realistic. Ian always has time for our queries and is welcoming and understanding.’
Principaux clients
Centrica plc
Dowlais Group Plc
Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc
International Distribution Services PLC
Legal & General Group plc
M&G plc
Nationwide Building Society
Ocado Group plc
Redrow plc
Smith & Nephew plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Smith & Nephew on implementing the first FTSE 100 ‘hybrid incentive plan’.
- Advising Ocado on Unwinding its value creation plan and putting in place a bespoke performance share plan for its executive team, including the founder.
- Assisting Dowlais with designing and implementing an omnibus share plan.
Tapestry Compliance
Tapestry Compliance's practice is ‘uniquely focussed on employee incentive plans’, offering its specialist expertise to technology, manufacturing, financial services, and consumer goods clients. Dividing her time between London and Leeds, practice co-head Hannah Needle is highly experienced in advising on a range incentive arrangements for companies with multi-jurisdictional interests. Chris Fallon co-leads the practice from London and Birmingham, and he frequently advises on employee and executive share and cash incentive plans, with his broad client roster spanning manufacturing, recruitment, and aviation companies. Also dividing her practice between London and Leeds, Suzannah Crookes specialises in global employee stock purchase plans and executive share, fund, and cash-based incentive arrangements. Emma Parker leads on matters involving the implementation of employee benefit trusts, while Matthew Hunter is skilled at conducting global legal and tax due diligence. Bob Grayson is also a key contact in the team, with his specialisms including plan rule drafting and trust and hedging arrangements.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hannah Needle; Chris Fallon
Autres avocats clés:
Suzannah Crookes; Emma Parker; Matthew Hunter; Bob Grayson
Les références
‘Hannah Needle and Emma Parker are excellent lawyers and plans specialists. They truly understand share incentives and are able to take a pragmatic approach to providing solutions to their clients.’
‘Emma Parker is particularly impressive, clear in her advice and strategic in her approach.’
‘Tapestry is unique in that it is the only law firm that we are aware of that specialises in providing share plan advice. We particularly value access to Tapestry’s ‘On Tap’ database service providing instant access to understanding legal and tax considerations in operating share plans in countries where we make share awards.’
Principaux clients
Associated British Foods
Primark
Kingsmill
Twinings
Comcast Corporation
Sky Group
NBC Universal
Danone
Activia
Evian
Aptamil
Entain
Ladbrokes
Coral
BetMGM
International Airlines Group
British Airways
Iberia
Aer Lingus
Vueling
Melrose plc
GKN Aerospace
Philips International
Rolls-Royce
Tesco
The Coca-Cola Company
Principaux dossiers
- Supporting IAG with a major project in implementing its first all-employee share plan, giving employees across the organisation the opportunity to buy shares in the company.
- Assisting a top FTSE30 company with technical advice and assistance in relation to a potential spin-off and IPO, including advising on the grant of special awards that can be converted into rights over post-IPO shares.
- Assisted Morgan Stanley with providing a full legal and tax global compliance service in relation to their executive share, fund, and cash-based incentive arrangements, as well as their broad-based employee share purchase plan.
A&O Shearman
With strong expertise within the financial services sector, A&O Shearman primarily handles the incentives aspects of high-profile M&A matters, and its client roster includes global banks and asset managers. Practice head Paul McCarthy regularly leads on employee equity incentives and executive remuneration matters, acting for publicly listed and private companies. Kate Pumfrey handles employee compensation and benefits matters, with a particular focus on advising financial services and listed companies. Lauded by clients for his ‘exceptional technical knowledge and experience’, Mahesh Varia is skilled at handling corporate transactions, often advising on incentives and tax issues. Varia joined the team from Travers Smith LLP at the beginning of 2025, and his addition has been noted as adding ‘to an already strong offering in this space.’
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul McCarthy
Autres avocats clés:
Kate Pumfrey; Mahesh Varia
Les références
‘The blending of A&O and Shearman gave this practice the worldwide breadth it needed. It’s now among the top in London.’
‘Mahesh Varia was a fantastic addition to the team. He’s at the top of the field, with the rare blend of technical expertise, common sense and excellent communication.’
‘The recent addition of Mahesh Varia and his team will add to an already strong offering in this space.’
Principaux dossiers
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is highly adept at handling complex cross-border transactions, often advising on tax disputes and international share plans. The team’s client roster consists of private companies, software developers, banks, and beverage companies. Practice head Jeremy Edwards consistently leads on matters relating to global executive share option plans and all employee share plans. Edwards is also knowledgeable of the tax and regulatory implications of complex, multi-jurisdictional share plans. Lauded by clients as ‘practical, intelligent and helpful’, Gillian Parnell frequently advises on employee tax, incentives, and IR 35 issues. Will Clifton often assists clients with tax and regulatory issues, while Amy Thompson is skilled at handling regulatory mandates, as well as all-employee plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeremy Edwards
Autres avocats clés:
Gillian Parnell; Will Clifton; Amy Thompson
Les références
‘The team is familiar with the background on our matters and takes a commercial and pragmatic approach.’
‘We work mainly with Gillian Parnell. She is highly responsive, practical, intelligent and helpful.’
‘The partner on the team is Jeremy Edwards who is very helpful.’
Principaux clients
Carlsberg
Britvic
Daily Mail & General Trust plc
DS Smith Plc
Haleon plc
Prudential
Smith & Nephew plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advising global brewer, Carlsberg, on its recommended GBP 3.3bn cash acquisition of international soft drinks business, Britvic PLC.
- Assisting Smith & Nephew plc with the annual launch of their key executive global share plans and award-winning international Sharesave plans into over 35 jurisdictions.
- Assisting Prudential plc, as their principal share plan adviser, with global compliance for their executive share plans and all employee share purchase plans.
CMS
Lauded by clients for the team’s ‘diligent, professional’ service, CMS is well equipped to handle a broad range of transactional and advisory matters, working for multinational companies and private equity houses across a variety of sectors. Leading the team, Andrew Quayle has recently been engaged in matters involving acquisition, remuneration, share plans, and incentive-related issues. Frequently working on multi-jurisdictional matters, Quayle’s client roster includes professional services firms and listed companies. Considered by clients as an ‘indispensable advisor’, Jaspal Pachu leads on high-value transactional and advisory matters for private equity houses, as well as technology and medical companies. Catherine Merry is experienced in advising on transactional issues, including those surrounding remuneration, share plans, and incentive arrangements, often working on matters with cross-border elements. Other key contacts within the team include Cathy Wears, Sarah McMaster, and Annette Beresford, who consistently assist with high-profile matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Quayle
Autres avocats clés:
Jaspal Pachu; Catherine Merry; Cathy Wears; Sarah McMaster; Annette Beresford
Les références
‘Well informed, take time to understand the client needs and context and are always responsive to queries and quick to offer advice. Made a complex situation straightforward.’
‘Sarah McMaster and Catherine Merry were endlessly patient and helpful as we navigated a complex situation on a transaction.’
‘Diligent, professional, and very responsive.’
Principaux clients
Capital & Regional plc
Windward Ltd
WAM Group Limited
M&E Mills Holdings Limited
Zoe Limited
Consulum (Cayman) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Capital & Regional plc on their takeover by way of a recommended cash and share offer implemented by scheme of arrangement, by NewRiver REIT plc.
- Advised Winward Ltd, a leading maritime AI company, on all aspects of its share plans.
- Acted on a significant transaction in the metaverse space, the takeover of LandVault by Infinite Reality, valued at over $450m.
DLA Piper
Recognised by clients for ‘providing pragmatic and well-researched advice’, DLA Piper is skilled at advising on employee share plans for a broad range of corporates. While primarily focused on global advisory work, the team is also noted for its strong capabilities in handling UK tax-advantaged plans. Nick Hipwell advises clients on global employee share plans, listing rules, remuneration, and governance matters, and his recent caseload includes working for companies in the technology, financial services, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Martin MacLeod is a key contact within the team, often leading matters involving executive remuneration and incentives arrangements for private corporate transactions. Tamsin Nicholds advises on listing rules, governance matters, and cross-jurisdictional plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nick Hipwell
Autres avocats clés:
Martin MacLeod; Tamsin Nicholds
Les références
‘The Employee Share Schemes team is exceptional – providing pragmatic and well-researched advice.’
‘Fantastic team that gets the commercial realities of employee share schemes. Very strong in other areas of law outside their area of expertise, such as company and corporate law.’
‘Nick Hipwell is extremely personable and his knowledge of the industry makes him a stand out advisory contact in the market. He is very approachable and always visible for companies and service providers to utilise his wealth of experience.’
‘Having worked with many other share scheme lawyers, Martin MacLeod is a standout candidate. The best share scheme lawyer that I’ve worked with.’
‘Practical knowledge and relevant experience is a key differentiator in the market.’
‘Very easy to discuss requirements with the team and apply the guidance to the benefit of clients.’
Principaux clients
Anglo American plc
Dechra Pharmaceuticals pls
Benchmark Holdings plc
Hugo Boss AG
Keywords Studios pls
NCC Group plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Anglo American plc on an all-employee share plan.
- Advised Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc on the employee share plans aspects of its £4.5bn acquisition by EQT.
- Advised Hugo Boss AG on their employee share plans in 28 countries for over 13,000 employees.
Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is well equipped to handle employment, incentives, and remuneration-related matters, with particular expertise in cross-border issues between the UK and the US. Co-leading the practice, Sarah Gadd is experienced at advising private equity houses and financial institutions on transactional, tax, and employee incentive issues. With a strong focus on advising technology clients, practice co-head Kendall Burnett frequently leads on matters involving share incentives and employment issues. Burnett is especially skilled at advising on international employment matters. The wider team has a broad offering, working on tax, regulatory, and corporate governance issues, as well as takeovers and M&A.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sarah Gadd; Kendall Burnett
Les références
‘Global practice with deep subject matter expertise, 24/7 availability and great attitude and collaborative approach.’
‘Kendall Burnett knows all the subject matter, has a problem solving mindset, is very hard working, and knows how/when to compromise to ‘get to yes’. ’
‘It has impressive cross-Atlantic expertise and the close nexus between its share schemes and incentives, employment and tax practices result in great synergies for its clients.’
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Darktrace plc, a global leader in cybersecurity artificial intelligence, on its recommended $5.3bn takeover offer by Thoma Bravo.
- Advised Marex Group, a UK-headquartered diversified global financial services platform, on its £292m initial public offering on Nasdaq.
- Advised Aztec Group, a leading international fund and corporate services provider, on its strategic partnership with Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investor.
Macfarlanes LLP
Macfarlanes LLP has a broad practice, advising clients within the financial services, private capital, manufacturing, and retail industries. Commended as ‘technically excellent’, the team’s capabilities include advising on takeovers, acquisitions, demergers, and incentive schemes. Heading up the practice, Robert Collard leads the rewards team, with his recent caseload including advisory work for professional services and automotive companies. Collard also advises on remuneration policies, incentives plans, M&A tax and rewards issues. The ‘incredible’ Rasmus Berglund often leads on high-value, cross-border matters involving incentives arrangements, tax issues, and share plans, as well as issues arising out of complex corporate transactions, working for a range of clients in the retail, mining, and technology sectors. Mark Petch advises on share plans, remuneration, and employee benefit issues, while Philip Swinburn has recently advised global asset managers on employee incentive structures.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Collard
Autres avocats clés:
Rasmus Berglund; Mark Petch; Philip Swinburn
Les références
‘True to their style, the Macfarlanes share schemes team is a small collection of A+ players. Every member is technically excellent, a pleasure to deal with and incredibly responsive.’
‘Rasmus Berglund is an incredible talent. He’s practical, a gifted communicator and has an incredible ability to synthesise an issue quickly and provide actionable advice.’
‘Philip Swinburn is close behind, and the two of them make a fantastic team. They’re among the best in London.’
Principaux clients
Preqin
ABC Technology Acquisitions Limited
Evelyn Partners
Audiotonix
Joshua Alliance
PMG Worldwide
Superdry PLC
Anglo American Platinum Limited
7IM
Tabula Holdings Limited
TTP Group Limited
Ferrari Group PLC
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Preqin on the share plan options in relation to its sale to global investment manager BlackRock for £2.55bn.
- Advised Evelyn Partners on the incentive and share plans related aspects of the sale of the professional services business.
- Advised Ferrari Group on its IPO and specifically on the design and implementation of a new UK-compliant remuneration policy and the post-listing share incentives arrangement in which management will participate once the Company has listed.
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Mishcon de Reya LLP specialises in advising on strategy and implementing incentive arrangements for private equity firms, listed companies, and financial services organisations. Practice head Stephen Diosi is skilled at handling high-value transactions, often advising on share plans and awards matters. Specialising in tax issues, Liz Hunter is also skilled at advising on equity incentive arrangements, particularly in cross-border matters. Recognised as a ‘standout performer’, Sakhee Ganatra is notably strong in advisory work, with a focus on incentive-related issues arising from transactions, as well as the design and implementation of global share schemes and management incentive plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Diosi
Autres avocats clés:
Liz Hunter; Sakhee Ganatra
Les références
‘The team is very approachable, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Sakhee Ganatra is a standout performer.’
‘In-depth knowledge of the subject, including industry specific aspects. Strong experience leading to smooth process.’
Principaux clients
CVC Capital Partners plc
EP Corporate Group
Thoma Bravo
General Atlantic
Green Mountain Global
Schroders plc
Keywords Studios plc
OpenPayd Limited
Global Schools Group
SuperAwseome Holdings, Inc.
Principaux dossiers
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP primarily handles share plans and share and equity incentives arrangements, often working on cross-jurisdictional matters. Lynette Jacobs heads up the practice from London and Manchester, and she has broad capabilities spanning corporate governance, share incentives, and phantom award plans advice. In addition to her advisory work, Jacobs is skilled at acting on transactional matters for both public and private listed companies. James Sullivan-Tailyour frequently leads on matters involving global share plans, long-term incentives plans and the share incentive aspects of acquisitions. Helen Hibbert often assists with implementing share and cash-based plans, as well as handling tax issues across multiple jurisdictions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lynette Jacobs
Autres avocats clés:
James Sullivan-Tailyour; Helen Hibbert
Les références
‘They produce work to a high standard with a fast turnaround time.’
‘Lynette Jacobs and James Sulliva-Tailyour are knowledgable, friendly and very responsive. They also have a great commercial understanding.’
Principaux clients
Imperial Brands plc
Halfords Group plc
Carr’s Group plc
Tullow Oil plc
Amcomri Group plc
Synectics plc
TClarke plc
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
PayPoint plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Imperial Brands on all aspects of the operation of its share plans globally, covering six executive and all-employee plans.
- Advised Halfords group plc on the preparation of an updated set of Performance Share Plan rules for presentation to shareholders for approval at its 2024 AGM.
- Advising Carr’s group plc on share incentives matters.
Travers Smith LLP
Commended by clients as ‘a strong team with excellent technical knowledge and familiarity with all issues concerning share schemes,’ Travers Smith LLP has a broad employee share schemes and incentives offering, with a focus on advisory work. The team’s client roster consists of manufacturing, retail, financial services, entertainment, and technology companies. Heading up the department, Elissavet Grout has been recognised for her ‘well-rounded, creative advice’ and she Grout frequently leads on matters for housebuilding and financial services companies, advising on remuneration, employment tax, and equity incentive issues. Claire Prentice specialises in entertainment and retail matters, frequently advising on incentive arrangements, remuneration, and corporate governance-related mandates.
Responsables de la pratique:
Elissavet Grout
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Prentice
Les références
‘A strong team with excellent technical knowledge and familiarity with all issues concerning share schemes. Also combined with commercial awareness and client-focused approach.’
‘Elissavet Grout provides well-rounded, creative advice which covers all bases and is valued highly by clients.’
‘Practical and commercial advice.’
Principaux clients
Patron Capital and Sixth Street Partners
Quanex Building Products Corporation
Lok’nStore Group plc
Redrow plc
Apax Global Impact Fund
Soderberg and Partners
Indicor Equity LLC
ETC Group
Forward Partners Group
The Access Group
Phoenix Equity Partners
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Patron Capital and Sixth Street Partners on the employment tax and incentive issues arising from its £1.65bn acquisition of major UK house builder CALA Group from Legal & General Group plc.
- Advised US-based, NYSE listed Quanex Building Products Corporation on its £788m cash and share offer for Tyman plc.
- Advised AIM-listed Lok’nStore Group plc on the incentives aspect of its £378m recommended cash acquisition by Shurgard.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard advises a diverse client base across industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and gaming; in particular, the practice demonstrates particular strength in the financial services and retail sectors. Practice head Jonathan Fletcher-Rogers has extensive expertise in advising on cash takeovers, incentive arrangements, executive share plans, and executive remuneration arrangements. Frequently working on multi-jurisdictional matters, Ann Moseley specialises in remuneration, incentives, and share option plan arrangements. Based in Leeds, Martin Griffiths is a key contact for advising on employee incentives issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Fletcher-Rogers
Autres avocats clés:
Ann Moseley; Martin Griffiths
Les références
‘What I like about the service is that Jonathan Fletcher-Rogers gets stuck into the detail and he brings his experience to the table and is also prepared to take a view when a point is open to different interpretations.’
‘I love working with Ann Moseley; Ann is always calm and comes up with practical solutions to problems.’
‘All the members that I have encountered have been on top of things, have been allocated work which is appropriate to their experience and have been well supervised. In short, the team is well run and having a smaller team has been an advantage, given the way in which it is run.’
Principaux clients
Britvic plc
Rathbones Group Plc
N Brown Group plc
Musicmagpie plc
Accrol Group Holdings plc
Alpha Financial Markets Consulting plc
Belvoir Group plc
Brand Architekts plc
Coventry Building Society
Applied Nutrition plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Coventry Building Society on the incentives aspects of its £780m acquisition of the Co-Operative Bank.
- Advised N Brown Group plc on the share schemes aspects of its £191m recommend acquisition by Falcon 24 Bidco Limited.
- Advised Belvoir Group plc on the share schemes aspects of its all-share merger with The Property Franchise Group plc.
Cooley (UK) LLP
Specialising in healthcare, technology, and financial services advisory work, the team at Cooley (UK) LLP is noted for its cross-border capabilities. Practice head Paula Holland is highly experienced in advising on international tax, option plan, and equity incentive arrangements. Nicola Squire focuses on national and international transactions, incentives, and tax matters, with a particular focus on clients in the AI and life sciences industries. Other key contacts include Jia Xie, Bethan Chalmers, and Alice Wong, who all frequently assist with a range of matters in this arena.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paula Holland
Autres avocats clés:
Nicola Squire; Jia Xie; Bethan Chalmers; Alice Wong
Les références
‘Nicola Squire was effective in moving forward what could have been a complicated matter but for her involvement. She worked in a way that she is seen as part of the Company team and was key to implementing an initiative that the Board and our major shareholders were so keen to get off the ground.’
‘Cooley’s practice stands out for its deep technical expertise and true understanding of the international technology ecosystem, with great client focus and support across key markets like Silicon Valley and London.’
‘Clients can expect a highly tailored service, strong support and responsiveness, along with the ability to navigate pragmatic, commercially minded advice.’
Principaux dossiers
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's offering encompasses national and international employee incentives advisory and transactional work for a range of clients, with a focus on the financial services, utilities, and asset management industries. Heading up the team, Danny Blum has been lauded by clients for his ‘exceptional knowledge and experience in the structuring and execution of schemes’. Blum is highly experienced in handling incentive plans, cash incentive structures, and employee trust issues for water companies, financial services firms, and healthcare businesses. Often working on cross-border deals, Victoria Green frequently assists with employee trusts, incentives, and transactional matters. Richard Surtees, who is skilled at advising on a range of tax and incentives issues, joined the practice from Slaughter and May in June 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Danny Blum
Autres avocats clés:
Richard Surtees; Victoria Green
Les références
‘Danny Blum is highly recommended in this area. Exceptional knowledge and experience in the structuring and execution of schemes of this type. Very practical and commercial.’
‘Very good knowledge of their specialism. Good draftsmen and responsive to client requests. They did a very good job for us on what was a relatively small but quite complicated incentive scheme.’
‘Eversheds Sutherland is staffed by solicitors with deep technical expertise, complemented by practical experience and sound commercial awareness. They can leverage their international offices to provide comprehensive legal advice across jurisdictions.’
Principaux clients
NTT Data
MicroStrategy Inc.
CSC Trustees
Croda plc
United Utilities plc
Philip Morris International Inc.
DuPont de Nemours
Nestle
Parker Hannifin Inc.
Heathrow Airport
Principaux dossiers
- Advised NewRiver REIT plc on the share scheme aspects of its takeover of Capital & Regional plc by way of Scheme of Arrangement.
- Advised The Manitowoc Company, Inc. on a complex international project to roll-out employee awards across ten jurisdictions, advising on legal and tax issues.
- Advised GenesisCare on a complex bespoke employee incentive programme covering all design, legal, and tax issues, as well as preparing the legal documentation and employee communications required to implement and operate the incentive arrangement.
Fieldfisher
Specialising in employee ownership trusts, Fieldfisher is well equipped to handle transactional and advisory matters in relation to equity incentives, tax, and share option issues. Co-leading the team, Mark Gearing is highly experienced in advising on tax and equity incentives issues, with his client roster including technology, financial services, and listed companies. Alongside advisory work, practice co-head Neil Palmer specialises in employment ownership trust transactions and transfers. Jessica Kilkelly frequently assists with a range of national and international advisory and transactional matters, while Josef Korchinsky focuses on acquisitions for technology and software clients. Francesca Lo's broad client roster consists of energy, recruitment, and listed companies, while Igor Stermsek has recently advised clients within the engineering and financial services industries.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Gearing; Neil Palmer
Autres avocats clés:
Jessica Kilkelly; Josef Korchinsky; Francesca Lo; Igor Stermsek
Les références
‘Mark Gearing and the team at Fieldfisher have a wealth of experience in dealing with sales to Employee Ownership Trusts. That experience came to the fore when assisting us with our transaction which was complex and required support across multiple regions.’
‘Fieldfisher’s guidance ensured that, despite the complexity, the transaction progressed smoothly.’
‘Our main contacts were Mark Gearing and Jessica Kilkelly supported by the wider team. They are both excellent at providing an overview while keeping sight of all the details and nuances that need to be addressed.’
Principaux clients
Gilroy Limited
Third Way Recruitment Limited
Ultra Building Products Limited
Wolfgang Digital Limited
Yodel Delivery Network Limited
ARB Brokers Holdings Limited
Board Intelligence Limited
Public Policy Holding Company, Inc.
Sunda Energy plc
Pulsar Group plc
Signal Media
Ziprecruiter, Inc.
Garrison Technology Ltd
CityFleet Networks
Lumina Studios Group Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised AI powered board management software platform, Board Intelligence, on the strategic growth investment received from K1 Investment Management.
- Acted for ARB International, a Lloyd’s insurance broker, in its acquisition by DR & P Group Limited.
- Advised Wolfgang Digital Limited on becoming the first Irish-owned company to begin their transition to employee ownership via an employee ownership trust, Wolfgang Talent Trust.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Lauded for its ‘commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-centric service,’ the practice housed at Norton Rose Fulbright is well-equipped to advise on incentive arrangements, employee benefit trusts, and tax-related issues for global financial services, engineering, and technology companies. Practice head Matthew Findley frequently advises insurers and asset managers on share purchase plan and share option plan arrangements, often handling high-value, cross-border matters. With a focus on supporting mining and engineering clients, Barbara Gaffey handles management equity arrangements, tax, and incentives issues. Ed Spilman's client roster spans private equity firms, insurers, and asset managers, and Katharine Wadia is also experienced in these areas, frequently advising on all-employee plans issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Findley
Autres avocats clés:
Barbara Gaffey; Ed Spilman; Katharine Wadia
Les références
‘I have worked with them in the context of M&A, which required attention to detail, handling complex and sensitive issues, and doing so under the pressure of a transaction timeline. The team was very good at cutting through complexity to deliver clear advice and recommendations, and doing so in a balanced and dispassionate manner.’
‘I particularly valued working with Matthew Findley, who was highly responsive and a source of consistently wise counsel.’
‘Matthew Findley provides quick, incisive advice without ambiguity.’
Principaux clients
Centamin Plc
TowerBrook Capital Partners (U.K.) LLP
TomTom International B.V.
Colgate-Palmolive (UK) Limited
Allica Bank
Siteimprove A/S
Probitas Holdings (Bermuda) Limited
Kaizen RegTech Group Limited
In2Metals Explorer S.a r.l.
Luno Group Holdings Limited
IMI plc
McGill and Partners Group Ltd
BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A.
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Centamin on its US$2.5bn cash and shares takeover by AngloGold Ashanti.
- Advising Towerbrook Capital Partners (UK) LLP on the public and private M&A transactions involving employee incentive arrangements.
- Advising BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A. on the executive incentive aspects of its £1.062bn recommended takeover of British Columbia Investment Management Corporation.
Osborne Clarke LLP
With a focus on advising private and publicly listed companies, the team at Osborne Clarke LLP specialises in employee share schemes and incentives matters. Heading up the team, Michael Carter is skilled at handling employee ownership trusts, share incentive plans, and remuneration-related issues. Praised by clients as ‘brilliant, commercial and proactive,’ Anika Chandra leads on matters involving incentives and share option issues. Based in Bristol, Rhiannon Jones frequently assists with share incentives arrangements, while in London, Stuart Rose focuses on advising financial services clients. Specialising in employee ownership matters, Maryam Khalifa is experienced in advising on executive and all-employee plans. The team’s client roster includes companies active in the technology, energy, and financial services industries.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Carter
Autres avocats clés:
Anika Chandra; Rhiannon Jones; Stuart Rose; Maryam Khalifa
Les références
‘This is a team that specialises in incentives advice (rather than being part of a wider tax transactions team) which is great as this is their bread and butter and they are the forefront of the market.’
‘Michael Carter engages fully and seeks solutions to the issues raised.’
‘They are technically very adept and we know we can rely on their advice to be bullet proof.’
‘The employee share schemes practice has real depth of expertise whilst being practical and commercial, and a real pleasure to work with.’
‘Anike Chandra is a star, brilliant, commercial and proactive, a delight to work with.’
‘Rhiannon Jones is a terrific team member, very able and responsive.’
‘The whole team were extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic and communicated complex legal matters in a very down to earth, easy to understand manner. They were extremely supportive, proactive in their approach and worked very efficiently to some tight timescales.’
‘They work as a team with you rather than just providing a service.’
Principaux clients
Focus Group
Power Electrics (Holdings) Limited
Crest Nicholson Holdings plc
Mitie Group plc
Fusebox Games Limited
Motorola Solutions UK Limited
Adviser Services Holdings Limited
Farview Equity Partners Limited
Mabway Limited
BGF
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Focus and its shareholders on all aspects of its secondary private equity process.
- Assisted Power Electrics (Holdings) Limited with its sale to an employee ownership trust.
- Assisted Crest Nicholson, a UK based residential house builder and FTSE 250 listed company, with the implementation of their Share Incentive Plan.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is noted for its strong capabilities in national and international matters, working on high-value transactions, incentives, and tax issues. Heading up the team, Louise Batty leads on mandates involving takeovers, equity incentive, and global tax issues, while Kate Crompton is skilled at implementing employee benefit trusts and management incentive plans. The team is active in the handling of both advisory and transactional work, and has a notably broad client roster consisting of technology, sports, retail, and investment companies.
Responsables de la pratique:
Louise Batty
Autres avocats clés:
Kate Crompton
Les références
‘Great subject matter expertise and support.’
Principaux clients
International Paper Company
Eyebiotech Limited
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure
Blackrock
Aptean, Inc.
Hologic
58.com
Capgemini
Mars, Incorporated
Viking Holdings Ltd
Sage Group plc
Aquila Topco Limited
Fanatics, Inc.
Genesys Cloud Services, Inc.
United Talent Agency
The Coca-Cola Company
Issa Brothers and TDR Capital
Convera
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Capital Z Partners Management, LLC
Further Global Capital Management, L.P.
Tavistock Investments plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advising International Paper Company on the equity incentive aspects of its initially unsolicited, but subsequently agreed upon, $9.9bn competitive takeover of DS Smith Plc.
- Advised Eyebiotech, a UK incorporated private biotech company, on the incentives aspects of its acquisition by Merck for $1.3bn, plus up to an additional $1.7bn in contingent milestone cash payments.
- Advised Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc, a UK incorporated, NASDAQ listed company that owns, manages and invests in renewable energy, storage, and efficient natural gas, on the equity incentive aspects of its acquisition by funds advised by Energy Capital Partners LLC and co-investors at an equity value of $2.6bn.
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing LLP provides cross-border advisory services with a primary focus on clients in the technology, consumer and retail, and life sciences sectors. Leading the team, Ann Casey is skilled at handling national and international equity incentives, executive plans, and global plans issues. Claire Matthews advises on incentives arrangements, tax, and employment ownership trust issues, while Katie Lewis frequently assists with demerger and management incentive plan matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ann Casey
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Matthews; Katie Lewis
Les références
‘Claire Matthews is incredible. She is a highly organised, efficient, capable leader who communicates clearly.’
‘The high level of specialisation of the team members.’
Principaux clients
Rezolve AI Limited
Vinted Limited
Hofy Ltd
Gresham Technologies plc
Cloudflare, Inc.
The management team of SYSPRO (PTY) LTD
Lovecrafts Group Limited, and its management team
Positron Technologies Ltd
Blue Earth Therapeutics Limited
Nuclera Ltd
BeZero Carbon Ltd
Phagenesis Limited
Newton Europe Bidco Ltd
Peak AI Limited
RP Valves Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Rezolve AI Limited on its statutory demerger and subsequent listing on NASDAQ.
- Advised longstanding client Vinted on its €340m secondary share sale.
- Advised the shareholders of Hofy on its sale to global HR & payroll platform Deel Inc..
Bird & Bird LLP
The practice at Bird & Bird LLP is skilled at handling share-based incentives arrangements, tax issues, and financial regulation matters. Practice head Sarah Ferguson handles high-value, cross-border transactions, advising both listed and private companies on remuneration, regulatory, and all-employee incentives matters. Andrew Rink is a key contact within the team, frequently leading matters involving share grants, corporate governance issues, and incentives-related matters. Other key practitioners include Xiaolei Lui and Nick Kosloff, who frequently assist clients in the technology, finance, and gaming industries. David Walder, who is skilled at advising on complex share option and tax-related matters, joined the team from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP in August 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sarah Ferguson
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Rink; Xiaolei Lui; Nick Kosloff; David Walder
Les références
‘The team were fantastic at listening and understanding the requirements, which were setting a precedent in the London market, and then translating them into clear strategy and options to allow all stakeholders to understand the preferred course of action.’
‘Sarah Ferguson was the main point of contact and led from the front throughout ensuring there was consistency of thought and client relations. Her wider team were also fantastic.’
‘Overall they were strong at drawing up the materials and in navigating some of the complexity of these schemes.’
‘All the team did a good job.’
‘We have had a long standing relationship with Bird & Bird.’
‘Sarah Ferguson has helped us with our incentives work.’
Principaux clients
De La Rue plc
Microsalt plc
Church & Dwight Co. Inc.
JSS Search Limited
Alora Innovations Inc.
Transform Gaming (UK) Limited
Cambridge Machines Pte. Ltd.
Birdie Care Service Limited
Airhive Ltd
Andromeda Global Holdings Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised De La Rue on the complex incentives aspects of their £300m disposal of its Authentication Division to Crane NXT.
- Advised Church & Dwight on the global rollout of their US discretionary share plan for executives in 14 jurisdictions.
- Advised Alora on rewards, incentives, and tax legislation matters.
Burges Salmon LLP
Chaired by Edinburgh-based Nigel Watson, the team at Burges Salmon LLP advises listed and unlisted companies on reward structures, incentive plans, and remuneration issues. Watson is highly experienced in handling high-value matters for a range of clients, including banks and healthcare and energy companies. Also in Edinburgh, Claire Withers is a key contact within the team, frequently assisting on incentives, tax, and share option plan matters. Both based in Bristol, Will Davis and Sam Taylor are other key contacts within the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nigel Watson
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Withers; Will Davis; Sam Taylor
Les références
‘Helpful, approachable and practical in their guidance and advice.’
‘Practical and can explain what’s needed and why in simple language for non-experts like me to understand.’
‘Very applied use of the law.’
Principaux clients
AOTI Inc.
Laing Investments Management Services Limited
Clean Energy Capital
Aura Power Developments Limited
Saltus Partners LLP
Saltus Financial Planning Limited
BNP Paribas
Pigment SAS
Zetland Capital
Amiosec Limited
Phi Partners International Limited
Green Lithium
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the remuneration committee of AOTI Inc. on the legal, tax, and share plan aspects relevant to the company’s $140m IPO on the Alternative Investment Market.
- Advising the John Laing Group (backed by the PE giant, KKR) on the design and creation of a deferred bonus plan with a complex performance adjustment mechanism, including communications to employees.
- Advised Pigment SAS, an AI-augmented business planning platform, on its existing tax-qualified and non-tax qualified incentives arrangements.
Dechert LLP
Specialising in the investment management industry, Dechert LLP is well-equipped to handle incentives and tax-related issues. The team is well-versed in handling cross-border issues, with a particular emphasis on matters involving the United States. Leading the team, Daniel Hawthorne is skilled at advising on option and cash incentive plans, as well as equity arrangement issues, and he is ably supported by Jason Butwick, who often handles mandates surrounding tax, regulatory, and incentives issues. Jennifer Hutchings is another key member of the team, regularly advising a diverse client base that includes asset managers, logistics providers, and pharmaceutical companies.
Responsables de la pratique:
Daniel Hawthorne
Autres avocats clés:
Jason Butwick; Jennifer Hutchings
Les références
‘Jason Butwick and Daniel Hawthorne are real experts at employee share schemes and other incentive programmes, particularly against the back-drop of the asset-management industry. They are highly commercial, thoughtful and a pleasure to work with.’
Principaux dossiers
Hogan Lovells International LLP
A key port of call for financial services and technology clients, Hogan Lovells International LLP is well-equipped to advise on incentive arrangements, equity investments, and tax issues. Fiona Bantock heads up the practice, and she is highly proficient in cross-border matters involving acquisitions, incentives, and option plan issues. Other key members of the team include Callum Fowers and Paul Randall, who are skilled at advising on a range of incentives and investment issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Fiona Bantock
Autres avocats clés:
Callum Fowers; Paul Randall
Principaux clients
Salesforce
IBM
CVC Capital Partners
UK Infrastructure Bank
AXA Health
Prax Group
Autodesk
Major shareholders of Sales-i Limited
Key shareholders of Supponor Holding Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Salesforce, a California-based CRM software company, on the UK share incentives aspects of its acquisition of Own Company, an Israel-based data protection and data management solutions company, for US$1.9bn in cash.
- Advising IBM on its strategic acquisition of SiXworks Limited from Chiltern Capital Partners LLP, a private equity house, and various management sellers of SiXworks.
- Advising CVC Capital Partners on its investment alongside KKR in Superstruct Entertainment Group, as part of an acquisition from Providence Equity Partners (owners of Superstruct since 2017).
Postlethwaite Solicitors Ltd
Postlethwaite Solicitors Ltd specialises in employee ownership trusts, advising a diverse client base that includes architects, technology companies, and law firms. The practice is jointly led by Robert Postlethwaite, a trusted adviser on acquisition, tax, and succession planning matters related to EOTs, and David Reuben, whose ‘pithy, analytical’ advice is valued by clients. Reuben focuses on designing and implementing ownership succession plans and also advises on employment tax and incentives. Judith Harris boasts expertise across a range of commercial and tax-related issues, and the ‘exceptional’ Hannah Tinsley is also experienced in these areas.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Postlethwaite; David Reuben
Autres avocats clés:
Judith Harris; Hannah Tinsley
Les références
‘Partner led advice. David Reuben is approachable and knowledgeable. He is happy to invest time in building client relationships.’
‘They have a unique and niche practice area, so when you deal with Postlethwaite, you know you’re speaking with lawyers with very specialist experience and knowledge.’
‘I have worked mainly with David Reuben. He is very knowledgeable and clever and provides pithy, analytical advice. I have every confidence when I refer a client to Postlethwaite or David that they will be very well looked after, receive good quality on time advice and be charged sensibly.’
Principaux clients
Banana Split Productions Limited
SDS (London) Ltd
Retail Human Resources Limited
Apache IX Limited
Spacehub Design Limited
Premier Surveys Limited
Edendene Trustees Limited
Bray Plastics Limited
DB Group Limited
Mr Paper Limited
International Law Solutions
Deep Alert Ltd
Sequoia Investment Management Company Limited
Eighteen and a half Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Apache IX Limited, a technical consultancy supporting national defence and security, on its transition to employee ownership.
- Advised three of International Law Solutions’ multinational clients on UK share schemes and scheme interpretation, leaver provisions, and UK employment tax matters.
- Advised Banana Split Productions on its ownership succession, facilitating the sale of 90% of shares to an EOT.
Shoosmiths LLP
Headed up by the ‘commercially minded' and 'knowledgeable' Dan Sharman, the team at Shoosmiths LLP primarily advises private companies on share scheme aspects of M&A transactions. The practice also regularly assists with employee share options, tax issues, and share purchase agreements, often working on matters with cross-border elements. Marie Mann and Tom Wilde are other key contacts within the team, frequently supporting clients on equity incentives and investment issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Dan Sharman
Autres avocats clés:
Marie Mann; Tom Wilde
Les références
‘Gave accurate and helpful advice and then implemented it with no hiccups. Understood the issues and made sensible and creative suggestions as to how to progress with the plan.’
‘Dan Sharman has excellent knowledge of the subject matter, and he is quick and accurate.’
‘Marie Mann is responsive, patient, helpful. She is good at explaining issues and suggesting alternatives.’
Principaux clients
Argo Natural Resources Limited
Majority shareholders of Engine B Limited
Alexander Williams
Twenty7tec Group Ltd
Rothschild
Octopus Ventures
Shareholders of Hampshire Cricket Club
Jensten Group
Shareholders of Bravissimo Group Limited
Oddlygood UK Ltd
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Five Arrows Principal Investments on the share schemes aspects its acquisition of Rimes Technologies for USD$821m.
- Advising the majority shareholders of Hampshire Cricket Club on the share scheme elements of the £120m sale of the club.
- Advising Cayman-based company, Fulcrum Utility Services Limited, on its incentive scheme that was integral to its future success.
Simmons & Simmons
Spearheaded by Tair Hussain, the team at Simmons & Simmons specialises in advising on incentives and regulatory issues for a range of financial services clients. Hussain is adept at handling cross-border remuneration, buyback shares, and incentives issues. David Baxter joined the team from Clifford Chance LLP in September 2024, and he is skilled at advising on tax and EBT issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tair Hussain
Autres avocats clés:
David Baxter
Les références
‘Timely and responsive. No nonsense advice delivered efficiently despite it being a complex area.’
‘Tair Hussain is fantastic. Responsive and knowledgeable. Always available and unphased by tricky questions.’
‘Strong team who are pragmatic and responsive. Good at sticking to agreed fee quotes.’
Principaux clients
Clifford Asset Management
Future plc
Regent Acquisitions
Lendinvest plc
Evercore Inc.
Napier Technologies Limited
Lumyna Investments
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
DG Partners
Syncona
Principaux dossiers
- Advising a US publicly traded, multinational conglomerate on the non-US employee incentives aspects of a $1.8bn acquisition.
- Assisting the senior executives of a FTSE 250 company with drafting a bespoke Long-Term Incentive Plan.
- Advising management shareholders on the employee share schemes aspects of an investment by private equity into an investment firm managing £2bn in group assets.
Stephenson Harwood
Headed up by Nicholas Stretch, Stephenson Harwood's client roster primarily consists of asset management companies, private equity houses, and private companies. Stretch boasts expertise in advising on employee share plan and executive remuneration issues. Desiree De Lima frequently advises on incentives issues, as well as handling transactional work, while Grace England assists with employee share plan and equity arrangement matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nicholas Stretch
Autres avocats clés:
Desiree De Lima; Grace England
Les références
‘Stephenson Harwood’s approach is both pragmatic and commercial.’
‘They have wealth of knowledge and experience and consistently provide value added commentary to the work undertaken. These are contextualised in a clear, concise, and understandable way.’
‘Nicholas Stretch always makes himself available. Whilst it is evident he is extremely knowledgeable, he is able to share information at a level appropriate for the audience.’
Principaux clients
Liberum Capital
AHJ Holdings
Special Opportunities REIT
Spitfire Audio
Aptamer Group
Whitley Asset Management
Lilley Plummer Risks
bd – capital
White Cube
Principaux dossiers
- Advised employee-owned Liberum Capital on the employee share plan aspects of its merger with Panmure Gordon.
- Advised leading insurance broker, AHJ Holdings, on the employee share plan aspects of its proposed acquisition by Miller Insurance.
- Advised Special Opportunities REIT on the employee share plan and other aspects of a long-term incentive plan.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP provides expertise in tax, private equity, and finance matters, frequently advising clients on cross-border mandates. The team is jointly led by Oliver Walker and Kevin Donegan, who are both experienced in employee share schemes, acquisition and equity, and cash incentives matters. Lizl Loubser, who specialises in incentives and remuneration, recently joined the team and has contributed to cross-border matters concerning the design and implementation of incentive schemes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Walker; Kevin Donegan
Autres avocats clés:
Lizl Loubser
Les références
‘We work with the Employee Incentives and PE teams and rely on the sound technical advice provided by Kevin Donegan and his team.’
‘Kevin Donegan is superb.’
‘In our experience, they are the best team at getting to understand the impact of changes to legislation or guidance and then putting in practical steps to implement them for their clients and clients’ service providers.’
Principaux clients
Howden Global Insurance Group
Advent International
Bain Capital
Kantar
PSG Equity
Global Infrastructure Partners
PAI Partners
General Atlantic
OMERS
Eli Lilly
Principaux dossiers
- Advised GIP on the sale of a 50.01% stake in Edinburgh Airport to VINCI Airports for £1.27bn.
- Advised Eli Lilly & Company on its acquisition of Aparito Limited.
- Advised affiliates of Sun European Partners LLP, and the Adler & Allan group management team, on Sun’s sale of the Adler & Allan group to organisations across the UK, to Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
Akin
Headed up by Stephen Brown, the team at Akin specialises in advising clients within the financial services and private equity sectors. Brown is skilled at handling equity and joint venture issues, while Matthew Durward-Thomas provides clients with his expertise in international tax and regulatory issues. Iffat Ahmad is another key practitioner within the team, frequently advising on executive and management incentives plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Brown
Autres avocats clés:
Matthew Durward-Thomas; Iffat Ahmad
Principaux clients
The Carlyle Group Inc
Principaux dossiers
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Led the ‘outstanding’ Robert Birchall, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP boasts a broad client base encompassing the professional services, technology, energy, and healthcare sectors. Birchall is skilled at advising on private equity, tax, employee ownership trust, and incentives issues. Tessa Newman frequently assists clients with cross-border corporate taxation matters, while Lewis Currie is experienced in advising on M&A, incentives, and private equity matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Birchall
Autres avocats clés:
Tessa Newman; Lewis Currie
Les références
‘I can honestly say every interaction with CRS and the different practices is always exceptional. They are extremely knowledgeable, diligent, understand our business and collaborate with us.’
‘We work with Robert Birchall for a variety of compensation related projects. He always makes us feel highly valued and that our relationship is of the upmost importance regardless of his own workload. We truly appreciate the depth of his advice and breadth of expertise.’
‘We’ve worked with Tessa Newman and she is articulate, takes the time to provide practical guidance to sometimes complex legal terms and is reliable in delivery.’
Principaux clients
QuestGates and its senior management
Hudl UK, Limited
SAI MedPartners
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP UK
Invinity Energy Systems plc
Forpeople Limited
FairXchange Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Invinity Energy Systems plc, an AIM and AQSE listed client, on the share incentives elements of a wider transaction affected by means of a scheme of arrangement in the Jersey Court, including a reduction of capital in the UK Court.
- Advised FairXchange Limited on the implementation of an “unapproved” option scheme to grant options over shares in FairXchange Limited to members of the senior management team.
- Advised the founders of Forpeople on the legal implementation of the sale of a majority stake to an employee-ownership trust and a broader shift to an employee-ownership model for Forpeople.
Goodwin
With a focus on the financial technology, business software, and AI arenas, Goodwin handles a range of high-value, cross-border employee share scheme and incentives issues. Practice co-head Saba Rais has extensive experience in M&A transactions, with a particular focus on advising clients on equity and cash-based arrangements. Co-lead Anna Humphrey is skilled at handling a range of incentives, equity, and IPO matters, and she joined the team from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP at the beginning of 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Saba Rais; Anna Humphrey
Les références
‘Practice is efficient, responsive, and practical.’
‘Understands how to shift messaging based on audience.’
‘Saba Rais is a pleasure to work with, knowledgeable and practical with a broad range of experience.’
Principaux clients
Helio Fintech Ltd.
Freetrade
Ultimate.ai
Endomag
Grey Wolf Therapeutics
Foundries
Tethr
Battery Ventures
ParkHub
Compusoft US LLC
Boyd Watterson
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Helio on its acquisition by MoonPay.
- Advised Freetrade on its acquisition by IG Group for £160m.
- Advised Ultimate.ai on its sale to Zendesk, Inc.
Jurit LLP
Specialising in employee ownership trust matters, the team at Jurit LLP has a diverse client roster straddling the construction, finance, legal, and technology industries. Praised by clients for his ‘deep commercial knowledge and technical experience’, practice head Jeremy Glover is well-versed in incentives, tax, trust, and buyback arrangement issues. Other key contacts within the team include Helen Cummings and Ian Burton.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeremy Glover
Autres avocats clés:
Helen Cummings; Ian Burton
Les références
‘The advice we receive is always professional, balanced and enables us to make decisions.’
‘Jeremy Glover provides us with the support we require. The advice is always given after considering all the information and delivered back to us in clear narratives.’
‘The practice has unrivalled knowledge of the subject matter, a commercial approach, and a desire to truly understand the client and its needs.’
Principaux clients
Roadchef Employee Benefits Trustees Limited
Thomson Environmental Consultants Holdings Limited
The Completely Group Limited
Briggs & Forrester Group
Banyards Consulting Limited
Broster Buchanan Limited
Assure Consulting Group
Nationwide Telephone Assistance Limited
Associated Architects Limited
Bacchus Holdings Group Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acted Roadchef Employee Benefits Trustees Limited in litigation against the former CEO of Roadchef plc and in negotiations with HMRC.
- Advised Briggs & Forrester Group on employee ownership trust matters and issues of growth shares to over 50 employees.
White & Case LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Nicholas Greenacre
Principaux clients
Verne Global
ATP Media
Dneg
Deliveroo
carwow
Bridgepoint
Alfa Financial Software
DiscoverIE
Nordic Capital
AlphaStream
Yondr
Arqit
CluePoints UK
IHS Towers
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Deliveroo plc on the employee share schemes aspects of their strategic asset sale and market exit in Hong Kong.
- Advised DNEG SARL, a leading VFX service provider, on the implementation of share plans in connection with a $100 million subscription by Al Saqer Group.