Praised for its ability to ‘consistently deliver high quality service’, the corporate and commercial team at Addleshaw Goddard is well-versed in the full scope of matters including M&A involving both listed companies and private equity firms. The team advises clients across a range of sectors, standing out for its expertise in the real estate space. Practice head Paul Medlicott, who leads the firm’s focus on personal care, household care and beauty businesses, is a key port of call for a number of mid-market private equity houses. Elsewhere in the team, Roger Hart advises on public M&A, private M&A and equity capital markets transactions, while Andrew Green is noted for his expertise in the private equity space. George Danczak is recommended for his specialist work with digital and tech businesses.

Counting multiple private companies, PE houses, public companies and entrepreneurs among its clients, DLA Piper maintains its leading position in the Manchester market. The team is well-versed in the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, advising clients across the tech, insurance and healthcare sectors. James Kerrigan and Lee Brierley jointly lead the team and are both noted for their ability to advise clients on complex commercial projects. Elsewhere in the team, Jonathan Watkins continues to lead on acquisitions, disposals and group reorganisations, while Yunus Maka is a key port of call for a number of international clients. Andrew Phillips is lauded for his work in the PE space, and David Booth is recommended for his expertise in the industrials sector.

Well-regarded for its ‘very client focused’ approach and ‘excellent knowledge’, the corporate and commercial team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP continues to advise on complex corporate deals and commercial projects. The practice is steered by Michael Birchall who is lauded for his ‘calm authority.’ Daniel Hall advises public and private companies in acquisitions, public bids, disposals, joint ventures and fund-raisings, while Alistair Cree is noted for his expertise in the aerospace and defence sector. Elsewhere, Elizabeth Tindall  is active on private equity transactions. Tom Bridgford is also recommended.

Lauded as ‘very talented, fast and pleasant to work with’, the corporate team Squire Patton Boggs is well-placed to advise on the full scope of corporate transactions, standing out for its work on mid-market international M&A. The practice is jointly steered by Giles Chesher and Emma Ball. Chesher is noted for his expertise in the private equity space, while Ball specialises in commercial and IP law. Matthew Canipa draws the following praise from clients: ‘very attentive, pragmatic and has a bird’s eye focus on the details.’ A litany of energy sector players turn to James Fitzgibbon, while Darren Warburton is noted for his specialism in the chemicals manufacturing sector.

CMS houses a team of ‘very good M&A advisors.’ Maintaining its strong track record of representing domestic and international clients from the worlds of real estate and leisure, the practice stands out for its expertise in financial services transactions. Practice head Howard Gill particularly stands out for his experience in the hotel sector. Matthew Davies handles transactions in the retail, financial services and TMT sectors, while senior associate James Crossman has experience in both national and international transactions.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ability to go the ‘extra mile’ and its ‘good breadth of coverage’, the corporate and commercial team at Gateley Legal regularly handles M&A deals and private equity transactions in the energy, healthcare and leisure sectors. Practice head Charles Glaskie has experience in a full range of corporate finance work, advising both private and public companies. Rebecca Grisewood  is lauded as a ‘seasoned commercial lawyer’, while Paul Jefferson leads the firm’s private equity group.

‘Extremely approachable, impeccable attention to detail and able to deal with complex matters’, the team at Hill Dickinson LLP advises clients across the logistics, health, charities, manufacturing and education sectors on a range of corporate and commercial transactions. Mark Fitzgibbon stands out for his work in the charity and not-for-profit industries, while Ian Gillis has extensive capital markets experience advising companies on IPOs, rights issues, class transactions and takeovers. Elsewhere, both James Lonsdale and David Mkhitarian are noted for their expertise on commercial IP matters.

With notable expertise in the technology sector, Mills & Reeve LLP is well-placed to advise its diverse roster of clients on venture capital matters and growth fundraisings. The team’s proficiency spans various industries, including media, healthcare, retail, and food and beverages. Chris Ross  is head of the firm’s Manchester office and has led on a string of high-value corporate deals. Chris Wilkinson  stands out for his expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, while Vicky Protano is a key port of call for clients hailing from the worlds of life sciences, manufacturing, telecoms, property and hospitality. Paul Knight advises on commercial long-term supply arrangements, as well as having particular expertise in IT and data protection law. New arrival Tom Shorten joins the team from Pinsent Masons LLP and is recommended for his experience in the private equity and corporate finance spaces. Nick Helm acts for domestic and international clients on public sector projects.

The ‘very hands-on team’ at Pannone Corporate LLP handles a wide range of corporate matters, including joint ventures, supply and procurement of goods and distribution. Leading the team is chairman Steven Grant who regularly advises large and small businesses. Tom Hall is praised for his ability to ‘adapt to the clients’ needs’, while the ‘very robust’ Andrew Walsh continues to advise on significant transactions. Tim Hamilton is active in the PE space, and Mark Winthorpe is active in the energy and financial services sectors. Arshnoor Amershi is also noted.

Operating across a myriad of sectors and industries including tech, science, infrastructure, energy, and retail, the corporate and commercial team at Pinsent Masons LLP acts on a wide range of transactions. In addition to acting on private equity transactions, the team acts for major PLCs, advising on IPOs. Practice co-head Amie Norris is a private equity specialist where she acts for institutions and management team son both the buyside and sellside. Samantha Livesey also co-heads the team and is noted for her expertise in commercial, IP, IT, digital and data matters. Kieran Toal advises domestic and international clients in the PE space, while Alasdair Weir advises PLCs and large corporates on M&A, IPOs and secondary capital raisings.

Praised for its ‘blend of legal and commercial skills’ the corporate and commercial team at Shoosmiths LLP is well-versed in public company matters and cross-border acquisitions, with a particular focus on the insurance sector. The ‘excellent’ Elia Montorio heads the corporate practice and is noted for her focus on M&A, international cross-border transactions, complex reorganisations of international corporations and private equity work. Both Richard Millington and Luke Stubbs lead the commercial team; Millington has been described in his ‘practical in his problem-solving approach’, while Stubbs specialises in the tech sector. Andrew Millar advises clients on the full scope of corporate transactions.

Noted for its ‘authenticity, knowledge and skill’, the corporate and commercial practice at Brabners LLP acts for clients across the sport, tech, healthcare, automotive, and hotel sectors on a wide range of matters. Co-head Mark Rathbone regularly advises domestic and international clients on joint ventures, commercial agreements and investment structures. Fellow co-head Richard Hough stands out for his expertise in commercial contracts and healthcare-related issues. Simon Lewis continues to advise on high value and complicated transactions, while Caroline Litchfield is noted for her expertise in the automotive sector. Tony Harper is also recommended.

Praised for offering a ‘truly partner-led’ service, Browne Jacobson LLP is well-positioned to offer clients advice on the full scope of commercial matters, specialising in intellectual property rights, IT, technology and outsourcing. Practice head Peter Allen advises on all aspects of company law and corporate transactions. Cat Driscoll is recommended for her experience in commercial, IP, technology and e-commerce matters, while Ryan Brown stands out for his expertise in the PE space. The Manchester team has been bolstered by the arrival of James Skivington who joins from Pinsent Masons LLP.

A mix of buyers, sellers, investors and management teams turn to the team at Clarke Willmott LLP for advice on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. The practice is steered by Ed Foulkes who acts on M&A, investment, buyouts corporate structuring for clients hailing from the worlds of financial services, tech and fintech. Stephen Jarman advises corporates both large and small on shareholders’ agreements, employee ownership trusts and PE transactions, while Chris Connors advises on all aspects of corporate tax law.

Counting local and national corporates among its key roster of clients, the corporate team at DWF is prominent across a range of sectors including tech and telecoms, financial services, consumer and industrials. The team is well-positioned to assist clients on the full range of corporate transactions, with a particular focus on mid-market M&A, equity capital markets and joint ventures. Global head of corporate, Frank Shephard, is noted for his expertise in capital markets, private equity and M&A, while Manchester head Alasdair Outhwaite stands out for his expertise in the private equity space. Sarah Briscall regularly advises clients on commercial contracts and projects in a range of sectors.

The ‘technically strong’ team at Fieldfisher delivers comprehensive corporate and commercial services to a range of clients within the technology sector. The practice seamlessly integrates support for AIM-listed enterprises with a robust venture capital team. Practice head David Bowcock regularly works with clients across the tech and healthcare sectors, and has been praised as an ‘an absolute legend in his field.’ Tom Ward co-heads the firm’s venture capital practice and advises both domestic and international companies, investment funds, entrepreneurs and management teams on a wide range of corporate matters. Adam Jones continues to work on the team’s largest transactions.

Described as a ‘quality law firm of excellent and experienced corporate and commercial lawyers’, Irwin Mitchell is often engaged in mid-market M&A transactions and private equity investments, acting for a diverse range of clients. Practice head Adam Kaucher is noted for his experience in the private equity space. Victoria Zivkovic has moved to TLT.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ability to marry its ‘tactical ability’ with an ‘agile and extremely swift’ approach, JMW Solicitors LLP is routinely engaged by SMEs, owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs and investors on a range of corporate and commercial matters. The team is led by Mike Blood, who advises clients on all corporate transactions, financing, members agreements and structuring. Mark Heppell works on matters including acquisitions and disposals, MBO’s, employee ownership trusts and joint ventures, while Richard Parkinson advises on key long term supply agreements and outsourcing agreements.

Boasting a client base that includes multinational PLCs, private companies and local businesses, KPMG Law has expertise in high-stakes M&A, complex international business reorganisations and tax advisory work at the local, national and international level. Practice head Paul Kelly  stands out for his expertise on complex international reorganisations and UK and cross-border M&A. Kelly is supported by David Fitzmaurice who specialises in M&A, international group reorganisations, equity incentive arrangements and pension deficit funding projects.

‘Experienced, calm and measured’, the corporate and commercial team at Slater Heelis advises on transactions across the lower and mid-market M&A, standing out for its experience in the life science and tech sectors. The practice is steered by Simon Wallwork focuses on corporate transactional work and, in particular, acquisitions and disposals. Richard Riley is noted for his focus on commercial matters.

TLT is routinely instructed by a litany of corporates across a myriad of sectors including leisure, food, drink, retail and consumer goods. Financial services expertise is a defining characteristic of the practice group, advising some of the UK’s main clearing banks as well as various international banks. The team is jointly led by Ian Roberts, who is noted for his private equity and venture capital experience, and Pauline Cowie who covers the full range of commercial arrangements. Stuart Campbell handles matters related to contract law, outsourcing and commercial procurement arrangements for financial services clients. Victoria Zivkovic has joined from Irwin Mitchell.

Praised for ‘constantly have their finger on the pulse around any commercial developments’, the team at Weightmans LLP acquisitions, disposals, group restructures, reorganisations and venture capital transactions, as well as specialising in IP, IT, data protection and competition law issues. Co-head Seray Kitchingman specialises in corporate transactions, while fellow co-head Tom Trowhill is noted for his expertise in commercial, tech, data protection and IP law. Vincent King is praised as an ‘excellent lawyer with vast knowledge across multiple practices.’

Lauded for its ability to provide a ‘flexible and rapid service’, the corporate and commercial team at Beyond Corporate Law advises on a range of M&A and private equity matters. Both Jim Truscott and James Corlett lead the team; Truscott advises in the mid-market sector, with a particular focus on advising entrepreneurial clients and management teams, while Corlett stands out for his expertise in commercial contracts.

Standing out for its ‘exceptional expertise, client-centric approach, and innovative problem-solving skills’, the team at Glaisyers Solicitors LLP acts for high-net-worth individuals covering matters relating to acquisitions, disposals, restructurings and joint ventures. Co-head Daniel Varney handles all aspects of corporate and commercial work including mergers, acquisitions and disposals, private equity and venture capital transactions. Fellow co-head Julian Bond works with clients in the healthcare, food, transport, medicine and energy sectors.

Well-regarded for its ability to ‘seamlessly integrate legal solutions with commercial realities’, Kuit Steinart Levy LLP advises clients across the as healthcare, leisure and tech sectors on M&A, capital market issues, investments and joint ventures. Robert Buckley has been described as a ‘go-to lawyer’ and co-heads the team alongside Kirsti Pinnell and Caroline Brennan, who are both recommended for their capabilities in a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.

Clients turn to the team at Primas for its ‘pragmatic approach’ and ‘high quality, efficient and valued service.’ The practice advises clients on M&A, reorganisations and joint ventures across the retail, manufacturing and IT sectors. Overseeing the team is Gary Black who draws considerable praise from clients as a ‘problem solver and deal-doer.’ Black leads the team alongside Barney Leaf who joined the team in 2023 from Bermans.

Standing out for its expertise in the manufacturing sector, the ‘commercially savvy’ team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is routinely instructed by owner-managed businesses and family investment companies. Victoria Robertson oversees the team alongside Paul Ellaby. Robertson is a commercial contracts and data specialist who advises clients on high-value and complex contracts and projects, while Ellaby has considerable experience in acquisitions and disposals, venture capital rounds, buy-ins and buy-outs and group reorganisations.

Housing an ‘extremely professional’ corporate and commercial practice, BBS Law, a boutique commercial firm, stands out for its expertise in Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transactions. The team is regularly engaged by entrepreneurs, corporates and financial institutions on a range of mandates. The team is headed up by the ‘very commercial’ Dov Black, who focuses on EOT transactions. Rebecca Mills specialises in all types of corporate deals, including acquisitions and mergers, joint ventures, corporate finance transactions, and company reorganisations.

Praised for its ability to combine 'technical knowledge' with a 'straight-talking, jargon-free' approach, the corporate team at Bermans is a key port of call for private companies, SMEs, family businesses, entrepreneurs, management teams and charities on a range of matters. Practice head Jonathan Davage specialises in acquisitions, disposals, MBO’s and MBI’s and other corporate finance transactional work.

Praised for its ‘great collaborative approach’, the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team at CG Professional Limited advises clients on the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters. The practice is jointly steered by managing partner Benjamin Dredge and commercial head Thomas Prince. Dredge is a key port of call for private companies, investors, owner-managed business and management teams seeking assistance with acquisitions, re-organisations and joint ventures, while Prince advises clients across a wide range of sectors in relation to commercial contracts.

The ‘efficient and helpful’ corporate and commercial team at Freeths LLP handles a range of matters, including corporate restructurings, forward funding agreements and share purchase agreements. The practice is headed up by Sarah Moore who stands out for her expertise in the care sector and has been praised for her ‘forensic eye for detail.’