Blake Morgan LLP houses a strong team in Southampton, which includes Stephen Archibald, Gemma Spiceley, and Mathew Wilson. Archibold has a range of experience advising clients across different sectors including the technology, financial services, and recruitment spaces; Spiceley focuses on the acquisition and disposal of private companies; and Wilson routinely advises on M&A, joint ventures, and private equity investments. Jasmin Taylor is also noted for her assistance with various corporate matters, including shareholder agreements and restructurings. The team regularly acts for corporates, shareholders, and directors. The practice is led by Simon Staples in Reading. James Hawkeswood left the firm in May 2023.

The corporate and commercial practice at Moore Barlow is co-led by Jeremy Over in Southampton and John Warchus, who splits his time between Guildford and Richmond. Described as ‘a highly accomplished deal maker’, Over often handles transactions within the technology and manufacturing sectors. Roger Bailey has more than three decades of experience advising on M&A and IPOs. Kirsty Leary and David Bright are also key members of the team. Leary is noted for expertise in corporate reorganisations, while Bright often works with clients in the telecoms industry. Thomas Clark left the firm in April 2023, while Peter Jeffrey departed in May 2023.

Paris Smith LLP advises on M&A, development capital, and corporate restructurings. Practicing in both Winchester and Southampton, Michael Moore heads up the corporate team, and frequently handles transactions within the technology, manufacturing, and automotive sectors. Leading the commercial side of the practice, Crispin Dick is recommended for matters relating to IT such as software licensing issues and technology transfers. Amanda Brockwell and Jonathon Roy are both seasoned lawyers in the team; Brockwell advises on management buyouts and investment agreements, and Roy acts for clients on joint ventures, acquisitions, and corporate restructurings. Richard Atcherley is also noted for his experience handling transactions for SMEs.

Shoosmiths LLP advises clients on matters relating to venture capital, private equity, M&A issues. The ‘reliable, dependable, and well-resourced’ team is led by Stephen Porter in Solent, who has significant experience advising on corporate transactions and joint ventures. Lisa Sigalet and Sean Wright are further standout lawyers; Wright regularly acts for financial sponsors and equity providers, and Sigalet, who is praised for being ‘extremely knowledgeable’, advises on acquisitions, disposals and corporate governance. Laura Austin and Emma Livesey are also noted for their experience assisting with private equity investments. Mark Shepherd retired from the practice in May 2023.

The corporate and commercial team at Trethowans LLP is co-led by Nick Gent, Lucy Gleisner, and Jon Stickland. Gent advises on a range of corporate matters, including shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and the sale of private companies; Gleisner has extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions; and, considered to be ‘one of the brightest lawyers in his field’, Stickland regularly handles commercial contracts and outsourcing agreements. Jamie Earley and Louise Thompson are also core members of the team. Earley routinely acts for clients within the technology sector, while Thompson focuses on commercial and data protection matters.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is a leading firm for corporate clients needing advice on complex deals. The team is headed up by Ian Holden, who regularly advises on shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and corporate finance matters. Stephen Pierce specialises in M&A and private equity transactions. Carly Holt and Sebastian Briggs are also prominent members of the team; Holt is skilled in handling matters within the financial services sector, while Briggs is an expert in investments into the energy industry. Further key sectors for the team include the retail and manufacturing industries.

The corporate and commercial team at BDB Pitmans advises on private equity transactions, joint ventures, and acquisitions. The practice is co-led by Oliver Kelly in Southampton and Philip Lamb in London. Kelly has a broad range of experience, which spans management buyouts, venture capital trusts, and shareholder agreements. Leah Houghton focuses on debt financing, corporate restructuring, and M&A work. Sean Kelly is also noted for his capabilities in handling matters in the maritime and transport sectors.

Herrington Carmichael LLP houses a corporate and commercial team that is ‘efficient, highly experienced, and consistently goes above and beyond to assist clients’. Managing partner Yavan Brar heads up the practice in Farnborough; he regularly advises on corporate restructuring and M&A matters. Cesare McArdle stands out for his experience navigating complex international agreements. Matthew Lea and Mark Chapman are further names to note; Lea regularly handles some of the largest transactions for the firm, while Chapman is recommended for commercial matters within the manufacturing and financial services sectors.

Located in Basingstoke, Phillips Solicitors regularly acts for SMEs and owner managed businesses. Leading the practice, Jack Gardener is recommended for shareholder agreements and corporate governance advice. The team was strengthened by the addition of Jacqueline Drury, who joined the firm from an in-house position in May 2023. Described as ‘incredibly knowledgeable’, Drury specialises in commercial work and has experience advising on matters relating to data protection, IT, and intellectual property issues.