Leading Partners

Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Corporate and commercial: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire in South West

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP excels in navigating high-value corporate and commercial matters with a focus on cross-border transactions, particularly those involving the Middle East and Africa. The team handles M&A deals as well as large-scale investments and is a popular point of contact for clients active in the aviation and renewable energy sectors. Practice head Richard Norton is well-versed across the spectrum of corporate and commercial work, including restructuring and transactional work. Private equity matters are a key area of focus for Edward Robinson, who acts on behalf of a number of aviation clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Norton


Autres avocats clés:

Adrian Mayer; Jonathan Morley; Edward Robinson; Matthew Hobbs


Les références

‘Richard Norton and Edward Robinson make a formidable team – they are responsive, innovative and deeply commercial whilst also able to think laterally. Few lawyers show such ability to deliver and problem-solve as they do.’

‘Richard Norton is in a league of his own, with a versatility born of deep intelligence, great experience and a commercial mindset. He grasps complex issues quickly and delivers results equally quickly. Edward Robinson is taking after him.’

‘Good commercial understanding and the ability to cut through the noise of a deal and focus on the few issues that really matter.’

Principaux clients

PAT Holding Limited


Pennant International Group Plc


A Tsokkos Public Limited


Gulf Air


Actis LLP


Argo Group


Bank of Cyprus


Battery Ventures


Robert Hitchins Group Limited


Microba Life Sciences Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on cross-jurisdictional business investments.
  • Advised shareholders on the sale of a company.

BPE Solicitors LLP

BPE Solicitors LLP‘s corporate and commercial team is valued by a host of blue-chip corporates and covers the full spectrum of transactional matters, from investments to IPOs and M&A deals. The firm’s offering also includes private equity as well as venture capital work, and is led by Kathryn King who took over as practice head in 2024 following her promotion to partner in October 2023. Christine Jackson heads up the commercial offering and specialises in advising clients in the tech sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kathryn King; Christine Jackson


Autres avocats clés:

John Workman; Anthony Rudge


Les références

‘A legal firm with a friendly face – direct contact with all the legal team at any time has made the experience of our recent business acquisition process a lot more streamlined than it could have been anywhere else.’

‘The whole team has been approachable and helpful in every way but particular thanks to Kathryn King.’

Principaux clients

Revolution beauty Group plc


Agria Pet Insurance Limited


Neal’s Yard (Natural Remedies) Limited


Partners Group Limited


DeepVerge plc


Partway Group PLC


CB Chemie und Biotechnologie AG


Selling shareholders of XLCR Vehicle Management Limited


Sureserve Group Plc


Sosandar plc


Software Circle plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Partners Group on a multi-million pound series of acquisitions in the insurance sector.
  • Advised a nominated adviser in relation to Grafenia plc’s placing, subscription and open offer to raise approximately £27.9m.
  • Acted for CB Chemie and Biotechnologie AG on its multi-million pound all-share acquisition of Rozone Limited from Rubery Owen (Holdings) Limited.

Gardner Leader LLP

Based in Swindon, Gardner Leader LLP advises diverse domestic and multinational corporations on transactions within the South West region and beyond, in addition to assisting with matters such as drafting agreements and handling restructurings. Philip Humphreys acts as practice head and is particularly active on the transactional side of the business, as is M&A-focused Joe Lewis. On the corporate end, Gail Vallis is a key name to note and fields noted sector expertise relating to life sciences.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philip Humphreys


Autres avocats clés:

Joe Lewis; Peter James; Gail Vallis


Les références

‘The Swindon office has a wide breadth of expertise and the partners are responsive and very reactive to client needs.’

‘The practice ensures it specifically understands our business with a close knowledge of our products, services and key people. This ensures the advice provided precisely matches our particular and unusual operational environment.’

‘Friendly and approachable people.’

Principaux clients

KAM Project Consultants


Argentum Apothecary Limited


Cordell Health Limited


Clearwater Hampers Limited


Team Technologies Limited


Medical Supplies Direct Limited


Wynne Jones IP Limited


All Medical Professionals Limited


Jonas Software


Juice Moving Images


Shareholders of iTrinergy Limited


Workbuzz Analytics Limited


Shareholders of Berry Marketing Services Limited


Shareholder of Sonnox Limited


Prepay Technologies Limited


Orgvue Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a shareholder on the sale of a company.
  • Advised Medical Supplies Direct on its agency agreement with an integrated outsourcing provider to store and distribute covid tests to a major supermarket chain for consumer purchase.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Harrison Clark Rickerbys fields extensive proficiency in corporate and commercial law, particularly in navigating intricate cross-border transactions, frequently advising on private equity deals, and representing shareholders in various investment scenarios. Steve Thomas leads commercial endeavours, focusing on IT and outsourcing matters; he heads up the practice jointly with Tim Ward, whose capabilities encompass private equity work and employee ownership trusts. Rachael Reeves stands out for her specialism in the equine sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tim Ward; Steve Thomas


Autres avocats clés:

Rachael Reeves


Les références

‘HCR is adept at quickly understanding client requirements. They work out an action plan and then execute, all in a no-nonsense, cost effective manner.’

‘Tim Ward and his team are specialists in their chosen area. They are approachable and provide clear and pragmatic advice.’

‘The commercial team makes itself available to its clients and provides professional advice and action. Timescales are adhered to and advice is sound.’

Principaux clients

Safran Landing Systems


Spirax Sarco PLC


Renishaw PLC


Gloucestershire University


Plexal (City) Limited


Azets Holdings Limited


Workshop Group Limited


Viadex Ltd


Beam Connectivity Limited


Infinitum Trustee Limited


Miro Forestry Developments Limited


Ethos Partners LLP


Horizon Capital LLP


Scaleup Capital Limited


Macaulay Management Limited


Amcomri Group Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Infinitum Group team on the transition to an employee ownership trust.
  • Advised Miro Forestry on and drafting a subscription agreement, shareholders’ agreement and accompanying legal documentation.
  • Acted for Ethos Partners LLP on an equity share investment into IP Integration, advising on and implementing a complex investment group structure.

RWK Goodman

RWK Goodman sports a robust corporate practice focused on mid-market transactions that is popular with both regional and international businesses. Katharine Mortimer specialises in financial services transactions, complementing the expertise of practice head James Worrall, who is active in the financial services and tech sectors. Further key sectors for the group are health and social care as well as retail. Janetta White centres her advisory offering around corporate restructurings and refinancing.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Worrall


Autres avocats clés:

Katharine Mortimer; Hazel Phillips; Janetta White


Les références

‘Highly experienced, knowledgeable, strategic, pleasant to interact with and an easy-to-use data room.’

‘Katharine Mortimer kept the momentum when needed during the process of the sale of the company, adapted her own schedule to ensure work was done when required even in the case of unexpected and unplanned timelines, she managed to keep me on track despite the emotional circumstances around the sale.’

‘I have worked with RWK for many years and have always found the team there to be highly responsive to issues which need addressing, always prompt and concise, and providing excellent pragmatic solutions.’

Principaux clients

Lancer Scott


Socomec


MJ Church


STERIMED


Orega


Abbott Lyon


Portobello Starboard


The Jolly Hog Group


Designworks Collective


Fareva


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Lancer Scott Holdings Limited on a major restructuring of its group which saw some of its business divisions transferred to newly incorporated subsidiaries and to the parent company.
  • Advised on the sale of a company and its UK subsidiaries as well as overseas subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia and the USA.
  • Advised a company on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Sonnet Care Homes Holdco Limited from August Equity.

Porter Dodson

SMEs as well as family or owner-managed businesses turn to Porter Dodson for assistance with a range of corporate and commercial matters including acquisitions, reorganisations, management buyouts, or disposals. Evelyn Adfield is hailed as ‘exceptional in her work ethic’ and leads the team, in which David Culshaw also plays a key role as advisor for the tech, manufacturing, as well as food and drink sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Evelyn Adfield


Autres avocats clés:

David Culshaw


Les références

‘A team that delivers on everything you’d expect from a legal firm – professional, credible, knowledgeable and value for money. But all of this with the added benefit of partners who are accessible and who talk both business and legal.’

‘Lucky enough to have worked with David Culshaw across two of our private equity investment rounds. David is a fantastic legal partner. I particularly admire his ability to take complex topics and convert them into easily understandable language – he makes the tricky simple.’

‘Work as part of our business, integrating seamlessly into our business units and teams.’

Principaux clients

Driving Success Ltd


Bullet Lift Group Limited


Emmat Norton Limited


Framptons Group Holdings Limited


IAM Compliant Ltd


Unison Triumph Investments (UK) Limited


Ashridge Capital


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Driving Success Ltd on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Splink Industries Ltd.
  • Advised Bullet Lift Group Limited on the sale of its two wholly owned subsidiaries, Bullet Lift Services Limited and Bullet Training Solutions Limited to Classic Lifts.
  • Instructed by iAMCompliant Ltd in connection with equity investment by Maven Capital.

Thrings LLP

Active across both corporate and commercial work, Thrings LLP also draws on its banking and finance expertise to advise lenders and investors across a diverse set of transactions and agreements. John Davies heads up the corporate offering with experience that includes acting on PE-backed transactions, while Kate Westbrook oversees the commercial arm of the practice and focuses on tech and FMCG clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Davies; Kate Westbrook


Autres avocats clés:

Simon Hore; John Richardson


Les références

‘John Davies has the patience to guide clients through challenging and complex legal processes and negotiations in a calm and collected manner. Demonstrating consistent knowledge and wisdom throughout. He is also highly diligent and time efficient.’

‘We have no hesitation in recommending the corporate team at Thrings most highly. Indeed today we wouldn’t dream of using and/or recommending anyone else to our clients.

‘They are incredibly responsive, flexible in meeting deadlines and collaborative in their approach.’

Principaux clients

GS Yuasa Europe


Wasdell Group


Jumella Limited


The Wishford Schools Group


Rockley Transport Group


Signet Jewelers


Compass Energy


Arkells Brewery


Donnington Brewery


Acoustic Polymers Ltd


Wansbroughs

Wansbroughs‘ corporate and commercial team continues to diversify its portfolio, supplementing the firm’s historically strong focus on landed estates and agriculture with a broad-range of clients including those active in tech, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Practice head William Ingram-Hill has noted experience across matters such as cross-border M&A, corporate restructuring, and commercial contracts.

Responsables de la pratique:

William Ingram-Hill


Autres avocats clés:

Philip Wigg; Emma Jewell; Katen Patel


Les références

‘We have used Wansbroughs for many years on different commercial services and you can always rely on them to be very pragmatic and professional and always listen to our business needs.’

‘I have worked with Philip Wigg on various matters and he is always professional and friendly but also tries to find the best outcome for our business. I would highly recommend Wansbroughs for all business-related legal services.’

‘The team seems to punch above its weight, its ambition is palpable and my key contact, Emma Jewell, is an extremely likable, commercial and highly motivated person.’

Willans LLP

With broad sector coverage, Willans LLP stands out for a diverse practice that assists clients with investments, mergers, and contractual matters, amongst others. Chris Wills, who is ‘excellent at cutting through the legal complexities to deliver clear advice’, leads the team and handles work such as restructurings and joint ventures. Owner-managed and family businesses regularly turn to Rishi Ladwa for his corporate and commercial expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Wills


Autres avocats clés:

Rishi Ladwa


Les références

‘The team is the most motivated and dynamic I have ever encountered. They are quick to respond to queries, always incredibly helpful, concise, clear and friendly. They are an absolute pleasure to work with.’

‘Chris Wills is outstanding with his attention-to-detail, clear communication and friendly manner. I feel that I can rely on his sound advice and judgement and my business is in safe hands with him.’

‘This is a friendly and approachable team who deliver in a timely manner.’

Principaux clients

Sanderson Solutions Group plc


MA020 Limited


Excelerate Technology Limited


HAE Investments Limited


Mosaique Creative & Marketing Limited


Sue Ryder


Randall & Payne LLP


St Botolph Without Bishopsgate Church


The Cheltenham Trust


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the shareholders of a 125-year-old family company on a transfer to the next generation.
  • Advised a serial entrepreneur on a seven-figure further investment in a high-growth clean tech company.
  • Advised the shareholders of a company offering supported care services on their sale to a national care services provider.

Wilsons

At Wilsons, the corporate and commercial team is praised for its ‘excellent technical knowledge and the ability to negotiate practical solutions to commercial issues‘. Under the leadership of James Johnson, the firm has a diverse client roster but is particularly popular with those stemming from the health and social care sectors. Mark Cook fields a varied practice, dealing with IPOs, mergers, and restructurings, amongst others.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Johnson


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Cook


Les références

‘Mark Cook worked with us to build and eventually sell our company over the course of eight years. He worked with passion and genuine interest with our goals and aspirations.’

‘I was very pleased with the support and work completed by the Wilson’s team. I did not feel like another client on a conveyor belt as I have with many other practices. They had my best interests at the forefront of their approach.’

‘Mark Cook was a great support during a recent commercial transaction and I couldn’t have asked for or expected better support. He was always available, understood what I was trying to achieve and gave effective and realistic advice.’

Principaux clients

VesselsValue Limited


Daily Dose Ltd


Moore Kingston Smith LLP


Greensleeves Homes Trust


Property Solutions Group (South East) Limited


Robert Brett & Sons Limited


Tecniq Ltd


Southey & Co Limited


Wallgate Limited


Verve Partners Limited


Arthur John Capital Limited


Aviation Values Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the shareholders of VesselsValue Limited on the sale of the company to Veson Nautical, LLC.
  • Advised Daily Dose Ltd on the terms of a £5m private equity investment.
  • Advised Moore Kingston Smith Financial Advisers Limited on its acquisition of the Pilot Financial Group.