Corporate and commercial: Birmingham in West Midlands

DLA Piper

Highly regarded for its handling of multi-jurisdictional strategic M&A and complex disposals of share capital, DLA Piper displays extensive expertise across the industrial, engineering and consumer goods sectors. The practice is also renowned for advising on commercial agreements, IP arrangements and employment law implications. Tim Lake spearheads the group, bringing expertise to representing corporate vendors and private equity clients, whilst the ‘pragmatic’ Charles Cook and Noel Haywood are cross-border acquisition specialists. Gareth Stokes primarily focuses on information tech and strategic outsourcing, and Ryan Harrison is knowledgeable in the retail and life sciences spheres. Both Robert Newman and Simon Wright stand out for their corporate and regulatory compliance advice, while Kirsty Underhill is also a name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tim Lake


Autres avocats clés:

Charles Cook; Noel Haywood; Gareth Stokes; Ryan Harrison; Robert Newman; Simon Wright; Jonathan Clarke; Victoria Hughes; Tom Amarnani; Peter McHugh; Kurt Davies; Kirsty Underhill; Dan Cowley


Les références

‘Simon Wright is easy to get along with, responsive and always makes himself available. Special shout out for his associate Kirsty Underhill who is organised, thorough and definitely one to watch.’

‘Our partner was Tim Lake, who we have worked with for over 10 years. He set out his strategy clearly, both at a global level and before and during each work-stream, and then achieved all key points through the negotiations. I cannot speak highly enough of Tim.’

‘Other members of the team included Simon Wright, Kirsty Underhill and Peter McHugh. All three were excellent and we wouldn’t have achieved in the timescales without their efforts.’

Principaux clients

2 Sisters Food Group


Adenia Partners


Alstom


Altrad


Barclays Bank


BorgWarner


Brewdog


Bridgestone


Bromford Industries


Brookfield Properties


Butlin’s


Chamberlin


Clinigen Group


CommVault Systems


CoreLogic


CVS Group


Darwin Group


Dechra Pharmaceuticals


Dignity


Dowlais Group


DS Smith


East End Foods Group


Ecolab


Elan Homes


Fetim


ForFarmers


Foster+Freeman


Fuel 10K


GKN


H&M Hennes & Mauritz


Hill & Smith


Huber + Suhner


Iberia Industry Capital


Jaguar Land Rover


James Fisher & Sons


Janssen Group of Companies


John Menzies


Kelda Group


Knights Group


Kucher & Partners Strategy


Lotus Bakeries


Lotus Cars


Medica Group


Mettis Aerospace


Mitsubishi Logisnext


Mondelez


N+1 Singer


Noble Foods Group


Norton Motorcycles


Ocean Outdoor


Omnico Group


Perfect Redd


PERI


Permira


QMD (Q Medical Devices)


Renesola


Rolls Royce


Rotom Plastics


RPS Group


Samworth Brothers


Sany Heavy Machinery


Sertec Corporation


SmileDirectClub


Sodexo


Sovereign Capital Partners


Starstone Insurance Services


Starwood Capital


Superdry


Swissport


The Hain Celestial Group


Thomas International


Traeger Pellet Grills


University of Sheffield


Watkin Jones


Webjet


Welsh Government


Wipro


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised FTSE100 global veterinary pharmaceuticals business Dechra Pharmaceuticals on the GBP 4.46bn recommended cash acquisition by Freya Bidco Limited, a newly formed vehicle indirectly owned by Swedish private equity firm EQT and Luxinva S.A., a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
  • Advised Medica Group, a leading provider of high-quality telemedicine and imaging diagnostics, on the GBP 269m recommended cash acquisition by Moonlight Bidco (indirectly owned by funds advised by IK Partners).
  • Advised Tata Group/Jaguar Land Rover on the acquisition of the Gravity Business Park site, a 616 acre site near the M5 motorway, Bridgewater in Somerset, upon which it will build a GBP 4bn electric vehicle battery factory.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Counting global businesses, blue-chip corporates and private equity houses amongst its key clients, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s ‘really collaborative, practical’ team stands out for its advice on cross-border M&A and minority investment transactions. The group demonstrates considerable expertise across the financial services, energy and TMT industries, with the head Catherine Eley bringing vast knowledge on complex disposals and joint ventures to the outfit. Steven Hacking is experienced in handling corporate transactions in the life sciences space, Nigel Cooke primarily focuses on multi-jurisdictional acquisitions, while Louise Finnie acts on behalf of private equity clients. Mark Beardmore retired from practising in April 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Catherine Eley


Autres avocats clés:

Steven Hacking; Nigel Cooke; Louise Finnie; Mark Beardmore; Tom Milburn


Les références

‘Really collaborative, practical and commercial. Great to work with, always sees the clients’ point of view, but is not afraid to give strong advice when it is required.’

‘Nigel Cooke is a very practical and excellent advisor. A strong communicator, with the ability to break down complex legal issues into simple points which enables clean decision making. Very likeable and easy to work with, even in negotiations with other side. Most parties end up agreeing with him as he has a very practical and agreeable style that always delivers commercial outcomes that are best for the client.’

‘Great depth and bench strength within the team. Very client-focused and supportive with client initiatives.’

Principaux clients

Livingbridge and the management shareholders of Direct Ferries


Livingbridge LLP


Gresham House plc


Performance Health Holdings, Inc.


Mitchells & Butlers plc


Howden Insurance


Musgrave Investments Limited


CRH plc


Shareholders of Rhubarb Hospitality Group


LPA Group plc


Principaux dossiers


Gowling WLG

Demonstrating in-depth expertise in the automotive, tech and real estate spheres, the Gowling WLG team follows a ‘flexible, collaborative’ approach when advising on strategic investments, cross-border M&A and joint ventures. The team’s commercial offering is notable, primarily focusing on contractual, IP and employment law aspects associated with corporate transactions. Chris Towle heads the corporate side in Birmingham, while Sarah Riding and David Lowe handle the commercial aspects from both London and Birmingham. Jeremy Millington is knowledgeable on disposals and restructurings, Anurag Singh focuses on the car manufacturing and sports sectors and Sharon Ayres is an expert in the real estate space.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Towle; Sarah Riding; David Lowe


Autres avocats clés:

Jeremy Millington; Anurag Singh; Sharon Ayres; Elizabeth Williams; Alison Richards; Dominic Richardson; Amar Adatia; Chris Letters; James Breffit; Rachel Pennell; Charlotte Avery; Danielle Klepping; Matt Harris


Les références

‘Sarah Riding has an excellent knowledge of her field and applies commercial considerations to her advice.’

‘Personable, quick response, able to understand the sector. What was also important was the ability of the team to apply a more flexible, collaborative approach to the challenge we faced.’

‘I found both partners and associates to be easy to do business with and very responsive.’

Principaux clients

A F Blakemore & Sons


All Saints Retail Limited


Asda


Aston Manor


Aston Martin


Atcore Technology Group Limited


Avison Young


Azumi Restaurants Limited


Banyan Software


Baylis & Harding


Bentley Motors Limited


BGF (Business Growth Fund)


Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games


Birmingham City Council


Bloor Homes Limited


British Red Cross


Brompton Bicycles


Cadent Gas


CBI


CBRE


Cherry Park Residential


Chips Away International Limited (Franchise Brands plc)


Church & Dwight


Coca Cola European Partners


Codemasters Group Holdings plc


Cummins


Cummins Inc


Department for Education commercial panel


DivideBuy


Evolution Funding


Ford


Galway Sustainable Capital Inc


GCI Group


GCP Applied Technologies


GreenPoint Partners


Gordon Murray Automotive


GSK


Halfords


HC One


Hermes (Parcels)


Hill & Smith Holdings Plc


Hovis


Hyde Housing Association


Hydrafacial UK Limited


Hyundai


Jaguar Land Rover


JMAN Group Ltd


LDC


M&G Real Estate


M+W


Marks & Spencer


Mazda Motors UK Limited


Medicine Discovery Catapult


Metka EGN Limited


Metsaliitto Cooperative


Ministry of Justice


Mitek Holdings Inc


Mitsubishi Heavy Industry


Molson Coors


NCP Limited


NFU Mutual


Nomad (Birds Eye)


Norton Motorcyles


Otto Bock


Oxfam


Palatine Private Equity


Pandora


Perwyn Advisors UK Limited


Polestar


Premier Foods


Pret A Manger (Europe) Limited


Prologis


Raleigh UK Limited


ReBound Returns


Rettig Group


Rodan & Fields


Royal London


Royal Parks


Saint Gobain


Salto Systems S.L.


Sanctuary Group


Sandvik AB


Sdiptech AB


SLR Global


SMMT (The UK automotive trade association)


Southco Inc.


Spirit AeroSystems


Specialist Computer Centres PLC


St. Modwen


St Peter’s Spirits


Staffline


Starbucks


Tarmac


Taylor Wimpey


The Midcounties Co-operative


The Office Group


THG


Toyota Motor Manufacturing


Transport for London


Triumph Motorcycles Limited


United Biscuits


University Superannuation Scheme


Upfield (global food manufacturer with brands such as Flora)


Volex PLC


WaterPlus


Weetabix


Weston Park Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advise Weetabix and act on a range of strategic and day-to-day matters.
  • Advising Perwyn Advisors UK Limited on its strategic investment and acquisition of Crosta and Mollica, a B-Corp certified branded grocery business.
  • Advising IT solutions provider Specialist Computer Centres PLC (SCC) on its acquisition of £100m turnover IT reseller Vohkus Limited.

Shoosmiths LLP

Displaying specific specialisms in the automotive, finance and tech industries, the ‘very personable and diligent’ practice at Shoosmiths LLP has extensive experience in handling multi-jurisdictional M&A, corporate restructurings and sales of issued share capital. Notably, the group is expanding its expertise in the EV charging, fintech and healthtech spheres, with commercial head Simon McArdle providing expertise on the overlap between contract arrangements and AI. Alistair Hammerton heads the corporate offering, Ben Turner focuses on strategic acquisitions and group restructurings, whilst Alastair Peet is noted for his work with venture capital funds. Helen Burnell concentrates on sustainable infrastructure transactions, and Daniel Shilvock is also highlighted.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alistair Hammerton; Simon McArdle


Autres avocats clés:

Ben Turner; Alastair Peet; Daniel Shilvock; Helen Burnell; Rosie Hendon; Nick Little; Daniel Greatorex; Caroline Chester


Les références

‘Alistair Hammerton is exceptional from a technical and commercial perspective. He has a lot of deals under his belt,  and as a result, knows how to move a transaction along.’

‘A very personable and diligent team.’

‘Hard-working team that takes the time to understand client needs – its associate group is now very strong – Alastair Peet is a market leader, always available and has creative solutions to issues. Very reasonable fee structures.’

Principaux clients

4D Capital Partners LLP


Alcentra Limited


Bright Pixel Capital


Business Growth Fund


Blackfinch Ventures


Britpart


BS Eaton


Carbon Quota Limited


Committed Capital


Cow Corner


Displayplan Holdings Limited


Edge Data Centres Holdings Limited


Evenlode


EV Chargers Ltd


EVC Asset Holdings Limited


FINTOP Capital


Form Ventures


Fosroc Holdings


GEMS Education


Global Critical Logistics


Gresham House


Hambro Perks


Heligan Group


Hellerman Tyton


Insurtech Gateway


Iron Mountain (UK) Plc


Livingbridge


Lopay


Mercia Investments


Midwest Electrical


MMC Ventures


Mutares


NorthEdge


Nurton Developments


Oasthouse Ventures Limited


Octopus Investments


Oxford Capital Partners


Project Ceres Bidco Limited


Proximity Data Centres


Restless


Rotala


Scaleup Capital Limited


Skycon Limited


Sustainability Group Limited


Telecom Group Ltd


Tokenovate


Triple Point


TSP Ventures


Waterstones


Weetabix


Wildanet Limited


Wrisk


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised UK-based electric vehicle charging company, EV Chargers (EVC) on its series A fundraising of £165m of capital from funds managed by Denham Sustainable Infrastructure, an arm of global energy transition investment firm, Denham Capital.
  • Advised and acted for Cow Corner private equity and the management team on the sale of ISMS.online and subsequent reinvestment by certain managers into a new topco established by ECI Partners.
  • Advised the shareholders on an auction process for the sale of the entire issued share capital of Edge (an edge platform in the UK with ten carrier-neutral edge data centres) to nLighten UK Ltd (owned by nLighten HQ B.V. registered in Germany), a digital infrastructure platform of I Squared Capital (a leading global infrastructure investor).

Browne Jacobson LLP

Described as ‘commercial’ and ‘personable’, Browne Jacobson LLP demonstrates a strong sector focus in the manufacturing, energy and retail fields, frequently handling complex structured disposals and management buyouts. Richard Cox heads the firm’s corporate offering from Nottingham, whilst Mike Jackson acts as the West Midlands corporate lead, primarily focusing on private equity transactions and cross-border M&A. Clare Auty chairs the health and social care side, and the ‘standout’ Gareth Davies routinely assists sponsors and management teams. Roger Birchall represents venture capital providers, while both Clare Hanna and Matthew Doorman are cited as key contacts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Cox; Clare Auty; Mike Jackson


Autres avocats clés:

Gareth Davies; Roger Birchall; Kirk Glenn; Clare Hanna; Matthew Dorman; Jack Milnthorpe; Sonia Bains; Alys Bratch


Les références

‘Commercial, personable, mid-sized, pragmatic, with good value.’

‘Partner Gareth Davies and senior associate Clare Hanna always show excellent response time and get straight to the commercial and legal heart of each matter.’

‘Gareth Davies and Matthew Dorman are absolutely stand-out individuals. They work relentlessly to meet our needs, they are commercial in their approach, they tailor their style to meet the needs of different individuals. They are also fun to work with, personable and feel like an extension of our team.’

Principaux clients

Obsequio Group Parent Limited


Coniston Capital Management LLP


The Management team of MSQ Partners


Apiary Capital LLP


BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 2 LP


ICP


The partners of Cooper Parry LLP


Apiary Capital LLP


Altia Solutions Limited


Clear Group (Holdings) Limited


Sella Limited


Obsequio Group Parent Limited


TAC Healthcare Ltd


Silas Group Limited


Dorking Wanderers FC Ltd


NTT DATA Business Solutions Limited


WLF Innovations Limited


Sodexo SA


Suez SA


Freeths LLP

Co-chaired by Lee Clifford and Mark Neale, the Freeths LLP team leverages its ‘good specialist knowledge’ while representing clients from across the tech, construction and automotive industries. The practice has extensive experience of advising on corporate disposals, M&A and private equity transactions, with the corporate head Clifford specialising in complex investments and private restructuring. Tom Brown focuses on all aspects of corporate law, while Neale spearheads the commercial offering, concentrating primarily on IT outsourcing transactions. Nigel Gardner is a commercial contract expert, Kirstin Roberts is knowledgeable on the renewables space, and both Mohammed Abbas and Olivia Johnson are also noted.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lee Clifford; Mark Neale


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Brown; Nigel Gardner; Nathan Holden; Kirstin Roberts; Mohammed Abbas; Olivia Johnson; Baljit Atwal; Hema Singhal; Mohammad Sajjad


Les références

‘Always commercial and pragmatic, easy to work with and a trusted advisor.’

‘Experience, commerciality, pragmatism, sound advice.’

‘Good specialist knowledge, such as in the waste sector.’

Principaux clients

Chaiiwala


Tarmac


Fastlane Paint & Body


Now Education


Micheldever Tyre Services Limited


Cromwell Tools Limited


Fosse Healthcare Limited:


Lyle & Scott Limited


Skarn Associates Limited


The British Dietetic Association


Mercedes-Benz


Alumasc Group


Hydrock Group


Funeral Partners


Lloyds Development Capital


Star Live


YFM Private Equity


Lloyds Development Capital (LDC)


Funeral Partners


Carbon8


Hydrock Group


Stone Technologies


EH Smith


Flow Communications


Tarmac Group


Shaken Udder


Cardel Group


ALDI Stores Limited


Toolstation Limited (part of Travis Perkins Group)


ShoeZone Retail Limited


Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council


Royal Borough of Greenwich


Runnymede Borough Council


Wickes


Highbourne Group


NCR Ltd


Travis Perkins PLC


Carlsberg


Navitas Group


TerraQuest


Gleeds Cost Management


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising new client Mercedes-Benz on commercial and technology matters as a new panelled advisor.
  • Advising Lloyds Development Capital on its minority investment in the events business Star Live.
  • Advising Aldi on its frictionless store roll out.

Gateley Legal

Specialising in multi-jurisdictional M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions, the ‘pragmatic’ practice at Gateley Legal has vast experience in the tech, financial services and healthcare arenas. Tom Rush heads the team, regularly acting on behalf of public corporates and financial institutions in private equity investments and complex acquisitions. Beth Mather primarily focuses on buy outs and disposals, whilst Paul Cliff is a capital markets expert. Andrew Cowan concentrates on corporate reorganisations, and Max Moore is knowledgeable on the real estate industry.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Rush


Autres avocats clés:

Beth Mather; Paul Cliff; Andrew Cowan; Simon Gill; Max Moore; Adam Percival; Claire Stretton; Jamie Gillespie; Janai Parker


 


Les références

‘Gateley retains its strong client service ethos, led by its corporate practice. Gateley’s corporate and commercial legal teams deliver pragmatic, cost-effective advice.’

‘Tom Rush, Rachel Cox and others excel in building client relationships and giving commercial advice.’

Principaux clients

Godwin Developments Limited


Stuart Turner Limited


GIL Investments Limited


Gymshark Ltd


Clowes Developments


Water Direct Limited


LDC


Palatine Private Equity


Connection Capital


Franchise Brands plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on the investment by Steven Hewitt and Joanne Hewitt in Passenger Clothing Ltd.
  • Advised on the £51m sale of the entire issued share capital of Maxted Capital Limited and its subsidiaries, Berkeley Insurance Group Limited and Berkeley Insurance Group UK Limited.
  • Advising Godwin Developments on its £1bn joint venture with North American real estate investor Brookfield.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Highly recommended for its expertise in the healthcare and financial services sectors, the ‘efficient, knowledgeable’ team at Mills & Reeve LLP specialises in sales of issued share capital transactions and complex M&A. The corporate practice is headed by Ryan Hawley, who stands out for his knowledge in the private equity transactions, whilst the ‘extremely experienced’ Jayne Hussey leads the commercial offering, primarily focusing on supply chain contracting issues. Julian Smith concentrates on strategic acquisitions and disposal projects. Junaid Haroon is another key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ryan Hawley; Jayne Hussey


Autres avocats clés:

Julian Smith; Junaid Haroon; Paul Krivosic; Hayley Simonds


Les références

‘The team is efficient, knowledgeable and very easy to work with.’

‘Ryan Hawley and Christina O’Brien are a fantastic team who quickly understand issues and are always pragmatic in their advice. They are also excellent on invoice transparency.’

‘The team is extremely knowledgeable and adept at applying legal solutions to the commercial reality, delivered with professionalism and good humour. When we instruct the team, they work as an extension to our in-house functions, which contributes to collaborative and cohesive working.’

Principaux clients

The Martin James Group


Infinity Software


TFC Europe


Apex Group


Avesi Partners / memoryBlue


Swish Management


Emeria UK


Cygnet Health


Aspris Children’s Services


Four Seasons Health Care


Mobeus Private Equity


Cariad SE


Aymes Nutrition


Brigade Electronics


MM Packaging UK Limited


SAS International Limited


Gymshark


Hush Homeware


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised US PE fund Avesi Partners and memoryBlue on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital in Operatix Inc and Operatix Limited, from two different groups of sellers.
  • Advised The Martin James Group and fellow shareholders on the sale of the Antser Group to a YFM private equity backed newco.
  • Advised MM Packaging group on a complex, long-term supply agreement involving supplies of drug packaging products to a packaging intermediary business based in Italy and the ultimate customer, based in Korea.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Drawing upon its strong national footprint, Pinsent Masons LLP routinely provides bespoke advice to domestic and international clients within the healthcare, energy and tech spheres, primarily handling corporate disposals and cross-border M&A. Nicole Livesey heads the corporate department, specialising in supply chain pressures and strategic acquisitions. Andrew Hornigold frequently represents private equity backed businesses, whilst Joanne Ellis is an expert in refinancing and investments. Clare Francis heads the commercial offering, primarily focusing on complex AI and tech matters Both John Tyerman and Laura Ayre are also highlighted as key figures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicole Livesey; Clare Francis


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Hornigold; Joanne Ellis; John Tyerman; Laura Ayre; Gayle Ditchburn; Danielle Clifford; Michael Lakin; Rhian Critchell; Rami Labib


Principaux clients

The Orders of St. John Care Trust


Framework Solutions LLC


Olympus Corporation


Node4 Limited


Carlton Power Schroders Greencoat


Cellnex


Readypower Group Limited


Wave 9 Managed Services Limited


Lawfront Group Limited


RWE/Triton Knoll Wind Farm Limited


Linnaeus Veterinary Group


BP plc


Acalis Care


August Equity LLP and its fund August Equity Partners III A LP


Consensus Support Services


Rolls-Royce


Ministry of Justice


Tesco


City University Group


Nissan


Scholl’s Group


E.ON


Liverpool Football Club


Honda


Fulham Football Club


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Olympus Corporation on the acquisition of Odin Medical Limited, an award-winning Cloud AI endoscopy company.
  • Advising BP on the Northern Endurance Partnership and Net Zero Teesside Carbon Capture & Storage projects.
  • Advised Readypower on its acquisition of specialist suction excavator business Force One Limited and on its acquisition of Total Rail Solutions Limited.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs’ ‘highly dedicated’ department has extensive expertise in cross-border M&A and private equity transactions, regularly representing British and global clients in the tech, healthcare and industrial sectors. Geoff Perry leads the corporate side, frequently acting on behalf of international corporates and professional investors, whilst Tom Durrant is an expert on complex disposals. On the commercial side, Simon Jones is knowledgeable on IT matters, and Matt Smith is also noted as a key contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Geoff Perry


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Durrant; Simon Jones; Matt Smith; Indy Bening


Les références

‘Wide range of skillsets across the team. Were able to deal with all of our requirements to complete the MBO we were pursuing.’

‘Tom Durrant is a very good and commercial lawyer who pushes things forward at pace, and is always available.’

‘The team are knowledgeable and flexible. They understand the need for timely advice and are commercial in the way they provide it. They understand the priorities we set as a business and deliver on them. I would highly recommend them to other corporate organisations. Our lead partner, Tom Durrant, can call on colleagues from around the business as and when we require them in each relevant practice area.’

Principaux clients

Altrad Group


Anglo Asian Mining PLC


Averroes Capital Limited


Brush Group Limited


CEVA Group


Ekco UK Holdings Limited


Genuit Group Plc


Hinduja Group


HomeServe Limited


Knighthead Capital Management


LDC


ParkOhio


Perwyn Private Equity


NorthEdge Capital LLP


Veolia


Fosun Sports Group (Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Knighthead Capital Management on their acquisition of a majority shareholding in Birmingham City Football Club, which was comprised of their purchase of (a) Birmingham City Stadium Limited, which owns St. Andrews Stadium, and (b) part of the issued share capital of Birmingham City Limited.
  • Advised the shareholders of L.E.M. Limited (the parent company of CIA Insurance Limited) on the sale of L.E.M. Limited and its subsidiary to AssuredPartners, a US insurance broker (backed by Chicago-based private equity investor, GTCR).
  • Advised NorthEdge Capital LLP on their acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Torbay Pharmaceuticals Limited.

DWF

Providing extensive expertise on corporate disposals, domestic M&A and business contracts, the DWF practice is routinely instructed by local authorities and major hospitality corporations. The corporate department is headed by Mark Gibson, who brings in-depth knowledge on private equity and corporate transactions to the team, whilst the ‘efficient, pragmatic’ commercial lead, Ben McLeod specialises in commercial agreements in the tech space.  John Campion, primarily focuses on public takeovers, and Sam Hodgson is also of note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Gibson; Ben McLeod


Autres avocats clés:

John Campion; Sam Hodgson


Les références

‘Ben McLeod has built an excellent team around him. They provide timely, pragmatic advice.’

Principaux clients

Park Holidays UK Limited


Shareholders of OGL Computer Support Holdings Limited


Simon Sliwinski


Shareholders of Integrity Wealth (Holdings) Limited


Wynnstay Group PLC


Microlise Group plc


Zinnwald Lithium plc


Keywords Studios plc


Severn Trent Water Limited


Shareholders of H K Wentworth Limited


Silentnight Holdings Limited


Lewis Morgan


Hamble Properties Limited


Boldyn Networks Infrastructure UK Limited


BT plc


Virgin Media O2


Johnson Matthey plc


KE Hotels


HHG2 Southampton Limited


Hunton Hotels Limited


Leviton Manufacturing UK Limited


Leviton Manufacturing Co.,Inc


S&W Nearby Holdings Limited


Hiscox SA


Octagon I/O Limited


Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council


Devon County Council


Carbon Trust Advisory Limited


Trak (Global Solutions) Limited


A.F. Blakemore & Son Limited


Moneysupermarket.com Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised HHG2 Southampton Limited on its extensive share and asset purchase.
  • Advised on multiple KE Hotels Limited acquisitions for various hotel locations.
  • Advised Zinnwald Lithium plc on its £18.75m equity fundraising, involving a placing and cornerstone investment by AMG Metallurgical.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Headed by London-based Matthew Martin, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has extensive expertise in multi-jurisdictional M&A and SPAC transactions, supplemented by knowledge in the IP and data protection spheres. Adam McGiveron mainly focuses on disposals and private equity investments, Richard Wrigley is a restructuring expert, whilst the ‘solution focused’ Emma Bryant is also highlighted as a key contact for her commercial negotiation skills.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Martin


Autres avocats clés:

Adam McGiveron; Richard Wrigley; Emma Bryant


Les références

‘Our main lawyer is Emma Bryant, who acts for us on all corporate and M&A matters. Emma’s dedication to getting us the right result is exemplary. Emma never brings problems to us without any proposed solutions.’

‘Adam McGiveron’s clients trust him highly. His high degree of enthusiasm is refreshing to see. He adopts a solutions-based approach when addressing unforeseen issues.’

‘They are an excellent firm with a hands-on and commercial focus which is important in corporate finance transactions. Always willing to help and provide constructive advice, they always go the extra mile.’

Principaux clients

Alliance Automotive Group/Genuine Parts Alliance


Lambretta UK


Fidelity International


Claverley Group Limited


Socotec UK Limited


Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)


Carver Group


Infarm


Named Collective


ROLI


Frontier Development Capital Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on the acquisition of Powrmatic for West Midlands headquartered, Carver Group Limited.
  • Acted for a large international investment management company on its first investment for the new European Real Estate Climate Impact Fund on the acquisition of the corporate vehicles owning City of London landmark building 99 Queen Victoria Street.
  • Advised on the multi-jurisdictional acquisition and equity finance of a vertical farming technology platform business, Infarm.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

With Michael Stace at the helm, Shakespeare Martineau LLP represents a litany of clients within the healthcare, tech and renewables spheres, managing a wide spectrum of corporate and private equity matters. Stace specialises in disposals and joint venture arrangements, the ‘top-notch’ Keith Spedding advises on multi-jurisdictional M&A, whilst Kavita Patel primarily focuses on corporate finance transactions. Jody Webb concentrates on investments, and Peter Mayhew is also highlighted as key.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Stace


Autres avocats clés:

Keith Spedding; Kavita Patel; Jody Webb; Peter Mayhew; Jennie Davis; Matthew Shephard


Les références

‘A broad range of areas of legal expertise and specialist support within the firm all of which were relevant to the transaction they handled on our behalf.’

‘Excellent support, advice and communications throughout the M&A process from the team involved in our transaction, notably Jody Webb.’

‘Keith Spedding and his team are an absolutely top-notch unit, with great depth of experience on commercial and M&A matters. The service level is second to none, and the team combine great advice with a pragmatic approach, to get things done quickly and efficiently.’

Principaux clients

Rosslyn Data Technologies PLC


One Heritage Group PLC


Avingtrans PLC


Cizzle Biotechnology PLC


Crossword Cybersecurity PLC


Shareholders of Mobius Newtorks Limited


BGF Investments LP – Business Growth Fund


Foresight Group LLP


Mobeus Income & Growth VCT plc, Mobeus Income & Growth 2 VCT plc, Mobeus Income & Growth 4 VCT plc and The Income & Growth VCT plc


Unicorn AIM VCT plc


Blackfinch Investments Limited


Pollet Pool Group NV


Easyairconditioning Group Limited


Palletforce Limited


Solid State Plc


The Mission Group Plc


Celebrus Technologies PLC


Chaarat Gold Holdings Limited


Averon Park Limited


Ridge and Partners


Torsion (Saxton Lane) Limited


Foresight VCT plc and Foresight Enterprise VCT plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for the members of Ridge and Partners LLP in connection with the investment by funds managed by Horizon Capital LLP.
  • Acting for Foresight on the relaunch of its Foresight Inheritance Tax Fund, with an existing fund size of £1.3bn.
  • Acting for Torsion Developments Limited, a residential developer, contractor and operator specialising in student accommodation, build to rent, and residential property, on its joint venture with Zenzic Capital to deliver purpose-built student accommodation with the proposed acquisition of 5 development schemes.

The Wilkes Partnership

Adopting a ‘commercial’ approach, The Wilkes Partnership practice specialises in complex management buyouts, cross-border M&A and private equity transactions. The team is headed by the ‘extremely efficient’ Gareth O’Hara, who is an expert in business and asset sales. Rick Smyth is knowledgeable on tax reorganisations and restructurings, and Kate Hackett primarily focuses on asset and share acquisitions. Jeremy Parkin and Helen Smart are also key members.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gareth O’Hara


Autres avocats clés:

Rick Smyth; Kate Hackett; Jeremy Parkin; Helen Smart; Lucy Freeman; Kiran Munawar; Matt Hartas; Christie Nelson


Les références

‘I can always rely on Rick Smyth get to the heart of a business issue (not just the legal aspects) and come up with a creative solution that works for all parties. A skilled negotiator and trusted adviser to business owners.’

‘Gareth O’Hara: exceptional customer care/understanding, extremely efficient and total honesty with fees.’

‘I would strongly recommend partner Gareth O’Hara and solicitor Christie Nelson. Christie is very hard-working, and we trust her to complete any assignments we have. Both Gareth and Christie get to know their clients and have helped our business complete two large transactions over the past 10 years.’

Principaux clients

Wesleyan Bank Limited


Johnsons Cars Limited


PPS Equipment Holdings


Benx Limited


Star Group Live


Cotswold BMW


Wake Power Distribution Limited


Dennis Eagle Limited


VIAD


J S Wright


HIA International Limited


Niclen GmbH


Stabila Messgeräte Gustav


Ullrich GmbH


Böcker AG


TruVenturo GmbH


Polytec AMR GmbH & Co KG


Huber Car Park Systems


International GmbH


Pravida Bau GmbH


Fountains Forestry UK Limited


The Service Response Group


China Industries Limited


Strongs Plastic Products


Clive Smith and Lee Gripton


Bluevest Capital Partners Limited


Clarke Willmott LLP

Described as ‘extremely knowledgeable, flexible and hard-working’, Clarke Willmott LLP stands out for handling M&A and corporate transactions on behalf of owner-managed businesses and SMEs. The ‘technically gifted’ Kim Klahn spearheads the practice, specialising in corporate restructures and management buy-outs, while John Irving primarily focuses on data protection and distribution issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kim Klahn


Autres avocats clés:

John Irving; Aidan Clucas


Les références

‘Extremely knowledgeable, flexible and hard-working. The Clarke Wilmott team are very professional, embrace new technologies of communication and importantly translate very complex important legal terms/clauses with care and attention to ensure you fully understand.’

‘Kim Klahn is approachable, experienced and very knowledgeable. Kim will fight your corner with extreme vigour and advise you in layman’s terms. Kim is transparent, concise and efficient, and I would definitely recommend anybody to utilise her services.’

‘Technically capable, friendly and approachable, the complete package.’

Principaux clients

Sirius A Corporation Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Sirius A Corporation Limited in its £5.5m refinance with Frontier Capital Development Limited (FDC).
  • Acted for the sellers of a software development company in the sale of their shares and its American affiliate to a Canadian group.
  • Acted for the corporate seller in the sale of the entire issued share capital of a company operating a care home from a property owned by a different company.

Legal Clarity

Demonstrating cross-sector expertise, ranging from manufacturing to insurance and tech, the ‘responsive and highly expert’ Legal Clarity practice specialises in M&A and investments. The team is co-headed by Richard Underwood and Gary Davie, with the former focusing on joint ventures and reorganisations, and the latter being an expert in employee buyouts. Martin Clifford and Chris Wright are also key figures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Underwood; Gary Davie


Autres avocats clés:

Chris Wright; Martin Clifford; Matthew Gwyther; Jane Jevon


Les références

‘The team are hugely approachable, very accessible, responsive and highly expert. Guided us through a complex and time-consuming transaction – I could not have picked a better team.’

‘Richard Underwood and his team are experts across a wide range of law. They offer clear, practical advice to their clients which is easy to understand. When you add their years of experience then, in my opinion, they offer the best legal advice a client could want.’

‘Gary Davie is also recognised as one of the leading EOT specialists in the area – completing a number of transactions. Once again, Gary puts into plain English a very complex area of law.’

Principaux clients

Magma Accountants


Prime Accountants


Microlise Group PLC


Coral Products PLC


Azets Accountants


Dains Accountants


Cartor Security Printers Limited


BMG Research Limited


Trinity Property Consultants Limited


Ad Valorem Accountancy Services


Jhoots Healthcare Limited


Medmin Group Limited


Halliwell Homes Limited


Suite Limited


Lamoda Fashion Limited


Athag Limited


FJD Consulting (& Design) Limited


Griffiths Waite Limited


Plastic Coatings Limited


Elephant Holdings Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for our long-standing client Microlise Group PLC in its £11m+ share acquisition of Enterprise Software Systems, Microlise’s second deal since its IPO.
  • Acted for the shareholders of Cartor Holdings Limited on a £10.5m share capital sale to the US-based Spectra Systems Corporation.
  • Acted for the shareholders of BMG Research Holdings Ltd, the parent company of BMG Research Ltd, on an entire share capital sale to RSK Environment Limited.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Leveraging sector-specific expertise in the AI, manufacturing and healthcare arenas, the ‘very personable, reliable’ Trowers & Hamlins LLP team has in-depth knowledge in private equity backed transactions and cross-border M&A. Amardeep Gill and Moad Giebaly co-head the team, displaying expertise handling private company buyouts and GDPR issues. Mike McMahon is also noted for his venture capital work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amardeep Gill; Moad Giebaly


Autres avocats clés:

Mike McMahon; Matt Whelan


Les références

‘The team provides a very supportive and collaborative approach which is flexible and fits our business’ needs well.’

‘We have a dedicated point of contact within the team, Matt Whelan, who takes the time to listen to our situation, help us sound out potential solutions and connect us with others within the firm who can assist us when needed. Our senior contact partner, Amardeep Gill, is also very supportive both in terms of general workload and support, and also for checking in with me to offer support and help plan for the future. Matt, Amardeep and the rest of the team we have dealt with, have all been excellent and paint a very positive picture of the firm.’

‘The Trowers team are all very personable, reliable, communicative and knowledgeable on all sizes of transactions.’

Principaux clients

The shareholders of UK Container Maintenance Limited


Egbert Taylor Holdings Limited


Atrium EMEA Ltd


The shareholders of Meditelle Limited


Lichfield District Council


Vidivet Limited


Future Planet Capital (Ventures) Limited


East Hampshire District Council


Kent County Council


Belfast City Council


Gloucestershire County Council


West Midlands Combined Authority


Compound Semiconductor Catapult Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Matrix JV Co Ltd (trading as AIQ), an artificial intelligence joint venture between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and G42, on the drafting and negotiation of a global distribution agreement with Schlumberger.
  • Advised the US-based Impact Environmental Group on the acquisition of Capital Compactors Limited.
  • Advising Belfast City Council on a contractual joint venture with a development partner for the regeneration of a number of sites across the city.