Praised for ‘adding value at every stage of the process’, Addleshaw Goddard‘s team is instructed by PLCs, private equity houses and financial institutions on a broad range of corporate mandates. Practice head Richard Hunt is frequently sought out by founders and entrepreneurs for assistance with M&A mandates, while Peter Wood is embedded in the realm of private equity transactions. Mark Hallam is at the forefront of transactions involving financial services clients, while James Tatro counts deals in the food and drink sector as a cornerstone of his practice. Carly Gulliver is another name to note.

Hailed as a team that ‘consistently delivers‘, DLA Piper’s far-reaching offering spans domestic and cross-border M&A, multi-jurisdictional group restructurings and secondary fundraisings on AIM and the Main Markets. Core sectors of expertise include financial services, energy and aviation. Practice head John Gallon counts private equity and capital markets transactions among his core focus areas. Matthew Duncombe oversees the commercial arm of the practice, frequently handling mandates such as global affiliation arrangements for major hospitality clients. Stephen Atkinson excels in private M&A, while Amar Maan has extensive knowledge of the infrastructure and financial services sectors.

With a market reputation for its cross-border transactional expertise, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP  has a good spread of experience spanning strategic acquisitions and sales, outsourcing and joint ventures. Team lead Robin Skelton's wide sectoral experience includes notable experience in the healthcare and food and drink sectors. Amanda Partland is noted for her prowess in major corporate reorganisations, often concerning multiple entities. Peter McCormack is an expert in strategic contracts matters. Thomas Howell is frequently tasked with overseeing major private equity corporate mandates. Russell Naglis left in February 2024.

Praised for its ‘attention to detail and excellent client service’, Pinsent Masons LLP is highlighted for its ability to handle public and private M&A, with the team especially active for public company clients. The unit additionally frequently acts for private equity institutions and their investee companies and is equipped to handle capital markets transactions. Practice head Andrew Black is a key driver behind the practice’s public company transactional strength. Lisa Harley spearheads the commercial offering and counts public procurement and IT projects among her practice strengths. Andrew Kerr excels in work with an international element and coordinates the practice’s cross-border offering. Rob Cunningham centres his practice on private company M&A.

A regional powerhouse for private equity, equity capital markets and M&A transactions, Squire Patton Boggs‘ ‘entrepreneurial team’ has extensive experience in sectors encompassing healthcare, food and drink, and fintech. Corporate head Hannah Kendrick is active across work including public takeovers and innovative funding rounds. Paul Mann is well-placed to guide private equity houses through the intricacies of investments and acquisitions. Paul Jinks,who oversees the Leeds commercial and IP team, has a proven track record of handling major technology projects. Hannah Crosland is singled out for her expertise in fundraising and corporate governance, while Louise Parker further extends the transactional expertise at the firm.

The corporate team at Walker Morris LLP is regularly called upon by British and international institutional clients to handle buy-side transactions, many of which have a cross-border element. Practice head John Hamer frequently leverages his experience to provide strategic advice to public and private company classes. Debbie Jackson is a key driver behind the unit’s strength in private equity and debt finance work. Richard Naish is highlighted for his expertise in mandates connected to the food and drink sector, while Jo Stephenson has amassed considerable knowledge of the healthcare sector. Oliver Duke frequently assists international clients with inbound M&A work. Michael O’Halloran is a further name to note.

Clarion‘s corporate team, led by Richard Moran, is active across sectors spanning tech, media, waste, logistics and retail. The unit frequently handles international work involving jurisdictions and has been increasingly active across client-side private equity investments. Matthew Hattersley oversees the firm’s commercial offering which spans work on commercial contracts, technology and supply chain compliance. Jonathan Simms‘ varied expertise spans corporate governance, joint ventures and group reorganisations. Sarah Harrison is versed in the intricacies of employee share schemes and Employee Ownership Trusts.

With notable expertise in the EV charging, retail and the digital and technology sectors, Gordons LLP pulls together a strong offering, with strategic UK investments, investment rounds and M&A among the firm’s strengths. James Fawcett heads up the team and is a key contact for major businesses in the Yorkshire region. Jonathan Asquez‘s practice extends to advising on venture capital seed investments. Duncan Firman frequently handles acquisitions and disposals for corporate clients both large and small. Amy Pierechod's investment expertise is frequently called upon by early-stage funders.

The ‘experienced and proactive team’ at Shoosmiths LLP gears its practice towards private equity transactions including investments and the establishment of joint ventures; M&A – including cross-border transactions; and corporate simplification mandates such as capital reduction demergers and restructurings. Practice head James Foster‘s transactional expertise is relied upon by international corporates to private equity and venture capital investors. Simon Procter is a key force behind the unit’s strength in cross-border work. Rebecca Holden counts pre-pack acquisitions and corporate reorganisations among her practice strengths. Natalie Redfern is a further name to note.

The ‘outstanding individuals’ at DWF are equipped to handle a host of work, including UK and international equity capital markets transactions, wealth management and M&A. Practice head Lester Wilson has longstanding experience in transactions connected to both the AIM and the London Stock Exchange. ‘Exceptional commercial lawyer’ Wendy Harrison‘s practice extends to advice on cross-border share capital disposals. Flotations, fundraisings and restructurings are among Jemil Visram‘s strong suits. He is praised for giving ‘very sound, commercial advice’.

The corporate finance team at Lupton Fawcett is known for its proficiency in a host of matters including acquisitions for VC-backed buy and build vehicles; the scale-up and funding of high-growth companies; and the design and work connected to management incentive schemes. Practice head Giles Clegg is a popular contact for acquisitive clients. Daniel McCormack is well-placed to assist clients with transactional work associated with transitions to Employee Ownership Trusts. Jonathan Oxley, who divides his time between York and Leeds, is well equipped to assist clients with the operation of share incentive schemes.

Mills & Reeve LLP‘s corporate team, led by seasoned practitioner Paul Johnson, is geared to handle a range of buy- and sell-side mid-market acquisitions, investments and mergers across core areas such as food, waste management and retail. The group is also seeing an increase in instructions related to cross-border technology deals. Martin Priestley heads up the commercial group, which has a tight focus on work for clients from the education and government sectors. Joanna Jowitt centres her practice on work for PE-backed buy-and-build portfolio clients, while Alex Kenworthy is active across mandates spanning investment into the UK, reorganisations and corporate governance.

Schofield Sweeney‘s ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ team handles a range of corporate work spanning acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and debt financings. On the commercial side, the practice is well-placed to handle contractual risk and an array of issues connected to business growth. Bradford-based Martin Sweeney oversees the corporate offering alongside Leeds partners David Strachan and Steven Millward. In the same office, Karen Crutchley heads up the commercial team. Strachan is praised for his ‘vast experience, calm persona and light-hearted approach’. Michael Cantwell joined in June 2023 from 3volution and frequently assists clients in the gambling industry with corporate matters.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s corporate practice pivots around work, such as bolt-on acquisitions and minority investments, for private equity clients. Simon Pilling, who spearheads the team’s offering, is a key contact for clients ranging from PE funds to individual sellers. James Cook further extends the group’s expertise on private equity transactions. Catherine Willis, who divides her time between Leeds and Newcastle, is well-versed in public company fundraising and group reorganisations.

3volution Limited ‘s corporate team, praised for its ‘ focus, capability, and commercial understanding’, is well placed to assist clients with issues spanning equity investments, M&A and management buy-outs. The team is frequently sought out by acquisitive clients looking to expand their presence in the market. The ‘exceptional’ Jonathan Priestley heads up the practice and has a varied practice that ranges from advice on early-stage investments to major acquisitions. Priestley is frequently supported by the ‘excellent, pragmatic and thorough’ Emma Tomkins. Michael Cantwell departed in June 2023.

Blacks Solicitors LLP centres its practice on advising owner-managed businesses, notably from the insurance and healthcare sectors on sell-side transactions. The team is also active in the holiday and home parks sector and across commercial work such as licensing agreements and marketing arrangements. Nigel Hoyle heads up the corporate team and has a proven track record in acting on the sale of insurance brokers. Pete Konieczko-Hansom took over the reins as head of the commercial department following previous incumbent Philip Parkinson‘s departure in April 2024. Konieczko-Hansom excels in matters that combine IP and commercial elements.

Lauded for its ‘deep experience and knowledge’, Freeths LLP‘s experience encompasses sales, mergers and acquisitions; corporate restructuring and reorganisation; and transitions of businesses into employee ownership. Practice head Dahren Naidoo is frequently involved in private equity transactions. Megan Atack, whose responses are praised for being ‘clear, considered and well-thought-through’, is noted for assisting with company formations, dissolutions and restoration matters.

Transactions spanning leisure, professional services, and agriculture stand out as areas of activity for the ‘transparent and client-focused’ team at Harrowells Solicitors. Practice head Matthew Rowley is praised for combining ‘first-rate technical knowledge with a customer service that is second to none’. Restructuring subsidiaries is another area of strength for the York-based team.

KPMG Law opened its Leeds office in October 2022 and has quickly developed a market reputation for its ability to handle work encompassing M&A and investment transactions, complex business reorganisation and capital markets mandates. Edward Bartlett heads up the team, and is versed in the intricacies of cross-border transactional work as well as corporate reorganisations. Neville Moore’s varied portfolio of work extends to advising Main Market and AIM-listed clients on their annual general meetings and governance reporting.

SMEs, owner-managed and family businesses turn to LCF Law for advice on issues connected to staff retention and motivation, employee ownership trusts and a range of company law matters. The team additionally excels in private equity-backed transactions. Susan Clark heads up the team and regularly advises accountancy and law firms on a range of corporate matters. Cathy Cook's expertise extends to niche expertise in the sale of EOT owned businesses. Brad Stewart is geared to advise on pension scheme lending and securitisation.

The ‘very efficient and proactive’ team at Raworths is equipped to assist owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals with work spanning equity investment, M&A and succession planning. Jon Healey, praised for being ‘very knowledgeable about company law’, oversees matters and has a proven track record in cross-border transactions. Simon Morris focuses his practice on corporate issues in the SME sector. Thaynara Charlesworth is equipped to handle the drafting and negotiation of purchase agreements.

The ‘thoroughly diligent ‘ team at Tyr handles a range of corporate and commercial work including investments, commercial agreements, acquisitions and disposals. Corporate partner Chris Blantern co-leads the team and has in-depth knowledge of the financial services sector. Commercial specialist Luisa D’Alessandro completes the leadership team. Praised for going ‘over and beyond to meet client needs’, D’Alessandro is known in the market for her expertise in trading arrangements, agency and distribution matters, supply and manufacturing contracts. Clients range from SMEs to large national public and private companies.

Assisting owner-managed businesses with corporate transactions, private equity investments and management buy-outs are notable areas of activity for the team at Ward Hadaway LLP. Key contacts at the firm’s Leeds office include Jonathan Pollard, a ‘very pragmatic yet thorough lawyer’, who is praised for his skill at handling internal reorganisation; and Adrian Ballam, who is noted for his grasp of the 'legal, financial and HR aspects' of complicated transactions.

Handling an array of corporate and commercial issues for regional and national technology clients is a mainstay of the practice at Berwins. Practice chair Paul Berwin, who divides his time between Leeds and Harrogate, is praised for his ‘professional advice’ on corporate governance, EMI schemes and acquisitions, among other matters.

M&A, the establishment of new corporate vehicles and re-financings, and management buy-outs are among the areas of strength for the corporate team at Bevan Brittan LLP. Chris Harper, who has a notable focus on long-term regeneration and property development joint ventures, co-heads the practice alongside transactional M&A specialist Christian Hunt, a key contact for clients from the manufacturing sector.

Brabners LLP caters to various mid-market clients ranging from entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses and AIM-listed companies. Corporate head Marcus Armstrong counts company mergers, de-mergers and employee incentive schemes among his practice strengths. Commercial head Sara Ludlam, who joined from 3volution in June 2023, frequently handles work such as commercial and EU importer agreements. Pharmacy M&A transactions are a mainstay of Chris Peace‘s busy practice.

Praised for delivering ‘exceptional service and solid commercially minded legal advice’ to clients such as regional start-ups, private companies and PLCs, Hill Dickinson LLP assists equity and debt fundraising, acquisitions and disposals alongside general commercial and employment work. Co-practice head Alison Starr is well-versed in issues connected to IPOs. Fellow co-head Sandip Khroud is active across company investments, mergers and acquisitions.

Irwin Mitchell's very efficient team assists clients spanning early-stage businesses, owner-manager businesses and institution-funded businesses with work such as disposals, fundraising and corporate reorganisations. Gavin Maddison is the main contact in Leeds and counts joint ventures, investments and corporate governance among his practice strengths. He has notable experience in the financial services and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Renowned for its prowess in the sports domain, McCormicks guides major clients such as the Premier League, Leeds United FC, and the PGMOL through a host of corporate and commercial issues. Extending beyond sports, the firm remains engaged in the hospitality and leisure sectors. The team’s leadership in Harrogate is shared by Peter McCormick and James Towler, with the latter excelling in the negotiation of sponsorship agreements.

Ramsdens Solicitors LLP’s corporate and commercial division is jointly overseen by Stephen Newman and Adam Cockroft, both based in Huddersfield. Areas of activity for Newman include the establishment of Employee Ownership Trusts and tax-driven reconstructions. Cockroft’s expertise encompasses corporate acquisitions and disposals, management buy-ins and mergers. Emma Spragg is another key contact in the Huddersfield office.