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  1. Franchising
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Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s dedicated 22-lawyer franchising practice has specialist expertise in areas such as franchising consultancy. The team, led by Mark Abell and Chris Wormald, gained 30 new clients including Pizza Express and Polo Ralph Lauren, and advised River Island and New Look on their international expansion. Clients appreciate its ‘good overall franchising knowledge’, and highlight its rare ability on multi-jurisdictional work. Babette Märzheuser-Wood is dual qualified in English and German law, and is noted for big-ticket franchising deals for clients such as Starwood Hotel & Resorts. David Bond’s clients include Agent Provocateur and Jamie’s Italian. Victoria Hobbs is representing 60 Kall Kwik and Prontaprint franchisees against their joint franchisor, ODC.

Travers Smith LLP’s dedicated franchising group is commended for its ‘consistently high standards’ and ‘good spirit and culture’. Led by ‘strategic thinker’ Tom Purton, the team acts for franchisors and franchisees across the financial services, retail, hotels and healthcare sectors. ‘Tough negotiator’ Dan Reavill advised Barings on its global licensing arrangements, and Purton advised Select Service Partner on franchising arrangements for its Caffè Ritazza and Upper Crust brands, and its running of WH Smith, M&S Simply Food, Starbucks and Burger King franchises. Neal Watson provides ‘high-calibre’ advice.

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s team, led by Ilana Saltzman, is supported by the firm’s wider commercial group and strong global presence, and is noted for its ‘willingness to understand clients ’ business and provide solutions’. Recognised for its cross-border capability and expertise in the fashion and luxury goods sector, it advises Abercrombie & Fitch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Carlsberg and new client Porsche UK. Michelle Blunt was promoted to partner.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s lawyers are recommended for their ‘good response times and well-thought-out advice’ on franchising arrangements in the hotels and retail sectors. The ‘efficient, concise’ Adam Rose, whose clients include Tie Rack, is commended for his ‘good communication skills’. Nick Skea-Strachan, who has negotiated operating and management agreements involving major international hotel chains, ‘adds value by setting out structures by which both parties can achieve their desired result’. Natasha Aziz is valued for her experience as former head of legal at Laura Ashley.

Blake Lapthorn’s lawyers have ‘extensive knowledge of franchising, and are involved at many levels in various organisations within the industry’. Southampton-based Jill Bainbridge handles contentious matters for franchisors and franchisees, notably acting for a group of franchisees negotiating to leave the failed Thresher network; and handling several matters for franchisor Molly Maid. On the non-contentious side, the team advised Costa on its acquisition of the business of one of its franchisees. Clients commend the ‘knowledgeable, professional’ Sheilah Mackie.

Norwich-based specialist franchising boutique Chambers & Co advises existing and new franchises in the UK and internationally. Name partner John Chambers, who is a member of the British Franchise Association legal committee, is recognised for his ‘immensely practical’ approach. Accredited mediator Martin Plowman specialises in franchise litigation and alternative dispute resolution, and is appreciated for his ‘calm and confident presence’. Longstanding clients include TaxAssist Direct, Rainbow International and Signs Express.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s specialist knowledge and expertise in franchising and distribution law is supported by its network of global offices, enabling it to offer a comprehensive service to UK and international businesses. Head of IP Bonella Ramsay advises on international franchising matters, and Iain Bowler is also recommended. Clients include Compass, RAC, Selfridges, Travelodge and Virgin.

At David Bigmore & Co in Association with Goodman Derrick LLP, David Bigmore is a franchising specialist who acts for numerous high-profile franchisors, notably Jeeves of Belgravia, Blazes Heating, and new client Bar Sport.

John Pratt, founder of franchising boutique Hamilton Pratt in Warwick, is recognised internationally for his franchising expertise and was recently appointed legal adviser to the British Franchise Association. Gurmeet Jakhu specialises in franchising disputes, focusing on urgent injunctive relief and pre-emptive strategies to protect franchisors’ rights and interests.

Leathes Prior in Norwich advises new and established franchisors and franchisees on all aspects of franchising in the UK and internationally. Jonathan Chadd, who has over 20 years’ experience in the field, heads the commercial team while Mike Barlow specialises in disputes.

Jeremy Courtenay-Stamp heads Macfarlanes LLP’s seven-partner team, which offers the full range of legal services required to start up, roll out, operate, develop and exit franchises. The team continued to assist KFC in a significant refranchising programme, including the disposal of 15 company-owned stores to existing and new franchisees. Other high-profile clients include Pret A Manger, Village du Pain (the master UK franchisee of Le Pain Quotidien), Krispy Kreme and Gaucho Grill. Rupert Casey is recommended for licensing matters.

Mundays LLP in Surrey has been an affiliate member of the British Franchise Association for over 20 years. Its lawyers work closely with accountants, insurance brokers, banks and franchise consultants to advise on commercial and contentious franchising matters. Ethical franchising is a key area of focus. Robert Harris and commercial litigator James O’Flinn are the key contacts. Former practice head and international franchising specialist Nicola Broadhurst recently joined Stevens & Bolton LLP in Guildford.

The ‘strongly recommended’ Jane Masih heads a three-partner franchising team at Owen White in Slough, where Russell Ford specialises in litigation and mediation and Andrew Hayward focuses on franchise agreements, including employment matters.

Simmons & Simmons’ combined licensing and commercial practice advises on a diverse range of complex international franchising arrangements. The ‘practical, pragmatic and commercial’ Adrian Smith advised a group of 150 language schools in 50 countries on its global franchise. Richard Binns advised Network Rail (CTRL) on the renegotiation of its operator agreement with HS1 governing Network Rail’s operation of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Simons Muirhead & Burton recruited Maninder Gill from Harvey Nichols to lead its retail group, and Charles Law from WGS, who undertakes franchising work for restaurant chains and a vehicle rental company.

At Squire Sanders Hammonds, Carl Roschler advised Caesar’s Entertainment, the world’s largest casino group, on the franchising and brand licensing of the World Series of Poker across Europe, including the creation of co-brands for relevant European tournaments.

Bill Hull in Bristol leads TLT LLP’s practice, which provides ‘a prompt and valuable service’. It advises WHSmith and the Peacock Group on their international franchising programmes, and was instructed by new clients LockRite, Pro tidy & New Image Tiles. Kerry Gwyther has successfully mediated franchise disputes. Perran Jervis is ‘outstanding’.

At Davenport Lyons, David Marchese is advising Dune and La Senza on international franchise agreements, and L’Occitane on UK franchise agreements.

Fox Williams LLP saw an increase in international franchising and shop licensing work. Clients recommend Stephen Sidkin for his ‘quick, good advice and in-depth knowledge’. He advised SuperGroup on worldwide franchise agreements for the Superdry and SuperdryStore brands.

New clients for Manches LLP include Papa John’s, GAME, and Toni & Guy. Lesley Hall advises UK businesses on international expansion.

At niche IP boutique Redd, Simon Chalkley undertakes international franchising and licensing work for high-profile brands.

Adrian Heath-Saunders at Wedlake Bell LLP is advising Jaeger on its franchise arrangements in Russia and the UAE.

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