Rising Stars

Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland in Scotland

Brodies LLP

Offering a market-leading corporate and commercial presence in Aberdeen, Brodies LLP advises private and public companies and institutions, high-net-worth individuals and third sector entities across a broad range of sectors including energy, technology, renewables and healthcare. Neil Burgess oversees the firm’s corporate offering throughout Scotland, while Douglas Crawford is a key contact and regularly handles acquisitions and sales, management buy-outs, equity release deals, and venture capital transactions. Tom Boulton-Jones brings specialist knowledge of the food and drink, real estate and manufacturing sectors, while Martin Ewan is highly experienced in complex private company M&A, disposals and restructurings. David Millar is particularly well regarded for oil and gas transactions, and senior associate Greg Costello’s practice focuses on the energy and technology sectors.

Practice head(s):

Neil Burgess


Other key lawyers:

Douglas Crawford; Tom Boulton-Jones; Martin Ewan; David Millar; Greg Costello


Testimonials

‘The team have a real compelling drive to balance the risks of the contracts while bringing a strong foothold for the client, which is shown through many years of experience in dealing with these matters.’

‘Brodies is a modern law firm offering a collaborative practice with professionals from other industries.’

‘Martin Ewan offers a high level of creativity in dealing with the dynamics of the parties.’

‘Martin Ewan takes the time to understand not only the issues at hand, but what may play out, and offers sage advice as part of the solution.

‘Brodies work is excellent and of the highest standard. They take the time to walk clients through Share Purchase Agreements (SPA), ensuring that they understand every aspect.’

‘The approachable human-face of law is really appreciated. They “get” business.’

‘Brodies offers expertise in the energy industry have made them an invaluable asset for clients.’

‘Tom Boulton-Jones is an excellent partner, with strong negotiating skills and always calm under pressure.’

Key clients

Abu-Dhabi National Oil Company


Three60 Energy Limited


Indaver


Swire Energy Services Limited


Chardon Hotel Group


Romar International


Palisade Real Assets


Balhousie Care Group


John Lawrie Tubulars


Aratellus Group


Ramco Group


ThinkAnalytics Limited


Offshore Energies UK


Maxwell Oil Tools Limited


Rockrose Energy Limited


Aquatera Group Limited


Onboard Global Solutions Limited


Clear Solutions Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in relation to the corporate structuring and governance of its subsidiary and joint venture company interests.
  • Advised Three60 Energy Group on the acquisition of Fraser Energy Ventures Limited and BJRE (Holdings) Limited.
  • Acted for the shareholder of Balhousie Care Group (owner and operator of 26 care facilities across Scotland) on the sale to Acalis Care.

Burness Paull LLP

With a longstanding and established presence in Aberdeen and throughout the North East, the corporate finance team at Burness Paull LLP is highly active across a wide range of key sectors including energy and renewables, textiles, healthcare, and technology. Following the retirement of team head Jamie Stark in July 2022, the team is now jointly led from Abderdeen by Alasdair Freeman and Helen Dickson. Freeman offers vast expertise in domestic and international M&A transactions, especially in the oil and gas and IT sectors, while Dickson’s practice has a particular focus on the energy sector and has built a solid reputation in the energy transition space and shift towards net-zero. Director Arran McKenzie departed in November 2022 to join Addleshaw Goddard.

Practice head(s):

Alasdair Freeman; Helen Dickson


Testimonials

‘There are a wide variety of specialist within the team, which allows individuals to be brought in on areas like property, when specific issues arise. However, clients always felt that they are in the care of one core team who ensures things progress through every single stage.’

‘Alasdair Freeman is diligent and patient and takes time to explain issues which clients do not understand. He creatively looks for solutions when problems arise.’

‘Excellent team ethic – always able to take over from each other depending on the needs of the client.’

‘Helen Dickson is good to work with and brings colleagues in as required’

‘Helen Dickson is hugely experienced and insightful in novel finance arrangements. Her approach to unusual structures is valued by the client, as is her experience when applying these to the oil and gas sector.

‘Helen Dickson has a deep understanding of corporate areas and is often much more bullish than those in magic circle firms.’

Key clients

Weatherford International


Fabric Scotland Limited


Incremental Group


Starn Energy Services Group Limited


Subsea Technology


Zi-Lift A/S


National Oilwell Varco, Inc


Stena Drilling


OPEX Group


Westerton Access


RSK Group


Horizon Energy Infrastructure Limited


PCO Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of digital technology services provider Incremental Group on the sale of its entire share capital to Telefonica Tech.
  • Advised Horizon Energy Infrastructure Limited on its acquisition of Heat RHIght Limited.
  • Advised global oil services company Archer on its acquisition of Romar-Abrado.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard has continued to strengthen its corporate and commercial presence in Aberdeen, with Fiona Kindness joining from Pinsent Masons LLP in September 2022, bringing extensive experience in domestic and international M&A and PE transactions, especially in the energy sector. Arran Mackenzie arrived from Burness Paull LLP in November of the same year, offering considerable expertise advising sponsors, management teams and portfolios on complex PE transactions. David McEwing leads the corporate side and regularly handles cross-border energy and oil and gas transactions, while data protection expert Ross McKenzie leads the commercial offering and focuses on commercial contracts, intellectual property and IT matters. Gemma Hills also joined as legal director in June 2022 from Brodies LLP, and is active across the spectrum of corporate areas including acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

David McEwing; Ross McKenzie


Other key lawyers:

Fiona Kindness; Arran McKenzie; Gemma Hills


Testimonials

We really appreciate the added value we get from the Addleshaw Goddard team.’

‘The team provide excellent training sessions for the in-house legal community, which are engaging and provide a good overview of topics in an engaging format (not just another webinar).’

‘Ross McKenzie’s unrivalled knowledge on his subject matter coupled with his commercial and realistic approach to advice make him someone to recommend. He provides “real world” solutions where his clients have little room to negotiate.’

‘All members of the Addleshaw Goddard team are great to work with – they are an exceptionally client-focused firm and provide a hands-on service at every level.’

‘AG’s sector and industry knowledge is second to none, making them reliable and trustworthy advisors to a client’s business.’

‘Particular stand out individuals are Fiona Kindness, David McEwing and Ross McKenzie.’

‘Fiona Kindness is a stand-out partner with an excellent work ethic.’

‘Fiona Kindness’s advice is always excellent, clear and concise, and she takes a pragmatic approach to transactions. She consistently goes above and beyond for clients, and always makes herself available when necessary at short notice.’

Key clients

Waldorf


Titan Torque Services


Stacey Oil Services


Trojan Energy


J&S Subsea


bp


TotalEnergies


SGN


Boohoo Group


Dana Petroleum


Voluntary Services Aberdeen


Tymor Marine


eserv


MCL Medics


Prodrill Energy


Ineos FPS


Aberdeen City Council


Drilltools


Razor Oiltools


Blue GentToo


Vysus Group


Wickes Building Supplies


Work highlights


  • Assisted on two major acquisitions for Waldorf Production during 2022: The first, which closed on 4 November 2022, saw Waldorf acquire Alpha Petroleum Resources Limited, along with their offshore North Sea interests; Then, on 10 November 2022, the acquisition of subsidiaries of MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc comprising all of MOL’s UK continental shelf assets.
  • Acting for Trojan Energy Limited on two separate loan note investment rounds. First in respect of the investment of £1.4m convertible A Loan Notes to Equity Gap, Grampian Alba, Scottish Enterprise, Shancastle Investments and Ebico which completed on the 19th of May and the second investment for £6m convertible B Loan Notes to Scottish Investment Bank (SNIB) which completed on the 26th of August.
  • Advised Aberdeen City Council on the procurement of a joint venture partner to deliver its vision of an Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub. The Council are procuring a strategic joint venture partner to work with the Council over the next 20 years to stimulate the supply and demand for green hydrogen in the region.

Blackwood Partners LLP

Blackwood Partners LLP offers a niche corporate practice based in Aberdeen which focuses heavily on M&A, private equity, general corporate and finance transactions, primarily centred around the energy services sector. Team head and energy specialist Alastair Wyper is a trusted advisor to the region’s major companies, venture capitalists and private equity providers. Judith Quinn brings extensive experience in domestic and international M&A, while Ross Fair is highly regarded by significant sponsors, corporate and institutions.

Practice head(s):

Alastair Wyper


Other key lawyers:

Judith Quinn; Ross Fair


Testimonials

‘Personable and very quick to respond.’

‘Differentiates between strict legal advice, and just good business advice – which is very much appreciated.’

‘Strong sector knowledge and commitment to understanding individual requirements of a client.’

Key clients

Front Row


Stats (UK) Limited


TWMA Group


SCF Partners


Centurion Group


Buckthorn Partners


Bluewater Energy


Maven Capital Partners


Ashtead Technology Holdings plc


Coretrax Technology


Motive Offshore Group


Simmons Private Equity


Glacier Energy Services


Balmoral Group


ROVOP


Coaching.com


Seanamic Group


Score Group


Hydrasun Group


Pipeline Technique Ltd


LDC


Amazing.com


Pragma Well Technology


Work highlights


  • Acted for SCF Partners, a Houston based PE firm specialising in energy services, in relation to its acquisition of Global (Engineering & Construction) Limited, an integrated EPC contractor focussed on the UK North Sea Brownfield Market.
  • Acted for Hydrasun, an international energy services group backed by US private equity investor, SCF Partners, in relation to its acquisition of shares and investment in Fuel Cell Systems, a leading provider of a range of hydrogen systems and applications including fuel cells, modular electrolyser systems, compression and storage, and mobile and static refuelling systems, along with a range of complimentary design consultancy services.
  • Acted for SafeLane Global in relation to the acquisition of the Raeburn Drilling group of companies.

Harper Macleod LLP

Heavily integrated in the Scottish corporate market, Harper Macleod LLP is most prominently known for advising on complex M&A and equity investment transactions for a broad range of clients, spanning large national and international corporates and investors, high-growth businesses, entrepreneurs and scale-ups. Bringing almost two decades of corporate experience, team head Christopher Kerr is well known for delivering on significant transactions across a wide array of sectors from marine economy and transport to healthcare and construction. Craig McKerracher heads up the firm’s healthcare group and is adept at handling private company corporate and M&A matters.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Kerr


Other key lawyers:

Craig McKerracher


Testimonials

‘For us, what makes Harper Macleod unique is that fact they offer a personal service, understanding our needs and requirements, but with the depth and support of a large firm.’

Key clients

Ardersier Port (Scotland) Limited


G & A Barnie Group Limited


Portman Healthcare Limited


Wester Ross Fisheries Limited


Gael Force Group Limited


MacDonald Group


Giglets Limited


Forsyths Limited


Caley Timber & Building Supplies Limited


Dron & Dickson Group Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the MacDonald Group, one of Scotland’s largest independent insurance brokers, on its sale to the private equity-backed Partners & Group.
  • Advise Portman Healthcare and the Clyde Munro Dental Group on their respective Scotland-wide acquisition programmes, including on 17 successful acquisitions throughout 2022.
  • Advised Dron & Dickson Group Limited on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Cable Solutions (Worldwide) Limited.

Stronachs LLP

The corporate team at Stronachs LLP has a strong reputation for M&A, private equity and other corporate transactions, with specialist expertise in the energy sector, both oil and gas and renewables, as well as other key sectors such as transport, technology, and food and drink. Ross Gardner heads the team and brings more than two decades of experience across all aspects of corporate and commercial law, with particular expertise in acting for owner managed businesses in sales, acquisitions and MBOs, while Neil Forbes is renowned for his expertise in M&A and general corporate matters. Malcolm Donald left the firm in November 2022 to join Burges Salmon LLP.

Practice head(s):

Ross Gardner


Other key lawyers:

Neil Forbes


Key clients

Global Energy Group


Envoy & Partners Limited


Dingbro Limited


Enquest PLC


Xodus Group Limited


Peterson (UK) Limited


Omega Well Intervention Limited


Sulmara Subsea International Limited


Verlume Engineering Limited


ESWL Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Andrew and Marion Buchan on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Hiretech Limited to Ashtead Technology Limited.
  • Acting on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of WGC (Holdings) Limited.
  • Acting for Enquest PLC on all Scots law aspects of their retail bonds issue and high yields bonds issue, including providing Scots law legal opinions, drafting disclosures, reviewing transaction documents including Trust Deed, advising on Scots law security documents.

Aberdein Considine

Having established a solid mid-market corporate practice in the North East of Scotland, Aberdein Considine is notable for its expertise in general and sell-side M&A, MBOs, and start-up and young company equity fund-raising. The team is led from Aberdeen by Ritchie Whyte, overseeing a practice which services major clients across key sectors in Scotland including energy, food and drink, financial services, and healthcare.

Practice head(s):

Ritchie Whyte


Testimonials

‘Developed the team from within, resulting in superb continuity of service and understanding of a client’s business.’

‘Ritchie Whyte shows excellent understanding of a client’s business; deals with complexity well, and always delivers work on a timely basis.’

‘Ritchie and his team have been great with us through our transitions over the past year. His personal approach along with the team has helped in this interesting period.’

‘Ritchie has worked closely with me and the way the team have dealt with everything has been very professional, and they have gone above and beyond.’

Key clients

STATS Group


Brimmond Group


Texo Group


Right Medicine Group


Vulcan Completion Products


AVC Immedia


Porter Pharmacy Group


LFH Engineering


Elevator


Utility ROV Services


Work highlights


  • Advising Vulcan Completion Products on its equity investment from Sawafi.
  • Advising the shareholders of Cable Solutions (Worldwide) on the disposal of the entire issued share capital to Dron & Dickson.
  • Advising Management Team on MBO of AVC Immedia from Immedia Group PLC.

Blackadders LLP

Blackadders LLP maintains an influential presence in the Scottish corporate and commercial space, offering solid experience of the M&A and investment deals market and a burgeoning reputation across key sectors including technology, life sciences, healthcare and energy. Kirk Dailly took over as head of the firm’s corporate and commercial team in August 2022, spearheading the firm’s drive to become Scotland’s leader in the video games industry. Campbell Clark is also a key presence in Dundee, bringing over 20 years of high-value transactional experience.

Practice head(s):

Kirk Dailly


Other key lawyers:

Campbell Clark


Testimonials

‘Very experienced employee buyout team.’

‘Campbell Clark has extensive experience of advising on employee buyouts.’

‘They are energetic, interested, highly knowledgeable and dedicated.’

‘They always go above and beyond and keep clients updated with progress and timescales for completion of work, as well as costs.’

‘They are genuinely passionate and interested in helping your business, which comes across in spades.’

‘The team are extremely responsive to client’s needs.’

‘Kirk Dailly is a stand out individual for his responsiveness and efficiency. During complex M&A processes he is able to simplify issues and support clients to make key decisions, understanding all the risks and issues.’

‘This is a well established practice with a team that understands a client’s business. They are very clear in their advice with a minimum need for back and forth explanation.’

Work highlights


Ledingham Chalmers LLP

Ledingham Chalmers LLP is a recognised Aberdeen-based practice with significant experience in the oil and gas sector, routinely advising major oil service companies on international supply and joint venture contracts. The practice, which is increasingly receiving decommissioning and energy transition work, is headed by Peter Murray who brings 25 years of corporate experience. Jody Mitchell is also a key contact, regularly handling acquisitions, disposals and restructurings, as well as general commercial advisory work.

Practice head(s):

Peter Murray


Other key lawyers:

Jody Mitchell


Testimonials

‘The team at Ledingham Chalmers are really friendly and approachable.’

‘They seek to understand a client’s business and have been excellent in helping us to navigate complex legal matters in a straightforward, practical manner.’

‘They certainly go the extra mile to achieve a result and know their stuff.’

Work highlights


Pinsent Masons LLP

Overseen by corporate head Barry McCaig, Pinsent Masons LLP handles a steady stream of corporate energy mandates including cross-border M&A and private equity transactions. Brian Thumath was promoted to partner in May 2022 and is the main contact in Aberdeen, regularly advising on fundraisings, joint ventures and investments, particularly concerning onshore and offshore wind and solar. Legal director Fiona Kindness left the firm in September 2022 to join Addleshaw Goddard.

Practice head(s):

Barry McCaig


Other key lawyers:

Brian Thumath


Testimonials

‘Availability and flexibility. Practical approach and wider knowledge of the sector, not strictly limited to legal matters.’

‘They have extensive experience, knowledge and kindness.’

‘The team is business oriented and always available regardless the time of the day.

Key clients

Eni S.p.A.


Ithaca Energy plc


TotalEnergies


TotalEnergies Offshore Wind Holdings UK


Scirocco Energy plc


The Buccleuch Estates Limited


BayWa UK


Vantage RE/Tenaga


Savannah Energy plc


EDF


Aker Solutions


Work highlights


  • Advised TotalEnergies Offshore Wind Holdings UK in relation to their acquisition of 80% of the issued share capital of Simply Blue Energy (Aurora) Limited, a special purpose vehicle established for the development of the 1GW Aurora floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea, from Simply Blue Energy Limited.
  • Advised Scirocco Energy plc on the sale of a 25% stake in the Ruvuma gas field, Tanzania to ARA Petroleum for consideration of up to $16m.
  • Advised The Buccleuch Estates Limited on the sale of the Glenmuckloch pumped storage hydro and windfarm project in Dumfries and Galloway to Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners, Foresight Group’s flagship energy transition fund.

Shepherd and Wedderburn

The corporate and commercial practice at Shepherd and Wedderburn is best known for advising private limited companies on complex acquisitions and disposals, shareholders and directors on shareholder agreements and articles of association, as well as start-up businesses on general matters such as commercial contract advice. Keir Willox leads the team from Aberdeen and primarily caters to SMEs, bringing particular expertise in the technology, renewables and oil and gas sectors.

Practice head(s):

Keir Willox


Key clients

TDC (Aberdeen) Limited


R T McEwan Limited


Hydrovolve Holdings Limited


The Financial Planning Group Limited


Energy Transition Zone Limited


University of Aberdeen


Wellpro Group Limited


Glenmoir Construction Limited


JMF Healthcare Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Caledonia Homes (Scotland) Limited, timber kit manufacturer, on its sale to Scotia Homes.
  • Advising on the management buyout of Murray Machinery Limited.

Thorntons Law LLP

Thorntons Law LLP has a proven track record across complex M&A, equity investments, transitions to employee ownership and corporate recovery and insolvency transactions. Chris Allan leads the team from Dundee, offering considerable experience in acquisitions, disposals and corporate restructurings. Michael Royden is also a key figure, his practice recently focusing on corporate sales and acquisitions within the healthcare sector.

Practice head(s):

Chris Allan


Other key lawyers:

Michael Roydon


Testimonials

‘Thorntons Law is an easy firm to deal with. They take time to understand client requirements and have an expert understanding of employee ownership trusts and corporate transactions, which makes for a smooth process.’

‘Great expertise in the field of employee ownership trusts and has quickly established a reputation as one of the leaders in this growing sector.’

‘A very dedicated and knowledgeable team capable of handling significant detailed due diligence material and corporate share transactions in a timely manner.’

Key clients

Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited


D.C. Thomson & Company Limited


EOS Advisory LLP


Whisky Auctioneer Limited


Big Yellow Group plc


Green Bioactives Limited


Walter Davidson & Sons


Don & Low Limited (part of Thrace Group)


BW Offshore (Oslo stock exchange listed multi-national offshore production group)


St Andrews Links Trust


Castle Stuart Golf LLP


Carnoustie Golf Links Management Company Limited


Agricarbon UK Limited


A.I. Exploration Limited


Chromacity Limited


Pneumagen (Holdings) Limited


Chromacity Limited


Dyneval Limited


Quantuma


Opus Restructuring & Insolvency


Work highlights


  • Advised EOS Advisory on all investments made by the EOS fund/syndicate over the course of 2022 – with a combined deal value of £37.5m.
  • Advised the Whisky Auctioneer Group on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Dormant Distillery Company Limited.
  • Advised the selling shareholders in relation to the sale of the entire issued share capital of Playfair Limited to Wirefox (an Irish private investment firm).