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Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

The ‘excellent’ Osborne Clarke continues to dominate the transactional market, with a large team that is praised for its ‘tireless efforts’ and ‘reliable, reasonable and pragmatic advice’. It advised new client Kerridge Commercial Systems on its £12.4m management buyout, and also represented Affiliated Computer Services in its £8.75m acquisition of the share capital of Spur Information Solutions. In July 2010, James Massy-Collier advised Avanti Communications on its £70m AIM placement to repay a PIK bond and fund a new satellite. Sara Valentine and Russell Bowyer lead on the corporate and commercial sides respectively. Robert Wood made partner in 2010, and is noted for private equity and venture capital work.

Shoosmiths has a superb reputation for its ‘excellent service’ and ‘immediate responses’, and is particularly noted for private equity work. The ‘cost-effective, professional and experienced’ team delivers ‘appropriate and genuinely commercial advice’, with clients singling out the ‘knowledgeable and efficient’ Nigel Thorne, who offers a ‘very high level of personal service’ and is ‘always able to find the answer to any issues’. Thorne recently led in advising Provexis on a £25m equity facility. Emma Gibson has private equity expertise and acts for Maven Capital Partners and August Equity, with ‘very commercial and pragmatic’ partner Paul de Vince acting for blue-chip companies including IKEA and Mattel. Jon Bartley is also recommended.

‘One of the best law firms’ in the region, Blake Lapthorn has a ‘broad range of skills and depth of experience across all areas of business’ and fields a ‘responsive’ corporate team in Oxford, which can call on region-wide resources for support where necessary. Corporate finance expert Edward Lee is ‘straight, honest, highly intelligent’ and ‘contactable day or night’. Nicola McConville, who has a ‘pragmatic approach’, advised the University of Oxford and the founder shareholders of Intelligent Sustainable Energy regarding its share disposal. The team also has notable green energy expertise.

Boyes Turner fields six partners who focus on corporate and commercial matters, with Robert Rice heading up the corporate team, and the ‘excellent’ Mark Blunden leading on the commercial side. The ‘very professional’ group delivers ‘rock-solid advice’, and advised Culligan on the sale of its subsidiary company to Austrian water technology company BWT. New clients include Cambio Healthcare and 2heads Global. The ‘impressive’ Rachel Fitzpatrick is ‘excellent in every respect’ and has ‘great skill and diplomacy’. Philip Tranter is also recommended.

Manches LLP’s ‘very strong’ practice provides ‘clear and trusted advice’, and is split into a six-partner corporate team led by the ‘experienced’ David Tighe, and a three-partner commercial team headed by the ‘decisive and clear’ Chris Shelley. On the corporate front, the team recently advised Williams F1 on its proposed listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and continues to advise a host of universities in funding deals and related venture capital work. The commercial group advises clients from the IT, life sciences and technology sectors. The Reading office fields ‘very good’ partners Justin Starling and Rob Hayes, and in Oxford Patrick Baddeley is ‘excellent’. Catherine Rohll made partner in 2010.

The highly regarded Andrew Peddie heads up the team at Pitmans LLP, which has particular strength in the technology sector. It advised 2e2 Group on the terms of its joint venture with O2 and Telefónica, and added Luther Pendragon Holdings to its client roster in 2010. Stephanie Perry acted for car dealership group Ridgeway on its £4.5m acquisition of VW dealerships, and the ‘very good’ Adam Dowdney advised on the management buyout of Guralp Systems backed by Primary Capital. Former practice head John Hutchinson remains at the firm, but now focuses on private equity work.

Blandy & Blandy LLP retained its place on the Lloyds TSB and Cemex legal panels in 2010; additional highlights included advising the shareholders of FE Mobile on the sale of share capital to Temenos (UK), and representing Just Kampers in a management buyout. Nick Burrows and David Few are singled out for their experience, and commercial contracts expert Deborah Brett is a ‘good communicator’ with a ‘high level of understanding’. Clients include PreVisor UK and Post Haste Group.

Providing ‘bespoke services’ to technology sector clients in Oxford, Charles Russell LLP impresses with its ‘quality of staff’, ‘high-quality legal advice’, and ‘reasonable fee levels’. The team acted for new client P2i on a venture capital funding matter, and also represented AIM-listed Transense Technologies on a £2.5m placing and offer for subscription. The ‘very knowledgeable and responsive’ William Axtell has a ‘practical approach’, and Mark Howard is ‘technically very good, commercially aware and pragmatic in his approach’. Peter Elliott relocated to the firm’s Geneva office in 2010.

The team at Clarkslegal LLP is noted for its growing experience in the clean technology sector. In 2010, practice head Kevin Byrne advised Dutch company Royal Ten Cate on its £10m acquisition of AML Group. The group also added AIM-listed eg solutions to a client roster that includes Trada Technology and Carillion.

With expertise in tax, corporate restructurings and private equity, the ‘excellent’ team at Field Seymour Parkes ‘communicates effectively’ and is ‘consistently accurate and professional’. The group’s response times ‘exceed expectations’, and practice head Mary Pears is ‘competent, intelligent, consistent and dedicated’. ‘Pragmatic and commercial’ partners Jeremy Parkes and Ian Wood-Smith are also recommended. Key clients include Sackville Property Developments.

Henmans LLP’s team, led by Malcolm Sadler and assisted by the very able Rachel McCullough, is known for advising entrepreneurs, SMEs and technology sector clients. Sadler recently advised on the MBO of Oxford Cryosystems, and also assisted the shareholders of Radcliffe Publishing in its sale to Electric Word.

‘Outstanding in every way’, Morgan Cole’s team provides a ‘high level of service’. It advised gaming business Rank on the disposal of its railside pitch portfolio, and also advised Scalable Communications on its £7.5m acquisition by Alternative Networks. Michael Stace is a ‘very commercially minded lawyer’. Guy Constant and Bruce Potter are also recommended.

‘The best law firm in Newbury by a long way’, Thomas Eggar LLP won Centrix, Rebound Technology and English Provender as new clients in 2010. Led by John Riddick, the team advised AIM-listed company Lonrho on a $70m convertible bond issuance. It also advised Parker Knight Holdings on its sale to Survitec Group. Leon Arnold relocated to the firm’s Southampton office in 2010.

Spratt Endicott impresses with its ‘professional and effective approach, varied expertise and sensible fee structure’. John Spratt and Hitendra Patel are ‘outstanding’, and the team is rated for its ‘consistent, high-quality advice’.

White & Black Legal LLP is ‘pragmatic’, ‘able to give focused and practical advice’, and ‘always prepared to go the extra mile’. Providing ‘swift and understandable advice’, John Allen and Phil Riman are both ‘very commercial and to the point’. Riman is rated for his technology sector expertise. Phil Thompson and Mark Hodac are recommended.

Brian Auld’s team at Brethertons LLP delivers ‘excellent service’, and has experience advising on MBOs and advising schools on becoming academies.

Clifton Ingram LLP’s reputation for ‘great personal service’ is in part due to the ‘very diligent and flexible’ Bill Annan, who has experience advising European and US-owned businesses.

‘Excellent on all counts’, Darbys Solicitors LLP regularly acts for shareholders on M&A matters. Nick Hedges advised Cross Country Caravans on the £3.2m sale of Fayre Oaks Home Park to another home park provider. Associates Jonathan Williamson (who ‘maintains ownership of the task until completion’) and Sian Champkin (who is ‘very professional and friendly’) are recommended.

Derek Rodgers’ team at Gardner Leader LLP advised Highclere Enterprises on the location agreement for ITV drama Downton Abbey. Other clients include investment fund manager YFM Equity Partners.

The ‘very approachable and understandable’ Richard Baxter joined Withy King LLP in 2010 from Rochman Landau to head up the corporate team. Clients rate its ‘focused and practical advice’, and include Heat Transfer Technology and Leiki UK.

Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

Clyde & Co has strong sector focuses on transport, natural resources, real estate and insurance, and while a strong flow of work comes from within the UK, the firm also reports growing volumes of international work, particularly in emerging markets such as Africa and India. The team, led by Simon Vere Nicoll, acts for clients such as Panasonic, Ecco Shoes and ISS UK, and in 2010 welcomed Andrew Trotter and legal director Stuart Hutson from Shadbolt LLP.

The ‘very efficient and flexible’ DMH Stallard LLP has core strengths in the healthcare, technology, waste and renewables sectors, and in 2010 advised Hillcrest Care on reorganisation and refinancing issues. Practice head Jonathan Grant is recommended for his expertise in corporate finance, and Vincent O’Brien in London is a ‘pragmatic, commercially astute lawyer, who always goes the extra mile’.

Stevens & Bolton LLP continues to impress with its ‘excellent service’ and ‘outstanding business acumen and industry knowledge’. Recent work includes acting for three leading national estate agents in a strategic alliance with property website Zoopla.co.uk. ‘No job is too big or too small’ for Ken Woffenden and his eight-partner team, with Beverley Whittaker also recommended for her ‘practical advice and wealth of knowledge’.

Thomas Eggar LLP’s six-partner team enjoyed a considerable increase in M&A activity in 2010, and saw corporate finance specialist Caroline Armitage return to the region. Highlights included a $70m convertible bond issue for Lonrho and a £14m refinancing package for Sussex Waste Recycling. Neil Hart heads the Sussex corporate and commercial group and is recommended alongside John Stapleton.

The ‘hands-on’ lawyers at asb law LLP are ‘outstanding in all areas and remain balanced in their views, helping clients achieve the best possible commercial position’. The ‘always positive’ Helen Mead recently advised four founding shareholders of Beck Group on a management buyout. Russell Bell heads up the corporate finance team and is a ‘real gem’. The ‘very attentive’ Claire Williams is also recommended.

The ‘very good’ corporate finance department at Cripps Harries Hall LLP recently advised the majority shareholders of private equity-backed magazine publisher Grove House Publishing on the sale of its shares to Ten Alps. Practice head Chris Langridge is recommended, as is ‘flexible all-rounder’ Nigel Stanford. High-profile clients include Clydesdale Bank and WFCA.

Mundays LLP has ‘great understanding of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector’, and provides an ‘excellent service from both senior partners and junior members of the team’. The firm handles numerous instructions outside the UK, and recently advised Stockholm-based measuring instrument manufacturer Hexagon AB on a high-value acquisition. Neale Andrews leads the department, while the ‘personable’ Phil Walton heads the pharmacy acquisitions team.

Rawlison Butler LLP’s team is ‘always available and responds quickly’, and practice head Tim Sadka ‘cuts to the chase, providing robust assistance and never losing sight of the end result’. He recently acted for Amadeus IT Group on its acquisition of the minority shareholding held by Aer Lingus in online travel agency Opodo. Abigail Owen and Andrew Hoad are also recommended.

Praised for its ‘swift response times and strong advice’, Charles Russell LLP recently assisted German industrial holding company Aurelius in its acquisition of fine chemicals supplier KemFine UK. Geoffrey Sparks leads the team, and Catherine Drew is a ‘first-class lawyer’.

James Herbert’s team at Thomson Snell & Passmore is praised for its ‘premier service and dedication to getting the job done’. Recent work includes advising new client Cath Kidston on the sale of her shareholding in Cath Kidston Ltd. The ‘extremely good’ Joanne Gallagher is praised for her client-focused approach.

The ‘reliable and perspicacious’ team at Barlow Robbins LLP is headed up by Philip Stephenson, and is developing a healthcare-sector focus, although 2010 saw the departure of three partners (two of them corporate specialists) to set up their own firm.

Furley Page Solicitors’ highly regarded corporate head Susan Jennings is a ‘first-rate’ lawyer, who ‘works hard to get the job done’. Solicitor Anthony Chester is also recommended.

New firm Goodyear Blackie Herrington LLP was set up in 2010 by three former Barlow Robbins LLP partners, including corporate specialists Denise Herrington and Christine Goodyear. They are part of a ‘well-run, efficient group’.

At Laytons, Ben Crichton is recommended for his expertise in business purchases and sales, reorganisations and general commercial contracts.

Simon Bickerdike’s team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP serves clients in the SME, owner-managed, and larger corporate sectors.

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP extended its regional corporate and commercial practice through the opening of a new office in Brighton. Clients recommend Bruce Hayter and Alan Zeal.

Vertex Law LLP provides advice through separate corporate and commercial departments. Kate Mayor is recommended.

Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Andrew Harris heads SNR Denton’s corporate and commercial group following Brandon Ransley’s withdrawal to focus on his new role as the firm’s UK managing partner, and clients remain impressed with its ‘exceptional commercial acumen and commitment to delivering client satisfaction’. Healthcare-sector work provided a strong flow of instructions in 2010, such as advising new client PH Healthcare on its acquisition of medical products manufacturer Medisavers. It also has strong retail and automotive-sector expertise.

Shoosmiths recently advised XLN Telecom Holdings on a £80m secondary management buyout by ECI. National corporate head Oliver Brookshaw is well known for handling corporate finance, M&A and stock exchange work, and Sebastian Price advises on outsourcing and big-ticket commercial projects. Prestigious clients include The Open University, IKEA and CompuCredit Corporation.

Delivering ‘excellent response times and high-quality advice’, B P Collins LLP recently advised NTR, the international renewable energy group, on the sale of UK-based Greenstar Group to the controlling shareholders of Biffa. Department head Simon Deans specialises in business growth strategies, M&A transactions, joint ventures and complex commercial contracts. The ‘attentive and reassuring’ Diane Gill is also recommended.

‘Responsive and commercial in its approach’, EMW represented key financial services client Hotbed in its acquisition of software company Wheatley Associates. Ian Mabbutt heads up the corporate team, with expertise in acquisitions and corporate finance. For commercial contracts Liz Appleyard is also recommended.

David Clark’s corporate team at IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) has substantial corporate banking experience, as well as niche expertise in the establishment and operation of collective investment schemes. It recently advised longstanding client Adventis Group on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of bChannels. Funke Abimbola is recommended.

‘A+ in all respects’, Kimbells LLP’s recent work highlights include advising AFI-Uplift on a multimillion-pound refinancing exercise with Santander, and assisting Independent Media Distribution on issues relating to the termination of a joint venture. Practice head Jonathan Hambleton is a ‘truly gifted lawyer’, and is commended for his business acumen and negotiating skills.

2010 saw Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP’s team enhanced by the arrival of directors John Zucker, primarily based in London, and Mark Archer, who splits his time between Milton Keynes and Watford. Led by Richard Phillips, the team recently won a place on Santander’s corporate banking panel and has since assisted the bank on a £40m deal involving the part-refinancing of the debt of care homes group Life Style Care.

Moorcrofts LLP advises clients on a range of corporate and commercial matters, with the arrival of Barry Maytum bringing an increase in private equity work. The ‘exceptional’ team recently acted on a reverse AIM listing for Adecq Digital, and advised on an acquisition for Landmark Information Group (part of the Daily Mail group). Clients praise practice head Adrian Phillips for his ‘deep level of technical knowledge’.

SA Law LLP delivers ‘truly first-class response times and business knowledge’, and saw an increased volume of work relating to reorganisations and debt-for-equity swaps in 2010. ‘Hands-on’ team head Chris Wilks has over 20 years’ corporate law experience, across acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts, corporate restructuring and leveraged finance.

Taylor Walton LLP is praised for its ‘excellent technical expertise and practicality of advice’, with 2010 seeing it gain new clients Richmond House Group and Bay Media. Corporate head Jeremy Brockis is recommended, as is Mike Pettit, who has expertise in mergers and acquisitions, shareholder agreements and reorganisations.

Corporate and commercial: Essex

Tracey Dickens’ team at Birkett Long LLP regularly advises on complex multimillion-pound deals. Work highlights included acting for five LLPs in their management buyouts of several business, advisory and tax practices from Vantis and HLB Vantis Audit, which completed within 12 days. Other clients include East of England Co-Operative Society and Lloyds TSB.

Birketts LLP’s Chelmsford team is headed by Nick Burnett and advises clients such as Air Livery, ValidSoft and Ioxin Holdings on cross-border joint ventures, sales and outsourcing matters. Work highlights included advising longstanding client Amlin on its acquisition of a specialist broker. The team now has four partners following Richard Wollaston’s move to senior consultant.

In 2010, Ellisons’ ‘reliable and informed team’ advised on a £15m company fundraiser, as well as several multimillion-pound management buyouts and business disposals. The team also advised four of the five Stanley Bragg directors in their acquisition of parts of the business and assets of the Stanley Bragg group of companies. Practice head Seamus Clifford is praised for his ‘clarity, responsiveness and business understanding’.

Tony Fisher’s team at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP provides an ‘excellent service’, and in 2010 advised on the £300m restructuring of a group of UK companies, as well as several structured buyouts.

2010 work highlights for Thompson Smith & Puxon’s team ranged from multimillion-pound corporate reorganisations and disposals, to advising on an international joint venture with a trading company in India. It has also recently expanded its expertise in renewable energies. Practice head Mary Anne Fedeyko is ‘excellent’.

Wortley Byers regularly advises on M&A transactions, limited company registrations and management buyouts. Lucy Folley’s ‘invaluable’ and ‘expert’ team recently advised Brentwood School on an agreement with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additional clients include Oce, Microdec UK and Motocaddy.

In 2010, BJ Chong’s team at Palmers advised two Belgium-based companies on several UK company acquisitions, and continued to advise on multimillion-pound company acquisitions and disposals within the leisure and food industries.

The team at Tolhurst Fisher advises on joint ventures, shareholder agreements, and company reorganisations.

Corporate and commercial: Hampshire

Bond Pearce LLP remains a ‘first-choice firm’, thanks to its ‘excellent service’ and ‘clear, pragmatic advice’. ‘As good, if not better than, many London firms’, the practice has experience in the renewable energy, oil and gas sectors. Stephen Pierce provides ‘very focused advice’, and advised Chemring Group on its £55m acquisition of Roke Manor Research. Sebastian Briggs continues to advise Renewable Energy Systems on all corporate matters, and Ian Holden is praised for his ‘ability to communicate complex matters in an understandable manner’.

The ‘very helpful, friendly and personal team’ at Shoosmiths recently advised Ageas on its £215m acquisition of Kwikfit Financial Services, and advised on the management buyout of Fenn Wright Manson by Darwin Private Equity. Sean Wright leads the regional corporate team, and Mark Shepherd is ‘qualified and experienced’. Based between Southampton and Oxford, Paul de Vince leads on the commercial side, and acts for Bang & Olufsen, McDonald’s and Mattel, and Chris McClure leads in asset finance instructions. Stephen Porter is also recommended,

Providing an ‘excellent level of service’, Blake Lapthorn’s ‘cracking’ team acts for Blade Dynamics, South East Seed Fund and David Lloyd Leisure. The ‘very wise’ Manoj Styche-Patel is a ‘good problem solver’ with ‘vast breadth of experience’, and led the team in CVS Group’s £12.2m acquisition of Veterinary Enterprises & Trading. The ‘pragmatic’ James Hawkeswood made partner in 2010, and Stephen Archibald is also recommended.

Lamport Bassitt has an excellent reputation, largely due to commercial practice head Sean Kelly, who demonstrates a ‘great deal of competence in his work’. It advised HobbyCraft in its £120m sale to Bridgepoint. Paula Eckton provides an ‘excellent service’.

Paris Smith LLP delivers ‘high-quality and consistent advice’, and has experience in the technology, leisure and retail industries. The team added BOX-IT to its client roster in 2010. ‘Intuitive to clients’ needs’, Sean Davies is recommended for his contract drafting skills. Andrew Heathcock has a depth of commercial experience.

The ‘reliable and excellent’ Nick Gent joined Trethowans LLP in 2010 from Blake Lapthorn, supplementing the team’s reputation for ‘extremely sound and pragmatic advice’. Highlights included advising Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming on its acquisition of betting shops from the administrators of Roar Betting. Mike Watson offers ‘first-class advice’, and Catherine MacRae is ‘technically strong’.

Following Sally Norcross Webb’s departure in December 2010, newly promoted partner Kelvin Balmont was called on to head the ‘excellent’ team at Clarke Willmott LLP, which also features Michael Storar. Together with the firm’s other offices, the Southampton team advised on the purchase of Evergreen Extra MSA Holdings.

Led by Amanda Brockwell, Coffin Mew LLP advised Legal Inc on its sale to Grant Thornton. The firm was also appointed to the legal panel of Santander Bank. Malcolm Padgett and the ‘super-efficient’ Nick Gross, who is experienced in the insurance and technology sectors, are recommended.

Moore Blatch LLP combines ‘expert advice’ with ‘all the benefits of an experienced City firm’. It added Ardvarna Investment Capital to its client roster in 2010, and also acted for Motive Television and Murphx Innovative Solutions. Peter Jeffery provides a ‘first-rate blend of technical and practical commercial advice’, and Roger Bailey is ‘highly experienced’.

Simon Bickerdike’s commercial team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP works closely with the firm’s Godalming office and has experience in the TMT sector. Franco Bosi and Joanne Vengadesan are recommended.

Recommended for his ‘attention to detail and customer service’, Leon Arnold now leads the ‘pragmatic’ team at Thomas Eggar LLP, with Caroline Armitage continuing to provide support from the Gatwick office. The team advised Micheldever Tyre Services on its acquisition of Copperdell in 2010.

Corporate tax

2010 saw Simon Court’s team at Blake Lapthorn advise on tax issues arising from early-stage company investments, cross-border transactions and share disposals. Clients include universities, defence equipment manufacturers and retail sector companies.

Niall Murphy’s team at Shoosmiths advises on a range of tax planning, VAT advice, stamp duty and stamp duty land tax (SDLT) planning issues. Recent work includes advising a property repair company on portfolio refinancing, and negotiating an income tax settlement with HMRC.

Sarah Cardew’s team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP advised electronics engineering company Microtek on its purchase of a Southampton-based communications company in 2010, and also advised on the multimillion-pound sale of a music school business. The team has employment tax, SDLT, VAT and customs duties expertise.

Brian Garner heads up the cross-office tax team at Bond Pearce LLP from Plymouth, which advises on tax-related issues arising from restructurings, disposals and joint ventures, among others.

The ‘commercially sensible, technically strong’ team at Stevens & Bolton LLP advised on a number of M&A transactions and employee benefits matters in 2010, as well as exit strategy tax planning for its entrepreneur client base. Practice head Kate Schmit is an ‘excellent all-rounder with very detailed knowledge’.

At Wortley Byers, Nick Traill advises on the creation of business structures, sales, purchases, and reconstructions.

EU and competition

Nick Page leads a cross-office team at Bond Pearce LLP that advises clients including B&Q and the Royal Mail, on joint ventures, Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigations and behavioural and compliance issues. Recent work highlights include advising International Power on a European Commission investigation, and providing compliance training to the Game Group.

Clyde & Co advises clients such as G4S, Iberian Airlines and Irish Dairy Board on merger clearance and competition compliance matters, as well as OFT investigations. In 2010 the team advised new clients Mouchel and Total Gas on tendering activities under EU public procurement Directives and general competition issues. John Milligan leads the team.

The ‘excellent’ team at Blake Lapthorn regularly acts on dawn raids and OFT investigations, as well as general compliance issues. It recently handled two complex, high-value and wide-reaching OFT investigations. Practice head John Mitchell is ‘extremely knowledgeable’ and ‘excellent at managing client relationships’.

Morgan Cole’s cross-office team supplemented its existing strength in the automotive and consumer industries with growing healthcare-sector expertise, acting on several merger clearance matters before the NHS’ competition regulator. Former team head Toby Tyler left for an in-house position in 2011.

Mark O’Shea’s team experience at Rawlison Butler LLP extends to the EU and competition aspects of unsuccessful tenders and public procurement arrangements, as well as distribution and pricing issues. Clients include Suzuki GB, The Swarovski Group and RUSH Hair.

The ‘responsive and business-focused’ team at Stevens & Bolton LLP is headed by new arrival Gustaf Duhs from Burges Salmon LLP, who is a former OFT legal adviser. Clients include Rentokil Initial, SAB Miller and KIA Motors.

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