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

: ‘Clearly at the top of the Thames Valley market’, Osborne Clarke’s lawyers are noted for their ‘good speed of response and availability’. In 2011, corporate head Sara Valentine acted for Xerox in its acquisition of shares in Concept Group and Concept Group (Sales), which involved complex cross-border elements relating to the client’s plans to expand distribution into the European SMB market. Other recommended partners include James Massy-Collier, a specialist in listed company transactions; Robert Wood, who is experienced in venture capital, private equity and M&A deals; Greg Leyshon; and Russell Bowyer, who leads the commercial department.

Shoosmiths ‘knows what it takes to get a deal done’, and is ‘simply the best value for money’. Recent work includes acting for Krispy Kreme UK on its £25m MBO. The ‘personable, very commercial and responsive’ corporate department is led by ‘good team player’ Emma Gibson, a corporate finance expert whose clients include private equity houses and management teams, and the team also now includes the highly regarded Adam Dowdney, who joined from Pitmans LLP. Paul De Vince is the key contact for commercial matters. Jon Bartley has recently moved to Manches LLP’s London office.

Blake Lapthorn’s ‘excellent’ lawyers take a ‘pragmatic and business-oriented approach to structuring deals’. The firm has specialist expertise in assisting foreign buyers and sellers, and is known for working with spin-out companies and clients such as Toshiba and DHL. Practice head Edward Lee has ‘an extremely strong understanding of what is required to get a deal done’. In 2011, Nicola McConville advised on three spin-outs from Oxford University.

The ‘proactive and forward-thinking’ Boyes Turner fields an ‘outstanding’ corporate team, led by ‘good negotiator’ Robert Rice, and an ‘invaluable’ commercial team, led by the ‘first-class’ Mark Blunden. In 2011, the firm won new clients in Creston, for which the firm is now the sole provider of commercial legal services, and specialist Formula 1 automotive engineering specialist Xtrac. Rachel Fitzpatrick is also recommended, and ‘understands the business needs of the client’.

At Manches LLP, David Tighe leads a ten-strong corporate team that advised Williams F1 on its €250m listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and acted for Oxford University Press in its acquisition of MyMaths. On the commercial side, practice head Chris Shelley advised Imperial College spin-out Nexeon on various commercial agreements relating to the development of its silicon technology. Patrick Baddeley and Justin Starling are also recommended. Catherine Rohll no longer practises as a lawyer.

The level of service is ‘exceptional’ at Pitmans LLP, where the lawyers have ‘a very good understanding of the market and the specific needs of the client’. Work highlights included advising Maple Leaf Bakery UK on the partial sale of its bakery business, and assisting with various matters relating to Tesco’s acquisition of shares in Blinkbox Entertainment. Andrew Peddie is an ‘excellent corporate specialist with great expertise and experience’. Philip Weaver recently advised the shareholders of Thames Travel on its sale to Go-Ahead. Adam Dowdney has recently moved to Shoosmiths

Blandy & Blandy LLP ‘responds in a timely manner and provides sound legal advice in a commercially realistic context’. The practice is led by David Few, who ‘never sits on the fence’, and includes Nick Burrows and Deborah Brett, whose knowledge of governmental departments is ‘fantastic’. Clients include a range of SMEs and listed companies.

Clarkslegal LLP is many clients’ ‘first choice for complex instructions’. Practice head Kevin Byrne recently advised on the sale of 24 child nurseries to Co-operative Childcare, and assisted German venture capital fund eVenture Capital Partners in its investment into mydeco.com. Kirstin Parker is praised for her ‘commitment to getting a project completed’.

Commended for its ‘excellent response times and helpful advice’, Field Seymour Parkes LLP advises SMEs on all types of acquisitions and disposals, but also acts for large multinationals and groups of companies. Newly promoted partner Penelope Garden is ‘professional, honest and supportive’; Jeremy Parkes is ‘highly experienced’; and Mary Pears has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’.

Henmans LLP is noted for its ‘top-quality, professional work’ and ‘good commercial acumen’. The ‘hardworking and thorough’ Rachel McCullough is experienced in M&A matters, and has expertise across the telecoms, food and retail sectors. The ‘very diligent’ Malcolm Sadler is recognised for his work in the IT, publishing and pharmaceutical sectors, advising entrepreneurs, growth-stage companies, SMEs and UK subsidiaries of global corporations.

At Morgan Cole, Michael Stace advises both public and private companies on a range of corporate transactions, while commercial specialist Alison Patten-Hall acts in IP and IT matters for clients ranging from individuals to large multinational corporations, educational establishments, NHS trusts and research authorities. Guy Constant and Bruce Potter are also noteworthy individuals.

Spratt Endicott provides ‘excellent responses and good advice’ to a number of commercial clients along the M40 corridor, specialising in the drafting and negotiation of high-value commercial contracts and agreements. Recommended individuals include Hitendra Patel and practice head John Spratt, who has over 25 years’ experience in company and commercial law.

Thomas Eggar LLP is well known for corporate finance work in the engineering and technology sectors, and also has strong multi-jurisdictional experience, having handled transactions in Europe, Africa and the Middle East in 2011 alone. John Riddick has a strong background; having previously worked for an international law firm in its Bahrain and London offices, he specialises in domestic and cross-border M&A as well as commercial matters.

White & Black Legal LLP maintains a strong focus on technology-related matters, and acts for a number of venture capital funds and hi-tech corporations. The ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ John Allen leads the M&A practice, which delivers ‘specialist legal support and general legal business advice’. Phil Riman is ‘able to support a transaction smoothly to a conclusion with minimum direction’. Mark Hodac is also recommended.

Brethertons LLP’s ‘very good’ team ‘compares favourably in terms of service levels’. Practice head Brian Auld has over 20 years of commercial law experience, and is praised for his ‘understanding of business issues and level-headed attitude’. The firm has niche expertise in advising schools on becoming academies.

Clifton Ingram LLP’s ‘experienced team’ is highlighted for its ‘competitive fee structures’ and ‘good service’. The ‘very hands-on’ Bill Annan leads the department in a range of corporate, commercial and contractual matters, including M&A, business sales and purchases, private equity and corporate finance.

The ‘incredibly refreshing’ Darbys Solicitors LLP fields a ‘very cost-effective and efficient’ team whose lawyers are ‘very personable and responsive’. Practice head Jonathan Williamson has ‘a practical understanding of real business’, and Nick Hedges is also recommended. New clients include The Co-operative Bank and Asia TV.

Gardner Leader LLP gained a number of new clients based in London and outside the Thames Valley region in 2011. Greg Humphreys heads the commercial team, which includes managing partner Derek Rodgers. Derek Child has retired as senior partner, but remains a consultant.

Herrington & Carmichael LLP’s corporate and commercial offering is led by ‘excellent dealmaker and strong networker’ Yavan Brar, who specialises in transactional work, including M&A and corporate restructuring.

Richard Baxter’s team at Withy King LLP handles instructions with the ‘utmost professionalism’ and in a ‘timely manner’. New clients include St Hilda’s College (Oxford University), Mulberry Events and JML Industries.

Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

Nationally renowned for its work in the transport, retail and insurance sectors, Clyde & Co’s Guildford office fields nine partners handling corporate and commercial matters. Andrew Trotter acted for Prater Group in its sale to a German company, and represented longstanding client G4S PLC in five corporate transactions and three outsourcing deals.

Headed by Jonathan Grant, DMH Stallard LLP’s four-partner team acts for a wide variety of companies, including Fifosys, Valens Resources Group, Greensolve Ltd, and Mid-Sussex Golf Club. In 2011 it acted for Pyroban in its sale to a large manufacturer, which was one of the year’s largest deals in the South East.

Stevens & Bolton LLP has a ‘highly personable’ team with ‘exceptionally good’ response times. In 2011 it acted in transactions with an aggregate value of £1bn, including Berners AG’s acquisition of Barnes Distribution Europe. Keith Syson was appointed practice head following Ken Woffenden’s appointment as managing partner.

At Thomas Eggar LLP’s Crawley office, Neil Hart heads a ‘friendly team’ of six partners that is ‘always available and willing to go the extra mile’. It acted for Lonhro in its LSE listing and £20m share placement.

asb law LLP’s team is ‘highly competent and easy to work with’, and provides ‘fair value’. Highlights included representing the Stewart Plastics Group in its restructuring and refinancing through a £15m investment from ECI Partners. Russell Bell leads the corporate team and provides ‘helpful insights into strategy and risk management’, while Margaret Craton heads the commercial department.

In 2011, Cripps Harries Hall LLP’s corporate department was appointed to Clydesdale Bank’s South East panel, and advised it in the £25.5m refinancing of The Holiday Extras Group. It also acted for a Malaysian bank in relation to a financing agreement. Other clients include Altavia and WFCA. Chris Langridge heads the department.

Mundays LLP’s ‘strong team’ of corporate and commercial lawyers provides an ‘excellent’ level of service. It assisted TM Lewin in its expansion into Asia, and social games network PlayJam in an investment push. Neale Andrews is valued as a ‘simple and effective communicator’.

Rawlison Butler LLP’s three-partner corporate team handles a range of work in the technology, distribution, banking, automotive and retail sectors. It acted for NatWest Bank on the MBO of Recruitment Store UK, and for Hunt & Palmer plc in its acquisition of Premier Aviation Ltd.

Headed by Geoffrey Sparks, Charles Russell LLP’s corporate practice provides ‘reliable advice’ to a client base that includes Aurelius AG, pharmaceutical company Tamrush Ltd, and British Car Auctions Ltd.

The ‘outstanding’ corporate team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP was bolstered in 2011 by the hire of London-based James Klein from Rosenblatt and David Kendall from Stevens & Bolton LLP. It advised a number of international clients on their UK investments, and also fields an advice group for Indian clients.

The ‘fantastic’ five-partner team at Thomson Snell & Passmore acted for European Insurance Services Ltd on its £20m sale, and represented the shareholders of K&T Heating Services in its £8m sale to The Lakehouse Group. The ‘extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic and constructive’ Nick Gabay is recommended.

Clients value Barlow Robbins LLP’s ‘dedication to the task in hand’ and ‘excellent response times’. Philip Stephenson heads the corporate and commercial department, which acts for clients such as Press Association and Blackhawk Capital LLP.

In Kent, Furley Page Solicitors’ team is headed by the experienced Susan Jennings. It acted for Megger Group Ltd on the company’s £40m refinancing with Bank of America, as well as on various commercial matters.

Goodyear Blackie Herrington LLP is a new firm founded in 2010 by three former partners of Barlow Robbins LLP. Name partners Denise Herrington and Christine Goodyear are recommended.

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP provides ‘a wide range of services’. In 2011 it expanded its offering, through office openings in London and Sevenoaks and a merger with a Brighton-based firm.

James Beatton leads a ‘very strong’ five-partner team at Vertex Law LLP which provides ‘very good value for money’. It recently acted for AMG Risk Management in the £8m acquisition of Cobra Insurance Brokers.

Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Dentons is highlighted for its ‘industry experience, reliability, expertise and value for money’. The Milton Keynes office won a significant instruction from Sainsbury’s in 2011, advising it in its acquisition of online entertainment company Global Media Vault. It also advised Home Retail Group in outsourcing contracts for its Argos and Homebase businesses. Andrew Harris heads the department, while managing associate Chris White leads the commercial practice. The ‘very reliable and thorough’ Francesca Bettermann provides automotive sector expertise.

Shoosmiths acted for August Equity in the disposal of the entire share capital of Planit Holdings Ltd to Vero Software, and also represented JER Capital in a £120m property development with United House. On the commercial side, it assisted on all the online licensing agreements for Cranfield University. Sanjeev Sharma heads the corporate team.

B P Collins LLP’s four-partner team is ‘very responsive and flexible in its approach’, with Diane Yarrow singled out as ‘particularly effective’. 2011 saw it appointed to the panel of The Co-operative Bank, and act on the merger between chartered patent attorneys Mathisen Marcara & Co and Compass Patents LLP.

The ‘well-organised’ EMW was recently reappointed to Santander’s legal panel, and also acted for the shareholders of a waste company in its sale to Viridor Waste Management, valued at £15.8m. On the commercial side, it advised Rightmove Group in relation to the valuation of a major bank’s mortgage portfolio. Ian Mabbutt is head of corporate, and Liz Appleyard heads the commercial practice.

The team at IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) is headed by David Clark, who has considerable experience in corporate finance. The firm represented AIM-listed Trans-Siberian Gold in its conversion of debt facilities worth close to £7m into new ordinary shares. Other clients include Renault and Esselte Holdings.

2011 saw the merger of Kimbells LLP and Freeth Cartwright LLP, to form Kimbells Freeth LLP. The new team acted for Wells & Young’s Brewing Company on the acquisition of various brands from Heineken, a substantial transaction involving trade marks in many jurisdictions worldwide. Jonathan Hambleton is ‘always trustworthy and always willing to offer sound, practical advice’.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP is ‘impeccable across the board’. In 2011 it closed its office in Milton Keynes, with partners now dividing their time equally between Watford and London. Its extensive client list includes HSBC, Encore Capital, Standard & Poors, Europcar UK and Playboy TV.

SA Law LLP has ‘a strong corporate and commercial offering’. The ‘extremely down-to-earth and practical’ Chris Wilks heads the practice, which advises SMEs across the manufacturing, media, IT, healthcare and retail sectors. The firm advised Paul di Resta on his appointment as a racing driver for the Force India Formula One team.

Taylor Walton LLP’s ‘professional, informative and fully comprehensive’ practice provides ‘extremely high levels of personal advice’. The corporate and commercial team includes three partners, and counts as clients the University of Hertfordshire, Admiral Group and NatWest Bank. Mike Pettit is recommended for his pragmatism.

Corporate and commercial: Essex

Birketts LLP’s ‘highly experienced’ team was active in insurance market acquisitions, outsourcing advice and telecoms matters throughout 2011. Highlights included acting for Protel in its sale to Six Degrees Group. Other clients include Amlin plc, Pitney Bowes and Servest Group. Practice head Nick Burnett has ‘vast experience’, and is praised for his ‘great application of legal knowledge’.

Birkett Long LLP’s ‘very pragmatic’ three-partner practice advises on matters including demergers and commercial matters. Team head Tracey Dickens and David Wisbey acted on the buyout of a major shareholder of MDS Civil Engineering. The firm opened a new office in Basildon in November 2011.

Ellisons’ team acted for Palace Pictures on the share option and corporate governance aspects of its £15m public fundraising; and East Anglian Food Ingredients on the disposal of its business and assets to Frutarom Ltd. Practice head Seamus Clifford and Paul Forsyth are recommended.

Thompson Smith & Puxon’s team acted on the UK aspects of a multimillion-pound refinancing of a US company, and on a joint venture for an Indian plc. Dual-qualified practice head Mary Anne Fedeyko has a ‘sharp mind’.

Wortley Byers acted for Climate Energy Holdings on the acquisition of a gas service company, while other clients include Macarthys Laboratories. Lucy Folley heads the department.

Palmers advised on two multi-party transactions in the legal and financial services sectors, and provides a multinational with corporate governance advice on share issues, allotments and consolidation subdivisions. BJ Chong heads the practice.

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP’s merger with Budd Martin Burrett in July 2011 added a Chelmsford presence for the firm, which has since rebranded as QualitySolicitors FJG. Recent work for Tony Fisher’s team includes advising on the sale of the issued share capital in Savoury Flavours Limited.

Corporate and commercial: Hampshire

Blake Lapthorn fields ‘one of the best corporate and commercial departments outside London’, with ‘extremely professional’ lawyers who are ‘quick to understand the important features of the client’s business’. Recommended individuals include ‘efficient and determined’ practice head James Hawkeswood; Manoj Styche-Patel, who is a ‘tower of strength’; the ‘extremely experienced’ Simon Treherne; and Stephen Archibald, who recently advised Beale on purchasing 19 regional department store businesses. Michael Moore recently left for Paris Smith LLP.

Bond Pearce LLP impresses with its expertise in energy-related corporate finance and private equity transactions, and also handles general corporate work for public and private companies. In 2011 it represented Immediate Media Company in its acquisition of the BBC Magazines business from BBC Worldwide. Practice head Sebastian Briggs specialises in M&A, corporate reorganisations, venture capital funding and joint ventures. Ian Holden and Stephen Pierce are also recommended.

Shoosmiths’ ‘highly responsive’ lawyers bring ‘strong commercial input to any matter’ and ‘City quality’ to clients such as Hitachi Rail and Sunseeker International. Sean Wright and the ‘tenacious’ Stephen Porter recently represented Ageas (UK) in its £53m acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Castle Cover. Mark Shepherd is a ‘real heavyweight and a great negotiator’, and Chris McClure is also recommended.

Paris Smith LLP’s ‘excellent’ team was joined by Michael Moore and Crispin Dick from Blake Lapthorn and Clifford Chance respectively, offsetting the retirement of Douglas Cooper. The ‘diligent and personable’ Jonathon Roy, Sean Davies and Andrew Heathcock are recommended.

2011 saw Trethowans LLP recruit the ‘responsive and hardworking’ Paula Eckton from Lamport Bassitt, who joins a team that includes Mike Watson. Clients include Ladbrokes and Bacardi-Martini.

Clarke Willmott LLP rates ‘very highly’, with practice head Kelvin Balmont singled out as ‘extremely proficient’. Clients include Picador, easyGroup and Organix Brands.

Coffin Mew LLP’s ‘very strong’ team recently acted for the sellers in the £2.8m disposal of Frutina to Slush Puppie. Amanda Brockwell, Nick Gross and Owen Santry are key contacts, following Malcolm Padgett and Anne Morgan’s departure to set up their own insurance regulation practice.

Lamport Bassitt’s team of ‘pragmatic lawyers pay close attention to detail’. The firm recently advised Red Funnel on the disposal of a major distribution business. Sean Kelly is ‘adept at handling the most difficult issues’. Paula Eckton left for Trethowans LLP in 2012.

Moore Blatch LLP acts for Tie Rack, Aviva and Wightlink, and its service is ‘exceptional value for money’. Peter Jeffery is ‘an outstanding commercial lawyer, with the ability to get his head inside his clients’ business’. Roger Bailey is also recommended.

Penningtons Solicitors LLP is recognised for its strength in the technology and education sectors, and saw an increase in cross-border transactions in 2011. Guildford-based Simon Bickerdike leads the team, and in Basingstoke Charles Brooks and Joanne Vengadesan are also recommended.

Leon Arnold’s team at Thomas Eggar LLP has transactional expertise across a range of sectors, including technology, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, leisure and healthcare. Kim Walker is recommended for commercial matters.

Corporate tax

Blake Lapthorn recently advised Quindell Portfolio on the tax implications of its reverse takeover of Mission Capital. Team head Simon Court is ‘quick to understand difficult issues’. Clients include a multinational company and an equity investment fund.

At Penningtons Solicitors LLP, practice head Sarah Cardew has ‘excellent technical knowledge’ in VAT, stamp duty land tax and leisure sector issues, and leads a ‘friendly, approachable team’. Clients include Aviva, Sodexo and CMS Developments.

At Shoosmiths, practice head Niall Murphy provides ‘excellent, tailored advice, backed up well by his team’. Highlights included advising Ageas on the tax liability aspects of its acquisition of Castle Cover , and EMI on a share option scheme.

Stevens & Bolton LLP’s expertise encompasses share schemes, exit tax planning and advice to entrepeneurs. Practice head Kate Schmit advised the selling shareholders of VADition Ltd on their exit strategy.

Ronan Lowney now provides the majority of Bond Pearce LLP’s tax advice following the move of senior consultant Brian Garner to Michelmores LLP. Highlights included advising Renewable Energy Systems on the sale of three wind farms.

Associate Philippa Roles leads Field Seymour Parkes LLP’s corporate tax practice. In 2011 she advised a US company on a stock option plan for its UK employees, and advised on the tax aspects of a demerger leading to a s110 liquidation.

EU and competition

Bond Pearce LLP’s Nick Page leads a team which has strong experience in the retail, energy, postal and financial service sectors, and advises clients such as B&Q, Royal Mail and Skandia. Recent work includes representing an insurance company in relation to a submission to the OFT.

Clyde & Co’s John Milligan advises multinational clients on EU competition regulations. In 2011 a cross-office team acted for Mouchel in the High Court case Mouchel v Westminster City Council, which was the UK’s first damages settlement brought under the EU Remedies Directive. Other highlights included obtaining clearance for the Towers Watson/Emblem merger following OFT objections under the Enterprise Act 2002.

Blake Lapthorn’s team persuaded the OFT to review its penalty policy following a challenge at the Competition Appeals Tribunal for client CDI Anders Elite. John Mitchell and Peter Barber are recommended.

Simon Neill heads Osborne Clarke’s cross-office competition practice from Bristol. The team advised Everything Everywhere on competition clearance for its joint venture with Vodafone and Telefónica to provide digital wallet services on mobile phones. Other clients include Cosalt plc and Dell. Senior solicitor Katherine Kirrage specialises in public procurement matters.

At Stevens & Bolton LLP, Gustaf Duhs advises UK and international companies on merger clearance matters and OFT investigations. Clients include Stemcor Holdings, Rentokil and Rackspace Managed Hosting. Duhs is a former legal adviser at the OFT.

At Birketts LLP, corporate partner Rafael Ruiz also advises on a variety of competition issues including block exemptions, sales restriction and licensing matters. Highlights included advising the UK Ford Dealer Council in relation to a new franchise agreement with Ford.

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