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Denton Wilde Sapte LLP’s hire of six partners from Howes Percival LLP’s corporate team means that it is now in a position to offer a market-leading corporate practice alongside its already formidable real estate practice. In 2008 the firm advised on a number of acquisitions, including one for a major transport client.

2008 saw the Milton Keynes office of EMW Law LLP merge with internationally focused London firm Picton Howell, operating under the new guise EMW Picton Howell LLP. Paul Bevington heads up the corporate group, while Liz Appleyard’s commercial contracts team advised Worldsport Management on the structure and operation of the Racing Steps Foundation.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) recently advised Trans-Siberian Gold Plc on its £7m AIM listing, as well as its associated conversion of US$8m of existing debt facilities. Clients say the firm ‘represents a good balance of professional service and cost‘, with David Clark highlighted as having ‘deep knowledge and good communication skills‘.

Shoosmiths recently boosted its Milton Keynes corporate practice with the hiring of Sanjeev Sharma from Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s London office. Led by Oliver Brookshaw, the team acted on 18 transactions in 2008, including representing Shuropody Limited on its acquisition of Scholl’s UK retail network of 44 footcare stores from Alliance Boots.

The ‘helpful, informed and pragmatic‘ team at B P Collins has particular expertise in the technology, marketing and waste management sectors. In 2008 the team was appointed to Clydesdale Bank’s regional panel, and advised Greenstar UK Holdings on the acquisition of Dunstable Waste Group. Clients appreciate David Stanning’s ‘personable, knowledgeable and efficient service‘.

‘Characterised by a “can-do” attitude to deal-making‘, Dunham Solicitors LLP acted on a number of high-value acquisitions in 2008, including advising Microcare Corporation on its acquisition of Solulube.

Kimbells LLP acts for a number of clients in the hotel, leisure and brewery sectors, most recently advising Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises on its disposal of three pub management companies, each valued in excess of £20m. Clients praise the team’s ability to ‘mobilise quickly and turn around transaction documents promptly‘, singling out Jonathan Hambleton’s ‘wide transaction experience‘.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP has strong links to accounting firms, and continues to be active in AIM placements. The team has been acting for a national newspaper group on various £200m-plus daylight borrowing arrangements.

Moorcrofts LLP has been building its AIM practice, recently acting on a reverse takeover for financial services company Hertford International Group plc following its acquisition of Cheque Exchange. Managing partner Adrian Phillips is recommended.

SA Law LLP acted on 13 transactions in the healthcare sector during 2008, and also maintained its private equity focus with instructions from Lexara and Stargate Capital Management. Chris Wilks is recommended.

Providing a ‘City service at a significantly discounted price‘, Taylor Walton LLP had a strong 2008, acting for Stapleton’s (Tyre Services) Limited on its acquisition of Pirelli UK’s central tyre business. Clients rate Mike Pettit for his ‘excellent response times‘.

At Borneos, Andrew Kerr is recommended for his ‘good industry knowledge‘.

The team at Geoffrey Leaver is ‘best for advising on complex commercial issues‘.

At Gisby Harrison, John Nugent recently acted in the acquisition of a chemical production and supply company.

At Machins, Mark Pelopida handles a raft of corporate and commercial work for local and national clients.

Nockolds LLP is recommended for its retail expertise.

At Sherrards Solicitors, the ‘responsive and proactive‘ Ian Baker is recommended.

Stanley Tee LLP is recommended and recently advised a petrol station chain on a supermarket franchise agreement.

At Tollers LLP, Jeremy Davy is recommended and recently joined the firm from Shoosmiths’ Northampton office.

Turbervilles’s Robert Dixon handles a variety of employment matters for corporates.

The ‘excellent‘ Woodfines LLP handles a raft of corporate and commercial matters for local and national clients.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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