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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.

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