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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.

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