United Kingdom > South West > Corporate and commercial
Corporate and commercial: Bristol
Corporate and commercial: Bristol
Burges Salmon LLP provides an ‘excellent service’ through lawyers who are ‘focused on driving deals to conclusion’. Chris Godfrey heads the team, which advised Mapfre on the acquisition of InsureandGo, and also acted for ECI Partners, FirstGroup and Hargreaves Lansdown. Clients appreciate the ‘very good partner support’.
‘Still undisputedly at the top’, Osborne Clarke advised Tribal Group on its £12m disposal of Nightingale Architects; and RWE npower on the acquisition and disposal of combined heat and power plants. Other instructions came from Babcock Marine, UNITE Group and new client Inflexion Private Equity. Alisdair Livingstone and Lara Burch jointly head the team.
TLT LLP’s team, led by Bill Hull, ‘compares very favourably to City firms’, providing ‘commercial and cost-effective’ advice. Highlights included advising WHSmith on a programme of international franchising, and acting on the sale of Church House Trust to Virgin Money. John Wood ‘tailors the firm’s response to individual requirements’.
Ashfords LLP provides ‘London service for a competitive price’. The group advised Navetas Energy Management on its merger with Intelligent Sustainable Energy, and acted for Ross & Roberts on a share capital sale. Simon Staples has the ‘tenacity to complete the deal irrespective of unexpected problems’. Andrew Betteridge has a particular focus on corporate finance.
Beachcroft advised Fidelity International on the £20m divestment of its transfer agency and consulting business, and acted for Moonray Healthcare on buying two hospitals. Advice to the healthcare sector is a particular focus, with other clients including Spire Healthcare. John Williams heads the practice.
Simon Hewes at Bond Pearce LLP ‘exhibits good judgement even when not all the facts are known’, and clients also have ‘great confidence’ in Paul Stone. RWE npower renewables, Hydro International, Alterian, Spinnaker International and Tradewind Turbines are clients. The practice is deemed ‘equal to London firms but better value’.
Clarke Willmott LLP features James Earl (a ‘tough but pragmatic negotiator’) and Jane Oakland (noted for her ‘strong commercial aptitude’). New instructions came from Neutrahealth and Devonshire Homes, and Nigel Lindsay advised Mount Wise on a property development refinancing. Simon Thomas heads the team.
Roxburgh Milkins LLP provides ‘first-class, faultless advice’. It acted for the shareholders of Futur Waste on its sale to SAICA, and Granada Learning on several acquisitions and restructuring matters. Bruce Roxburgh is an ‘extremely skilled negotiator’, and Richard Hopkins is ‘thorough and unflappable under extreme time pressure’. Nick Cockcroft joined from Wansbroughs.
Veale Wasbrough Vizards is ‘going strong’ with a ‘good offering’, and recently recruited Jonathan Oddy from Manches LLP. The team advised the shareholders of Sula Systems on the sale of its issued share capital to Jacobs Engineering UK, and Altran Technologies on the acquisition of Xype Group. David Emanuel heads the group.
Bevan Brittan LLP provides ‘timely, commercial and insightful’ advice, and Anthony Young and Chris Harper in particular ‘apply common-sense rather than giving theoretical advice’.
Tom Brennan at Davies and Partners is recommended.
Tony Harris at Thrings LLP advised Falmouth Oil Services on the sale of its oil terminal and bunkering business.
Corporate and commercial: Dorset and South Wiltshire
Corporate and commercial: Dorset and South Wiltshire
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1
- Lester Aldridge LLP Bournemouth
- Steele Raymond LLP Bournemouth
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2
- Wilsons Salisbury
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- Ellis Jones Bournemouth
- Frettens LLP Christchurch
- Laceys Bournemouth
- Parker Bullen LLP Salisbury
- Rawlins Davy PLC Bournemouth
‘Absolutely first class’, Lester Aldridge LLP’s team advised on Herb UK’s acquisition of new hair care brands from Vivalis, and continues to advise ESET UK and sister company ASPECT Systems. David Ashplant heads the ‘thorough’ team, which is ‘able to listen to and interpret client’s requirements’. Grant Esterhuizen is ‘superb’.
Steele Raymond LLP’s Tim Stone displays ‘admirable patience’ and ‘in-depth knowledge’. The group acted for Verrus’ shareholders on selling for a total consideration of £33m, and advised the sole shareholder of Keith Spicer on its takeover by Harris Jayanti Group. David Steele now works as a consultant for Laceys.
Wilsons delivers ‘London service levels at reasonable prices’, and frequently advises in connection with the charities, rural landowning and private wealth activities of the firm, such as on private loans, partnership and shareholder disputes and the reorganisation of family companies. Stephen Whitmore is ‘first rate’, and Andrew Roberts is ‘brilliant on complex corporate transactions’.
Ellis Jones’ team head Nigel Taylor has a particular focus on the property sector.
Matthew Fretten’s team at Frettens LLP is ‘a credit to the profession’, and ‘expresses complex legal issues in layman’s language’.
Laceys was strengthened by the arrival of consultant David Steele from Steele Raymond LLP.
Parker Bullen LLP, through Mark Lello, has recently acted on several overseas transactions.
John Kennar at Rawlins Davy PLC is recommended.
Corporate and commercial: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire
Corporate and commercial: M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire
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1
- Charles Russell LLP Cheltenham
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2
- BPE Solicitors LLP Cheltenham
- Clark Holt Swindon
- Rickerbys LLP Cheltenham
- Thrings LLP Bath, Swindon
- Withy King LLP Bath, Swindon
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3
- Davies and Partners Bristol, Gloucester
- Maitland Walker LLP Cheltenham, Minehead
- Stone King LLP Bath
- Willans LLP Cheltenham
Charles Russell LLP’s practice head Richard Norton is ‘extremely hands-on and pragmatic’, adopts a ‘no-nonsense approach’, and is ‘keen to offer value for money’; and the whole team is ‘focused and knows the client’. Recent highlights include advising AWAL Bank on the sale of private equity interests with a committed value of over $350m, and acting for 1E on a private equity investment exceeding $100m.
BPE Solicitors LLP acted for Mears Group on its £27.2m public takeover of Supporta, and advised Green Compliance on its new acquisition strategy as well as two separate fundraisings totalling £9.5m. John Workman is ‘very commercial and conscientious’, and Anthony Rudge ‘thinks outside the box’ and ‘discerns important issues quickly’.
Clark Holt advised the shareholders of Christchurch Court on the company’s sale to Sovereign Capital, and acted for Kelway on its acquisition of managed services specialist ISC Computers. Richard Clark heads the team, which includes the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Philip Humphreys, who ‘goes above and beyond expectation’.
Rickerbys LLP advised Vero Software on its £7.2m takeover by US-based Battery Ventures, while other clients include Severn Waste Management, Blanchworth Care Group, Cotswold Steel Stockholders and HLI UK. Edward Davies heads the team.
John Davies leads the team at Thrings LLP, which advised clients across sectors including aerospace, oil and manufacturing. Highlights included acting for Dynamatic Technologies on restructuring to streamline its UK operations. The team maintains fruitful relationships with banks including HSBC and NatWest.
Clients say Withy King LLP is ‘more proactive and better networked’ than many competitors. David Cavaliero is highly rated and empathic, and Katharine Mortimer is also well regarded. Highlights for the team included securing an equity investment, and acting for Homes Caring for Autism on a refinancing deal with RBS. The team also advised new client Hanfrageo on restructuring.
Davies and Partners’ chairman Tom Brennan is recommended.
Maitland Walker LLP’s team head Stephen Thomas has particular financial services expertise.
Roy Butler at Stone King LLP delivers ‘excellent service’ and ‘creative solutions’.
Paul Symes-Thompson’s team at Willans LLP reacts ‘admirably quickly’ and ‘gives very relevant advice’.
Corporate and commercial: The West Country
Corporate and commercial: The West Country
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1
- Ashfords LLP Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton
- Foot Anstey Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton
- Michelmores LLP Exeter
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2
- Stephens Scown LLP Exeter, Truro, St Austell
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- Bond Pearce LLP Plymouth
- Eveling Legal & Advisory Limited Exeter
- Follett Stock Exeter, Truro
- Kitsons LLP Exeter, Torquay
- Murrell Ashworth LLP Truro
- The Stokes Partnership Crewkerne
- Wolferstans Plymouth
Ashfords LLP fields a ‘broad range of specialists’ with a ‘high level of technical competence’. The ‘commercially astute’ Simon Rous heads the team, which includes George Wilkinson, who ‘has a commercial awareness few lawyers share’, and David Heard, who offers a ‘breadth of knowledge and a pragmatic approach’. The team advised Ross & Roberts on the £6m sale of its share capital, and acted for Sprue Aegis on a £20m exclusive distribution agreement.
Foot Anstey ‘works effectively to deliver objectives’. The group advised Progressive Digital Media Group on acquiring Canadean’s issued share capital, and represented Viridor Waste Management on buying Pearsons Group. Richard Coombs and James Evans deliver ‘valuable advice’ and ‘turn matters around speedily’, and Duncan Sykes and Helen Wallwork are ‘very personable and steadfast’. Al Goodwin joined from Burges Salmon LLP.
Michelmores LLP has ‘strength in depth’, and two ‘leading lights’ in Stephen Morse and Richard Cobb; the latter joined from Bond Pearce LLP and ‘consistently delivers outstanding results’. The team advised REDS Technology on acquiring two renewable energy companies, and also acted for Swedfund on its equity investment in Mada. It is noted for its ‘increasing amount of national recognition’.
Stephens Scown LLP ‘rates highly even compared to London firms’. It is the corporate adviser for Dragons Den Investments, including advising on a mix of loan, mezzanine and straight equity investments. The team also acted for Biagro Western on a BVI joint venture company to establish an international grouping. The ‘experienced’ Guy Curry ‘has a clear mind’ and the ‘ability to focus on real issues’. James Keliher heads the practice.
Bond Pearce LLP acted for Airsprung on its £2.5m acquisition of Collins & Hayes Furniture Limited, and advised Screwfix on establishing a new trading arm to promote eco-savings to homeowners. The team also represented Elixir Petroleum on its acquisition of the share capital of East Paris Petroleum. Simon Hewes heads the team.
Clients of Eveling Legal & Advisory Limited’s practice head James Eveling include advertising and marketing business Ontrac 360. The team also advises venture capital firms and companies seeking private equity financing.
Follett Stock’s team advised on various asset sales including sales by administrators, and the renewable energy sector has been a notable source of work. Penny Paddle displays an ‘exceptional understanding’ of client needs, coupled with a ‘professional approach and attention to detail’.
Kitsons LLP represented the shareholders during the sale of Westinsure Group, and advised on the disposal of Expolink software business to Innovise. Dominic Hollingsworth heads the three-partner group.
Murrell Ashworth LLP advises on shareholders’ rights, directors’ duties and corporate governance issues, as well as restructurings and funding arrangements. Endless Summer Media is a client. Katie Ashworth and Hugh Murrell are recommended.
Brendan Pang leads the corporate services team at The Stokes Partnership.
Roger Sands at Wolferstans is a ‘good operator’.
Corporate tax
Corporate tax
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- Burges Salmon LLP Bristol
- Osborne Clarke Bristol
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2
- Ashfords LLP Exeter
- Bond Pearce LLP Plymouth
- Foot Anstey Plymouth
- TLT LLP Bristol
- Veale Wasbrough Vizards Bristol
Burges Salmon LLP’s Nigel Popplewell ‘creates effective solutions’ and has ‘extensive specialist knowledge in VAT and taxation’. The team acted for the shareholders of Snow & Rock on the company’s sale, and advised Mapfre on acquiring an insurance intermediary. The group’s ‘extremely talented’ lawyers ‘leave no stone unturned’.
Osborne Clarke’s service is ‘practical, to the point, technically sound and prompt’. Carphone Warehouse Group and TalkTalk instructed the team on their £2bn demerger, and the firm also represents Lloyds Development Capital, including advising it on the management buyout of United House. Michael Bell is a ‘very good listener’ and an ‘excellent adviser on reorganisations’.
Ashfords LLP represented Enghouse Systems on its $23m share purchase of Mettoni, and Petrofac on the share purchase of Scotvalve Services, which has businesses in Scotland and North Africa. Angus Bauer heads the practice.
Bond Pearce LLP recently advised Piper Private Equity on its investment in the MBO of Weird Fish clothing. The team also acts for Devon Waste Management, Chemring Group, Southern Co-Operatives and Coral Racing. Brian Garner heads the group.
Foot Anstey ‘finds proactive solutions’, and John Pindard and Malcolm Emery’s advice is ‘straightforward without jargon’; they ‘will go the extra mile’ for clients. The firm provided VAT advice for a not-for-profit organisation on a multimillion-pound residential care home portfolio redevelopment. Other clients include Devon Wind Power and The Mercers’ Company.
TLT LLP has been advising on WHSmith’s international franchising programme, and acted on transactions for Downing Venture Capital Trust. Tamura-Europe instructed the team on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Romarsh. Philip Alfandary heads the three-partner team.
Veale Wasbrough Vizards represents clients such as Morgan Lloyd Administration, Essilor International, Peterstow Holdings and Quintain Estates & Development. Richard Pincher sadly passed away in 2011.
EU and competition
EU and competition
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- Burges Salmon LLP Bristol
- Osborne Clarke Bristol
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2
- Maitland Walker LLP Minehead, Cheltenham
- TLT LLP Bristol
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3
- Bond Pearce LLP Bristol
- Michelmores LLP Exeter
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- Bevan Brittan LLP Bristol
- Charles Russell LLP Cheltenham
- Foot Anstey Exeter
Featuring the ‘extremely good’ Laura Claydon, Burges Salmon LLP added new clients Virgin Management Group and National Trust to its portfolio. It acted for Cardiff Bus regarding the OFT’s Competition Act investigation, and advised the London Waste and Recycling Board on establishing its £84m funding stream. The team was joined by the well-regarded Tim Heywood from Bevan Brittan LLP
The ‘very responsive’ Simon Neill at Osborne Clarke ‘gives clear and commercial advice on difficult issues’. He handled two appeals for TalkTalk, and advised Nutricia on restructuring its wholesale distribution networks. Dell is a competition compliance client, and the team also regularly advises Mulberry.
Julian Maitland-Walker heads Maitland Walker LLP’s team, which advised a manufacturer on unfair pricing activities by a competitor with a dominant position, and also advised a zoo regarding State Aids Notification. Rupert Croft and Hilary Coles are also recommended.
TLT LLP is representing the Retail Motor Industry Federation regarding the agreement on a pan-European industry code of conduct, and advises the Energy Saving Trust on state aid. The ‘highly experienced and diligent’ Bill Hull leads the team, which now includes ‘excellent practitioner’ Miles Trower, who joined from Osborne Clarke and ‘responds quickly to unforeseen issues’.
Bond Pearce LLP has a highly regarded team led by Southampton-based Nick Page, who has ‘excellent technical skills’. Stephen Lister leads in Bristol, and has been acting for International Power regarding a European Commission investigation.
Michelmores LLP provides ‘efficient, yet personal service’, has an ‘excellent ethos and the team works hard to understand the client’s business’. Jason Phelps’ advice is ‘focused, authoritative and clear’, and team head Ian Holyoak is also recommended. The group advised St Austell Brewery on beer tie arrangements, and provided EU public procurement advice to Teignbridge District Council regarding a regeneration project.
Charles Russell LLP's Paul Stone is recommended.
Rachel Robinson is the key figure at Foot Anstey.