United Kingdom > West Midlands > Corporate and commercial
Corporate and commercial: Birmingham
Corporate and commercial: Birmingham
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DLA Piper UK LLP is ‘always involved in the high-profile transactions’, through recommended partners such as the ‘pragmatic’ Mark Beardmore and the ‘commercial’ Charles Cook. Highlights included acting for Avon Cosmetics in its acquisition of Liz Earle Cosmetics, and advising Compass Group on its acquisition of VSG Group. Other clients include Barclays Ventures and Iron Mountain. John Campion is recommended for his experience in corporate finance transactions, while the ‘excellent’ Jim Lavery is praised for his private equity expertise.
At Eversheds LLP, leading individuals include the ‘pragmatic’ Sue Lewis; the ‘exceptionally skilled’ Keri Rees; and associate Steven Hacking. The group is highly rated for its capital markets and private equity expertise. It acted for Amin Tajani, Selim Tejani and others in selling LPC Group to Sofidel Spa to create one of the largest privately owned paper businesses in the world. Other key clients include Rolls-Royce, Severn Trent and Barclays Private Equity. The team is appreciated for its ‘willingness to work out of hours to accommodate different time zones’.
Gateley receives many plaudits from clients, providing ‘first-class advice in a timely manner’ through excellent partners such as the ‘pragmatic’ Michael Ward and Paul Hayward. On the corporate front the team advised longstanding client Computeach International on the acquisition of the assets of Advent Computer Training, while on the commercial side it advised Birmingham City FC on a variety of commercial contract issues. Other key partners are the ‘top-notch’ Simon Gill and the ‘intelligent and approachable’ Chris Reed. Associate Jacob Robinson is a ‘rising star’.
Pinsent Masons LLP has been involved in some high-value and complex transactions. It advised longstanding client Halfords on the strategic acquisition of Nationwide Autocentres, and continues to advise CareTech on its strategic ‘buy and build’ acquisition programme. Andrew Hornigold has considerable expertise in advising technology companies, and Joanne Ellis is recommended for her healthcare work. Peter McHugh heads the commercial team. Key clients include Homeserve, Saint-Gobain and Glanbia. The team is recognised for its experience in advising public companies, and has a growing profile in the energy sector.
Wragge & Co LLP has a diverse client base ranging from FTSE-listed major corporates to owner-managed entrepreneurial private companies, and operates nationally and internationally. The team advised NYSE-listed Cambrex Corporation on the acquisition of a 51% stake in Indian pharmaceutical company Zenara for $20m. New client wins include Adroit Group, Premier Foods and Phones4U. Richard Haywood is recommended, along with the ‘calm’ Jeremy Millington, and associate Chris Towle is ‘incredibly proactive’. The corporate team now operates across the firm’s three offices in Birmingham, London and Paris, and is praised for its ‘very quick responses’.
Martineau’s ‘partner-led’ practice has considerable expertise in fund formations and fundraisings, and is regularly instructed in matters involving an international element. Its standout deal was advising South Staffordshire on the acquisition of Omega Red from Lloyds Development Capital and management. Recommended partners include the ‘very commercial and client-focused’ Richard Underwood, and the ‘practical’ Adam McGiveron. The commercial department is particularly recommended for its franchise expertise, with Peter Manford a key contact.
Squire Sanders Hammonds is a ‘no-nonsense law firm’ with excellent partners such as the ‘calm and practical’ Peter McLintock and Geoff Perry, whose ‘availability and response times are impeccable’. Many of its recent transactions have come from mid-market corporates and private equity houses such as Gresham LLP, Sovereign Capital and ECI Partners. On the commercial side, Stuart James is recommended. Its utilities practice continues to grow, successfully building relationships with clients such as a leading UK energy company.
2010 saw Browne Jacobson LLP advise on over 40 corporate deals with an aggregate value in excess of £325m. The ‘very sensible’ Joanne Bligh is recommended for corporate matters, alongside the ‘very responsive’ Richard Nicholas on the commercial side. Significant clients include Metalrax Group, Thorntons and Santander Invoice Finance. Sector strengths include manufacturing, IT and building materials.
Cobbetts LLP provides an ‘excellent service’; key figures include the ‘astute’ Nigel Gardner, the ‘clear’ Adrian Cutler, and Graham Muth, who is praised for his ‘keen business mind’. The team advised Village Hotels & Leisure on a wide range of issues including a sponsorship agreement with Dame Kelly Holmes. It also advised Rotary (UK) on its acquisition of CA Sothers.
2010 saw the team at Harvey Ingram LLP involved in more than 20 transactions with deal values up to £30m. Substantial new client wins include Vision Express. Rick Smyth is recommended for corporate, and Simon Bates for commercial.
The ‘strong’ team at Shoosmiths is ‘commercial and pragmatic’. It advised GBR and Phoenix Beard on their merger, while other clients include Iron Mountain, Informa and Octopus Investments. The team also has considerable experience in the automotive sector. Alastair Peet and Martin Letza are recommended.
Clarke Willmott LLP acts for clients such as Evergreen Extra Group, Ingersoll Rand and West Midlands Special Needs Transport. The ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ Andrew Beedham is recommended for his private equity and private company M&A work, with Tony Powles the other key contact.
Hill Hofstetter LLP’s team is growing significantly at partner level, with the recent additions of Ben Turner from Mills & Reeve LLP and Peter Seary from Shoosmiths. Under the leadership of Christopher Hill, the team receives a steady flow of instructions on high-value and complex work, often with a cross-border element.
The ‘exceptionally pragmatic’ Julian Smith is a key contact in Mills & Reeve LLP’s ‘consistent’ team. It has considerable expertise in the health care sector; clients include Allied Healthcare, and new gain AmSurg. The firm acted for new client TTi Global on its acquisition of Lorien Customer Focus.
Shakespeares’ ‘highly responsive’ team predominantly advises on deals in the £1m-£10m bracket. It acted for BWT on its acquisition of Culligan International (UK), while other clients include Iris Software, Alliance Surgical and Copey. Duncan James heads the department.
The Wilkes Partnership has particular expertise in the area of automotive manufacturing and design. It advised on the acquisition of five new dealerships for Johnsons Cars. Other clients include Big Cat Group and Advantage Business Angels. Gareth O’Hara is the primary contact.
Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP has secured some significant new clients, among them The Binding Site, The National Memorial Arboretum and Sense. Sarah Webb heads the team.
Challinors Solicitors continues to advise Natural England on various matters. As well as handling corporate matters, it has considerable experience in advising on logistics contracts. Malford Harris is the key contact.
Irwin Mitchell LLP continues to develop its corporate offering. One standout deal was advising Supergroup on its £500m IPO on the London Stock Exchange. Paul Wakefield is the primary contact.
Sydney Mitchell has a diverse client base that includes a leading clearing bank and a waste company. Fahmida Ismail and John Irving are the main contacts.
Weightmans LLP’s advice is ‘always focused on clients’ objectives’. The team has considerable health sector expertise, acting for many NHS bodies and primary care trusts. The ‘experienced and practical’ Barry Doherty and Gareth Griffiths are recommended.
Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in the West Midlands
Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in the West Midlands
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- FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Wolverhampton
- George Green LLP Cradley Heath
- Harrison Clark LLP Worcester
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- Ansons LLP Lichfield
- Higgs & Sons Brierley Hill
- KJD Freeth LLP Stoke on Trent
- Knights solicitors llp Newcastle under Lyme
- Wright Hassall LLP Leamington Spa
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- Hawkins Hatton LLP Dudley
- Keelys LLP Lichfield
- Lanyon Bowdler Shrewsbury
- Thomas Horton LLP Bromsgrove
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- Alsters Kelley LLP Leamington Spa
- Beswicks Solicitors LLP Stoke on Trent
- Brethertons LLP Rugby
- Brindley Twist Tafft & James Coventry
- Hacking Ashton LLP Newcastle under Lyme
- Hadens Walsall
- Martin Kaye LLP Solicitors Telford
- ORJ Solicitors LLP Stafford
- Talbots Solicitors LLP Stourbridge
- Thursfields Kidderminster, Worcester, Stourport
- Varley Hibbs LLP Coventry
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has a ‘commercial and personable team’ led by the ‘very sensible’ James Sage, and recently acquired DH Legal, the Wolverhampton-based specialist corporate practice. The core strength of the team lies in advising SME/owner-managed businesses. Kam Johal, who ‘solves problems as they arise’, acted for a national opticians practice in the acquisition of several optician businesses throughout the UK. The team is also acting for a number of insolvency practitioners on the sale of businesses in administration/liquidation. The ‘very helpful’ Gavin Southall is recommended.
At George Green LLP, team head Paul Bennett ‘consistently provides a high level of service’; Richard Cliff is ‘first class’; and the ‘very competent’ Guy Green is recommended for his private equity expertise in particular. Deal highlights included acting for the management in the sale and secondary buyout of Poundland, and advising the management and largest shareholders on the restructuring of Bakkavor. On the commercial side, Stephen Wyer ‘goes that extra mile for clients’.
At Harrison Clark LLP, Rod Thomas ‘knows his stuff’’; Robert Capper is ‘attentive and proactive’; and practice head Charlotte Thornton-Smith is ‘extremely knowledgeable’. The team is well regarded for its expertise in corporate transactions in the healthcare sector, and has been increasingly involved in equity/investment-funded deals. Panel memberships include AIB, Clydesdale Bank and HSBC.
Ansons LLP’s primary strength lies in M&A work and acting for owner-managed businesses, and it continues to develop its pharmacy and healthcare sector focus. The partners show ‘exceptional commercial awareness’, with Hilary D’Cruz and Jasbinder Singh noted as ‘proactive’. The practice acted for a national brand on the disposal of a group of companies comprising five separate business units and with over 400 employees.
The level of service at Higgs & Sons , a ‘progressive and forward-thinking firm’, is ‘nothing short of excellent’. Team head Nick Taylor receives many plaudits from clients, and Damian Beard is noted as ‘approachable’. The practice assisted UPG in the completion of two acquisitions of payment card processing and transaction-solutions businesses. Associate Kate Legg is ‘reliable’.
KJD Freeth LLP has an impressive roster of clients, featuring names such as JCB Group, Britannia Building Society and Advantage West Midlands. Peter Ellis heads the corporate team, and Paul Owen is also recommended. Corporate work in 2010 included a range of reorganisation and refinancing matters.
Knights solicitors llp acts for blue-chip clients such as Alton Towers Resort, Merlin Entertainment Group and The Kerrygold Company, and is advising Paddy Power in its acquisition of certain assets of The Roar Betting Group from its administrators. Adrian Rushton is ‘responsive and accurate’, and Susan Honeyands is also recommended. The team as a whole is ‘commercial and practical’.
Wright Hassall LLP has a number of ‘very astute lawyers’, notably Peter Beddoes and Mark Lewis, who is ‘focused on achieving the best solutions’. It has niche specialisms in cost reduction arrangements and FSA regulatory work, and also has a dedicated commercial team, with lead partner Lindsay Ellis recommended. Major clients include Capgemini and TUI Travel.
Hawkins Hatton LLP is ‘refreshingly commercial’. The team attracts a stream of referrals from accountants and banks, and acted as lead legal adviser in the sale of a scientific engineering group consisting of ten subsidiaries worldwide to a German company. Colin Rodrigues provides an ‘excellent personal service’, with Richard Baizley also noted for corporate transactional work.
David Williams heads the practice at Keelys LLP, and has considerable experience in buyouts and corporate finance. The firm recently acted on the purchase of a factory in West Bromwich.
Lanyon Bowdler acted on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Envirocare GB, and also for Aktrion Holdings in its acquisition of a 51% shareholding in Alpha Facilities Management. Richard Murrall has taken over as head of department following Gary Richards’ retirement.
Thomas Horton LLP is appreciated for its ‘can-do attitude to sorting complex legal issues’, with head of department Jeff Taylor appreciated for his ‘clear and concise’ advice, and Matthew Horton recommended on the commercial side. The team advised Willows Construction on a share restructuring and shareholders’ agreement.
Corporate tax
Corporate tax
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- Wragge & Co LLP Birmingham
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- DLA Piper UK LLP Birmingham
- Gateley Birmingham
- Pinsent Masons LLP Birmingham
- Squire Sanders Hammonds Birmingham
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- Eversheds LLP Birmingham
- Martineau Birmingham
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- Browne Jacobson LLP Birmingham
- Higgs & Sons Brierley Hill
- Knights solicitors llp Newcastle under Lyme
- Parisi Tax LLP Birmingham Birmingham
Wragge & Co LLP has a full-service tax offering and ‘consistently provides a very high level of service’. Among its ‘impressive array of specialists’ is the ‘technically very strong’ Kevin Lowe, for corporate tax, and Lee Nuttall, who is recommended for property tax. The team provided the UK tax advice to Dutch private equity fund manager H2 Equity Partners on its establishment in the UK and the launch of a new €300m fund. Other clients include Argos, JP Morgan and a number of venture capital trusts.
DLA Piper UK LLP’s team has the ability to ‘offer very clear and concise advice on complex issues’, often on multi-jurisdictional deals, and is particularly active in property tax and share incentives. Highlights included advising the shareholders of Sophos on the sale of a majority stake in Sophos to Apax Partners. Major clients include RBS, Blackstone and Aviva. Mark Burgess is recommended.
James Gopsill at Gateley heads an ‘excellent team that provides efficient and concise advice’, and is recommended for his VAT expertise. Key clients include RBS and BT. The team is acting for a UK-incorporated AIM-listed company on a number of tax claims against the previous owners of a worldwide business. The group is increasingly advising on share schemes.
The practice at Pinsent Masons LLP was enhanced by the addition of ‘technically excellent’ senior associate Kate Featherstone from Addleshaw Goddard LLP. The team advises on contentious and non-contentious tax matters, for clients such as Avon Cosmetics and Royal Mail. Ian Hyde is the national head of property tax, and Janet Hoskin has moved to the Birmingham office from Leeds.
The team at Squire Sanders Hammonds acted on a number of headline deals, including advising the BSS Group on its £557m recommended takeover by Travis Perkins. Jon Stevens is appreciated for his ‘broad experience’, while consultant Lawrence Green is recommended for employee share scheme work.
Eversheds LLP’s team includes Andrew Quayle, who divides his time between the Manchester and Birmingham offices and specialises in employee share incentives, and director Damian Shirley, who heads the firm’s indirect tax practice. The firm advised Defence and Security Systems (part of EADS) on its acquisition of Kercado, while other active clients include Savills and Centrica. Janet Jones has left the firm.
The mainstay of Martineau’s practice remains assisting fund managers operating in the venture capital trust and enterprise investment scheme arenas, while another specialism is advising on both equity and debt financing for clean-tech companies. Richard Wrigley is ‘very competent’.
Browne Jacobson LLP has expertise across corporate tax, property tax and employee/management tax and incentives. Major clients include Alliance Boots and Wilkinsons. Andrew Noble heads the department.
Higgs & Sons’ Susheel Gupta is ‘available 24/7’. He continues to provide structuring advice to Bond Wolfe and its key shareholders on a number of their business interests.
Knights solicitors llp’s Henry Davenport advises on a broad range of issues, including VAT and stamp duty land tax. He is a ‘first-class tax adviser’.
Parisi Tax LLP Birmingham is a boutique tax practice which provides bespoke tax planning advice to individuals, companies, law firms and accountancy firms. Lisa Stevenson receives many accolades from clients; she can ‘add value throughout the process’ and is ‘thorough’.
EU and competition
EU and competition
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- Pinsent Masons LLP Birmingham
- Wragge & Co LLP Birmingham
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- Browne Jacobson LLP Birmingham
- Eversheds LLP Birmingham
- Martineau Birmingham
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- Cobbetts LLP Birmingham
- Gateley Birmingham
- Shoosmiths Birmingham
Pinsent Masons LLP has a diverse practice across contentious and non-contentious matters. The team was appointed by Manchester United FC to advise on competition law issues, and advised National Grid on the substantial reduction of a fine by the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Other clients include Siemens and IMI. Giles Warrington’s advice is ‘highly valued’ by clients, and Guy Lougher (now based in the firm’s London office) provides ‘structured and specific advice’.
The ‘very experienced’ Bernardine Adkins heads a wide-ranging practice at Wragge & Co LLP, which has particular expertise in the automotive and real estate sectors. Highlights included acting for three clients in relation to the OFT’s investigation into alleged ‘hub and spoke’ cartel activities between suppliers operating in various sectors and the ‘big four’ supermarkets. Clients include Eurotunnel, Mercedes Benz, and new gain Smiths News.
Browne Jacobson LLP’s practice is ‘first class’. Matthew Woodford provides ‘sound and commercial advice’, and acts for a number of multinational motor vehicle manufacturers and spare parts producers. The team’s experience includes state aid, public procurement and merger control matters.
Eversheds LLP’s impressive roster of clients includes household names such as PPG, Dairy Crest and Specsavers. Its investigation practice remains active, and its dawn raid and state aid teams also enjoyed a busy year. Richard Prowse is recommended.
Martineau has a strong reputation for public procurement and state aid work, and has considerable experience in the automotive sector. Clients span the public and private sectors and include Foresight Group and Aston University. The ‘very knowledgeable and extremely helpful’ James Dilley heads the team.
Cobbetts LLP represented Walsall Council on state aid issues related to a series of investments in the Walsall region, and has also been advising on OFT cartels and merger investigations. Jonathan Branton is the principal contact.
Andrew Evans heads the team at Gateley. Highlights included advising MYBA (the worldwide yachting association) on competition issues surrounding membership and disciplinary action against members and would-be members.
At Shoosmiths, practice head Peter Andrews divides his time between Birmingham and Nottingham. Significant clients include Amazon and Saint-Gobain. Public procurement and state aid law remain a key part of the practice.