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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.

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