The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, Fladgate LLP is a third tier firm,

Fladgate LLP advises on a broad spread of commercial matters, from public procurement and competition issues for the likes of ALControl to cross-border aviation contracts for Ruag Schweiz; its multi-jurisdictional capability has been in particular demand, with Andrew Kaufman recently advising a German bank on its review of customer conditions relating to an electronic banking system, including cross-border considerations. The practice is noted for ‘the way in which a single partner is careful to take care of the quality of the work and ensures that the relative specialists perform their work to a consistently high standard’. Eddie Powell heads the practice, and is ‘a very good client management partner’.

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, tier 4

Fladgate LLP provides ‘fully considered solutions’, and recently advised PeerTV on its IPO and admission to AIM. David Robinson is ‘highly knowledgeable and proactive’, and Avram Kelman is a ‘superior lawyer’.

Within M&A: smaller deals up to £50m, Fladgate LLP is a first tier firm,

With a wide range of entrepreneurial clients, Fladgate LLP’s ‘faultless ’ team recently acted for Gü on the multimillion-pound sale of Noble Foods, and Fourth Hospitality on its acquisition of Star Logic. Charles Wander heads the practice; David Robinson ‘gets things instantly, and gives no-nonsense advice’; and Jeremy Whiteson ‘does everything with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of efficiency’.

Within Gaming and betting, tier 4

Fladgate LLP provides M&A advice to large bingo operators and entrepreneurs.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, tier 5

Fladgate LLP has a growing reputation, and has been particularly busy acting against Swiss banks. Head of the team Paul Howcroft is experienced in international matters, including conflicts of law and jurisdiction.

Within Commercial litigation Commercial litigation

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency Corporate restructuring and insolvency

Within Employment, tier 8

A highlight for Fladgate LLP was advising German manufacturer Palm Paper on its acquisition of Cheshire Recycling Limited from administrators, led by Brian Palmer.

Within Professional negligence Professional negligence

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, tier 5

Fladgate LLP’s David Way and Antonia Brandes are highly rated for their ‘fast responses, availability and accuracy of advice’. The team advises on the full range of private client matters, with Brandes offering particular expertise in the tax-efficient structuring of property transactions.

Within Commercial property, tier 4

Fladgate LLP’s ‘excellent’ team advised longstanding client Tritax on various transactions, including forming a new property fund. On the development side, clients include Bondcare Group (one of the UK’s largest nursing home operators), Cathedral Group and Ipro. The hotels team acts for Henzada BV. Allen Cohen, Philip Turner and Anthony Vaughan are recommended, as is Richard Kaufman, whose ‘expertise is tremendous, with above-average know-how and contacts’.

Within Construction, tier 5

Fladgate LLP has been advising on several mature PFI projects in the healthcare and education sectors. Recent highlights include advising a US medical equipment company on a PPP-type project to upgrade and run oncology facilities at a central London hospital. Gillian Birkby is the main contact.

Within Planning, tier 6

Fladgate LLP primarily acts for private developers and investors on contentious and non-contentious matters. Recent instructions include advising the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea on planning applications for the Commonwealth Institute, and acting in connection with compensation claims arising from a major development. New clients include Hale Harbour Authority and ING Real Estate. Mark Harnett provides ‘astute, personable and commercial’ service.

Within Property finance, tier 4

Fladgate LLP’s ‘very commercial’ team was boosted by the arrival of Kim McMurray (‘excellent in all respects’), formerly head of real estate finance at Halliwells. The firm advised Akkeron Hotels Group on a new £32m credit facility provided by Lloydds Banking Group to acquire 18 Forestdale hotels.

Within Property litigation, tier 5

Fladgate LLP’s ‘pragmatic’ team acted for a tenant restaurateur against its freeholder regarding major damage caused by redevelopment. Alison Mould and Janet Keeley are recommended.

Within IT and telecoms, tier 5

At Fladgate LLP, IT specialist Anthony Lee is recommended for data protection, e-commerce and corporate work.

Within Media and entertainment, tier 5

In 2010, Fladgate LLP recruited litigator Lawrence Abramson, a former managing partner at Harbottle & Lewis LLP. He now leads the team, which advises clients such as Boosey & Hawkes, G2 Media and Revolver Films. The group recently advised Affinity Media UK, the online games and entertainment company, in a dispute with another online games website. Random House is a longstanding client of David Robinson. Eddie Powell advises on e-publishing matters.

Within Sport, tier 6

Fladgate LLP has a significant practice in motor racing; Force India and Eddie Jordan are key clients.