The Legal 500

Work Department

Company commercial.

Position

Partner and head of corporate, based at Thames Gateway office in Chatham. A wide range of corporate and commercial law experience from advising individuals wishing to set up in business and dealing with start-up requirements, trading documentation (including terms and conditions, franchise agency and distribution agreements), through to MBOs/MBIs, restructuring, financing and security documentation and sales or acquisitions of multi-million pound companies. Extensive experience in the automotive, manufacturing and distribution sectors; including working for Magna International Inc, one of the largest companies in the world manufacturing components for vehicles, and the Aliaxis group of companies which supply plastic piping and other products. I have worked with many clients who supply products and services including managing a large distribution network for GroundSure Limited, one of the leading providers of environmental property reports and consultancy services. Susan Jennings has recently advised Aliaxis Holdings UK Limited in respect of a group reorganisation which has involved a number of asset and share purchases throughout the group. Aliaxis Holdings UK Limited is an intermediate parent company of a worldwide group of manufacturing and supply companies in the plastics industry. The group’s turnover last year was in excess of €2.1bn. Susan has worked closely with the finance director to achieve two group reorganisations redistributing millions of pounds within the group and a buyback of shares in one of the UK subsidiaries for more than £60m. The finance director, Susan Dix, says ‘I enjoy working with Susan whose can-do attitude and experience in her field result in an efficient and effective working relationship. She is friendly, accessible and practical as well as having the necessary legal knowledge which I find a real asset to our business’. Furley Page recently acted for the shareholders in the sale of Exposure Events UK Limited; a company which organises the annual Building Schools Exhibition and Conference. The purchase price was in the region of £2.6m. Luke Collings and Andrew Stuart both agree that the approach taken by Furley Page’s corporate team was straight-talking and practical. Andrew Stuart, Managing Director, said ‘We were both delighted to work with a solicitor who was friendly, efficient and practical, as well as having the legal expertise. We would definitely recommend the services that Furley Page can provide’.

Career

Trained Warners; qualified 2000; partner Furley Page Solicitors 2008. Susan has worked in private practice since 1997, gaining experience at Herbert Smith, Warners and previously heading the company commercial team at Vizards Wyeth before joining Furley Page in October 2007.

Education

Dartford Grammar School for Girls; Lancaster University (Law Degree LLB Hons 2:1); Exeter University( Legal Practice Course – commendation).

Leisure

Theatre, films, dancing, swimming, cooking for friends and walking by the sea.

Practice Areas

Corporate and commercial; Franchising; M&A