The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Cardiff and South Wales, Acuity Legal Limited is a second tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP is noted for its ‘unwavering professionalism’, ‘strength in depth’ and ‘diligent lawyers who give you the advice you need when you need it’. Stephen Berry advised Capita on a number of acquisitions and disposals. Peacocks, new client Gamesa Energy and Santia Limited (formerly Connaught Compliance Services) were advised commercial matters. The team lost Betsan Thomas to Lowless & Lowless (now Red Kite Law) in September 2010.

Within Commercial litigation , tier 4

M & A Solicitors LLP advised Cardiff City FC on high-profile litigation with HMRC, and handled a shareholder dispute over million-pound assets. Practice head John Morris advised Neath Port Talbot Council and Peacocks.

Within Debt recovery, Acuity Legal Limited is a second tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP’s John Morris advises businesses and other creditors on high-value recoveries, and also acts for debtors. Recent clients include St John’s College and the Sports Council for Wales.

Within Banking and finance, Acuity Legal Limited is a second tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP’s Beverley Jones advised AIM-listed IQE plc on a share issuance which raised £20.8m, and on a £6m investment into Cardiff City FC.

Within Insolvency and corporate recovery, Acuity Legal Limited is a third tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP advises companies, individuals and creditors. John Morris settled a seven-figure claim brought against a manufacturer.

Within Employment: Cardiff, Acuity Legal Limited is a third tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP’s James Moss has recently advised on restructuring, redundancy issues and tribunal claims, and is currently representing a senior executive in a multimillion-pound disability discrimination claim. Other clients include West Sussex Council and a number of Welsh sporting professionals. The team lost Betsan Thomas to what is now Red Kite Law.

Within Project finance and PFI, Acuity Legal Limited is a second tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP undertakes project finance, energy and renewables matters. Deryn Rees focuses on PFI/PPP transactions, and acted for West Sussex Council on the procurement of multimillion-pound waste management contracts.

Within Public sector , Acuity Legal Limited is a second tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP provides ‘professional service and accurate advice’. West Sussex Council remains a key client, with PFI/PPP specialist Deryn Rees advising on property sales and waste management. Rachelle Sellek and newly promoted partner Claudia Le Gros advised on the provision of academy schools. The team lost Jeremy Williams, who left for an in-house position, while Shaun Jamieson moved to Hugh James.

Within Commercial property: Cardiff, Acuity Legal Limited is a second tier firm,

‘Technically very competent and commercially aware of the transactions it takes on’, M & A Solicitors LLP is led by the well-regarded Jonathan Geen, and acts for a mix of developer and investor clients, among them PMG, Gamesa Energy and Atlantic Property. Geen and Stephen Morris acted on a land acquisition at a site next to Cardiff Bay’s Sports Village earmarked for regeneration.

Within Construction , Acuity Legal Limited is a third tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP lost Jeremy Williams, who went in-house at a construction company. Robert Williams and John Adams advised Bluestone Resorts and Sherman Theatre in Cardiff on procurement, and Adams also advised West Sussex Council on a high-value PPP contract and various local projects.

Within Intellectual property , Acuity Legal Limited is a third tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP advises commercial clients on IP licensing. Recent instructions have come from Cardiff City FC and life sciences companies Surgicraft and Zoobiotic. Rachelle Sellek leads the team.

Within IT and telecoms, Acuity Legal Limited is a second tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP advises on general IT issues, including procurement matters for Peacocks and West Sussex Council. It advised Santia (formerly known as Connaught Compliance) on IT/telecoms contract negotiations with a major data communications provider. Rachelle Sellek leads the practice.

Within Media and entertainment, Acuity Legal Limited is a third tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP has advised Boomerang on contracts, media rights and funding. Betsan Thomas left for what is now Red Kite Law in 2010.

Within Sport , Acuity Legal Limited is a first tier firm,

M & A Solicitors LLP provides a comprehensive service to clients including Cardiff City FC and various sports professionals. Associate Christian Farrow is ‘very reliable, has strong commercial awareness and consistently delivers’. Former practice head Dean Sheehan moved in-house to the Al Tayer Group in Dubai.