BHW Solicitors fields a 10-strong team of corporate and commercial lawyers, distinguished in the Leicester market for their specialist expertise in the aerospace, manufacturing and insurance sectors. Offering full-service M&A capabilities, the group has been increasingly busy on restructuring, commercial contracts and supply chain solution mandates. Practice head Ed Nurse and Matt Worsnop worked together with the principal shareholder of Staircraft Limited in the sale of the company, via its holding company P. H. Properties Ltd, to Travis Perkins Group. Stephen McElhone and Alex Clifton  are among the other key figures.

Following its merger with Harrison Clark Rickerbys in spring 2021, HCR Hewitsons proves full service advisory in company formations, corporate and commercial transactions, acquisition and disposals and corporate restructuring. David Browne and Anne-Sophie Reynolds are the key contacts.

Howes Percival LLP continues to invest and grow its corporate and commercial practice, recruiting Leicester-based Paula Dumbill from Browne Jacobson LLP in June 2021 to head its commercial practice. Matthew Thompson was also promoted to lead its Northampton corporate team and the team has also added a number of senior associates to further bolster its bench strength in M&A, commercial contracts and technology. Other key sectors include automotive, food and drink, healthcare and manufacturing. Jahid Ali heads the corporate department, specialising in venture capital and private equity transactions while Oliver Brookshaw is experienced in public company work. Gerald Couldrake is another key Northampton-based partner.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is a reputable East Midlands corporate and M&A practice, handling sales, acquisitions and reorganisations with values of up to £100m. Roy Botterill leads the Leicester team which is known for its expertise servicing corporate and family business clients in the healthcare, engineering, manufacturing and IT space; he is an experienced counsel for US based organisations and has a keen interest in the manufacturing sector, regulated industries and financial services. Lisa Botterill is recommended for healthcare transactions while Michael Squirrell, based at the new Lincoln office, works with the Nottingham and Leicester teams to advise on M&A, reorganisations, investments and governance matters, often on behalf of IP-rich businesses and charities.

In December 2021, Freeths LLP became the first standalone legal practice in Europe to join the Baker Tilly International network as an independent firm. Leveraging access to global network of over 150 countries, and a boost to its resources, skills and international profile, the corporate practice continues to hold a strong presence in Leicester advising large corporates, PLCs and private equity houses. Phil Baigent has a keen interest in corporate matters pertaining to the food and drink and private healthcare sectors.

Chris Rees heads Nelsons Solicitors Limited‘s Leicester corporate practice where he leverages 21 years transactional experience supporting buyers, sellers, banks, investors, SMEs and corporates in all facets of company law and corporate finance. Harpreet Sandhu, who operates between Nottingham and Leicester, heads the commercial offering; advising on commercial agreements and technology-led projects. Senior associate Ziaur Rahman has a niche in advising on corporate charity and third sector matters, management buy-outs and specialist partnership agreements.

Sills & Betteridge LLP maintains a prominent track record in corporate transactions, investments and group restructures, often acting on cross-border deals, and particularly in the agri-business, energy, gaming, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Based in Lincoln but serving all offices, James Conduit provides ‘excellent support and appraisal; his practice focuses on all areas of corporate law with a keen interest in on commercial agreements involving intellectual property, software development, and mandates involving the digital and regulated industries.

Roythornes Solicitors‘ corporate and commercial team act for a diverse client base of start-up businesses, established family-owned enterprises and public companies. Mike Matthews is the key figure for M&A transactions, including as trade sales, private equity sales and management buy-outs/buy-ins. On the corporate side, Lizzie Walters specialises in demergers, investment rounds, joint ventures and group reorganisations. Martin Jinks heads the practice.