The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > East Midlands > Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby

Leveraging its large corporate finance team and network of offices throughout the UK, Browne Jacobson LLP 's 'experienced and commercial' team frequently advises international and domestic companies on acquisitions and disposals, and also acts for private equity firms on their investments and buy-outs. The team is also well-equipped to assist companies with restructurings, governance arrangements, GDPR compliance, IP contracts and a whole range of other commercial matters. In a recent highlight, Gavin Cummings, who specialises in buy-outs and international M&A, advised Bridge Farm Group on its sale to Sundial, a publicly listed Canadian company. Richard Cox focuses predominantly on corporate transactions with a cross-border element. Nigel Blackwell and Mark Hughes have a wealth of experience of private equity investments, including buy-outs, acquisitions and disposals. Paula Dumbill handles commercial agreements for large domestic and international clients, in addition to assisting public and private sector clients with major outsourcing projects. Commercial lawyer Selina Hinchcliffe specialises in IP licensing.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's Nottingham team regularly acts for clients in private equity and capital markets transactions, in addition to M&A and other corporate deals. Jon Cox-Brown specialises in advising financial services companies on major acquisitions and disposals. In one such recent matter, he advised Pembroke Investments Limited on its sale to Prepaid Financial Services for £281m. Ian Moore undertakes a mix of domestic and cross-border M&A, as well as private equity transactions, and has particular expertise in the technology sector. Matthew Hussey, Tom Goff and Elizabeth Blackwell are also recommended.

Freeths LLP's corporate and commercial team has a wide range of sector specialisms, including logistics, energy, retail and hospitality. It acts for large domestic and international clients in major transactions, including M&A, de-mergers and equity investments. On the commercial side, the firm primarily advises companies on joint venture agreements, procurement and major strategic projects. Karl Jansen has a wealth of experience advising clients on transactions running the full gamut, with a particular focus on UK mid-market businesses.  In a recent highlight, corporate partner John Heaphy advised fintech client DivideBuy on securing a £60m equity and debt investment from Souter Investments and Shawbrook and Paragon. David Lane and associate Mallory Coxe are also recommended.

With sector specialisms in food, hospitality, technology and insurance, Shoosmiths LLP advises international and domestic companies, PE firms and VC investors on a broad scope of transactions, including M&A and fundraising. Crispin Bridges Webb has a wealth of experience acting for corporates and private equity houses in cross-border transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and inward investments. Principal associate Gareth Cook handles the full gamut of corporate transactions.

Austin Moore & Partners LLP's 'proactive and knowledgeable' team predominantly acts for selling shareholders and acquirers in a diverse range of industries, including renewable energy,  pharmaceuticals and insurance. Founding partner Austin Moore has over 30 years of experience handling corporate transactions in the East Midlands. Associate Laura de Banke, who specialises in M&A, has played a central role in some of the firm's major recent highlights, including the sale of GEV Group Limited to Bridges Fund Management; this deal enabled the exit of previous funders Maven Capital.

Geldards LLP's 'truly exceptional' team, which is based in Nottingham and Derby, is particularly well-regarded in the motor retail, healthcare, railway and IT industries. The firm predominantly advises clients on private equity investments, domestic and international acquisitions and disposals, corporate governance and commercial agreements. Michelle Craven-Faulkner has a wealth of experience negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, with particular strength in rail and renewable energy projects. Debra Martin is often instructed by companies in private equity transactions. Jamie Goldberg is sought after by clients in the sports industry, including well-known athletes, requiring assistance with commercial agreements. Associate Sarah Bailey is recommended for her expertise in corporate deals. Andrew Borkowski and David Tilly are other notable individuals.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited's varied client roster includes SMEs, owner-managed businesses and Plcs. It handles a high volume of sales and acquisitions across a wide range of different industries. Derby team lead David Kaplan acts for clients such as large aerospace businesses and small-medium healthcare operators in corporate transactions. Nottingham-based partner Harpreet Sandhu advises clients on all types of commercial agreements and risk assessments. The 'exceptionally supportive' Duncan Taylor (who is also based in Nottingham) had a very active year in 2019, completing over 14 transactions.

With a clear focus on the healthcare, life sciences and logistics industries, Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises clients on sales, acquisitions, and a broad range of commercial agreements. The firm has particularly strong expertise assisting clients with IP agreements and enforcement proceedings. Duncan James advises regional entrepreneurs and growing businesses on M&A, structuring and succession issues. Ed Wright is known for advising a diverse range of clients, including businesses and universities, on all areas of IP. Roger Harcourt leads the firm's dedicated healthcare group.