Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the North West in North West
Aaron & Partners LLP
Aaron & Partners LLP's workload includes equity and debt investments, corporate finance transactions, restructurings and sales and acquisitions. Stuart Scott-Goldstone, an expert in the technology, support services and renewable energy sectors, heads the department which also includes Jamie Hawley; his key strengths encompass join ventures and general company law issues, among other corporate matters. The firm is a member of the International Advisory Group and is active on a range of cross-border matters, including many which relate to the US. In a recent highlight, the team acted for the shareholders of Roadway Civil Engineering & Surfacing Ltd on its £13.5m sale to Breedon.
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Testimonials
‘From the initial engagement with the team at Aaron & Partners, I was confident that I was with the right legal firm. Communication was excellent, they ensured they had enough people to get the deal over the line, there was total clarity on what was expected in terms of information, what timescales this had to be returned and when. They went the extra mile from the beginning.’
‘Jamie Hawley was always available, at any time of day, he understood what was required commercially and worked seamlessly with the other professional teams of accountants and financiers. Lots of things happened behind the scenes without much involvement or input from me personally, working on my initial instructions pulling all aspects together. Where required they were very firm with the opposing team, but were also fair in conceding points where necessary for mutually gain. I would have no hesitation in recommending Aaron & Partners.’
Key clients
Invertek Drives Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of J29 Limited on the sale of the entire issued share capital of J29 Limited to Mabanaft Limited.
- Advising shareholders of Invertek Drives on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company to Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd, a global corporation listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Forbes Solicitors
The ‘comprehensive, friendly and knowledgeable’ team at Forbes Solicitors is acclaimed for its ‘excellent levels of service’. Among the group's core areas of expertise are corporate transactions, complex restructuring, contractual matters and demergers. Jointly headed by the ‘always accessible’ Pauline Rigby and the ‘outstanding’ John Pickervance, the practice is active in a large number of industries, namely manufacturing and engineering, construction, leisure and hospitality. The high street healthcare sector is also a key industry sector for the team, with Nick Pickup recently acting for HO2 Management on an excess of 40 acquisitions valued at approximately £30m. Pickup and Pickervance both recently made partner.
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Testimonials
‘Forbes are a business that we have used for around four years for advice on terms & conditions. They have excellent knowledge of this area and once they grasped our specific involvement in certain areas of the various industry sectors, they quickly became a source that we could rely on.’
‘John Pickervance is someone that I would recommend without hesitation. He is fully contactable and goes the extra mile to assist me whenever I need him and sometimes this is very much at the drop of a phone. He is a very professional and reliable source.’
‘John Pickervance was able to absorb himself and understand our business and our processes very quickly. His ability to work at the highest level with other enterprise legal adversaries has ensured that, even as a small business, we are able to compete with much larger competitors to offer solutions to our clients.’
‘John Pickervance has been outstanding. His efficiency and responsiveness have never delayed any contract negotiations and his pragmatic approach has ensured that our legal expenses have always been of value.’
‘Excellent levels of service.’
‘I have dealt with John Pickervance on a number of projects over several years. I have found John to be personable and attentive in protecting our interests whilst being pragmatic to helping us achieve a win/win situation with our client’s
‘They offer a comprehensive, friendly and knowledgeable service, where clarity is king. They operate as a team – not as disparate individuals – and I feel a sense of security from that.’
Key clients
Kepak
WEC Group
MTL Advanced
HO2 Management
Burnley Football Club
C.G. Turnbull Holdings
Mattioli Woods
Seed Property Investments
FRP Advisory
Lifting Gear UK
Seneca Bridging
Second Chance
StaffSafe
Alphatek Hyperformance Coatings
Freight Link Solutions
Heathcotes Catering
Ronald Britton
Colorlord
Ribby Hall Village
Croud Inc.
BeMo Tunnelling UK
Lucchini Unipart Rail
Storm Property
Country Range Group
Keep Britain Tidy
Work highlights
- Advised Blackburn-based entertainment services specialist HSL Group Holdings Limited over the sale of its business to 4Wall Entertainment Inc.
- Acting for Heathcotes as it worked alongside Bolton Council in developing a new solution for providing hospitality in Albert Halls, Bolton involving the provision of concessions and the running of a restaurant.
- Advised LBT Holdings Limited over the sale of Bolton-based LBT Brick and Facades Limited to Brickability UK Holdings Limited.
Gorvins Solicitors
Home to a ‘tight team with great communication’, Gorvins Solicitors is active on M&A, disposals, MBOs, MBIs, private equity and corporate transactions. Practice head Andrew Curwen also has knowledge of venture capital and debt finance and recently acted for Valour Finance on its £20m structured finance investment from Cairn Capital. Christian Mancier provided support on the matter and is hailed for his ‘excellent guidance’. Additional expertise includes outsourcing, supply and purchasing agreements and distribution and agency agreements, while key sectors encompass media & publishing, market research, finance, construction and healthcare.
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Testimonials
‘It was clear from the outset that this was a tight team with great inter-team communication. I always felt confident that whichever member of the team that I spoke to. They were fully briefed on all aspects of the transaction.
‘Christian Mancier provided excellent guidance and support – I have already recommended Gorvins and Christian in particular to another business undergoing a share sale.’
Key clients
Valour Finance Group Plc
Avonside Group Services Limited
Williams Motor Group
Mondiale Publishing Limited
CGA Strategy Limited
Alan Howard (Stockport) Limited
Proseal UK Limited
Richer Sounds Plc
Rowlinson Group Limited
e-Foods Limited
Tandom Metallurgical Group Limited
John Munroe Group Limited
GPC Computer Software Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for CGA Strategy Limited on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of CPL Training Group Limited, one of the largest providers of personal licence training to the hospitality industry in the UK.
- Acted for Mondiale Hospitality Holdings LLP on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Imagine FM Limited, a local radio station broadcasting in the Stockport/Greater Manchester area, to Like Holdings Limited and Helius Media as a joint venture purchaser.
- Acted for Avonside Group on the acquisition of share capital of White Plumbing Services Limited.
Myerson Solicitors LLP
Clients recommend Myerson Solicitors LLP for its ‘proactive approach’, ‘diverse range of skills’ and ‘excellent response times’. Home to extensive sector expertise, the team is active in the manufacturing, property, charities, franchising, technology, creative and media, private wealth and charity sectors where it handles a range of corporate matters including M&A, equity investments, restructurings, corporate finance, sales, share options and joint ventures. The 'technically very good' Mohammed Akeel Latif leads the department which includes Andrew Brown, reputed for ‘investing significant time in maintaining key relationships’. Terry Moore is an 'up and coming star'.
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Testimonials
‘What sets Myersons apart is the depth of their team together with the proactive approach to work origination that they take.’
‘Andrew Brown is a proactive partner within the corporate team. He invests significant time in maintaining key relationships with clients and fellow professionals to the benefit of all concerned.’
‘They are easy to contact and give speedy and reliable advice, also the explain things clearly.’
‘Myersons incorporate a diverse range of skills.’
‘I found that they provided advice that can be trusted.’
‘The response time is excellent, the solutions that they have brought our business have been simple and practical and not tied up in legal jargon. What makes them stand out is that they as a team treat all businesses with the same level of respect and professionalism regardless of size of business and level of instructions.’
‘Scott Sands is approachable but professional, providing excellent advice and support while also being very human. Carla Murray assisted immensely this year with a GDPR issue and provided a straightforward solution.’
‘The team gives a practical effective approach to delivering for the client. Can be robust in negotiation, but provide elegant solutions to commercial issues.’
‘Andrew Brown is a capable individual that ensures his clients needs are met and goes the extra mile to get commercial transactions over the line. He works with his team to deliver complex restructures on time and in budget.’
‘The firm has a large corporate team, and yet it is still small enough to be able to forge relationships with most of the team members. This is essential for repeat client work where previous knowledge is essential to avoid wasting time and costs. I have used them for several transactions and always found them to be willing and able..’
‘Mohammed Akeel Latif is personable, available, and technically very good.’
‘Terry Moore is an up and coming star. He is reliable, quick on his feet, commercial and extremely capable.’
Key clients
CDL Group Limited
Pozzoni Architecture
Customs Connect
Fairhome Group PLC
Evans Textiles
Styles & Wood
Starkey
Minton Morrill
Solicitors
Associated Security
Joseph Holt
Stax Trade Centres
Napthens LLP
The team at Napthens LLP, which is recommended for its ‘understanding of its client’s business’, includes Keith Melling, who has notable experience in representing clients from the healthcare, motor retail, transport, manufacturing and financial services sectors, and Gareth McIntegart, who leverages strong expertise in acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, group reorganisations and private equity. At the junior end, senior associate David Carr assists high-net-worth individuals on setting up family investment companies. Jon Esner leads the team alongside Melling; he oversees the specialist commercial contracts department.
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Testimonials
‘I would definitely recommend Napthens to others. We have worked with them over five years and have developed a good working relationship with them. They have a good understanding of our business and provide us with sound advice.’
‘I have had the pleasure of working with Jon Esner for a number of years and the commercial legal advice we receive from him is always timely, helpful and if necessary communicated in such a way that non-lawyers can understand it.’
‘Napthens are very helpful and respond quickly to communications.’
Key clients
Ludlow Wealth Management Group
Bethell Group of Companies
Next Generation Travel Group of Companies
Joloda Group of Companies
Smith Equipment Hire Group
MDS Healthcare Group
Lattimer Group
Danbro Group
University of Central Lancashire
Addison Engineering
Inspired Energy PLC
The Barkby Group
Wireless Social Group Ltd
Abbey Logistics
Westmorland Limited
Diamond Resorts (Europe) Limited
Presspart Manufacturing Limited
HY Hotels Limited
Morecambe Bay Partnership
Insiris Limited
Wyndham Destinations Inc
RCI Europe
Hope Technology (IPCO) Limited
Plumbs Limited
Alufold Direct Limited
Albert Harrison & Co Limited
Vivoplex Group Limited
Heritage Great Britain plc
EH Booth & Co Limited
Phoenix Safe Company Limited
Suresite Card Services Limited
Havwoods Limited
Clearwater Consultancy Ltd
Industria Systems UK Limited
MK Illuminations UK
Work highlights
- Acted for client Double Dutch Hotels Ltd on the acquisition of the business and assets of the high-profile, family owned Barton Grange Hotel.
- Acting for the Surestore portfolio of companies on the sale of part of their portfolio of self-storage facilities in Cannock, Northwich and Bolton to Legal and General.
- Acting for Ecovnor Limited on the sale of the issued share capital of The Celtic Entertainment Centre Limited, owner of The Celtic Royal Hotel based in Caernarfon, North Wales.
SAS Daniels LLP
SAS Daniels LLP's team has strong corporate transactional experience, with a focus on M&A, demergers, sales and joint ventures. Headed by Jeremy Orrell, the group recently acted for Challenge Recruitment Group in relation to its acquisition of TRG Logistics, with work including the preparation and negotiation of the share purchase documentation. Distinguishing features of the group include is its expertise in the music industry along with its history of acting for SMEs and entrepreneurs. It is also well-equipped to advise on operational requirements.
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Key clients
Pentre Group Holdings Limited
Medical Air Technology Limited
Beech Developments (NW) Limited
The Challenge Group
High Court Enforcement Group Limited
TFLI Limited
Louver-Lite Limited
Fayrefield Foods Limited
Premier Care Limited
Rowlinson Knitwear Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Challenge Recruitment Group Limited, a haulage and logistics recruitment company with a £120m turnover, on the acquisition TRG Logistics Limited.
- Acted for the shareholders of Labels Plus Limited on its sale to Integrity Print Limited.
- Acted for the shareholders of G & M Goold (Independent Funeral Directors) Limited on its sale to Funeral Partners Limited.
Butcher & Barlow LLP
Butcher & Barlow LLP can be relied upon ‘for a wide range of legal matters’ including share transactions, commercial agreements, reviews of company structures, high-value transactions and asset sales and purchases. Justin Kelly, acclaimed as ‘truly professional with great knowledge’, provides experience in acting for clients from industries such as construction, car hypermarkets, plastics and healthcare; he recently replaced Jonathan Aldersley as practice head.
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Testimonials
‘Wide range of legal matters can be catered for. Company buyouts, litigation, disputes, employment & HR.’
‘I found dealing with Jonathan Aldersley regarding a partner buyout, easy and straightforward, with easy explanations in layman terms.’
‘I have worked Butcher Barlow for 20 years on a business and personal level. They cover every aspect of law. One-stop shop & excellent at what they provide from advice to costing. I have always felt secure with them. I trust them with my life and I don’t say that lightly.’
‘Justin Kelly has always supported me through tough times in my business career. He is down to earth, speaks my language although extremely professional.’
‘Justin Kelly was the partner who conducted my deal. Prior to this I did not know him, but right from the start his approach was totally professional, with a great knowledge of the key issue involved in the deal.’
Key clients
Joseph Holt
Higham & Higham
Glashen Services
Aeroco Group Limited
Alextra Accountants
Work highlights
- Advised Murray and Kennedy on the high-value sale of entire issued share capital in a construction company,
- Advised Alextra Group in relation to its acquisition of an accountancy practice.
- Acting on behalf of 20 sellers in relation to the sale of a property company with need for security over the land to protect loan notes and deferred consideration.
DTM Legal LLP
At DTM Legal LLP, the team is routinely engaged for M&A, demergers, corporate restructures and commercial contract matters. In addition, the practice's workload includes an increasing number of employee incentive and private equity matters, while advice on constitutions and governance is another front on which the group is active. Practice head Edward Barnes is also well-versed in joint ventures, branding, corporate finance and strategic planning matters; his team demonstrates a history of supporting start-ups from inception through to sale and owner exit.
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Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge, always approachable, plain speaking and, most importantly, apply commercial reality to their work.’
‘Our experience with this firm is that they are very proactive, quick to respond to urgent requests when made and provide us with the information we need. The firm are responsive and provide us with a tremendous level of support – they provide us with first class advice in a timely way, explaining the detail with flair and clarity. The firm are commercial and sensible in their approach while providing practical and realistic solutions. We feel that this is a true partnership, and that DTM understand our company very well.’
‘The team is down to earth and communicates and advises in plain English and in layman’s terms. They are warm and friendly and respond to all forms of communication efficiently and promptly.’
‘The team at DTM Legal offer an exceptional service to their clients. They genuinely understand the business needs of their clients. This allows them to entirely engage in the legal analysis of the complicated areas of law whilst always having commercial realities at the forefront of their minds.’
‘DTM cut through to the issues at the core of a situation and amend their scope accordingly. The processing of working through a project with them is concise and targeted, which I’ve found to be rare amongst legal practices.They clearly know their stuff but they explain it in very accessible language, and show great patience with our slow understanding. They are proactive in spotting issues and rectifying them with only minimal time requirements on our side.’
‘There is a real sense of the importance of training and nurturing good young talent to ensure that they are retained.’
‘Ed Barnes always puts himself out to assist, irrespective of deadlines and work pressure, and covers all aspects of commercial and corporate work.
‘We deal mainly with Fredrica Reid and Ed Barnes and have found both to be utterly professional, incredibly approachable, supportive and detail oriented. Both are extremely knowledgeable and reliable, able to bring complicated contract law to life and willing to go the extra mile. Fredrica is always client friendly in her communications, plain speaking and incredibly easy to deal with.’
‘Ed Barnes is our main contact, but we’ve had the same excellent service from Fredrica Reid on his team. Ed is patient and direct, using straightforward language and taking pains to reassure us that most things are normal – and pointing out anything that is out of the ordinary. He suggests amends to make things more in our favour and gives us a likely path for discussions, with the expected destination made clear. ‘
Key clients
MoJo Holdings (formerly NWN Media Limited)
Village Bakery Group
Marine Specialised Technology Limited
Dee 106.3 Limited
Holiday Gems Limited
Rotex Europe Limited
SPI Global Play Limited
Betts Associates Limited
Business by Technology Limited
Pinacl Holdings Limited
Angel Solutions Limited
Clwydian Group Limited
TEO UK Packaging Limited
Clogau Gold of Wales Limited
Data Law Limited
D A Roberts Fuels Limited
Centegra Limited
Ellison Europe Limited
Evolution Costs Limited
The Marine and Property Group Ltd
Evoke Creative Limited
The Ice Cream Farm Ltd
Cheshire Farm Ice Cream Ltd
Callitech Limited (Moneypenny)
The Cygnet Group of Companies
Let Alliance Limited
Typhoo Limited
Tapestry (Partners) Limited
Calder Group Limited and Calder Industrial Materials Limited
PMD Leasing Limited
Apex Industries Limited
Burry Port Marina Limited
Boardlink Group Limited
BPD Holdings Limited
Lewis Reed (WAV) Limited
KMS (Europe) Limited
Charles Own & Company (COMFG Limited)
Rosler International Verwaltungs GmbH
Pointogic Holdings BV
Yimba Ltd
Peaty’s Ltd
RSK Orbital
Swishfund Ltd
Bikmo Limited
Paxton Medical Group
Williams Financial Planning
DriveWorks Limited
MCS
Kate McIver Skin Limited
Morris & Co (2011) Limited
Aviagen Turkeys Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for the shareholders of Village Bakery Group on a complex restructure and demerger.
- Acting for the sole shareholder of Business By Technology Holding Ltd in the sale of the company to Corona Corporate Group Limited.
- Advising Swishfund Ltd on its funding arrangements.
Farleys Solicitors LLP
Praised for its ‘extremely approachable and client-friendly staff’, Farleys Solicitors LLP handles sales and purchases, corporate restructures and demergers for SMEs in a broad array of sectors. The practice, which is led by the ‘pragmatics and diligent’ Debbie King, also specialises in joint ventures, mergers, investments and corporate finance. A distinguishing feature of the team is its ‘Evolve’ service, created to support up-and-coming businesses by offering a free initial legal consultation and discounted fixed-fee services to start-ups.
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Testimonials
‘Extremely approachable and client-friendly staff. Generally quick to respond when needed.’
‘Debbie King is pragmatic and diligent – she is an excellent SME adviser. Ian Liddle is extremely efficient, with a can-do approach.’
Hillyer McKeown LLP
Hillyer McKeown LLP focuses on representing OMB and SME clients, demonstrating expert knowledge of sectors including technology, childcare, storage and finance sectors. The ‘very practical and experienced’ practice is led by Anne Scheland and is relied upon for M&A, joint venture private equity and corporate governance matters. Additional breadth of expertise is evident through its commercial contracts expertise with the team regularly acting on agency, distributional, manufacturing, shareholder and franchising agreements in addition to supply contracts. Robin Gill is a new arrival from Storrar Cowdry and has impressed clients with his 'first class' service.
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Testimonials
‘A very practical and experienced commercial practice.’
‘Robin Gill is a very experienced, first class corporate lawyer.’
Key clients
EA Technology Limited
ANSA Environmental Services Limited
Solutions Asset Finance Limited
Uren Food Group
AF Global Limited
Roberts Manufacturing Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for founder Richard Day in connection with the sale of the entire issued share capital of English In Chester Limited to The English Language Centre Limited, a regional specialist in the private TEFL sector.
- Handling the sale by Dewi and Amanda Roberts (founders) of the entire issued share capital of G.T. Roberts & Son Limited to APK Construction Services (UK) Limited, a Cumbria-based specialist in the construction sector.
- Acting on the sale of the business and assets (comprising a 50,000 sq. ft. Liverpool depot) of Rent-a-Space to Armadillo Self Storage Limited, part of the Big Yellow Group.
Jolliffe & Co LLP
Led by the ‘great experience and energy’ of Simon Williams, Jolliffe & Co LLP provides its clients with a ‘pleasant and straightforward service’. The team is active on both the transactional and non-transactional fronts, handling M&A, reorganisations, joint ventures, franchise work and private equity matters in addition to shareholder agreements and a wealth of other commercial contract issues. The team notably supports Chester Zoo on the full range of commercial and corporate issues, and counts the waste management, IT and charity industries among its key areas of focus.
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Testimonials
‘A partner-led and joined-up team. Clients feel that the whole team has got their backs in every transaction.’
‘Simon Williams. Great experience and energy. Always gives the client confidence that obstacles can be overcome.’
‘Jolliffe are a very proactive legal practice and have become our first port of call for all legal matters. We have always received a pleasant straight forward service with straight forward answers and communication.’
‘Jolliffes has a refreshingly simple approach and a can-do attitude. They are particularly good at explaining why on requests from the other side of the transaction. Local and cost-effective; I value what they do and how they go about doing it.’
‘For me the key contact is Simon Williams who is incredibly hardworking and customer-centric.’
Key clients
Chester Zoo (the North of England Zoological Society)
HIAB Limited
Challenger Mobile Communications Holdings Limited
Isringhausen (GB) Limited
Datascope Systems Limited
The Armstrong Partnership Limited
Innovative Scaffold Services Limited
Dare & Dare Limited
The 1885 Sporting Village Limited
Wok & Go Franchise UK Limited
KTSL Limited
Brenig Construction Limited
La-Z-Boy UK Limited
Socialsignin Limited
Roleam Limited
Flutterlab Ltd
AST Plastic Containers UK LLP
Lever Holdings Ltd
Precision Facades Ltd
Fine Shooting Accessories Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised on the restructuring of the Challenger Mobile Communications group and a subsequent MBO in respect of the group.
- Responsible for all ongoing UK and international franchise work on behalf of the Wok & Go group, as well as general commercial matters including group restructuring, investments, joint ventures, and intellectual property work.
- Acted for Lever Holdings on the MBO of SP Projects Ltd, an independent property and management consultancy business based in North Wales.
Baines Wilson LLP
Though active on a number of fronts, the team at Baines Wilson LLP has a particular focus on corporate acquisitions and disposals. Andrew Hill heads the department with a proven track record in initial and secondary issues, takeovers, private equity and venture capital transactions, reorganisations and joint ventures. Jennifer Bell recently joined from CG Professional; she arrives with specialist expertise of the transport and logistics sectors.
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Key clients
WCF Ltd
Lloyd Motor Group
Cumberland Building Society
Svenska Handelsbanken
Penrith Farmers’ & Kidd’s plc
James Brearley & Sones Limited
Butterfly Group Healthcare Limited
EcoRenew Group
A W Jenkinson Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for WCF Ltd on the purchase of Herding Hill camp site.
- Acting on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Solid Roots Limited to WCT 2019 Limited.
Brabners LLP
The ‘extremely professional and approachable’ Brabners LLP team is overseen by the ‘brilliant’ and ‘very knowledgeable’ Nicola Whittle alongside Richard Hough. Mid-market specialism is the keystone of the practice, which represents entrepreneurs, private and family businesses, SMEs and OMBs on the full range of commercial and corporate services. Examples include M&A, private equity, group reorganisations, insolvency and commercial contracts.
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Testimonials
‘I’ve utilised the services of a number of legal firms but support I’ve received from Brabners and Nicola Whittle in particular has always been excellent and extremely responsive.’
‘My main support has been from Nicola Whittle, who shows great compassion for difficult situations but then guides you through what you need to come to a suitable conclusion. Nicola is very personable and shows true compassion when needed. She is very responsive and seems to resolve contractual matters quickly but with great thoroughness.’
‘I have always found the team at Brabners to be extremely professional and approachable.’
‘Nicola Whittle is just brilliant! Very knowledgeable but is able to explain matters in a very simple way which clients prefer. Nicola always responds quickly when contacted and that, in itself, is valued and I find her very commercially minded and always looking out for referral and new business opportunities.’
‘Very responsive and client-focused service with practical and realistic advice that support our business objectives.’
Key clients
Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group
Eventura Limited
Stanmore Group Limited
Jonple Group Limited
Bravura Foods Limited
Daletech Holdings Limited
CSK Electrical Holdings Limited
Bowland Foods Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the management buyout of P.E. Systems Limited.
- Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group, longstanding clients of the firm, instructed the team on a number of corporate transactions.
- Advising Eventura Limited on all corporate and commercial matters.
KBL Solicitors LLP
The practice at KBL Solicitors LLP is jointly helmed by Philip Stephenson, Jonathan Shorrock and Anneka Traynor. The team works with both individuals and companies on share issues, management restructuring and business structures. Corporate transactions, sales and mergers, commercial contracts, shareholder duties and restructurings are also regularly handled, and the team has niche expertise in relation to the representation of golf clubs.
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Testimonials
‘I engaged KBL to assist in a rather complex share purchase agreement. Phil Stephenson dealt with the matter throughout and I was extremely pleased with his performance. He was able to cut to the chase, dealing expeditiously with the matter. The distinguishing feature between Phil and the solicitors previously engaged was his ability to take instructions from me and accordingly it progressed to completion and on budget.’
Slater Heelis
Slater Heelis is geared towards lower mid-market M&A transactions with the team particularly well-versed at matters in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Simon Wallwork leads the practice, which prides itself on its representation of entrepreneurial clients, having acted for numerous early-stage clients from funding rounds through to eventual exits. Other expertise encompasses business-to-business and business-to-consumer contracts, franchise agreements, corporate governance and group reorganisations. Former partner Katharine Mellor has now taken up a consultancy role.
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Key clients
Ruth Lee Limited
FCMS (NW) Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for a Project Orca, a Belgian company with a Dutch private equity investment. The clients acquired the whole of the issued share capital of Joint the Dots Holdings Ltd and its various subsidiaries.
FDR Law
FDR Law is reputed for its ‘timely service and practical advice'. Led by the ‘exceptionally bright’ Margaret Evans, the team is active in wide range of industries including manufacturing, medical, sports, development, retail and leisure, as well as the public sector. The team's workload ranges from sales and purchases, joint ventures and demergers through to commercial contracts, finance and company restructurings.
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Testimonials
‘The practice is unique because it has been long established in Warrington and many of the partners have extensive experience.’
‘Stephen Poyner has resolved many issues for my company over the years and his long experience has proved to be invaluable to our development.’
‘The team at FDR react in a timely manner with practical advice clearly expressed. They are approachable and adapt readily to client needs. It is a small team with Margaret Evans at the head and she ensures that all team members adhere to her demands for client care in all respects.’
‘Margaret Evans as head of the team is an exceptionally bright individual. She has the ability to quickly grasp the needs of the client and to proffer practical advice. She is most approachable with an easy manner and has the ability to give the client confidence that they are in safe and competent hands.’
‘I have always found the team to be flexible; they have a structure that is dynamic across all disciplines allowing you to have one corporate law firm cover all areas you need – this in turn allows them to understand your overall family and objectives.’
‘Stephen Ponyer guided us through what we needed to know; he delivered a great service.’
‘Charles Agar is very knowledgeable about commercial matters, makes sure we get contracts across the line and will go the extra mile when timelines are tight.
Key clients
ATG Airports Ltd
Beck Developments Limited
Beck Homes (NW) Limited
Bravo Inns Limited
Bravo Inns II Limited
Edsential Community Interest Company
HyProMag Ltd
Moorfield Nanotechnology Limited
Network Space Limited
Network Space Developments Limited
Network Space Management Limited
Parkin S Booth & Co
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Terraconsult Limited
United Utilities Property Services Limited
Warrington & Vale Royal College
Warrington Borough Council
West Lancashire Borough Council
Work highlights
- Acting on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Bravo Inns to NewRiver REIT PLC, comprising a portfolio of 43 public houses at a purchase price of £17.9m.
- Acting on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Moorfield Nanotechnology Ltd to Quorum Technologies Limited for a value of £2.3m.
- Acted on behalf of HyProMag in advising on and negotiating the restructure required to secure an investment by Maginito Limited.
Fielden Marshall Glover Strutt
Fielden Marshall Glover Strutt has core strengths in M&A, reorganisations, joint ventures and other investment structuring and shareholder agreements, as well as the formation of private limited and unlisted public companies, partnerships and LLPs.
Harrison Drury & Co
The team at Harrison Drury & Co, which is led by the ‘exceptional’ David Filmer, is particularly active in the manufacturing, sports and entertainment sectors, and is regularly entrusted for M&A, joint ventures and company formations. It is also experienced in corporate governance, shareholder agreements and management buyouts.
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Testimonials
‘They explain technical legal language so it is easily understood. Very helpful when you are dealing with an issue for the first time.’
‘All people dealing with the company have gone the extra mile, whether that’s out of hours contact or just being available – both David Filmer and Kerry Southworth were exceptional.’
Key clients
Montagu Events Limited, t/a XYZ
11 Degrees Limited
R&G Acquisitions Limited
Barton Grange Group Limited
Tangerine Group Limited
Graeme Macleod Property Limited
AFC Fylde (official legal partner)
Dexine Leyland Rubber Technology Limited
Work highlights
- Advising on various high profile sports and entertainment sponsorship contracts with leading individuals in their fields on behalf of 11 Degrees Limited, including Ben Stokes, Jorge Lorenzo, Raquel Rakitic and Luis Fonsi.
- Advised on R&G Acquisitions’ multi-million pound acquisition strategy as part of their concerted growth.
- Advised on a multi-million complex demerger of three key revenue streams to assist with Tangerine Group Limited’s diversification and asset protection.
MLP Law LLP
MLP Law LLP is home to a team of ‘knowledgeable, proactive and professional lawyers’. Stephen Attree is a specialist in commercial, family business and M&A matters; he ‘leads team by example’ and is noted for his ‘understanding of the challenges facing a small business’. Other areas of expertise include asset and share sales, due diligence and shareholder agreements, equipment leasing and asset finance. Particular focus is directed towards the hospitality and catering, technology, engineering and healthcare sectors.
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Testimonials
‘Their advice is trusted and solid; they have a commercial understanding of our business requirements.’
‘MLP provide a number of legal services for my business and also on a personal level. They would say they are a city law firm without the city prices; we say they are way better than a city law firm and without the city prices. The team are always available, offer unbiased technical advice which is articulated in a manner that allows me our my team to make the best decisions for our business.’
‘The corporate and commercial team is led by Stephen Attree, who understands acutely the difficulties and challenges of running a small business from his own personal experience. Stephen has helped us with M&A, shareholder agreements and even with our exit strategy.’
‘This is a hands-on service which makes you feel they are part of your team. Their turnaround time is very quick on queries and they’re always available for a call.’
‘The team are friendly approachable and always ready to offer advice and help, they are also happy to be supportive and enable me to talk through issues to find the best way forward. As a team they are very knowledgeable, proactive and professional.’
‘We have used MLP for many years now and the reason we have remained with them is the quality of help and support they give our business. We are an international company and MLP are a business partner in the UK. They accommodate our business needs, even working around the time differences. The level of service and willingness to help is exceptional and for further support they provide training sessions for our business managers.’
‘MLP Law is a standout law firm, due to the pragmatic advice it provides across all service areas. You know that the team understand the law and legal situation inside out, but how they choose to give advice and options, which are appropriate to the size of our business and the situation we are in, is second to none.’
Stephen Attree leads his team by example. Notwithstanding the ethos of pragmatic advice, which Stephen clearly leads on, he also is very responsive and sets out a clear set of next steps and timeline in his correspondence.’
Key clients
GTD Healthcare Limited
Sim Trava Group
Travelogix Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Travelogix Limited on a management buyout from GWS, the exiting shareholder, listed on the Swedish stock exchange.
- Advised GTD Healthcare on a complex group reorganisation within the regulated sector liaising with NHSE in-house lawyers merging GP and client Primary Care providers.