Corporate and commercial: Liverpool in North West

Brabners LLP

Noted for its focus on mid-market work, the team at Brabners LLP is well-versed in all manner of corporate work including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, group reorganisations, insolvency and employee ownership transitions. On the commercial side, contracts, e-commerce and data protection matters are all key workflows. Corporate lawyer Mark Rathbone co-heads the practice alongside healthcare regulatory specialist Richard Hough, who advises on outsourcing and franchising matters. Nicola Lomas acts for NHS and private dental practices, while Colin Bell regularly deals with IP matters. Other names to note include David Maples, who advises charities and social enterprises on governance and constitutional issues; Victoria Trigwell, well-versed in issues relating to IT services agreements, agency and distribution; and Daniel Hayhurst, who focuses on transactional matters.

Practice head(s):

Richard Hough; Mark Rathbone


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Lomas; Colin Bell; David Maples; Victoria Trigwell; Andrew O’Mahony; Daniel Hayhurst


Testimonials

‘In an age where firms are keen to funnel you through their internal processes, Brabners have found a way to still deliver expert advice but in a highly personal way. The corporate and commercial team cut to the chase and write in plain English.’

‘Daniel Hayhurst is a bright spark who is always on. His knowledge of corporate is immense.’

‘Andrew O’Mahony is very experienced and calm regardless of the amount of pressure on the table.’

Key clients

Human Recognition Systems (HRS)


Peel Ports Group


Yodel Delivery Network


Parcel2Go


Proact International Limited


Henry Bath & Son Limited


Medtrade Products Ltd


James Hall & Company Ltd (SPAR)


Parasol Ltd


Commonwealth Games Federation


Group Tyre UK Ltd


NWF Group plc


Open Outdoor Media Ltd


Cityheart Ltd


Innox Trading Ltd


GoJoe App Limited


Sinara Consultants Limited


Shaw Trust Ltd


Veka Plc


Chartersync Ltd


Neuven Solutions Limited


Travel Counsellors Limited


Lucid Games Ltd


Commonwealth Games Federation


Suez Advanced Solutions UK Limited


Peel Ports Ltd


Corgi Services Ltd


Biograd Limited


Cobalt Housing


Nanosun Ltd


Oneday Ltd


Vascular Perspectives


Terminal Investment Limited Sarl


Atlas Copco Limited


NW Risk Solutions Ltd


River Capital


Mercia Asset Management


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of CRP Subsea Holdings Ltd on their sale to Advanced Innergy Solutions.
  • Acted for the Commonwealth Games Federation on a number of matters including their relationship with a sports marketing and entertainment agency.

DLA Piper UK LLP

DLA Piper UK LLP acts for a wide range of domestic and multinational corporate clients, including leading consumer goods companies, agricultural producers, and manufacturers. James Kerrigan focuses on M&A and private equity investments, with demonstrable experience across the manufacturing, technology and media sectors. He leads the practice with commercial expert Sarah Bell, who is well-versed in outsourcing and partnering arrangements. Peter Brook handles outsourcing and collaboration agreements, while Paddy Dwyer advises on franchising and supply models for clients in the public sector.

Practice head(s):

James Kerrigan; Sarah Bell


Other key lawyers:

Peter Brook; Paddy Dwyer


Testimonials

‘I’ve found this practice unique in its approach to clients. Very open and clear, breaking down legalese to layman’s terms, and always making clear what is required when decisions are to be made over risk and interpretation of the contracts. Available and flexible with respect to our needs.’

‘Paddy Dwyer’s calm, highly informed, and open manner has been a huge asset when dealing with contracts that have been contentious and related to sensitive government projects. Very solution-focused and pragmatic about risks, clarifying impact around indemnity, liability and insurance in particular.’

‘Highly adept at drafting, negotiating and resolving disputes. Able to adapt their style and explain in a variety of ways that suits the range of commercial and legal knowledge.’

‘Sarah Bell and Paddy Dwyer are excellent communicators who can tailor their styles and very much have become part of our team.’

‘The DLA Piper Team has strength in depth; able to provide expert/skills on the multitude of topics as/when appropriate. DLA Piper are very mindful of meeting the objective, and ensure that they are providing value for money. Very focused on applying the extensive experience of what works/hasn’t worked elsewhere.’

‘The DLA Piper team are highly skilled, but work collaboratively with a personal touch. Peter Brook and Sarah Bell stand out as partners who have a wealth of experience that they are able to apply, and are able to support and communicate complex legal issues to the team.’

Key clients

Arvato Group


Duracell


Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council


Liverpool Football Club


Suttons Group


UK Government


Unilever


Sciontec


The Contact Company


Elite Telecom plc


The Advanta Group Limited


Sonova UK Limited


Suttons Group Limited


Elan Homes Limited


Keoghs LLP


John Laing Investments Limited


Elite Telecom plc


Work highlights


  • Advised on many complex and key commercial contracts for the UK government.
  • Advised Sonova on the acquisition of the entire issue share capital of FM Hearing Systems UK.

Hill Dickinson LLP

Hill Dickinson LLP is a key port of call for a broad roster of clients, from large private companies to start-ups, partnerships and private individuals. On the corporate side, the practice routinely handles mid-market private equity and cross-border work for local and international companies. Practice head Matt Noon focuses on M&A work covering share and asset acquisitions and disposals. Craig Scott specialises in private equity, acting for both funds and management teams, while Jonathan Brown is involved in the acquisition of airports, airlines, and distribution companies. Further names to note include Mike Jones and Sue Russell , who are both are well-versed in M&A transactions.

Practice head(s):

Matt Noon


Other key lawyers:

Craig Scott; Jonathan Brown; Mike Jones; Sue Russell


Testimonials

‘Significant senior attention and commercial approach.’

‘Craig Scott has a very commercial approach, cutting through to key issues for us as a client.’

Key clients

Fishawack Health Group


Tactus Holdings Limited


Challenge-TRG Group


Richard Baker Harrison Limited


Bromborough Paint & Building Supplies Limited


Downing Students


Broadway Partners Limited


DPRS Liverpool Limited


Barber Of Sheffield


Mercia Asset Management and Management Team


SF Parks Limited


Nkt Group A/S


Redde Northgate Plc


Jade Solutions Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Olympic swimming trio Becky Adlington, Steve Parry and Adrian Turner on the sale of 60 per cent of their business, Total Swimming Group, to JD Sports, in a deal worth up to £15m.
  • Advised Edward Billington and Son Limited (EBS) on its acquisition of 50 per cent of the shares in agricultural supplier Carrs Billington Agriculture from joint owner Carr’s Group plc.
  • Advised CRH plc on the English law aspects of the divestment by it of its Building Envelope business division to KPS Capital Partners, LP in a deal worth $3.8 billion.

DWF

The commercial team at DWF is noted for its retail sector acumen, acting for a robust portfolio of blue-chip clients, both domestic and international in scale. On the corporate front, the practice is particularly experienced in M&A, management buy-outs and shareholder matters. Corporate expert Liz Clark co-heads the team with Ben Cooke, who focuses on commercial issues within the consumer industry. Rachael Burke is well-versed in e-commerce and logistics, while Christine Williams frequently works on matters in the energy sector.

Practice head(s):

Ben Cooke; Liz Clark; Rachael Burke; Christine Williams


Testimonials

‘The corporate team have provided me with an excellent level of service over the years. They are transparent, approachable and manage my expectations well.’

‘One to one contact. Always display a can-do attitude.’

Key clients

ACC Liverpool


AS Watson


Aurelius Private Equity


Burton Biscuits


Electrolux


Elvie


Fieldway IPC


Homebase


Inflexion Private Equity Partners


JD Sports


KP Snacks


Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre


Liverpool John Moores University


Lloyds Development Capital


Marks & Spencer


Morrisons


Ocado Retail


Pact Coffee


PhD Industrial Holdings


Sciris Group


SGS Holdings UK


Sime Derby Oils Limited


Superbike Factory Group


Thriva Limited


Velcourt Group


Workdry International


Wynnstay Group Plc


Work highlights


  • Acted for LDC on its investment in Talos360, a provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions.
  • Advised Wynnstay Group Plc on its share acquisition of the Humphrey Feeds & Pullets.
  • Supported Homebase on a range of commercial contracts including concessions, logistics and IT.

O'Connors

O'Connors is known for its work in advising legal businesses, insurance companies and investment funds on a range of commercial, corporate and regulatory matters. David Malone assists corporate clients, particularly start-ups and early stage businesses, with group restructures, reorganisations and disposals. He co-heads the practice with Michael Ainsworth who has specialist knowledge of IT contracting and data protection work. Mark O’Connor is experienced in business structuring, M&A and corporate finance issues.

Practice head(s):

David Malone; Michael Ainsworth


Other key lawyers:

Mark O’Connor


Testimonials

‘The firm provides outstanding service with a personal touch . With O’Connors you are provided with an outstanding service at proportionate fees.’

‘David Malone and Mark O’Connor are highly competent, but with an understanding of what clients want.’

‘We get direct access to the same partners over a period of years who know our business and strategy so no repeating ourselves. Fees always fair for quality delivered. The firm is strong on advice as well as just producing the transactional documents.’

Key clients

MAPD


Express Solicitors


Azelis


DTM Legal LLP

DTM Legal LLP is well regarded for its expertise in various areas of corporate and commercial law including alternative funding organisations, banks, investment companies, insurance and wealth management firms. The team is well-versed in corporate restructuring, M&A, IP and employee incentives matters. Practice head Edward Barnes specialises in joint ventures, branding and IP matters. Other key team members include Philip Whitehurst, who focuses on private equity work.

Practice head(s):

Edward Barnes


Other key lawyers:

Philip Whitehurst


Testimonials

‘Very good, no-nonsense advice and real commitment to help. They do not waste time.’

‘Philip Whitehurst is outstanding. I have used the big firms over the last 30 years but have never had the level and quality of service that Phil provides. Really good practical and commercial advice and a desire to do what is best for us. The banks and other corporates who we deal with often have bigger firms representing them but we are never at a disadvantage.’

‘Excellent engagement and a personal feel to their approach.’

Key clients

Evoke Creative Limited


Esterform Packaging Limited


Safeguard Europe Limited


Vast Visibility Limited


Heap & Partners Limited


Marine Specialised Technology Limited


Typhoo Tea Limited


Karl Vella Group Limited


Future Moto Limited


Staffords Limited


79th Group Limited


Cream T Pickups Limited


Tarka Spring Limited


Soundtesting Limited


JSM Company Group Limited


Brand Box International Limited


Evolution Costs Limited


Lewis Reed (WAV) Limited


Smylie Limited


Whole House Ventilation Services Limited


Formwork Direct International Ltd


Ellesey and Company (Lancs) Limited


Atom Scientific Limited


Airship Images Limited


Maes Dolau Caravan Park Limited


Cambria Caravan Park Limited


Esterpet Limited


Hood Seating Limited


Two Mills Asset Management Limited


Clancy Consulting Limited


Wayne Austin IFA Limited


L51 Developments Limited


Daulby Read Limited


LimeSky Investment Partners Limited


Charles Owen Group


Proteus Facades Limited


Napthens LLP

Napthens LLP acts for a range of clients - including owner-managed businesses, family companies, management teams and institutional investors - on various venture capital and private equity matters. Joining from Weightmans LLP, Kieran Donovan leads the team with support from transactional lawyer Gareth McIntegart.

Practice head(s):

Kieran Donovan


Other key lawyers:

Gareth McIntegart


Testimonials

‘This is a tight and effective team, very practical and focused on the client’s objectives and getting the deal over the line, but protecting their client’s interests.’

‘Kieran Donovan is exceptionally able, practical and an effective communicator who combines expertise with experience.’

Key clients

Applied Nutrition Limited


Shaw Energi Limited


Joloda Hydraroll Limited


River Capital Management Limited


Darkhorse Design Limited


Elitetele.com


Heritage Great Britain


Abbey Logistics Group Limited


The Sovini Group


Liverpool Media Academy Limited


OBG Pharmaceuticals Limited


GBM Digital Technologies Limited


Krol Corlett Construction Group


Sutcliffe Engineers


Alpha Cars (Liverpool) Limited


NPIF NW Equity LP


Maven Capital Partners UK


YFM Equity Partners


DSG Chartered Accountants


BWM Chartered Accountants


Cucumber Recruitment Limited


Opus Utility Solutions Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised YFM Private Equity and the individual shareholders and management team led by group MD Kevin Still on the sale to US listed group CECO Environmental Corp.
  • Advised the management team of BIL Group on the MBO backed by PHD Industrial Holdings Limited.
  • Advised River Capital on its significant seven figure equity investment into fast growing North West fitness brand Built For Athletes.

Weightmans LLP

Weightmans LLP acts for a host of blue-chip corporate clients, who turn to the team for its experience in competition, data protection and information technology matters. Beyond these noted areas of expertise, the group’s broad offering encompasses private equity, M&A, and venture capital deals. Transactional lawyer Seray Kitchingman specialises in share and asset acquisitions. She co-heads the practice with Tom Trowhill, who handles data protection and intellectual property issues. Laurence Pritchard draws praise from clients for his commercial expertise, particularly in competition law. Corporate partner Gary Jones is also recommended. Michael Murphy made partner in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Seray Kitchingman; Tom Trowhill


Other key lawyers:

Laurence Pritchard; Gary Jones; Michael Murphy


Testimonials

‘Gary Jones has a very fine brain and good commercial awareness.’

What stood out was their ability to keep things incredibly simple. As well their response was quick and timely. And they were able to cover off the most important issues, showing an instant and smart understanding.

‘Laurence Pritchard made working with Weightmans so pleasant and seamless.’

Key clients

S. Norton & Co. Limited


TuffX Processed Glass Limited


George Roberts (North West) Limited


MD Insurance Group


Ventcroft Limited


River Capital


Foresight Group LLP


Edge Hill Health Centre


Bridge Road Medical Centre


Edge Hill Health Centre


Shawton


Goonhilly


NHS Blood and Transplant


George Roberts UK


Recruitment People


Marpol Security


Gravity Smart Campus


Meade King Robinson


Sonoco


Side UK Limited


Lotus Bakeries


Melitta


Peel Ports


Silverbean


HSS Hire Services Group


APCER Life Services


Northside Truck & Van Hire


Acromas Insurance Company Limited


Parlingo


Work highlights


  • Advised the Shareholders of MD Insurance Group in their sale to HSB Engineering Insurance Limited.
  • Advised the Shareholders of Ventcroft Limited in their sale to NKT.
  • Advised Side UK on a variety of voice talent and motion capture agreements with various actors in relation to a number of titles.