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The Legal 500 Hall of Fame Icon The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession. In the United Kingdon, the criteria for entry is to have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the elite leading lawyers for eight years. These partners are highlighted below and throughout the editorial.
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United Kingdom > North West > Finance > Law firm and leading lawyer rankings

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Banking and finance

Index of tables

  1. Banking and finance
  2. Leading individuals: Hall of Fame
  3. Leading individuals
  4. Next Generation Partners
  5. Rising stars

Next Generation Partners

  1. 1

Rising stars

  1. 1

Addleshaw Goddard offers in-depth experience across a range of banking and finance mandates. Corporate banking, leveraged finance, project finance, and real estate finance are key areas of expertise, and the team particularly stands out for its proficiency in asset-based lending and asset finance (equipment leasing and finance) instructions. With borrower and major lender clients, the team is active across transactions in the energy, finance, health, transport and retail and consumer sectors. Department head Martin O’Shea is a 'leading light for North West banking and finance'; Andrew Maskill heads the firm's asset finance practice; Simon Prendergast specialises in asset based lending and receivables financing; Richard Oman has a particular focus on corporate lending and leveraged acquisition finance matters; and Katie Ridehalgh specialises in real estate finance. Legal directors Caroline Gray and  Ben Edwards are also key figures.

Practice head(s):Martin O'Shea

Other key lawyers:Andrew Maskill; Simon Prendergast; Richard Oman; Katie Ridehalgh; Caroline Gray; Ben Edwards

Testimonials

Commercially strong

One of the best banking and finance practices in the region

The team demonstrates a commitment to client service and has a strong work ethic

The team has good attention to detail and clear recognition of commercial considerations that need to balance legal opinions in the 'real world'

Martin O’Shea is readily available, supportive and has built a capable and knowledgeable team around him

Ben Edwards is reliable, capable and highly experienced

The best adviser to leasing and asset finance providers in the sector by a considerable margin

Has a genuine understanding of the client's business and business needs, which makes the information provided relevant and timely

The individuals within the team have a high level of expertise in their particular areas and a high level of attention to detail

Katie Ridehalgh is exceptional

 

Key Clients

Allied London

JD Sports

Dechra Pharmaceuticals

Radius Payment Solutions

HSBC Group

Investec Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised The Hut Group on its $1bn funding requirement, provided by a total of 15 lenders, to enable further expansion.
  • Advised JD Sports Fashion and its subsidiaries on the refinance of its revolving credit facility with four banks, as part of its acquisition of US retailer Finish Line Inc.
  • Acted for Allied London on the financing of the redevelopment of Manchester's Grade-II listed London Road Fire Station.
  • Advised Dechra Pharmaceuticals on the provision of a £350m term loan facility to fund certain acquisitions by the group.
  • Instructed by Huws Gray and Inflexion on the acquisition of Ridgeons.

DLA Piper UK LLP stands out for its debt finance and asset based lending expertise, and it is experienced in alternative and complex debt structures. Real estate finance and large corporate transactions are a mainstay of the practice and it is adept at handling complex cross-border instructions. The team acts for numerous banks, borrowers, funds and sponsors. Department head Matthew Christmas  is 'exceptional' and the 'strong' Joseph Frew leads the asset based lending practice in the North West and co-heads the firm's national ABL team. Rebecca Williams handles asset finance matters, while senior associates Charles Weems, who regularly advises on alternative debt structures and Alastair Carruthers, who is experienced in ABL work, are also noted.

Practice head(s):Matthew Christmas

Other key lawyers:Joseph Frew; Charles Weems; Alastair Carruthers; Sidrah Arif; Rebecca Williams

Testimonials

The team delivers considered advice and a consistent service

It always does an excellent job

Matthew Christmas is outstanding and a real market leader

Charles Weems is a star of the future

Joseph Frew is excellent on ABL mandates

 

Key Clients

Booths

Five Guys

HSBC Bank and HSBC Global Trade and Receivables Finance and HSBC REF

Lloyds Bank

Matalan

NSG UK Co

Permira Debt Managers

Pemberton Capital

Royal Bank of Scotland plc and RBS Asset Based Lending and RBS REF

Santander UK

Tosca Debt Capital

Maslow Capital

Bibby Financial Services

Work highlights

  • Advised Five Guys on its private credit unitranche funding, from Goldman Sachs, to fund its continental expansion.
  • Acted for Tosca Debt Capital on its £25m funding to part fund the £42.5m public to private acquisition of Styles & Wood Group.
  • Represented Matalan on its 2018 refinancing.
  • Acted for Chess Telecom on its new syndicated facilities.
  • Advised Ardent Hire Solutions on the refinancing of its multi-bank ABL facilities.

Pinsent Masons LLP is active across real estate finance, corporate lending, acquisition finance, public sector lending, debt capital markets, asset based lending and education finance mandates. The team acts for a raft of major banks, public sector bodies, sponsors and borrowers on complex domestic and international transactions. Team head Matthew Morgan acts for lenders and borrowers on real estate finance, corporate finance and acquisition finance mandates, while Samantha Rollason is experienced in advising on the restructuring of UK and international real estate transactions and UK and overseas real estate funds, and Tim Fearn specialises in corporate finance, acquisition finance and asset based lending. Senior associate Sarah Jay and legal director Pippa Whitmore are also noted.

Practice head(s):Matthew Morgan

Other key lawyers:Samantha Rollason; Tim Fearn; Sarah Jay; Pippa Whitmore

Testimonials

Matthew Morgan is an exceptional lawyer, and he has vast experience and is very visible in the market

The team is adept at handling complex transactions

Tim Fearn is experienced across corporate finance, acquisition finance and asset based lending work

Samantha Rollason is brilliant

Sarah Jay is a star of the future

Key Clients

HSBC Bank

RBS

Select Property Group

Permira Debt Capital

Tyman plc

PJ Livesey Group

N M Rothschild & Sons

European Metal Recycling

Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank

Quint Group

Work highlights

  • Acted for Tyman plc on its £240m refinancing.
  • Advised Select Property Group on the £180m refinancing of three student accommodation schemes.
  • Advised a group of lenders on a £325m facility forPZ Cussons.
  • Advised agroup of lenders on the £150m refinancing of Johnson Service Group.
  • Acted for Permira Debt Capital on the refinancing of an acquisition facility.

Based across its Manchester and Liverpool offices, the team at Hill Dickinson LLP regularly handles corporate and property finance transactions, and acts on a number of asset based lending and private equity mandates. The team is instructed by a range of lender and borrower clients and has particular experience across the leisure, transportation, real estate, construction, retail and financial services sectors. Liverpool-based banking and finance head Richard Capper is a 'fantastic lawyer', while Alasdair Mackinnon heads the banking practice in Manchester, where Chris Johnston, who heads the property finance team, is also based.

Practice head(s):Richard Capper

Other key lawyers:Chris Johnston; Alasdair Mackinnon; Deepak Purushothaman; Helen Penfold; Emma Howard; Rebecca Layton

Testimonials

Richard Capper is outstanding and a strong player in the Liverpool market

Alasdair Mackinnon is exceptional and is leading the firm's growing Manchester presence

The team is highly skilled

The lawyers within the team are very experienced and deliver excellent attention to detail

Key Clients

RBS Group (including Nat West and Ulster Bank Ireland)

Lloyds Banking Group

Bibby Financial Services

Betfred Goup

Regency Entertainment Leisure & Tourism

Hyde Park Finance

Stobart Group

Bank of Ireland

Lendinvest

Arbuthnot Latham & Co

Coutts & Co

Oblix Capital Ltd

Ingenious Real Estate Finance

Banks & Clients

Northgate

Wilmington Trust Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised Regency Entertainment Group on its €480m financial restructuring.
  • Advised Stobart Group on the amendment, restatement and extension of its existing revolving credit facilities with Lloyds Bank and Allied Irish Bank.
  • Acted for HSBC on the funding of the management buy-out of Fullex Locks by Maven Capital Partners with a mixture of term facility and invoice discounting.
  • Advised The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland on the provision of facilities to Uniphar for the acquisition of Sisk Healthcare.
  • Acted for Lloyds Bank on the £30m refinancing and group reorganisation of Elite Group.

Squire Patton Boggs is active across real estate finance, corporate lending, leveraged finance, project finance and asset based lending transactions. The team acts for a range of lender and borrower clients, and regularly handles complex domestic and cross-border instructions. Department head Claire Shepherd handles property finance, asset based lending, acquisition finance, project finance, restructuring and general corporate lending mandates. Matthew Ingram is 'experienced' and is regularly instructed on cross-border matters. Debra Cooper is 'excellent on real estate finance mandates'.

Practice head(s):Claire Shepherd

Other key lawyers:Matthew Ingram; Debra Cooper; Graham Ball

Testimonials

The team has a professional and pro-active approach and is praised for its overall speed of delivery

Debra Cooper provides a very impressive, high quality service, as well as all round assistance and advice

Matthew Ingram is first-rate

Claire Shepherd is an excellent operator

 

Key Clients

Allied Irish Banks

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank

NM Rothschild & Sons

Clydesdale Bank

Manchester City Council

Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LP

Frontier Development Capital

PNC Business Credit

Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Work highlights

  • Acted for Polypipe Group on the refinancing of its senior revolving credit facilities of £300m with an additional uncommitted accordion facility of up to £50m. The facilities were provided by a five bank syndicate.
  • Advised Findel on the refinancing of its senior revolving credit facilities of £100m, which were provided by a six bank syndicate.
  • Acted for FDC on the provision of mezzanine loans to Inprova Finance for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Energy & Carbon Management Ltd.
  • Advised Manchester City council on the provision of senior development finance borrower Capital and Centric to fund two separate apartment blocks near Piccadilly station in central Manchester.  
  • Advised On The Beach Group on the financing for its £20m acquisition of Classic Collection Holidays.

Brabners LLP's banking and finance department acts for lenders and borrowers on a range of instructions such as acquisition finance, property investment and development finance, as well as bridging and mezzanine finance mandates. The housing and sports sectors are key areas of focus for the 'hardworking and efficient' team. Manchester-based Tony Harper and Liverpool-based Andrew O’Mahony head the team.

Practice head(s):Tony Harper; Andrew O’Mahony

Other key lawyers:Matthew O’Brien; Helen Burns

Testimonials

The team is adept at handling a range of banking and finance transactions and it offers in-depth experience for lender and borrower clients

 

Key Clients

National Westminster Bank

Santander

Royal Bank of Scotland

Yorkshire Bank

Arbuthnot Latham & Co

Svenska Handelsbanken

Hope Capital

Merseyside Loan and Equity Fund

Liverpool Mutual Homes

Brown Shipley

Work highlights

  • Acted for RBS on the provision of acquisition finance facilities to Anderbury to refinance existing borrowings and to enable it to acquire the entire issued share capital of Rowton Hall Hotel.
  • Advised RBS on the provision of loan facilities to BJ (201) Ltd and BJ (202) Ltd in relation to the financing of The Corn Exchange Building, Liverpool.
  • Advised Railway Housing Association and Benefit Fund in relation to new facilities from Clydesdale Bank.
  • Acted for Alpha in relation to secured loan facilities of £15.65m from Lloyds Bank.
  • Acted for Rochdale Textile Supplies on the £8m refinancing of its banking facilities.

Operating across the firm's Liverpool and Manchester offices, the team at DWF stands out for its corporate banking expertise; it regularly acts for borrowers and lenders, and boasts a growing alternative lender client base. Public sector finance and automotive sector finance mandates are particular areas of expertise for the department. The team is headed by James Szerdy and includes Paul Brown who acts for lenders and borrowers on both public and private sector funding.

Practice head(s):James Szerdy

Other key lawyers:Paul Brown; Eleanor Cook; Katherine Tyas; Alasdair Mackinnon

Testimonials

James Szerdy has a strong reputation in the market

Paul Brown is experienced in public sector finance matters

Key Clients

National Westminster Bank/RBS

HSBC Bank

Santander UK

Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank

Homes and Communities Agency

Lendinvest

NextGear Capital UK

First Rand Bank

Blue Motor Finance

Lombard North Central

Nationwide Building Society

Work highlights

  • Advised NWF on the negotiation of the renewal of its banking facilities.
  • Represented Greater Manchester Housing Fund (Manchester City Council) on an £11m development finance facility.
  • Represented Progress Housing Group on the amendment and restatement of its core finance facilities.
  • Acted for Homes England on range of transactions to fund residential developments.
  • Advised HSBC Bank on the provision of finance to an existing client.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP stands out for its strong corporate borrower following and handles a raft of high-profile transactions. The team is also developing its bank side practice and counts several major banks as clients. Real estate finance and education finance are key areas of expertise, as are care home finance and renewable energy finance. Department head Jason Wurzal and  Taslima Salam who specialises in in corporate banking and real estate finance, are key figures.

Practice head(s):Jason Wurzal

Other key lawyers:Taslima Salam; Richard Cowan

Key Clients

Perwyn LLP

Qualtex UK

Globus (Shetland)

Augustus Regis

Romaco

SimplyBiz

Advanced Medical Solutions Group

Charles Street Commercial Investments

Barchester Healthcare

Peel Media

Footasylum

Cadogan Estates

UC Group

Santander UK

Aeriance Investments

Triodos Bank

Together

Eurohotels

Christies International

Marshall of Cambridge

Begbies

Next

N Brown Group

Marshalls

Renold

RBS

Lloyds Banking Group

API Group

Topps Tiles

Morses Club

LNT Group

Work highlights

  • Advised N Brown Group on the£625m refinancing of its securitisation and revolving credit facilities.
  • Acted for Topps Tiles on its £50m refinancing with Barclays and RBS.
  • Advised SimplyBiz Group on its AIM float
  • Advised Perwyn on the funding arrangements for its purchase of a majority stake in Lowe Rental.
  • Advised Morses Club on its revolving credit facility of £50m and on a further £5m mezzanine facility.

The team at Gateley Plc acts for a range of major UK high street banks, owner managed businesses, entrepreneurs, borrowers and local private equity houses, mezzanine lenders and debt funds. Acquisition finance is a key area of expertise, as is real estate finance, and the team stands out for its specialist experience in acting for asset based lenders and surety houses. Richard Sealy heads the team and senior associate Christopher Lister is also noted.

Practice head(s):Richard Sealy

Other key lawyers:Christopher Lister

Testimonials

Richard Sealy is excellent and a well known figure in the market

The team is experienced in a range of banking and finance work

 

Key Clients

Beechbrook UK SME Credit Ltd

HSBC Bank

The Royal Bank of Scotland

Work highlights

  • Advised HSBC Bank on a facility agreement to Otium Properties (Coppins Bridge) to fund and assist with the purchase and development of a retail park in the Isle of Wight.
  • Advised Argonaught Holdings on a facility agreement for the purpose of refinancing property and future property acquisition and developments.
  • Acted for Rainy City Investments on a revolving credit facility.
  • Reorganisation and Financing of Leathwaite International LLP. Solicitors to the Funder, Beechbrook Capital UK SME Credit Ltd.
  • Amendment and Restatement of facilities for 4Most Group Holdings Limited from Beechbrook UK SME Credit Ltd, to allow the creation of an employee ownership trust scheme. Solicitors to the Funder.

gunnercooke LLP acts for leading financial institutions and corporate clients across corporate banking, real estate finance, leveraged finance, asset based lending and treasury transactions. With an experienced team, led by Rob Fawke and Georgina Tripp , it handles both domestic and cross-border instructions. Real estate finance lawyer Jill Parker and Simon Baum are also recommended.

Practice head(s):Rob Fawke; Georgina Tripp

Other key lawyers:Jill Parker; Simon Baum

Testimonials

The banking team is unique because it comprises only of senior lawyers

The team is unique because of its accessibility - there is no hierarchy

Rob Fawke is extremely approachable, personable and helpful and he always makes time to talk through transactional issues.

Rob Fawke is very experienced, is a class act and is really top drawer; he has an excellent understanding of the wider picture of any transaction, and he is able to give clear, focused, detailed and practicable advice

Rob Fawke is very responsive, turns requests around quickly, and is commercial in his approach

Key Clients

Santander UK

AIB Group (UK)

Israel Discount Bank

Secure Trust Bank

Tradebe Environmental Services Limited/Grupo Tradebe Medio Ambiente

Delek Group

Principality Building Society

Aldermore Bank

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised AIB Group (UK) on the provision of loan facilities to Westward Capital Holdings for the purpose of financing the acquisition of Westward Care Homes, Access Housing and its subsidiaries.
  • Acted for Leeds Building Society in its capacity as issuer in relation to the issuance of £200m callable fixed rate reset notes.
  • Acted as English legal counsel for Grupo Tradebe Medio Ambiente SL and its English subsidiaries in relation to the amendment and extension of its global syndicated term loan facilities of €325m by a banking syndicate led out of Barcelona.
  • Acted for Santander UK on the provision of loan facilities to Linley & Simpson, in conjunction with a £10m investment LDC.
  • Acted for Santander UK on the restructuring of loan facilities of £19.5m to GRIF048 Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Ground Rents Income Fund).

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP handles a range of banking and real estate finance mandates in the mid-market and SME sectors, and is strong on corporate finance transactions. The team, which is led by George MacMillan, is noted for its experience in acting for lenders and borrowers in debt finance transactions; and for its experience in advising property developers, investors and asset managers on real estate finance, and acting for banks on development finance mandates. The healthcare sector is a key area of focus.

Practice head(s):George MacMillan

Other key lawyers:Alison Kellett; Christopher Hardy; Jan Winstanley; Meave O’Neill

Testimonials

The knowledge of the team is first-class

The firm stands out because the client has a partner dealing with them rather than a junior colleague

The team puts the client first, makes it simple and delivers a first-class service

It has a strong commercial, problem-solving, focus; George MacMillan, Alison Kellett and Meave O’Neill are experienced problem solvers who provide quality and timely advice that enables the client to do business

George MacMillan is easily accessible; he picks up the phone to discuss rather than long email trails and he understands when transactions are urgent and strict deadlines need to be met

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP is a very forward thinking firm, with a clear focus on business development and generating reciprocal business

Turnaround times are second to none; it defines the term 'trusted advisor'

 

Key Clients

Atom Bank

Santander

Investec Bank

The Royal Bank of Scotland

Roma Finance

Shoosmiths LLP is best known for its specialist real estate finance expertise, and the team is also active across leveraged finance and general corporate lending mandates. The team, led by Liz Sweeney, regularly acts for banks, borrowers and large corporates and is active across the student accommodation, hotel, leisure, healthcare, infrastructure, education, energy, marine and retail sectors. It is increasingly instructed on offshore mandates, in addition to standard domestic banking and finance transactions. The 'brilliant' Tim McNamara is also a key figure.

Practice head(s):Liz Sweeney

Other key lawyers:Tim McNamara

Testimonials

The team is quick to respond to enquiries and questions

A team of excellent communicators

Achieves tight deadlines without issue

Has a practical approach

Delivers a high level of professional service provided by experienced lawyers, as opposed to newly qualified lawyers

Liz Sweeney and Tim McNamara are stand out individuals

Key Clients

Allied London

Select Property Group (Holdings)

Park Lane Properties

Mint Bridging

Lesmoir, Gordon-Boyle

Alliance Real Estate LLP

Greater Manchester Housing Fund

Assetz Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Allied London on a £300m funding partnership with Aviva for the development of Enterprise City at the new St John’s neighbourhood in Manchester.
  • Advised Vita Satellite 2 and Vita Birmingham 1 (Select Property Group companies) on £54m senior funding from Lloyds Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, and £30m mezzanine funding from Pramerica Real Estate Capital to finance the acquisition and development of two luxury student accommodation schemes.
  • Advised Select’s new brand Origin Homes on two separate facilities from challenger bank OakNorth Bank to fund its flagship purchase and development in Manchester.
  • Advised Affinity Living Trinity on an initial £7m term facility from Close Brothers Property Finance to assist with refinancing existing indebtedness and funding the construction works of a 35-storey luxury apartment block.
  • Acting for a leading UK clearing bank on initial facilities of £6.3m and on subsequent amendment and restatement to connected companies registered in England and the BVI for the purpose of refinancing an established property portfolio and acquiring a number of additional properties.

Browne Jacobson LLP is experienced across a range of acquisition finance, corporate banking, leveraged finance, property finance, asset based lending and debt restructuring mandates.  The team, led by Jonathan Edwards , particularly stands out for its peer-to-peer lending expertise, the healthcare sector is also a key focus.

Practice head(s):Jonathan Edwards

Testimonials

Jonathan Edwards is a very experienced banking and finance lawyer; he is a strong name in the Manchester market

Key Clients

Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank

National Westminster Bank

Santander UK

HSBC Bank

Clydesdale Bank

Secure Trust Bank

Innospec Inc

Arlington Industries

Assetz Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Santander Structured Finance and Santander Asset Based Lending on the refinancing of its facilities to GRI UK Group (formerly the de Poel Group).
  • Acted for NatWest on the refinancing of its £18m facilities to the Perspective Financial Group.
  • Advised Santander UK on its facilities to assist the acquisition of BT Cables.
  • Advised Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank on an accordion drawdown and group restructuring following the £40m Palatine backed secondary buyout of the Verdant Leisure Group.  
  • Advised Arlington Industries on the amendment and restatement of its £45m ABL facilities made available by Wells Fargo and Shawbrook.

Fieldfisher was recently bolstered by the arrival of Charlotte Round from Brabners LLP. The team acts for borrower clients, such as plcs and SMEs, and lenders, including a number of clearing banks, private banks and bridging funders. The Manchester-based team also handles real estate finance mandates.

Practice head(s):Philip Abbott (London)

Other key lawyers:Charlotte Round

Testimonials

Charlotte Round is a talented individual and her arrival has enhanced the firm's banking and finance offering in Manchester

 

Key Clients

Lloyds Bank

Marlowe plc

Restore plc

Standard Chartered Bank

OakNorth Bank plc

Amicus Finance

Gusbourne plc

Jaywing plc

Santander UK plc

Bridgeco Limited (trading as Octopus Property)

Work highlights

  • Advised Marlowe on its initial £30m (plus £15m accordion) of revolving facilities provided by National Westminster Bank and HSBC UK Bank.
  • Advised the private banking arm of a leading international bank on its funding of £28m to assist in funding the £43m purchase of a property in Berkeley Square, Mayfair.
  • Acted for Jaywing on the renewal of its facilities from Barclays Bank.
  • Acted for Gusbourne on the renewal of its facilities with Barclays Bank.
  • The firm acted for SUSD Victoria Avenue Limited on their development funding from OakNorth Bank plc, to be used to build housing in Finchley, London. The firm negotiated the facility and security documents, as well as an intercreditor deed dealing with deferred consideration.

Led by Dean Gormley , the team at Irwin Mitchell is instructed by lenders and borrowers on a range of commercial and corporate banking matters. Asset based lending, secured lending, leveraged and acquisition finance are key areas of expertise, as is real estate finance work where the team acts for sponsors and investors. The team is increasingly active in China-led mandates.

Practice head(s):Dean Gormley

Other key lawyers:Hayley Johnson

Testimonials

The team is very friendly and willing to give its time

The team has great knowledge of the ABL market

Dean Gormley and Hayley Johnson are excellent

 

Key Clients

Select Property Group

Arora Group

HSBC

Lloyds Bank/ Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance

RBS/NatWest

Rothschild & Co

Arbuthnot Latham

Work highlights

  • Acted for Heathrow T2 Hotel (part of the Arora Group) on the financing of a new hotel at Terminal 2, Heathrow.
  • Advised Select Property Group on senior and mezzanine facilities, provided on a syndicated basis by Barclays Bank and Pramerica, regarding a major new student accommodation building (a 19 storey tower) in Leeds.

TLT 's banking and finance team is regularly instructed by banks and other financial institutions on complex real estate finance and social housing finance transactions. The team is also noted for its corporate lending practice, and the team acts for both lenders and borrowers. Department head Paul Crighton is a 'technically talented lawyer but combines this with personal charm and straightforward communication'.

Practice head(s):Paul Crighton

Other key lawyers:Paul Brock

Testimonials

The team is knowledgeable, diligent and capable and it produces high-quality work

Paul Crighton takes the time to find out what it is that the client really wants, and then works with that in mind

Paul Crighton does not shy away from a hard negotiation where required but executes transactions in a collaborative manner wherever possible

Paul Brock is highly recommended

 

Key Clients

Lloyds Banking Group

HSBC Bank

Royal Bank of Scotland

Santander UK

The Co-operative Bank

Bank of Baroda

Work highlights

  • Advised Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank on a £200m development financing loan for a new luxury Mandarin boutique hotel and 79 apartments in Mayfair.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is best known for its property finance expertise and housing finance is a key area of strength for the department; the team acts for a range of clients on a range of mandates such as property investment finance, development finance, bridging finance and finance from institutional investors. Neil Waller heads the team which also includes the 'brilliant' Eleanor James .

Practice head(s):Neil Waller

Other key lawyers:Eleanor James

Testimonials

A strong banking and finance department with excellent experience in housing finance

The team acts quickly when instructed

The department is always on hand to pick up the telephone and deal with any issues or questions

Eleanor James is first-rate

Key Clients

Peabody

L&Q

Orbit

Catalyst

Accent

Naissance Capital Real Estate

MHS

Work highlights

  • Advised Greater Manchester Pension Fund on the provision of a mezzanine facility agreement to Select Property Group to finance the Circle Square residential development.
  • Advised Peabody Trust on the refinancing of 417 legacy loan agreements into nine primary bank facilities.
  • Advised Karbon on all aspects of its maiden £250m bond issue.
  • Acted as UK counsel on a private placement for mhs homes.
  • Advised Orbit Capital on its second bond issue.

Weightmans LLP stands out for its experience in advising on the establishment of European Funds. The team is headed by the 'outstanding' Patricia Grinyer and acts for banks and borrowers on bilateral and syndicated facilities. It regularly handles public sector finance and is particularly strong in the education sector, while property finance is also a key area of expertise.

Practice head(s):Patricia Grinyer

Testimonials

Patricia Grinyer is a fantastic lawyer and is well known for her experience in the establishment of funds

Key Clients

Progressive Living

Bluesky

FSE

FRP Advisory

Santander

North West Fund European Fund

BCRS

Business Enterprise Fund

Allied Irish Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised FSE on the establishment of the £40m Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund.
  • Advised Business Enterprise Fund in connection with the establishment of the Community Investment Enterprise Fund.
  • Advised BCRS on the establishment of the CIF fund.
  • Advised AIB Bank on the £5m funding for the acquisition of a care home.
  • Acted for GDS Holding on the transactions contemplated by a $7.5m secured senior credit facility agreement which was subject to the laws of the State of New York.

Insolvency and corporate recovery

Index of tables

  1. Insolvency and corporate recovery
  2. Leading individuals
  3. Next Generation Partners
  4. Rising stars

Next Generation Partners

  1. 1

Addleshaw Goddard is applauded for its ability to handle a range of complex restructuring and insolvency mandates; it  is experienced in handling distressed real estate work, distressed corporate acquisition work and stands out for its specialist expertise in advising on distressed legal practices. The team is regularly instructed on retail sector matters. In addition to its non-contentious practice, insolvency litigation is also a key strength of the dedicated department. Team head Ged Barnes is a 'leading lawyer' and Tim Taylor is 'excellent'.

Practice head(s):Ged Barnes

Other key lawyers:Tim Taylor; Jean Boldero; John Duffy; Sarah Foster

Testimonials

The team is very well respected in the market

One of the best insolvency and recovery practices in town

Ged Barnes is outstanding

The team is technically very able

Key Clients

HSBC Bank

All of the Big 4 accountants

Grant Thornton

FRP Advisory

Begbies Traynor

GVA

LadBible Group

The HLD Group

Leonard Curtis

Endless LLP

Hilco

 

 

Work highlights

  • Advised Hilco on the acquisition of the Homebase group of companies.
  • Advising the Viscount of Jersey in her capacity as Administrator of the estates en désastre of Orb a.r.l. and Dr Gail Cochrane in relation to matters of English law, including the recognition of her appointments by the High Court, the exercise of her investigatory powers, and the conduct of complicated and high value proprietary claims in proceedings in the High Court involving the SFO and 34 other interested parties.
  • Acted for EY in its capacity as administrators of national shoe retailer, Jones Bootmaker.
  • Advised Endless LLP on the pre-packaged acquisition of the business and assets of Europe's largest specialist golfing retailer, American Golf Discount Centre and SW Golf from Deloitte.
  • Advised LadBible Group on the acquisition of the business and assets of Unilad from its administrators, Leonard Curtis.

DLA Piper UK LLP handles a full range of restructuring and insolvency work and is commended for its ability to advise on complex, cross-border mandates across a range of sectors. The team, which is led by Robert Russell , is active across a variety of instructions including distressed real estate, formal insolvency, corporate restructuring, portfolio restructuring and acquisitions; and is praised for its contentious restructuring and insolvency capability. Christopher Roberts handles non-contentious work.

Practice head(s):Robert Russell

Other key lawyers:Christopher Roberts; Bethan Moore; Rob Lyons

Testimonials

The team is very active and is strong on cross-border matters

Robert Russell is very able and very experienced

Christopher Roberts is excellent

The team has the ability to deal with both small and large matters and is able to adapt the product and service to the circumstances

It has an exceptionally high standard of staff and output

The team has a flexible style that works well with clients of all sizes

Christopher Roberts and Robert Russell are both excellent lawyers; they are technically exceptional and have a strong presence in the local market place

It gets the job done and has a flexible style that is tailored to the job in hand

 

Key Clients

BDO

Calumet International

Deloitte

Endless LLP

Hobs Reprographics

PwC

Sandton Capital Partners

Shawbrook

Solutus Advisors

Work highlights

  • Represented Hobs Reprographics on its acquisition of seven reprographics companies via a pre-pack administration.
  • Advised Aurelius Investment on its £13.4m acquisition of Ideal Shopping Direct.
  • Acted for Sandton Capital Partners on a financial restructure.
  • Advised Sandton Capital Partners on its £4m acquisition of shares in the Aspin group of Companies via a pre-packaged administration.
  • Advised the administrators of Conviviality Group.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is active on high-value restructuring and insolvency mandates and acts for a range of insolvency practitioners as well as large corporate and lender clients. The team has recently advised on a raft of high-profile administrations. It particularly noted for its experience in pensions-related work, and is active across real estate, retail and professional services sector instructions. Department head David Gray  and principal associate Sarah Duignan  are noted.

Practice head(s):David Gray

Other key lawyers:Sarah Duignan; James Williams

Testimonials

David Gray is technically very strong

The team is very able

 

Key Clients

Wellesley Finance

PwC

Deloitte

Begbies Traynor

RSM

Leonard Curtis

Simpson Millar LLP

 

Work highlights

  • Advised PwC as administrators of Maplin Electronics.
  • Advised PwC as administrators of Gardman, which included advising on the pre-pack sale of the whole business to Westland Horticulture.
  • Advised Deloitte as administrators of Torotrak.
  • Advised PwC as administrators of DDAIL.
  • Advised Simpson Millar LLP on the acquisition of the business and assets of EAD Solicitors LLP out of administration from the appointed administrators, advised on the acquisition of certain debts and receivables which had been assigned by the company in favour of VFS Legal, and also advised on the terms of an agreement with the appointed solicitor manager to coordinate and manage regulatory and commercial responsibilities.

Gateley Plc is active across a range of restructuring, turnaround, acquisition, disposal, investigation and recovery work. It is instructed by a raft of insolvency practitioners, private equity houses, banks, sureties, invoice financers, law firms and corporate clients. The team particularly stands out for its contentious insolvency expertise and it is often instructed on complex, cross-border cases. Andrew Buchanan heads the team that is praised for its 'technical strength' and for its 'willingness to collaborate on difficult matters', and Stuart Tait is also noted.

Practice head(s):Andrew Buchanan

Other key lawyers:Stuart Tait; Gavin Clarke; Danielle Haston; Aneesh Prasad

Testimonials

The Manchester-based team has a technically strong, specialist contentious litigation recovery team prepared to commit necessary resource on a CFA basis alongside IPs and counsel

Danielle Haston is very driven and very reliable

The team is client focused and is focused on achieving objectives

The team is experienced, always proposes a solution and anticipates issues, options and strategies

Key Clients

Ten Surety Providers

Begbies Traynor

Countrywide Farmers Plc (including advising KPMG as administrators)

Banham Poultry Limited (including advising Duff & Phelps as administrators)

Cummins Civil Engineering Limited

Mazars LLP

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Work highlights

  • Advised Sureties on the restructuring of a support service and construction group.
  • Advised Begbies Traynor on an antecedent transaction case which involved the payment of £3.3m out of the company in the six month period leading up to administration.
  • Advised Mazars LLP as administrators of Hall Fire Protection.
  • Advising Board of retail and energy business on restructuring and insolvency options and advising administrators on trading issues and disposals.
  • Advising Cummins Civil Engineering Limited on pre-packaged administration of construction company

Pinsent Masons LLP is adept at handling complex regional and national restructuring and administrations, and its client-base spans a range of banks, asset based lenders, major corporates, directors, private equity houses, distressed investors, pension trustees and public sector bodies. The pensions and charity sectors are key areas of focus for the experienced Manchester-based team which is headed by James Cameron.

Practice head(s):James Cameron

Other key lawyers:Daniella Thompson; Samantha Latham

Testimonials

James Cameron is a first-rate operator and has good commercial awareness

 

Key Clients

FRP Advisory

Deloitte LLP

EY LLP

PwC LLP

Hilco Capital

SEA Equity

Duff & Phelps

Mazars

BDO

Work highlights

  • Advised Hilco Capital on the pensions aspects of the acquisition of hardware and homeware retailer Homebase by its vehicle ARK UK Holdings.
  • Advised Duff & Phelps on the administration of Manchester House restaurant.
  • Advised FRP Advisory on the administration of Speciality Coatings (Darwen).
  • Advised PwC on the administration of Prestige Hotel Reservations.
  • Advised Hilco Retail on its appointment as retail agent for PwC, the administrators of Maplin Electronics.

Led by Susan Kelly , the team at Squire Patton Boggs is regularly instructed on complex restructuring and insolvency mandates by accountancy firms, banks, international companies and asset based lenders. Asset based lending work is an area of expertise, as is pensions-related insolvency work. The financial services, retail, oil and gas, real estate, food and drink, manufacturing, chemicals, construction, healthcare, technology, leisure and transport sectors are key areas of focus, and the team particularly stands out for its cross-border expertise. Director Mark Prior is also noted.

Practice head(s):Susan Kelly

Other key lawyers:Mark Prior

Testimonials

Department head Susan Kelly is first-class and is very experienced

Susan Kelly is a real market leader

Susan Kelly and her team are professional in regard to all matters

Susan Kelly  is always available and has extensive knowledge in her field; she is approachable and sensible in her advice; and she can relate to clients and adapt her style accordingly.

Nothing is too much trouble and Susan Kelly works with you to get the job done; she has a straight talking and refreshing approach

 

 

Key Clients

ABN Amro Commercial Finance

Barclays Bank

BDO LLP

Close Invoice Finance

CNG Financial Corporation

Co-op

Deloitte

EY

FRP Advisory

Grant Thornton LLP

KPMG LLP

Lloyds Banking Group

Manchester Building Society

PNC Business Credit

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Royal Bank of Scotland Group

Shawbrook Bank

Urban Splash Modular

Work highlights

  • Advised Urban Splash on its acquisition of the business and assets of SIG Building Systems, the struggling modular offsite construction business of SIG.
  • Advised FRP Advisory LLP as the administrators on the sale of the franchising part of Cash Generator's business to Fantastic Voyage.  
  • Advised Manchester Building Society on the acquisition of a loan portfolio from the liquidators of NMB Mortgage Acquisition Company.
  • Acting for the Grant Thornton, the administrators of the UK’s largest payday lender, Wonga Worldwide, and is advising on the process of negotiating sales.
  • Advised ECI on the restructure and eventual exit of its interest in Evans Cycles.

Freeths LLP 's expertise spans complex contentious and non-contentious insolvency work and the team is largely instructed by national and regional insolvency practitioners. Complex restructuring, corporate recovery mandates and administrations are notable areas of expertise. The team is known for its ability to handle nil-asset cases and also boasts specialist personal insolvency expertise. The 'brilliant' Joey Byrne heads the department.

Practice head(s):Joey Byrne

Other key lawyers:Kevin Pinkerton; Chris Ali; Henry Clappison; Matthew Kelly; Miles Hacking; Graeme Danby

Testimonials

Joey Byrne is an excellent insolvency litigator

Kevin Pinkerton is superb

Key Clients

AARBS

Begbies Traynor Group

KPMG

PwC

Crawfords Accountants

BDO

SFP Restructuring

UHY Hacker Young

Ideal Corporate Solutions

Griffins Insolvency Practitioners

Focus Insolvency Group

Mazars

Oury Clark

Leonard Curtis

Heath Clark

Dow Schofield Watts

Seneca Insolvency Practitioners

Bailey Ahmad

Fortis Insolvency

Robson Scott

FRP

Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners

Greenfield Recovery

Poppleton & Appleby

Milner Boardman & Partners

CMB Partners UK

Mercury Corporate Recovery Solutions

Bridgestones

Lucas Johnson

Cowgill Holloway

Wilson Field

Adcroft Hilton

CVR Global

Restart BTI

RSM

DMC Recovery

Beesleys

Carter Backer Winter

Kennway Francis

Marshall Peters

Currie Young

Work highlights

  • Acted for trustee in setting aside a claimed declaration of trust over significant sale proceeds from property realisation.
  • Advised Steven Currie of Currie Young as Liquidator of Broadcrown Holdings in recover approximately £4m by way of misfeasance/breach of fiduciary claim against former officers of the company.
  • Acted for the joint administrators in relation to the pre-pack administration and sale of a London wine bar and wine store.
  • Advised the administrator on the administration and sale of the business of a chain of adult shops and supporting website.
  • Advised a nursing and care service provider in relation to a winding-up petition brought against it by HMRC relating to unpaid tax liabilities.

Led by Paul Spence, the team at Hill Dickinson LLP is active across contentious and non-contentious insolvency instructions; it handles a range of corporate recovery and restructuring work as well as high value, complex litigation. Asset based lender-related insolvencies, pensions-related matters and high value property-related insolvency matters are key areas of expertise, as are personal insolvency mandates and shipping and commodities work. Gavin Jones is also a key figure in the Manchester-based team.

Practice head(s):Paul Spence

Other key lawyers:Richard Palmer; Gavin Jones; Kathryn Maclennan

Testimonials

The team provides an excellent service

Paul Spence is a well-known and highly regarded name in the market

 

Key Clients

KPMG

RSM Restructuring Advisory

Duff & Phelps

FRP

Grant Thornton

Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance

Investec Bank

Bank of Ireland

Mazars

Royal Bank of Scotland/RBS Invoice Finance

Bibby Finance

Work highlights

  • Continued to act for Freddie White, as liquidator of Enterprise Insurance Company, on the UK aspects of his appointment as liquidator.
  • Advised Steve Muncaster and Phil Duffy at Duff & Phelps on the liquidation of GCC Management (formerly Gravity Child Care Limited).
  • Advised Lindsey Cooper of RSM as administrator of First4Skills.
  • Advised on the acquisition of large IVA portfolio and associated trust accounts from Debt Free Direct/Fairpoint Group from its administrators.
  • Assisted Kings Road Tyres on restructuring options.

JMW Solicitors LLP handles a range of advisory, contentious and transactional insolvency and corporate recovery mandates; it advises on a raft of administrations, business acquisitions, voluntary and compulsory liquidations, bankruptcy, company and individual voluntary arrangements, directors’ disqualifications, HMRC liability, LPA receiverships and fraud investigations. The licensed trade, leisure, retail, legal, transport, recruitment, property, care homes and manufacturing sector are key areas of focus. Team head Richard Wolff is 'impressive and very knowledgeable', while Christopher Love is able to 'communicate legal points and issues in a straightforward manner'.

Practice head(s):Richard Wolff

Other key lawyers:Christopher Love; Antoniya Mercer; Peter Speight; Louisa Chan

Testimonials

The team is very commercial and offers first-rate advice

Christopher Love and the team to are knowledgeable and commercial and are always available on short notice to provide assistance when required

Christopher Love is practical, commercial and is very knowledgeable in insolvency law; he is available to deal with any queries, however quirky or specialist

Peter Speight works tirelessly to ensure a high quality level of service and deport turnaround, and he is also commercial and practical in his advice

Key Clients

KPMG

FRP Advisory

BDO

Grant Thornton

Duff & Phelps

Royce Peeling Green

Menzies

Work highlights

  • Advised FRP Advisory, the joint administrators of a North-West based law firm.
  • Advised Menzies as liquidators of Premier FX.
  • Advised the purchaser of the business and assets of Sharps Kitchens & Bedrooms Stoke
  • Team is instructed by DMC Corporate Services, the administrator of Roof Management.
  • Instructed by FRP Advisory as administrators of a promotional stationery manufacturer.

Knights plc acquired Turner Parkinson LLP in 2018, bolstering its Manchester presence. The team is experienced in a range of contentious and non-contentious insolvency and corporate recovery work where it is instructed by a raft of distressed companies, insolvency practitioners, funders, lenders, creditors, SME owners and company directors.The team is also adept at personal insolvency mandates.  Mark Lund is particularly noted in the team.

Other key lawyers:Mark Lund; Martin March; David Higgins; Mark Dennis; Will Jones; Sebastian Lang; Nikesh Patel

Shoosmiths LLP 's insolvency and corporate recovery team is adept at handling complex restructurings, as well as high-profile disposals and purchases. The team also handles contentious matters and is instructed by a number of insolvency practitioners, banks and asset based lenders. The retail and care sector are key areas of focus for the experienced department which is headed by the 'approachable and flexible' Sarah Teal.

Practice head(s):Sarah Teal

Other key lawyers:Hollie Wrigley

Testimonials

The strong team is always available and will work any hours required to get the deal done.

The team is very commercial

Sarah Teal is excellent lawyer and networker; she leads the team and remains in control of all matters

Key Clients

RBS Group

Santander

Close Invoice Finance

Aldermore Invoice Finance

Grant Thornton

Jones Lowndes Dwyer

RSM

FRP

Work highlights

  • Advised Grant Thornton as the administrators of Canburg, a luxury furniture manufacturer and designer.
  • Advised Jones Lowndes Dwyer LLP as administrators of Versasteel, a leading manufacturer of cladding systems.
  • Advises RBS on a number of high value security reviews and enforcement strategies.
  • Advises Close Invoice Finance on restructuring and advisory work.
  • Advised Karen Millen in connection with its acquisition of the business and assets of Coast, a high street fashion retailer, from PwC, its administrators.

Aaron & Partners LLP is regularly instructed on contentious insolvency mandates and is engaged by a number of insolvency practitioners. It stands out for its specialist transport sector expertise and the team acts for a number of insolvent logistics companies. The department, which is led by Nick Clarke , is noted for its experience in advising on law firm insolvencies and it also handles personal insolvency work.

Practice head(s):Nick Clarke

Other key lawyers:Mark Davies; Simon Edwards; Jan Chillery

Testimonials

Mark Davies is a very able insolvency lawyer

Simon Edwards is excellent

 

Key Clients

Development Bank Wales (Finance Wales Group)

KPMG

Menzies

Grant Thornton

RSM

Dains

CLB Coopers

Marshall Peters

Smith & Williamson

Poppleton & Appleby, Manchester

Work highlights

  • Advised a trustee in bankruptcy on asset protection, identification, and in relation to investigations in relation to a non-cooperative bankrupt who failed to surrender to proceedings.
  • Advised the joint liquidators on claims against various parties in a large liquidation.
  • Advised the joint liquidators on possible claims against the director of company.
  • Advised the trustee in bankruptcy of a barrister-at-law.
  • Advised a trustee in bankruptcy on a claim against property transferred into the sole name of a solvent spouse.

Bermans is engaged on a range of contentious and non-contentious personal and corporate insolvency mandates and acts for a raft of insolvency practitioners, invoice finance companies and other lenders, as well as creditors, accountants, directors and individuals. Restructuring, refinancing, administrations, liquidations and antecedent transactions are key areas of expertise, and the team stands out for its experience in invoice and asset finance. Philip Farrelly  heads the team.

Practice head(s):Philip Farrelly

Other key lawyers:Joanne Culley

Testimonials

Philip Farrelly is excellent on contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters

Key Clients

FRP Advisory

IGF Invoice Finance

Bibby Financial Services

RSM

Work highlights

  • Acted for the buyer of Manchester House restaurant from administrators Duff & Phelps.
  • Advised FRP as administrators of AAA Linen Supplies on the pre-pack sale of AAA Linen Supplies and its assets to AAA Linen.
  • Advised SKA Bars as the buyer of a well-known bar and live music venue in Manchester's Northern Quarter which was bought out of administration.
  • Advised Mazars as liquidators of Boxall & Edmiston, a bespoke British shotgun maker, on various creditor claims.

Brabners LLP is often engaged on complex contentious and non-contentious insolvency and restructuring mandates and the team acts for a range of insolvency practitioners, administrators, liquidators, banks and asset based lenders as well as directors and other stakeholders of distressed businesses.  It is particularly noted for its track record in turnaround cases and the team is experienced in handling matters with a cross-border element. Robert Turner heads the team.

Practice head(s):Robert Turner

Other key lawyers:Nicola Whittle

Testimonials

Robert Turner has a commercial approach and is experienced

Key Clients

Quantuma

RSM Restructuring

Royal Bank of Scotland

Cowgills Accountants

Skipton Business Finance

Leonard Curtis

Bibby Financial Services

Work highlights

  • Acted for the administrators in relation to the sale of the business and assets of Henri Lloyd.
  • Acted for the administrators of Harveyson Haulage on trading on issues including; issues relating to trading on of a haulage company; dealing with the traffic commissioners in respect of the ongoing O Licence; and the sale of the business and assets.
  • Acted in the appointment of the administrators of Hardwick Financial Solutions, and on the sale of the business and assets as a going concern.
  • Acted on the appointment of the administrators of MP Energy and advised on the sale of the business and assets of the company.
  • Acted for the UK subsidiaries of Rockport LLC in a restructure to allow for the sale of the Rockport Group following Rockport LLC being placed into bankruptcy in the United States.

Based across the firm's Liverpool and Chester offices, the team at DTM Legal LLP handles a raft of complex restructuring and insolvency work and stands out for its ability to handle contentious insolvency matters. The team is regularly instructed by corporate clients on a range of insolvency-related work, and advises individuals and office holders on both personal and corporate insolvency. The team, which is headed by Richard Thomas provides 'consistently strong advice'.

Practice head(s):Richard Thomas

Other key lawyers:Kate Roberts

Testimonials

The team is incredibly friendly, helpful and skilled and it is always just a phone call away to provide advice and support when you need it most

As a client you always feel cared for, respect, listened to and supported

The team is able convey the law in terminology that is easy to understand whilst giving useful alternative options for consideration

The team is friendly, helpful, readily available, very knowledgeable, considerate and adds value

Richard Thomas is excellent

Key Clients

Funding Circle

Philmore & Co

Opus Business Recovery

CVR Global

Edge Recovery

Grant Thornton

Kreston Reeves

Kay Johnson Gee

Work highlights

  • Acted for the administrator to assess the definition of a debt under the terms of a facility.
  • Acted for the liquidator to recover in excess of £1m.
  • Acted for the trustee in bankruptcy to realise assets outside of a jurisdiction.
  • Represented the director and shareholder of a leading sports protection equipment manufacturer in attempting to move company from liquidation back to trading via administration.
  • Instructed by the liquidator of charity company to recover debts and assets transferred out of the company.

DWF handles contentious and non-contentious instructions and regularly acts for banks as well as accountants and agents on complex insolvency and restructuring matters. The team regularly assists directors of distressed businesses and is noted for its experience in handling administrations involving substantial property assets. Personal insolvency work is also a key area of expertise and this work is led out of the firm's Liverpool office where Katharine Lawrenson is based. In Manchester, director Julie Agnew is recommended.

Practice head(s):Finella Fogarty (London)

Other key lawyers:Julie Agnew; Katharine Lawrenson; Amy Crighton; Heather Morris

Testimonials

The team stands out for its direct accessibility at relatively short notice, and for the personal interest that is shown.

Julie Agnew explains items in straight forward terms and interprets the legalese

Julie Agnew is been approachable with a style that puts people at ease

The team is pleasant to deal with and delivers a great experience

Key Clients

BDO

KPMG

Dunham & Dean

The Authentic Food Company

Russell Taylor Group

Begbies Traynor

The Insolvency Service

Deloitte

Vardells

Speedy Hire

Moorfields

Mazars

Work highlights

  • Advised The Authentic Food Group and its directors on the closure of a group company and in relation to the creditor position.
  • Represented Platts Garage on a sale of business.
  • Advised the administrators in relation to the funding of trading administration and the disposal of business.
  • Advised Music Magpie on its acquisition of distressed Granger Games stock from administrators.
  • Advised  the official receiver as liquidator to Sahaviriya Steel Industries UK.

Gorvins Solicitors handles a range of contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters and its clients include insolvency practitioners, banks, businesses and individuals. It is known for its experience in advising companies facing winding-up proceedings and it is also experienced in acting for directors on personal liability, disqualification proceedings and on claims for breach of duty. David Guest, Mark Deverell and Paul Lupton head the team.

Practice head(s):David Guest; Mark Deverell; Paul Lupton

Other key lawyers:Kimberley Daley

Testimonials

The team provides very thorough advice

Work highlights

  • Advised a client IP following a complaint by subsequently appointed Liquidators of a company.
  • Acted for the widow of the deceased bankrupt in her capacity as a creditor of a bankruptcy estate.
  • Advising on a matter where the bankrupt has interest in a property portfolio of at least 30 properties.
  • Advising the directors and shareholders of a group of companies following a restructure.
  • Acted for one of the executors an estate where the deceased undertook a number of transactions which were challenged by his subsequently appointed trustee in bankruptcy.

Although Hillyer McKeown regularly handles non-contentious insolvency and corporate recovery work, it is best known for its contentious expertise. The team acts for national and international insolvency practitioners as well as smaller boutique insolvency practitioners, and cross jurisdictional government agencies; and it handles corporate and personal insolvency cases. Personal bankruptcy is a key strength of the team, as is asset recovery work. Paul Marsh heads the team and Jennifer Lockhart is also recommended.

Practice head(s):Paul Marsh

Other key lawyers:Jennifer Lockhart

Testimonials

The team has a strong commercial approach underpinned by extensive technical knowledge combined with an ability to respond rapidly when the situation dictates

Both Paul Marsh and Jennifer Lockhart are a delight to work with and both strive to find the optimal solution in every situation

Key Clients

Grant Thornton

KPMG

PCR

Begbies Traynor Group

Mazars

Harper Macleod

Finn Associates (Business Care Limited)

Bretts Business Recovery

Work highlights

  • Represented trustees in bankruptcy on a transaction defrauding creditors claim and seeking to realise a significant asset for the bankruptcy estate.
  • Represented trustee in bankruptcy on seeking to set aside declarations of trust as sham transactions and realise significant assets for the bankruptcy estate.
  • Advising a trustee in bankruptcy on the interplay between insolvency proceedings and family law and seeking to realise significant assets for the bankruptcy estate which included advising on the anti-avoidance principle.
  • Advised an office-holder in relation to a significant portfolio of cases which included claims for breach of directors duties, misfeasance, preferences and transactions at undervalue.
  • Representing the liquidators on the recovery of significant sums owing to the company by two public bodies.

The team at Irwin Mitchell handles contentious and non-contentious work. It is regularly engaged on the restructuring of businesses across the manufacturing and construction sectors. The team is noted for its corporate advisory expertise and acts for companies and directors of financially distressed businesses. Banks, insolvency practitioners and owner managed businesses are clients for the team which is headed by John Vickery.

Practice head(s):John Vickery

Testimonials

John Vickery is very able and a great lawyer

John Vickery is always available and provides sensible commercial advice as well as excellent technical knowledge; he operates as an extension to our team

John Vickery stands out as an exceptional partner; he has very strong technical knowledge; is a strong relationship builder.; and always provides a series of options and solutions

Key Clients

BDO

Mazars

Begbies Traynor

Bever & Struthers

Duff & Phelps

Hacker Young

Landwood Group

Work highlights

  • Represented the joint administrators of Dream Agility on the sale of its business and assets.
  • Represented the joint administrators of J Bryan (Victoria) on a number of issues within the administration.
  • Represented the joint trustees in bankruptcy of Mr Drupad Chorera.  
  • Represented the joint trustees in bankruptcy of a bankrupt.  

Mills & Reeve LLP stands out for its ability to handle complex investigations and insolvency litigation, and the team is instructed by regional and London-based insolvency practitioners. The team also handles transactional and advisory mandates and the technology, food, health and education sectors are areas of focus. Advising government bodies on special administration regimes is also a key area of expertise for the team headed by Helen Fyles .

Practice head(s):Helen Fyles

Testimonials

Helen Fyles has an excellent reputation

Key Clients

Larking Gowen

TLT handles a range of corporate restructuring and insolvency mandates and regularly acts for insolvency practitioners, mid-market corporates, banks and other financial institutions. The health and social care sector is a key area of focus and the team is also able to advise on complex pensions-related restructuring mandates. Team head Alastair Lomax 'provides clear, pragmatic and unambiguous advice'.

Practice head(s):Alastair Lomax

Testimonials

The firm provides an extremely collaborative and joined up approach and there is a very clear sense that the interests of the client are at the heart of the day-to-day service provided

The team genuinely cares about the outcome which sets it apart from numerous other firms

Alastair Lomax is particularly adept at diffusing potentially adversarial issues via his excellent communication skills

 

Key Clients

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc

Lloyds Banking Group Plc

Deloitte LLP

KPMG LLP

BDO LLP

FRP Advisory LLP

Alix Partners LLP

Duff & Phelps

Begbies Traynor

Grant Thornton LLP

Work highlights

  • Advised Deloitte, the administrators of a group of companies which owned and operated eight care homes and a block of flats.
  • Advised FRP Advisory as administrators of Birchen House, a Liverpool-based property developer, on an application to court permit the sale of the company's sole asset.
  • Advised the management of Pure Contract Furniture in the course of trading prior to the company's administration and acted for the management team in acquiring Pure's business and assets from KPMG as its administrators.
  • Advised Gojumpin Trampolines on the preparation and successful implementation of its landlord company voluntary arrangement across 10 locations in England and Scotland.  
  • Acted for Phoenix CNC Engineering, the purchaser,  (from administration) of the aerospace, automotive and defence engineering business EPM Technology.

Clarke Willmott LLP is instructed across a raft of contentious and non-contentious matters involving both personal and corporate insolvency. The team is experienced in technically complex cases often with a cross-border element; and regularly handles complex antecedent transactions and procedural applications.  It counts banks and other financiers, insolvency practitioners, individuals, businesses, directors, stakeholders and creditors as clients. Chris Keane  leads the team.

Practice head(s):Chris Keane

Other key lawyers:Rachael Bentley

Testimonials

A very able team with good experience

Key Clients

Grant Thornton

CVR Global

Leonard Curtis Business Recovery

Duff & Phelps

Cowgills

Graywoods

FRP Advisory

Harper McLeod

Work highlights

  • Advised Duff & Phelps on the administration of a national chain of care homes for disadvantaged children.  
  • Acted for the Slaters group of companies on a restructure of the group.  
  • Advised CVR Global on a range of matters involving the liquidation of The Interiors Group.    
  • Advised Leonard Curtis Business Recovery as administrators of The Stockley Farm Partnership.
  • Advised Kettlebell Kitchen on the purchase of the business and assets of Soulmate Food out of administration.

Kennedys in Manchester works closely with the firm's London office to handle a raft of insolvency, restructuring and corporate recovery matters. It acts for insolvency practitioners, directors, creditors and debtors on a wide range of advisory and contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters, and often utilises its cross-border expertise. Senior associate solicitor Laura Smith is recommended.

Practice head(s):Dino Paganuzzi (London)

Other key lawyers:Laura Smith

Testimonials

The team has wide ranging expertise in insolvency and corporate recovery work

Nexus Solicitors Limited is active across a range of complex contentious and non-contentious corporate recovery and insolvency mandates on behalf of insolvency practitioners, turn-around professionals, banks, corporate entities, individuals and creditors. The team, headed by Andrew Tonge, is particularly experienced in advising clients in the professional services sector.

Practice head(s):Andrew Tonge

Testimonials

The team provides a superb service and the help and advice given reflects the real world

Andrew Tonge is a stand out individual

Key Clients

KPMG

Leonard Curtis

Duff & Phelps

Cowgill Holloway

Blue Gate Capital

Mitchell Charlesworth

Allied Irish Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised the liquidators of a North West law firm on matters relating to recoveries after sale of assets.
  • The team continues to advise Blue Gate Capital in relation to the failure and liquidation of the Connaught Investment Fund Series 1.

Pannone Corporate LLP handles a full range of corporate recovery and insolvency work, and advises on administrations, liquidations, voluntary arrangements and bankruptcy, as well as general restructuring mandates. It counts a number of regional insolvency practitioners as clients. Personal insolvency, compulsory liquidation and investigatory insolvency work are key areas of expertise, as is local government recovery work. Dermot Preston heads the team and associate partner Daniel Clarke are noted.

Practice head(s):Dermot Preston

Other key lawyers:Daniel Clarke

Testimonials

The team offers longstanding experience in insolvency and corporate recovery matters

Key Clients

Duff & Phelps

Leonard Curtis

RSM

Kay Johnson Gee

BDO

Grant Thornton

Griffins

Beever & Struthers

Focus Insolvency

Mazars

Quantuma

Manchester City Council

 

 

Work highlights

  • Advised Ryder on the acquisition of the business and assets of a competitor to the client that had gone into administration.  
  • Acted for the liquidators of a Manchester-based printing company.
  • Acted for the administrators of an electrical business.
  • Acted for the recipients of shares in an action brought by a trustee in bankruptcy relating to the purportedly void disposition of said shares.
  • Acting for the defendants, as ex-directors of Link M&E Projects Ltd (“Link”)  in a substantial claim brought against them by the liquidators of Link relating to tax planning arrangements.

SAS Daniels LLP acts for a range of insolvency practitioners, individuals and SMEs on contentious and non-contentious insolvency and restructuring mandates. The team has particular experience in advising on insolvent deceased estates and also handles asset recovery work. Paul Formby heads the team.

Practice head(s):Paul Formby

Key Clients

Begbies Traynor LLP

KPMG LLP

Mazars LLP

Beesley Corporate  Solutions

DMC Corporate Recovery

Bennett Verby

Lucas Johnson

BCR Limited

Duff and Phelps

Frederic Robinsons Limited

Taylors LLP handles a range of insolvency and corporate recovery mandates for insolvency practitioners, businesses, lenders and individuals. Andrew Livesey and Stuart Beatson are the key contacts.

Practice head(s):Andrew Livesey

Other key lawyers:Stuart Beatson

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