Corporate tax in North

Ward Hadaway

In addition to supporting the firm's other practices, Ward Hadaway's dedicated tax department handles a variety of standalone tax matters for owner-managed businesses and corporates. The team's expertise includes structuring, investment and exit planning and employee share incentive arrangements. The practice is led by Paul Christian, whose background in corporate law gives him particular insight into imperatives for businesses.

Practice head(s):

Paul Christian

Key clients

Bannatyne Group Plc

CNG Group

Lookers plc

Pacifica Group

Northumberland Estates

Work highlights

  • Acted for the shareholders of Kaystan Holdings Limited, the highest independent metal recycling business in Yorkshire on the sale to Sims Group Plc Limited, which involved a number of complex tax issues.
  • Acted for Lookers Plc, one of the largest automotive retailers and dealers in the UK, with a turnover of £4.1bn, on the acquisition of the £200m turnover Jennings Motor Group, a multi-franchise North East motor dealer group.
  • Advised on Kykloud’s sale to Accruent LLC, advising the shareholders on the sale of the business to the US buyer.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP's tax team regularly advises the firm's  corporate and real estate practice groups, providing advice on tax-related issues arising from banking, restructuring and employment matters. Drawing on the firm's national and international presence, the group is regularly called upon by clients across the UK. Practice head Jeremy Smith is noted for his experience in the tax aspects of corporate and property transactions.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Smith

Other key lawyers:

Lee Parbery

Key clients

Deutsche Bahn

Hertshten Group

Old Mutual Wealth

Grainger

REG Power Management

The Royal Institute of British Architects

Work highlights

  • Advised CN Group on its sale to Newsquest Media Group.
  • Advised longstanding client Tekmar, an offshore wind company, on admission of its shares to trading on AIM with a market capitalisation of approximately £65m, following a successful £61.8m fundraising from institutional investors.
  • Advising Commercial Estates Group on tax issues (in particular issues relating to VAT and the distribution of sale proceeds in the event of a buyer default, but also explaining the tax implications of arrangements entered with counterparties and the implications for CEG) in relation to a number of land promotion agreements entered into with owners of land.