Next Generation Partners

Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland in Scotland

Brodies LLP

Active in Aberdeen and the North East, Brodies LLP is instructed on an array of local, national and cross-border deals, operating across a variety of industries such as oil and gas, real estate, healthcare, retail and financial services, among many others. Standout partners include Douglas Crawford, a sale, acquisition, management buyout (MBO) and venture capital transaction specialist, as well as joint venture, M&A, investment and reorganisation expert, Tom Boulton-Jones. Martin Ewan and senior associate Greg Costello are further key names and provide the group with transactional and contractual knowhow in the technology and energy fields.

Practice head(s):

Neil Burgess (Glasgow)

Other key lawyers:

Douglas Crawford; Tom Boulton-Jones; Martin Ewan; David Millar; Greg Costello

Testimonials

‘Greg Costello is a knowledgeable and professional individual with a tremendous work ethic and a determination to provide the very best service possible. He makes himself available on a schedule that suits the client’s business requirements and is, at all times, focused on those requirements. Greg is very much a business facilitator and stands in stark contrast to those legal advisors who seem to think their job is solely to point out the potential obstacles created by the law.’

‘Brodies provide a wide range service for corporate, personal and charity sector clients. Brodies have a depth of experience in the energy sector locally, nationally and internationally, which is particularly important for our business, and are able to provide legal advice and support quickly and effectively.’

‘The team brings into play experience and learning from corporate transactions across many different sectors to our specific industry, oil and gas. The corporate team are well integrated with the energy and infrastructure practice and so as a client we see and experience a single service. The legal advice is of the highest possible standard and the willingness to structure charges and billing to suit a particular deal or circumstance is also valuable in controlling cost and delivering great value.’

‘Tom Boulton-Jones brings experience across a range of business sectors and applies it effectively to our specific industry. Tom’s calm, firm and well-reasoned approach in negotiation delivers a great result for his client and I’d recommend him to anyone executing a corporate transaction.’

‘Martin Ewan is the stand-out partner and primary reason for us moving to Brodies. He understands our space and has built a remarkable network internally and externally that enables him to guide us in the right direction regardless of our requirement. This quality, aside from his competence and professionality which are a given, is a clear differentiator for us during a pivotal period of significant growth.’

‘Built on cumulative years of experience, the team have a wealth of knowledge in their field allowing them to deliver a professional service.’

‘Martin Ewan is not only exceptionally professional and knowledgeable in his field, he is more importantly extremely approachable. He has cultivated a strong team around him through his skills as both a mentor and having a keen eye for talent. He is passionate about he work he delivers always going above and beyond to deliver an excellent service.’

Key clients

Ediston Real Estate

Whisky Hammer Ltd

Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Estate Assets

Blackfriars Hotel (UK) Holdings Limited

Superior Energy Services Group

Union Investment

Parklands Limited

TotalEnergies

AGS Airports Ltd

Maxwell Oil Tools Limited

Aquatera Group Limited

Union Investment

Nobel Upstream

Maven Capital Partners UK LLP

Dana Petroleum

BauMount Real Estate Capital

Drum Property Group Ltd

Binn Waste Management

Avmoric Infrastructure

Aratellus

Nippon Gas

John Lawrie Group

Romar Abrado

Energy Ventures

Work highlights

  • Advised the shareholders of Whisky Hammer Ltd in a sell down to Hong Kong-based Rare Whisky Holdings.
  • Advised Maxwell Oil Tools Ltd in a refinancing deal with a new joint-venture partner, and subsequent international moving of subsidiary operations to Germany.
  • Advised the management team of Hydrasun Group regarding the sale of shareholding from Investcorp Bank BSC to SCF Partners – the new investment allows a focus on energy transition and other core markets, including hydrogen.

Burness Paull LLP

A firm with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, Burness Paull LLP is active on deals throughout the North East, demonstrating a particular tenacity for oil and gas-related transactions. Jamie Stark leads from the Aberdeen office, leveraging a 25-year track record in both local and cross-border transactions; his team includes Alasdair Freeman, a lawyer with IT, turnaround, restructuring and insolvency issues, in addition to Arran Mackenzie, a director well-versed in M&A and private equity transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mark Ellis (Edinburgh); Jamie Stark

Other key lawyers:

Helen Dickson; Arran MacKenzie; Alasdair Freeman

Testimonials

‘They understand the importance of having multi-skills and experience that need to be brought in from time to time either internally from their several offices or externally, to ensure a robust response to technical issues that arise. the diversity that they can bring is very important in dealing with international issues when you have business covering USA operations, Asia markets and Australia. As a practice they can deliver this support to there clients, this international element is key to develop future corporate and commercial growth, and Burness Paull delivers this for its customers.’

‘Excellent M&A advisory with ability to flex capacity to meet demands.’

‘The team at Burness are utterly personable and have a manner which is calm and assuring. We were taking part in a transaction which was new to the business and the Burness Team understood quickly what we wanted to achieve. Despite our lack of expertise in the transaction and our daft questions, we concluded and had great comfort that we got what we set out for at the beginning. Burness integrated seamlessly with us throughout by understanding our business and our ultimate requirements and took us to the finish line in a straightforward manner.’

‘Alasdair Freeman was the partner and whilst this was a fairly small transaction had full engagement with our team and our timetable.’

Key clients

Hydro Group

Cofra AG

Incremental Group

Grieg Seafood AS

Starn Energy Services Group Limited

Subsea Technology

James Fisher and Sons plc

Zi-Lift A/S

National Oilwell Varco, Inc

Stena Drilling

OPEX Group

Work highlights

  • Acted for digital technology services provider Incremental Group in its acquisition of the Adatis Group, a London-based data analytics business. This was a multinational deal involving the acquisition of Adatis group companies in the UK, Bulgaria and India.
  • Acted for Grieg Seafood ASA in connection with the sale of its Scottish business, Grieg Seafood Hjaltland UK Limited to Scottish Sea Farms Limited.
  • Acted for James Fisher and Sons plc in the sale of James Fisher Testing Services Limited to the Phenna Group.

CMS

International firm CMS fields a team in Aberdeen with a notable capacity for energy, financial services, private equity, leisure and corporate real estate deals. The practice caters to a broad spectrum of market players, from early-stage businesses through to multinationals, and is headed by Frank Fowlie, a lawyer who leverages a track record in oil and gas-related M&A; he is supported by Helen Gillies, an acquisition, MBO, management buy-in (MBI), sale and venture capital transaction specialist, as well as senior associate Craig Wilson who has recently played an active role in a number of renewable transactions.

Practice head(s):

Frank Fowlie

Other key lawyers:

Norman Wisely; Helen Gillies; Craig Wilson

Testimonials

‘Flexible approach – looks for solutions to problems and finds the common ground.’

‘Helen Gillies builds trust on all sides. So people listen to and respect her views.’

Key clients

Hitec Vision

Neo Energy

Equinor

Venterra Group PLC

Dye & Durham Corporation

Graphite Capital

BGF

ICR Integrity

Risk Capital

Duncan and Todd

Pemba Capital Partners

NESTA Partners

New Century Care

Topolytics

Halliburton

LDC

Elm Solar Holdings Limited

Ramco Tubulars

Work highlights

  • Advised Hitec Vision and Neo Energy on 2 major acquisitions (Exxon CNNS for over $1bn and JX Nippon Exploration and Production for $1.6bn).
  • Advised Spirit Energy on the sale of its Norwegian business to Sval Energi for $1.1bn.
  • Advising Kerogen Capital on the sale of Zennor Petroleum to Neo Energy Holdings Limited for $625m.

Blackwood Partners LLP

Blackwood Partners LLP, a specialist corporate and commercial firm, runs a workload spread across M&A. banking and finance, general corporate and private equity affairs. Alastair Wyper serves as practice head, receiving engagement from listed companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs in addition to venture capitalist and private equity providers. Judith Quinn and Ross Fair are the other key partners and, alongside Wyper, are predominantly active within the energy sector.

Practice head(s):

Alastair Wyper

Other key lawyers:

Judith Quinn; Ross Fair

Testimonials

‘The team are responsive, commercial and understand the key issues for any transaction i.e. what is important.’

‘We get a partner-led transaction and Ross Fair is a great lawyer plus we also get the benefit of Alastair Wyper’s input as the managing partner. Both are responsive, commercial and good guys.’

Key clients

Front Row

Stats (UK) Limited

TWMA Group

SCF Partners

Centurion Group

Buckthorn Partners

Bluewater Energy

Maven Capital Partners

Ashtead Technology Holdings plc

Coretrax Technology

Motive Offshore Group

Simmons Private Equity

Glacier Energy Services

Balmoral Group

ROVOP

Coaching.com

Seanamic Group

Score Group

Hydrasun Group

Amazing.com

Pragma Well Technology

Work highlights

  • Acted for SCF Partners, a Houston-based PE firm, in relation to its acquisition of Hydrasun.
  • Acted for Centurion Group, a global energy services business, in relation to its acquisition of Aleron.
  • Acted for Pragma Well Technology in relation to its acquisition of Downhole Tools International.

Harper Macleod LLP

Harper Macleod LLP leverages a broad geographical footprint outside of Scotland’s Central Belt, fielding offices in Inverness, Elgin, Thurso and Shetland. The team undertakes a wealth of corporate matters, including M&A, private equity and venture capital deals, MBOs, demergers and joint ventures, and is well-placed to advise on transactions involving listed companies and multijurisdictional elements. Christopher Kerr holds distinct expertise in family office representation and the Scottish employee ownership market, overseeing a team with specific expertise in the IT, telecommunications, food and drink, healthcare, energy and manufacturing sectors.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Kerr

Other key lawyers:

Stephen Chan; Craig McKerracher

Testimonials

‘The team have been incredible, very knowledgeable and helpful.’

‘They are always there to help, nothing is an issue and have a lot of patience. Happy to breakdown information to help you understand better.’

Key clients

Speedcast International Limited

Ardersier Port (Scotland) Limited

M&Co Trading Limited

G & A Barnie Group Limited

Portman Healthcare Limited

Wester Ross Fisheries Limited

Carbon Financial Holdings Limited

Swansons Fruit Company Limited

Highland Network Limited

Castle House Dental Practice Ltd

Gael Force Group Limited

Low & Bonar plc

Work highlights

  • Acted as Scots law counsel to the Speedcast Group (the world’s largest global satellite providers with a key Scottish subsidiary) in relation to its financing, filing for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in US (in response to maritime/ oil and gas industry pressures and COVID-19 pandemic impact on cruise line customers) and its subsequent restructuring, involving an equity investment by Centrebridge Partners L.P.
  • Advised Ardersier Port (Scotland) Limited on the purchase of Ardersier Port Limited which owned the former McDermotts fabrication yard in Ardersier.
  • Advised the selling shareholders of Inverness-based telecoms firm, Highland Network Limited trading as HighNet, on its acquisition by West Sussex-based Focus Group – one of the UK’s fastest-growing business communications and technology solutions providers.

Stronachs LLP

Present in Aberdeen and Inverness, Stronachs LLP is home to expertise in respect of both M&A and private equity, demonstrating particular expertise in acting for OMBs and management teams. Ross Gardner  leads the practice which is also home to Neil Forbes and Malcolm Donald, respective experts of the energy sector, including both oil and gas and renewables. The team is geared to represent clients across the full company lifecycle, from start-up through to exit, and is also knowledgeable of the transport, food and drink, technology and logistics sectors.

Practice head(s):

Ross Gardner

Other key lawyers:

Neil Forbes; Malcolm Donald; Jamie Hunter

Key clients

Global Energy Group

Envoy & Partners Limited

Dana Petroleum Limited

Azinor Catalyst Limited

Xodus Group Limited

Peterson (UK) Limited

Omega Well Intervention Limited

Sulmara Subsea International Limited

Verlume Limited

BritNRG Limited

Work highlights

    Aberdein Considine

    Aberdein Considine benefits from a considerable network, spread across Aberdeen, Ednburgh, Glasgow, Tayside and Perth, Stirling and West Lothian; its corporate and business advisory team hones its focus on general M&A, exit strategies, MBOs and equity fundraising. Ritchie Whyte spearheads the practice and is particularly experienced in the representation of SMEs and OMBs, operating across the energy, food and drink, healthcare and technology sectors, among others.

    Practice head(s):

    Ritchie Whyte

    Testimonials

    ‘The team have been nothing short of exceptional over the last year in supporting our business in an extremely complex share buyout and business restructure. Key strengths are their attentiveness and responsiveness, this has enabled this complex project to continue even through the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    ‘Ritchie Whyte and his team have all been instrumental in our businesses success over the past few years.’

    ‘Ritchie Whyte has been at the helm of the shareholder buyout and business reorganisation our company is currently going through. His knowledge, guidance’s and professionalism have without doubt played a critical role in pushing this complex project forward. As an Engineer I have no legal training and therefore Ritchie’s ability to put aside the legal jargon and explain situations in precise yet clear manner are another key factor in making him and his team so good to deal with. I cannot think of any way Ritchie could have done any more to assist our company.’

    ‘Responsiveness, excellent understanding of the business, consistently good, practical advice.’

    ‘Accessible with a great understanding of our business dynamics’

    ‘The guys have everything in one place, almost a turnkey business who have experience throughout the practice, as and when we have required it.’

    ‘Knowing that we will get a response quickly and efficiently even if it is not what we want to hear.’

    Key clients

    STATS Group

    Enelift

    Brimmond Group

    Vulcan Completion Products

    Texo Group

    Dry Ice Scotland

    Right Medicine Group

    Baird’s Pharmacy

    CHAP Group

    Whitebox Drinks

    Work highlights

    • Advised shareholders of Aberdeen Radiation Protection Services on disposal of entire issued share capital to Lucion Group
    • Advised Baird’s Pharmacy on acquisition of entire issued share capital of Medicentre Newcastle
    • Advised Whitebox Drinks on growth capital funding round

    Addleshaw Goddard

    National firm Addleshaw Goddard fields a two-partner team in Aberdeen consisting of David McEwing and Ross McKenzie; the former is a specialist in both domestic and cross-border transactions, particularly those within oil and gas field, while the latter is a retail, consumer and energy expert who runs a practice centred around commercial contract, IP, IT and data protection matters.

    Practice head(s):

    David McEwing; Ross McKenzie

    Testimonials

    ‘Addleshaw Goddard, on top of delivering top tier advice offer a range of well presented and helpful training to clients. Addleshaw Goddard embrace diversity.’

    ‘Ross McKenzie is always quick to respond with very clear and helpful advice.’

    ‘Ross McKenzie is best in class in providing tailored and practical data protection compliance support.’

    ‘Very hands on and quick to respond in a clear manner.’

    ‘David McEwing is always available and focuses on the key points.’

    ‘Addleshaw Goddard provides reliable and trustworthy support to our growing company. They engage well without overcomplicating an issue. Billing is always transparent and within budget.’

    ‘David McEwing – corporate and transaction knowledge is second to none. Always available to provide succinct advice and guide clients through various corporate processes.’

    Key clients

    Waldorf Acquisition Co. Ltd

    Titan Torque Services

    Stacey Oil Services Limited

    Trojan Energy

    J&S Subsea

    BP International

    SGN

    Boohoo Group

    Dana Petroleum

    Voluntary Services Aberdeen

    Tymor Marine

    eserv

    MCL Medics

    Prodrill Recruitment Limited

    Ineos FPS

    Aberdeen City Council

    Automasjon OG Data AS

    DCarbon Limited

    Drill Tools Limited

    Razor Oiltools Limited

    Mackay Marine Services Limited

    Blue GentToo

    Vysus Group

    Work highlights

    • Advised Waldorf Production UK Limited on Project Hotel. Work included the completion of a Put & Call Option Agreement in terms of which Nautical Petroleum Limited (Seller) granted to Waldorf Production the right to require the Seller to enter into a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the Seller’s wholly owned subsidiary, Capricorn North Sea Limited (Target).  The Target holds interests in the Catcher and Kraken Oil fields.
    • Advised Waldorf Production UK Limited on the issuing of $300m Nordic secured bonds by Waldorf Production UK Limited to be used to fund the acquisition, and re-financing of existing senior debt facility and hedging.
    • Advised Aberdeen City Council on the procurement of a joint venture partner to deliver its vision of an Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub.

    Blackadders LLP

    Present in Dundee and Aberdeen, Blackadders LLP leverages its expertise of the technology and healthcare sectors, in addition to its knowledge of employee ownership transactions, to advise on a plethora of M&A deals. Campbell Clark leads the practice and is adept on both the transactional and advisory fronts; he is supported by Kirk Dailly whose core strengths include commercial contracts, business sales and purchases, brand protection and investment rounds.

    Practice head(s):

    Campbell Clark

    Other key lawyers:

    Kirk Dailly

    Testimonials

    ‘Excellent understanding of employee ownership transaction needs.’

    ‘Extremely good response times compared to other firms I have dealt with – personal but professional service – honest and factual feedback.’

    ‘In our experience the team is very responsive with high partner availability and involvement, providing timely and practical advice, always with an eye to commerciality.’

    ‘We recommend Campbell Clark for high levels of partner availability, providing straightforward, timely advice that we trust.’

    ‘I have found Blackladders LLP to be a friendly, transparent and responsive law firm. The firm makes me feel as though I am their only client as their response times are unmatched by any other law firm I have worked with. There had been one particular matter that I had asked them to handle, which I knew could have been protracted for many months due to its complexity, but with the team’s strong capability and robust approach, the matter concluded very swiftly. The firm also has a dedicated team with a broad range of expertise which has provided me with much support, knowledge and analysis of various legal and commercial issues.’

    ‘The individuals within the firm have a very proactive, supportive and personal approach in how they engage with me.’

    ‘The team attempts to find solutions which are consistent with our values. This means that, unlike some other lawyers, they do not try to win a fight but help us to find a solution which suits all parties.’

    ‘The individuals are always very personable, they try to make themselves available and they have worked to establish relationships with us.’

    Key clients

    4J Studios Limited (Chroma Ventures)

    The Insights Group Limited

    Lippert Components Inc

    RCI Europe

    Broker Insights Limited

    Waracle Limited

    Oilfield Machinery Limited

    Strathmore Foods Limited

    A Proctor Group Limited

    MTC Media Limited

    Work highlights

    • Advised Broker Insights on its £6m Series A funding round led by Mercia Asset Management.    
    • Advised Chroma Ventures who co-led a $5m investment in augmented reality studio Blippar.
    • Advised Oilfield Machinery on the sale of its OM Heavy Lift subsidiary to Forth Ports plc.

    Ledingham Chalmers LLP

    Aberdeen-based Ledingham Chalmers LLP operates across a variety of industries though is predominantly active in the oil and gas sector. Practice head Peter Murray is particularly accomplished in terms of representing joint venture and high-growth companies and also undertakes a wealth of M&A transactions; his team routinely supports on international supply mandates and restructuring support matters and includes Jody Mitchell, well-versed in acquisition, disposal, equity investment and general advisory affairs.

    Practice head(s):

    Peter Murray

    Other key lawyers:

     Jody Mitchell

    Key clients

    Arjowiggins Group Limited

    TotalEnergies E&P (UK) Limited

    Wood

    Solstad Offshore

    Prosafe

    Storegga

    OPITO

    Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG)

    Plexus ocean Systems Limited

    Work highlights

      Pinsent Masons LLP

      Pinsent Masons LLP, a firm with an expansive national and international network, is active in Aberdeen through the work of legal director Fiona Kindness; she handles a mixture of M&A, and private equity work in the energy sector and often supports on deals with a cross-border component.

      Practice head(s):

      Fiona Kindness

      Testimonials

      ‘Fiona Kindness and the team have an excellent work ethic, were genuine and provided an honest point of view, and made themselves available when necessary at short notice.’

      Key clients

      Eni S.p.A.

      Simmons Private Equity

      Pryme Group Limited

      Aker Solutions AS

      Akastor AS

      Repsol SA

      Thomas Hopkinson & Others

      Briggs Equipment UK Limited

      Three60 Energy Limited

      Raptor Data Limited

      Work highlights

      • Advised Pryme Group Holdings Limited and Simmons Private Equity on the merger of two Simmons PE portfolio companies – Pryme Group Holdings Limited and Seanamic Limited.
      • Advising the management team of Taylor Hopkinson Limited in respect of the exit by Longacre Group and acquisition by Brunel International B.V.of Taylor Hopkinson Limited and their subsequent reinvestment.
      • Advising the founding shareholders on the disposal of the entire issued share capital of John Warren (Animal By-Products) Ltd.

      Shepherd and Wedderburn

      Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Aberdeen offices delivers a comprehensive array of services including company acquisitions and disposals, start-up advice, shareholder agreements and commercial contract support. Keir Willox leads the practice and is predominantly active in the SME space, catering to onshore and offshore service companies in addition to those in the oil, gas and renewables fields.

      Practice head(s):

      Keir Willox

      Testimonials

      ‘Keir Willox is an outstanding solicitor and an excellent communicator. He is our main contact and we have full confidence in him and his advice and guidance.’

      Key clients

      TDC (Aberdeen) Limited

      R T McEwan Limited

      Acumen Financial Planning Limited

      The Financial Planning Group Limited

      Gregory Distribution (Holdings) Limited

      University of Aberdeen

      Wellpro Group Limited

      Mead Medical Holdings Limited

      William Wyness

      Kuller Fishing Company Limited

      Work highlights

      • Acting for Gregory Distribution (Holdings) Limited in connection with the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Pollock Holdings Limited, a haulage company based in the central belt of Scotland.

      Thorntons Law LLP

      At Thorntons Law LLP, key points of differentiation include the practice’s proficiency in the buying and selling of dental practices in addition to its capacity for employee ownership transactions. Practice head Michael Royden is also adept in the veterinary and pharmaceutical sectors and his team also demonstrates a track record in representing high growth and technology companies, especially those which have spun out of universities. In addition to its transactional offering, the department also undertakes commercial contract, partnership agreement and shareholder agreement mandates, among other general commercial matters.

      Practice head(s):

      Michael Royden

      Other key lawyers:

      Chris Byrne; Alistair Lang; Chris Allan

      Testimonials

      The work is always to a very high standard and attention to detail is noticeable.’

      ‘They don’t try to overwhelm with legal speak and will always explain the legal implications in layman’s terms, helping you to make decisions very quickly.’

      ‘Alistair Lang and the team have been exceptional in the support they provide. They both have a very personable character and always treat you with respect no matter how silly the question you may have.’

      Key clients

      D.C. Thomson & Company Limited

      Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited

      Don & Low Limited (part of Thrace Group)

      Whisky Auctioneer Limited

      EOS Advisory LLP

      CGLMC Limited (Carnoustie Golf Links)

      St Andrews Links Trust

      McTaggart Group Limited

      Agricarbon Limited

      Amiqus Resolution Limited

      Walter Davidson & Sons

      Cyberhawk Innovations Limited

      Dyneval Limited

      AI Exploration Limited

      Westerton Access Limited

      Cara Finance Group Limited

      Dunfermline Athletic FC Limited

      SP Automation & Robotics

      Work highlights

      • Advised Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited on a $42.2m series B investment round.  
      • Advised DCT Capital on a substantial equity investment in Cumulus Oncology Limited.
      • Advised the selling shareholders in relation to the sale of the entire issued share capital of Orchard Timber Products Limited (a well established timber and building materials merchant with turnover in excess of £25m) to National Timber Group, a portfolio company of Cairngorm Capital.