Blake Morgan LLP houses a strong team in Southampton, which includes Stephen Archibald, Gemma Spiceley, and Mathew Wilson. Archibold has a range of experience advising clients across different sectors including the technology, financial services, and recruitment spaces; Spiceley focuses on the acquisition and disposal of private companies; and Wilson routinely advises on M&A, joint ventures, and private equity investments. Jasmin Taylor is also noted for her assistance with various corporate matters, including shareholder agreements and restructurings. The team regularly acts for corporates, shareholders, and directors. The practice is led by Simon Staples in Reading. James Hawkeswood left the firm in May 2023.
Corporate and commercial: Hampshire in South East
Blake Morgan LLP
Practice head(s):
Simon Staples
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Spiceley; Mathew Wilson; Stephen Archibald; Mark Hepworth; Jasmin Taylor
Testimonials
‘Highly experienced partner-led service delivery. Flexible and commercial. City-quality advice.’
‘Stephen Archibald is an outstanding corporate lawyer, with a wealth of experience across public and private markets. His approach is a personalised one, adapting to the customer’s requirements and preferences, always thinking ahead to the next phase of work on a project.’
Key clients
Utilita Group Limited
Argentis Group Limited
Applerigg
Gresham Technologies plc
DEKRA UK
Hardide plc
Ridgecrest plc
Vocational Training Charitable Trust
Carrington West
Compass Recruitment Solutions
Judges Scientific Plc
Work highlights
- Advised on the restructuring of a business in the UK and Australia as well as advised a the cross-border merger.
- Advised Vocational Training Charitable Trust on the purchase of the entire issued share capital of The Skills Group Ltd and its subsidiary.
- Advised on the management buy-out of The Artisan Travel Group Ltd.
Moore Barlow
The corporate and commercial practice at Moore Barlow is co-led by Jeremy Over in Southampton and John Warchus, who splits his time between Guildford and Richmond. Described as ‘a highly accomplished deal maker’, Over often handles transactions within the technology and manufacturing sectors. Roger Bailey has more than three decades of experience advising on M&A and IPOs. Kirsty Leary and David Bright are also key members of the team. Leary is noted for expertise in corporate reorganisations, while Bright often works with clients in the telecoms industry. Thomas Clark left the firm in April 2023, while Peter Jeffery departed in May 2023.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Over; John Warchus
Other key lawyers:
David Bright; Roger Bailey; Dorothy Agnew; Kirsty Leary
Testimonials
‘Jeremy Over is a highly accomplished deal maker. He is exceptional.’
‘Roger Bailey is absolutely brilliant. He’s very knowledgeable and gives huge attention to detail. He is super responsive and extremely pleasant to deal with.’
‘The Moore Barlow team is very reliable. They produce high quality assistance and advice in acquisitions.’
‘They are a great team. They are very knowledgeable and work well together.’
‘David Bright is quick to engage and understands the needs of the client.’
‘The Moore Barlow team are always ready to help, and they understand the commercial reality of doing transactions at speed.’
‘Their ability to translate complex processes and concepts into easily digestible concepts has been integral in completing a number of client projects.’
‘They are personable, reliable, and hard working.’
Key clients
Southern Communications Limited
New Path Fire and Security Ltd
4Com Technologies Limited
Hall & Woodhouse Limited
Serocor Group
Sabien Technology Group Plc
Churchill Retirement Plc
Kallidus Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the £25m sale of Fresh Relevance Ltd to Dotdigital Group PLC.
- Advised on the £12.3m sale of Rio Tropical Limited to A.G. Barr PLC.
- Advised on the disposal of Computer and Network Consultants Limited to FluidOne.
Paris Smith LLP
Paris Smith LLP advises on M&A, development capital, and corporate restructurings. Practicing in both Winchester and Southampton, Michael Moore heads up the corporate team, and frequently handles transactions within the technology, manufacturing, and automotive sectors. Leading the commercial side of the practice, Crispin Dick is recommended for matters relating to IT such as software licensing issues and technology transfers. Amanda Brockwell and Jonathon Roy
are both seasoned lawyers in the team; Brockwell advises on management buyouts and investment agreements, and Roy acts for clients on joint ventures, acquisitions, and corporate restructurings. Richard Atcherley is also noted for his experience handling transactions for SMEs.
Practice head(s):
Michael Moore; Crispin Dick
Other key lawyers:
Claudia Mihai; Richard Atcherley; Amanda Brockwell; Jonathon Roy; Jennifer Packer
Testimonials
‘The team provided highly knowledgeable advice in a very timely fashion. They worked through very large numbers of document to meet tight deadlines.’
‘Amanda Brockwell and Jonathon Roy are both excellent and easy to work with. They understand the needs of the clients and are responsive to changes.’
‘The corporate team at Paris Smith handles a wide range of transactions, including asset and share acquisitions, management buyouts, and employee ownership trusts.’
‘The team has provided the highest quality of service, demonstrating excellent technical knowledge and the ability to propose and negotiate practical commercial solutions.’
‘Richard Atcherley and Michael Moore in the corporate team both provide a first-class service on a wide range of transactions. As well as having excellent specialist knowledge, they are also able to provide practical commercial solutions to issues in order to drive transactions forwards to completion.’
‘Amanda Brockwell and Claudia Mihai were exceptionally efficient, and they had the experience to provide advice on all aspects of a complicated transaction.’
‘They are an extremely well established and respected team capable of supporting clients through even the most complex deals.’
‘The team has great strength in depth with several partners having built strong reputations across the local M&A advisory market and a loyal following with clients.’
Key clients
Haskins Garden Centres
Hobbycraft Group
Richmond Cars
Hiller Nurseries Limited
Totalmobile Holdings Limited
Churches Fire Security Limited
Schneider Electric
Co-operative Group
Charters Group
Bowman Power
Work highlights
- Advised Project Connect Topco Limited on the acquisition of Comparison Technologies Group.
- Advised the shareholders of Aspect Ecology Limited on its sale of APEM Group.
- Advised Renovos Biologics Limited regarding a two-stage investment round.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP advises clients on matters relating to venture capital, private equity, M&A issues. The ‘reliable, dependable, and well-resourced’ team is led by Stephen Porter in Solent, who has significant experience advising on corporate transactions and joint ventures. Lisa Sigalet and Sean Wright
are further standout lawyers; Wright regularly acts for financial sponsors and equity providers, and Sigalet, who is praised for being ‘extremely knowledgeable’, advises on acquisitions, disposals and corporate governance. Laura Austin and Emma Livesey are also noted for their experience assisting with private equity investments. Mark Shepherd retired from the practice in May 2023.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Porter
Other key lawyers:
Sean Wright; Lisa Sigalet; Emma Livesey; Laura Austin
Testimonials
‘The local Shoosmiths team has deep expertise across a broad range of corporate transactions, particularly deals involving private equity. They are trusted to advise clients through complex M&A processes, providing valuable support and clear guidance.’
‘Lisa Sigalet stands out as lawyer who provides great support to clients throughout the transaction process. She works very well with other deal advisers and builds rapport with counterparties, all of which can be critical in managing complex negotiations through to a successful conclusion.’
‘The Shoosmiths team have the ability to call upon technical experts from a huge range of disciplines such as cryptocurrency, maritime law, litigation, or cross border issues. They will have a member in the team that knows the problem and can advise on how to solve it. This depth of experience is a unique selling point of the firm.’
‘Without fail, Shoosmiths has impressed us. The team has demonstrated their skills and dedication to client outcomes. Their soft skills in managing clients alongside managing processes is a credit to the firm.’
‘The Shoosmiths Hampshire team are extremely reliable, dependable, and well resourced. Whilst the Hampshire team have a regional focus, they truly provide a City service to their clients. Shoosmiths size also enables them to commit time and resources to bring a transaction to a successful completion.’
‘Lisa Sigalet is extremely knowledgeable and is very supported by her team of solicitors. Lisa has great interpersonal skills and manages expectations very well. She’s always a pleasure to work with.’
‘Emma Livesey is an excellent senior solicitor. Her ability to break down and explain very difficult legal concepts is unmatched.’
‘Sean Wright was exceptional to deal with. He found and delivered solutions, and he went the extra mile. Special mention should also go to Laura Austin, who was extremely diligent and timely in her communications. She was a star with coordinating the transaction through the inevitable twists and turns.’
Key clients
Shareholders of CLC Group
Nobody’s Child
Charles Taylor
BGF
Ten Entertainment group plc
Dukes Education
Rotala Group Limited
KBC Advanced Technologies Limited
LDC Limited
Honda
Peugeot Citroen Vauxhall
Work highlights
- Acted for LDC on the acquisition of the parent company of Message Direct Limited.
- Acted for a company on its £287m takeover by the US private equity firm Trive Capital Partners LP.
Trethowans LLP
The corporate and commercial team at Trethowans LLP is co-led by Nick Gent, Lucy Gleisner, and Jon Stickland. Gent advises on a range of corporate matters, including shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and the sale of private companies; Gleisner has extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions; and, considered to be ‘one of the brightest lawyers in his field’, Stickland regularly handles commercial contracts and outsourcing agreements. Jamie Earley and Louise Thompson are also core members of the team. Earley routinely acts for clients within the technology sector, while Thompson focuses on commercial and data protection matters.
Practice head(s):
Nick Gent; Lucy Gleisner; Jon Stickland
Other key lawyers:
Jamie Earley; Louise Thompson; Jonathan Sherman; Julian Hamblin
Testimonials
‘Louise Thompson assisted my firm during a key transitional period and provided excellent support and advice.’
‘Louise Thompson is knowledgeable in the transport and data protection sectors. She provides excellent pragmatic service.’
‘A strong team with a good understanding of IT. They are able to bring a pragmatic and truly informed approach to discussions.’
‘Julian Hamblin clearly has a wealth of experience. He has taken the time to build strong relationships with the key stakeholders.’
‘Jon Stickland is one of the brightest lawyers in his field.’
‘Julian Hamblin is excellent in his field of IP and IT.’
‘The attention to detail of the team at Trethowans is second to none. We are constantly impressed with their commitment, care, and commerciality.’
‘Jamie Earley is a highly talented lawyer who punches well above his weight. Nick Gent is fantastic.’
Key clients
Just Develop It Limited
Shareholders of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Limited
Tiger Communications
The MCG Group Holdings Limited
Mark Allen Holdings Limited
Betting Shop Services Limited
Britvic
Bacardi-Martini
Carnival
Jewson/STARK
Stannah Stairlifts
Caspian One Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Britvic on a replacement agreement for transport planning and logistics services.
- Advised the shareholders of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Limited on the sale of the entire issued share capital in the company.
- Acting on Just Develop It Limited’s acquisition of Total Security Limited.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is a leading firm for corporate clients needing advice on complex deals. The team is headed up by Ian Holden, who regularly advises on shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and corporate finance matters. Stephen Pierce specialises in M&A and private equity transactions. Carly Holt and Sebastian Briggs are also prominent members of the team; Holt is skilled in handling matters within the financial services sector, while Briggs is an expert in investments into the energy industry. Further key sectors for the team include the retail and manufacturing industries.
Practice head(s):
Ian Holden
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Pierce; Carly Holt; Sebastian Briggs
Key clients
Renewable Energy Systems Limited
Quilter Plc
Future Plc
Hollywood Bowl Group Plc
Halma Public Limited Company
Malteries Soufflet SAS
Niedax GmbH & Co. KG
Unicard Limited
Atlas Concrete Limited
D.J. Squire & Co. Limited
Artefact SAS
Work highlights
- Advised RES on its £3bn joint venture with Octopus Renewables to develop green hydrogen plants across the UK.
- Advised Halma plc on the acquisition the rail maintenance company Zonegreen.
- Acted for the shareholders of Apollo Motor Group and Balgores Motors on the sale of the entire issued share capital in both corporate groups to Steer Automotive Group.
Broadfield Law UK LLP
The corporate and commercial team at Broadfield Law UK LLP advises on private equity transactions, joint ventures, and acquisitions. The practice is co-led by Oliver Kelly in Southampton and Philip Lamb in London. Kelly has a broad range of experience, which spans management buyouts, venture capital trusts, and shareholder agreements. Leah Houghton focuses on debt financing, corporate restructuring, and M&A work. Sean Kelly is also noted for his capabilities in handling matters in the maritime and transport sectors.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Kelly; Philip Lamb
Other key lawyers:
Leah Houghton; Sean Kelly
Testimonials
‘They have a sound reading of the market and the law.’
‘Oliver Kelly is clear, confident, and concise.’
‘Leah Houghton is industrious, detailed, and helpful.’
‘The Pitmans team have a very strong ability to meet the client’s needs without over complicating their advice, which is very practical and commercial.’
‘Oliver Kelly is a standout lawyer in the South. He has a very affable and commercial approach with clients and advisers. This is backed up with his exceptional technical capability.’
Key clients
Premier Marinas
Red Funnel
ITS Technology
Wilton Carpet group
Yospace
Crealogix MBA
EV Chargers
Salon Supplies
Firebird Partnership
HCR Group
Herrington Carmichael LLP
Herrington Carmichael LLP houses a corporate and commercial team that is ‘efficient, highly experienced, and consistently goes above and beyond to assist clients’. Managing partner Yavan Brar heads up the practice in Farnborough; he regularly advises on corporate restructuring and M&A matters. Cesare McArdle stands out for his experience navigating complex international agreements. Mark Chapman is recommended for commercial matters within the manufacturing and financial services sectors. Matthew Lea has since left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Yavan Brar
Other key lawyers:
Cesare McArdle; Mark Chapman; Alex Canham
Testimonials
‘Their attitude and approach are fantastic, which makes working with them smooth and efficient. I was impressed by their ability to navigate complex legal issues while keeping the bigger picture in mind.’
‘Yavan Brar’s approach to legal matters is both commercial and practical, making him an invaluable asset to any transaction. His positive attitude and solution-oriented mindset makes even the most complex legal issues seem manageable.’
‘Herrington Carmichael offers support across a wide range of laws. Their strength lies in their people who are experienced, diligent, and thorough.’
‘Their team is efficient, highly experienced, and consistently goes above and beyond to assist clients.’
‘Yavan Brar is a pragmatic and commercially minded lawyer. He is an excellent managing partner.’
‘They were always available when needed, quick to respond, and thorough in their work.’
Key clients
APN Group
Metro Bank
Lumin Wealth
Lumin Group
Portable Multimedia
HCI Financial
VPS Holdings
Cennox Group
Alarm Communication
Boom Spin
Wessex
Grundon Waste Management
The Beaufort Group of Companies
Shareholders of Weston Cummins
Buyline Norway
The Manor House Hotel (Castle Combe)
Strata Residential Finance
Andreas Stihl
Fuel Cell Systems
Exclusive Hotels (Lainston House)
Amazon Filters
BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund
Optimale
CV Library
Nurvv Group
Elevate 2
Meson Capital Partners
SatixFy
Futura Financial Solutions
One Four Nine Group
Phillips Law
Located in Basingstoke, Phillips Law regularly acts for SMEs and owner managed businesses. Leading the practice, Jack Gardener is recommended for shareholder agreements and corporate governance advice. The team was strengthened by the addition of Jacqueline Drury, who joined the firm from an in-house position in May 2023. Described as ‘incredibly knowledgeable’, Drury specialises in commercial work and has experience advising on matters relating to data protection, IT, and intellectual property issues.
Practice head(s):
Jack Gardener
Other key lawyers:
Jacqueline Drury
Testimonials
‘They are an excellent local practice with a good understanding of the client’s requirements.’
‘Jack Gardener heads up an experienced, commercial, and practical team. They are very good at simplifying the legal process and focusing on the pertinent commercial points.’
‘Jacqueline Drury is incredibly knowledgeable. She is thorough in her approach, and I take a lot of confidence from having her support.’
‘The team at Phillips excels by offering a very proactive service when buying and selling businesses. They deliver what is required and think outside the box.’
‘Jacqueline Drury is very good at explaining complex issues and providing the right amount of advice in order to make reasoned and considered decision.’
‘An excellent team. They are organised and friendly. We always received swift responses from there staff members.’
‘Jack Gardener is excellent. He’s very approachable and always responds promptly.’
‘Phillips offer a one-stop shop. They are very engaging and flexible. They respond very quickly.’
Key clients
Expedition Investment Company Limited
Freeda Media
Crescent Pharma Limited
Savona Foodservice Limited
Premier Seeds Investment Company Limited
Peslo Studios
United Risk Intermediaries Inc
Bill Kenwright Limited
TrustMark Limited
Kingscastle Limited
LS Estates Limited
Supernatural Food Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Expedition Investment Company on its acquisition of Fine Group Limited.
- Advised TrustMark on all aspects of its operations including structure, data protection, intellectual property, and commercial contracts.