Hall Of Fame

Corporate and commercial: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 in South East

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP‘s corporate and commercial team has demonstrable experience on a broad spectrum of high-end matters with emphasis on the tech, leisure and education sectors. Simon Staples leads on the corporate side, overseeing the team’s deal flow which spans spinouts, cross-border M&A, disposals and equity capital market transactions. Legal director Timothy Coles is also a key corporate name and is an expert in the leisure sector advising on M&A, equity fundraisings, restructurings, and corporate governance matters. Co-head of team and ‘superstar’ Alison Patten-Hall remains a pre-eminent commercial lawyer in the Thames Valley and leads the firm’s nationwide commercial practice. She excels on large-scale projects, especially outsourcing and IT procurements. Tech and GDPR expert Elisabeth Bell bolsters the team’s commercial offering with her know-how on IT projects and issues arising from emerging technologies.

Practice head(s):

Alison Patten-Hall; Simon Staples


Other key lawyers:

Elisabeth Bell; Penny Rinta-Suksi; Manoj Styche-Patel; Rob Jefferies; Timothy Coles


Testimonials

‘The team has a high attention to detail and knowledge across multiple sectors which provides a rounded package of support.’

‘Alison Patten-Hall has been amazing to work with. Her knowledge within the sector has been invaluable and she is able to turn around things quickly and to a high standard. Where the work has covered multiple disciplines such as HR and Data Protection she has been able to call on her partners for extra support ensuring that we are fully covered.’

‘Blake Morgan strive to ensure they are part of the team, understanding the problem to be addressed and working alongside the team to resolve rather than just quoting legal-ease.’

‘Alison Patten-Hall is a superstar. Always available to help with all manner of projects, often at short notice, providing pragmatic advice at a reasonable cost. I cannot recommend her highly enough.’

Key clients

University of Reading


Digital Space Group Limited


CRM Students Limited


Miele Company Limited


NHS England


Reading Borough Council


Surrey County Council


Oxfordshire County Council


Langley House Trust


Swansea University


SSE Water


Oxford Technical Solutions Limited


Wiggle Limited


Utilita Energy Limited


The Mayor’s Office for Policing and the Crime and the Metropolitan Police Service


Falanx Group


Dillistone Group plc


Anthesis Consulting Group


Velocys plc


De La Rue plc


Boom Holdings Limited


Lucy Group


Vail Williams


Winterbotham Derby


Surrey and East Surrey Water plc


Timeguard Limited


Osirium plc


Oxford Pharmagenesis


Recarta IT


HCL Technologies UK Limited


Cranstoun


The Guildhall Trust


PolarSeal Tapes and Conversions Limited


Wearegrip Limited


DEKRA UK Management Limited


Work highlights


  • Supporting the inhouse team at the University of Reading on a variety of commercial and IT projects.
  • Provided commercial support to DEKRA including negotiating various agreements with major customers of the client, drafting template agreements as well as acting as advisors for DEKRA’s general ad-hoc legal queries for various group companies all over the world.
  • Advised Timeguard Limited on the sale of its business and assets as a going concern, with the transaction involving assignment of intellectual property and industrial rights along with various licences and distribution agreements.

Freeths LLP

The team at Freeths LLP retains its status as one of the leading Thames Valley corporate and commercial practices. Co-head of team Leon Arnold leads on the corporate side, while fellow co-head and ‘absolute diamond’ Rebecca Howlett  is vastly experienced on commercial matters, including negotiating contracts and the commercialisation of intellectual property. Having carved out a niche representing agricultural and agrifood companies, Tom Walker maintains his impressive corporate practice which emphasises joint ventures, corporate governance and shareholder matters. Malin Svanberg Larsson comes recommended as ‘very commercially savvy and practical’ and runs a broad M&A practice with a focus on private equity.

Practice head(s):

Leon Arnold; Rebecca Howlett


Other key lawyers:

Malin Svanberg Larsson; Tom Walker; Claus Anderson; James Lapham


Testimonials

‘A very comprehensive law firm with a good breadth of expertise across the company. They are always available at short notice and provide excellent advice, guidance and documents with senior people always at hand. Strongly recommend this firm.’

‘Our key partner is Tom Walker. He is always very good at listening so he has a proper understanding of the brief before he starts any work. The work he produces is always excellent and he is not afraid to tell you clearly when what is being asked is outside the scope of what can be done and vice versa.’

‘Freeths’ knowledge in venture capital and corporate is outstanding and cannot be faulted. Their billing and fees are also competitive. They have a diverse team (working with us are mostly female and LGBTQ lawyers which we encourage and support).’

‘Malin Savnberg Larsson is very commercially savvy, and practical. She also works efficiently and has been great at supporting and managing our UK-based deals.’

‘Rebecca Howlett manages the team very well. She is incredibly responsive and dedicated. Offers assistance and makes suggestions for change. Feels like an extension of the in-house function.’

‘The people are what makes this practice unique. Always taking the time to get to know you and so that they can always advise in the right way.’

‘Rebecca Howlett is an absolute diamond. She always the taking time to listen to the bigger picture, not just the area you need advice with. Always follows up just the right amount so always a pleasure to hear from her.’

‘Rebecca Howlett was incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and engaging. Rebecca was patient in her explanations and detailed when required, whilst ensuring our goals were met in a timely fashion.’

Key clients

Geotek Coring Limited and Geotek Holding Limited


Paycircle Limited


BTomorrow Ventures Limited


Next Green Car Ltd


Maven Capital Partners UK LLP


Centrica Plc


Micheldever Tyre Services Limited


Critchleys Financial Planning LLP


The White Rabbit Pizza Co. Limited


Shareholders of Location Medical Services Limited


Flowmax group


Canalys Group


Freevolt Group Limited


GEFCO SA


The National Exhibition Centre Limited (NEC Group)


Highbourne Group of Companies


Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute


Cool Milk at School Limited


Alumier Labs UK Limited


Korres International/Korres Natural Products


Annie Sloan


Shoe Zone Retail Limited


LACE Partners Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of Geotek Coring Limited and Geotek Holding Limited in their sale of the entire issued share capital of both companies to Judges Scientific Plc for consideration of up to £80million plus excess cash.
  • Providing bespoke “Virtual Legal Team” service to City Plumbing Supplies Holdings Limited on an ongoing and continual basis from August 2021.
  • Advised BTomorrow Ventures Limited on its investment in FEEL Holdings Limited as part of Feels’ £10million funding round.

Gateley Legal

On the corporate side, Gateley Legal acts on behalf of an impressive client portfolio that includes major Thames Valley players. Headed up by Andrew Peddie, the team has deep expertise in private equity, buy and build processes and early stage VC investment work – particularly in the technology and TMT sectors. Mark Metcalfe is a go-to corporate lawyer for all things private equity. Co-practice leader Mailin Bala heads the commercial division, with emphasis on copyright, digital, data and media.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Peddie; Mailin Bala


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Souter; Mark Metcalfe


Key clients

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC)


YFM Equity Partners


Maven Capital Partners


Babble Cloud Holdings Limited


CACI Limited


Grupo Bimbo


Connection Capital


Aquavista


Amberjack


FSP Corporate


WysePower


Cardinality


Work highlights


  • Acted for the selling shareholders and management team of FSP on its secondary management buyout backed by an investment by CBPE Capital (and re-investment by LDC), together with the acquisition of Savanti by FSP.
  • We acted for Babble Cloud Holdings Limited, the PE backed telecoms provider (backed by Graphite Capital and LDC), on 10 separate corporate acquisitions in 2022 and early 2023. Andrew Peddie is lead partner for the Gateley relationship with Babble.
  • Acted for the selling majority shareholders on the sale of WysePower, the UK’s largest provider of temporary site solutions for construction projects, to RSK, the global environmental, engineering and technical services group.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Thames Valley powerhouse Osborne Clarke LLP enjoys a market leading reputation for its ability to handle the full suite of corporate matters, especially those with a cross-border element, and possesses particular expertise in M&A, private equity and venture capital across a range of industry sectors. Corporate team leader Sara Valentine is a specialist in the tech sector, and advises on complex restructurings and cross-border M&A transactions. Pre-eminent Thames Valley practitioner Greg Leyshon acts as national head of corporate and overall head of business transactions. Robert Wood is also renowned, coming highly recommended as ‘the ultimate deal leader’. Mike Freer heads up the firm’s specialist management advisory group and is the go-to lawyer for advising management teams in relation to buy-outs, buy-ins, equity release deals and their subsequent exits.

Practice head(s):

Sara Valentine; Greg Leyshon


Other key lawyers:

Robert Wood; Mike Freer; Robert Hayes; Justin Starling


Testimonials

‘An ability to absorb and understand commercial context and create a legal framework that works.’

‘The ability of Robert Hayes and his team to bring a real world approach and then bring a consensus-oriented approach to negotiations is noteworthy.’

‘The team are market leaders in venture capital investments and exits. The experience they have, the knowledge of the sector and their legal capabilities are second to none. The whole team are always incredibly responsive and engaged and are a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Robert Hayes is the ultimate deal leader who you want on your side. Fantastic commercial advice which always helps resolve the issues on deals.’

‘Elizabeth Yell is an absolute star. She is technically outstanding and balances that with a commercial approach in an excellent way – she’s the best.’

Key clients

GEA


Cornerstone OnDemand


Highland Europe


Everyday Health, Inc.


LevertonHELM Limited


BDW Trading Limited


Redstor


Cloudfactory Holdings Limited


Quorbit Ltd


BGF Investments LP


Nexeon Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Everyday Health, Inc. on its acquisition of Thames Valley company, Lifecycle Marketing Group.
  • Acted for the selling shareholders of The Research Partnership Limited on its sale to Ashfield Huntworth.
  • Acted for the selling shareholders of Leverton-Clarke Holdings Limited on a partial sale of shares and a joint venture with HELM AG.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has particular nous in the technology and life sciences sectors, excelling on high-end cross-border M&A work and venture capital transactions. Representing Oxford university spin-outs and growth companies are another core pillar of the team’s work in the space – M&A and private equity specialist Will Axtell, in addition to VC financing expert and ‘outstanding corporate lawyer’ James Went, are the names to note for such matters. Global head of corporate Matthew Martin is based in London. At associate level, Dominique Sabatini is another key contact for spin-out and venture capital work. Partner David Tighe retired in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Martin


Other key lawyers:

James Went; Will Axtell; Dominique Sabatini


Testimonials

‘Teamwork is excellent and ability to cover during periods of absence almost seamless.’

‘The firm has provided outstanding corporate, commercial and transaction advice to us for over a decade. They are consistently reliable, thoughtful and efficient in their work, whether it’s a small ad-hoc matter or a full-scale deal.’

‘James Went has been our main relationship partner and is an outstanding corporate lawyer. His advice is always clear, timely and helpful, and he is equally comfortable managing complex transactions or niche legal questions.

‘We have recently begun to work with Dominique Sabatini, who is an excellent associate and has done great work in support of several transactional matters.’

‘The team I used has skills in depth and were able to help me in support of a complex M&A. The partner was involved but the people who undertook the daily contact were professional and understood the challenges of such a complex deal.’

‘The main individual was passionate and was always available and there to explain legal complexities that I could understand and execute accordingly.’

‘Experienced, extremely knowledgeable but practical and very user-friendly. We don’t go anywhere else for corporate and commercial work.’

‘James Went is outstandingly able and experienced in a broad range of transactions and sectors. He’s always calm and considered and able to keep an eye on the bigger picture while maintaining a forensic attention to the detail.’

Key clients

Seedrs


The shareholders of Titian Software Holdings Ltd


Echo Healthcare Inc


Celleron Therapeutics Limited


Sixworks Ltd


The shareholders of Source Health Economics


The shareholders of AMR International Limited


The Smithers Group Inc.


The shareholders of Analytical Services International Limited


The shareholders of Simply Sustainable


The Harbour Brewing Company


MoA Technology Ltd


Fable Data Ltd


Seloxium Limited


Solena Materials Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Seedrs on its $100m acquisition by US fintech company Republic via a scheme of arrangement.
  • Acted for the shareholders of Source Market Access Limited, trading as Source Health Economics, on its sale to private equity backed Sciris Group.
  • Acted for US medtech company Echo Healthcare Inc in its acquisition of Immersive Interactive Limited.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP maintains its status as a market-leader on both the commercial and corporate fronts, acting on behalf of a blue-chip client list that includes both major domestic and transnational corporations. On the commercial side, tech and privacy expert Nick Holland leads the Thames Valley team which has significant cross-sector expertise, including in the automotive, retail, healthcare and life science spaces. Fellow commercial partner Fiona Teague is the key contact and handles the team’s impressive portfolio of large scale cross-border transactions, with particular expertise in those involving logistics and warehousing, supply chain, retail, food and beverage, and FMCG. The corporate side of the practice is led by Sanjeev Sharma and sees complex corporate, private equity, venture capital and M&A work. As head of the Thames Valley office, co-corporate lead Nina Smith focuses on building the team’s strong client base. Her practice emphasises sell side mandates, buy and build acquisitions and advising private equity houses on their investment portfolios. At associate level, Daniela Munro's experience includes M&A, corporate restructurings and IPOs.

Practice head(s):

Sanjeev Sharma; Nick Holland


Other key lawyers:

Nina Smith; Fiona Teague; Adam Leszczynski; Matt Douglas; Daniela Munro


Testimonials

‘Sector knowledge. Partner involvement throughout.’

‘Nina Smith is fantastic and knows the sector well. Matt Douglas is also great and pragmatic when resolving queries.’

Key clients

Asahi UK LTD


BGF


Chevron Traffic Management Limited


Downing LLP


Foresight Group LLP


Lloyds Development Capital


Management team of Techex Europe Limited


Mercia Asset Management


NVM Private Equity


Onecom Group Limited


Portchester Equity Limited


RAC


Roofoods Ltd (Deliveroo)


YFM Private Equity Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Chevron Traffic Management on the group’s acquisitions of Herts Traffic Management and Consilium Technical Services Limited.
  • Advised the shareholders of GHC Holdings Limited on the sale of their software company to TES Global Limited.
  • Advised the management team of Techex Europe Limited on the Westbridge Capital backed buyout.

BDB Pitmans

John Hutchinson heads up the corporate department at BDB Pitmans which handles the full lifecycle of corporate transaction on behalf of a high-end client list, particularly those in the financial and retail sectors. Stephanie Perry specialises in corporate lending as well as acquisitions and disposals, particularly in the automotive sector. Partner Oliver Pilkington and associate Daniela Munro left to join Shoosmiths LLP.

Practice head(s):

John Hutchinson


Other key lawyers:

Philip Weaver; Stephanie Perry; Michelle Gorman


Testimonials

‘The team is highly commercial in their approach and work tirelessly to get the transaction completed. They are thorough and particularly focused on taking clear instructions and follow through on all the detail.’

‘Stephanie Perry is extremely attentive. She is detailed in her delivery and personable. She understands the objective and helps to navigate the transaction towards that objective.’

‘We feel confident using the services of BDB Pitmans. They offer great advice in a timely fashion that is good value for money.’

‘Philip Weaver has been our ‘go-to’ acquisition partner for many years. He is highly knowledgeable, commercial and remains calm when we need it most.’

‘The BDBP team is unique in how flexible they are, especially with newer clients. A domestic law firm referred me to them as we explored a UK transaction, and they very quickly understood what my firm cares about vs. is more flexible on, and it was a seamless process.’

‘The accountability and valuable perspective that BDBP provided were among the best I have seen. Always available when you need to talk to them, proactively finding ways to strike a better deal and progress the deal, and also great a facilitating a good working relationship with opposing counsel.’

‘The team were very obliging, and nothing was too much trouble. We had tight deadlines, which were met every time.’

‘The team have a unique mix of brilliant industry knowledge and capability to communicate in an easy-to-understand way.’

Key clients

Elivia Homes


Accolite Digital


Westcoast Holdings Ltd


Exploration and Production Services (Holdings) Ltd


Waylands Automotive Limited


Garden Trading Company Ltd


Electric Guitar Plc


Sondrel (Holdings) Plc


Arden Investments Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Elivia Homes on the acquisition and expansion by Octopus Investments, a leading investor in specialist UK real estate, which is part of Octopus Group.
  • Advised private-equity backed, US headquartered technology services provider Accolite Digital (Accolite) on its acquisition (through a UK vehicle) of TeamTek Consulting (TeamTek), a UK-headquartered leading digital services provider in the banking and financial services sector.
  • Advised Westcoast Holdings Ltd on its acquisition of KOMSA AG, a German distributor and service provider. The deal made the headlines in numerous tech-focused publications and is so large that it has been referred to the European Commission for competition clearance.

Boyes Turner

Demonstrable technology sector expertise is the defining feature of the corporate and commercial practice at Boyes Turner. On the corporate side, the team has seen growth in multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions, particularly in the water and agricultural sectors. Corporate leader Kate Eavis is strong in venture capital, M&A and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Kate Eavis; Sarah Williamson


Testimonials

‘This firm is the most commercial team of lawyers I have worked with.’

‘The team I work with are very collaborative providing solutions when faced with challenges. They are very proactive in ensuring the process is kept on track with regular check-in points and discussions.’

‘They provide technology solutions for managing and tracking the process and are very willing to support when things arise that we may not have considered.’

‘Differentiation in customisation of approach to customer needs and deal-specific context. Very commercial, pragmatic and reactive. High-quality work.’

‘Solid commercial advice delivered quickly. The team has performed many secondments so the business acumen and understanding of delivering redlines is particularly strong. Due to the size of the clients there is also an excellent in-house counsel forum held every quarter where we discuss topics particularly affecting the tech sector and how in-house teams are implementing changes in law and practice. These are invaluable when there is a small in-house legal team.’

‘Helen Dobson is great at spotting issues that apply to my company that may not be relevant to other clients due to the nature of my business and my customers.’

Key clients

Culligan/Waterlogic Group of companies


Information Resources (IRI)


Becton Dickinson


Laurence Molke


Resonant Group Limited


Occuity Limited


Xtrac Transmissions


Origin Enterprises Plc / Agrii


CH & Co


Guardian News & Media Ltd


Wind River Systems Inc


Virtualstock Limited


Netmore Group (including Netmore IOT Solutions Ltd)


First Hydrogen Limited


Lee & Thompson LLP


Novatiq Solutions Limited


Higher Concept Software (trading as Point of Rental)


Work highlights


  • Advised Origin Enterprises Plc on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Keystone Environmental Limited.|
  • Advising management on private equity investment by Ara Partners into HamX Gas Technologies and FNX Liquid Natural Gas S.L.
  • Advising Culligan on the agreement for a global ERP software solution across its group companies.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Field Seymour Parkes LLP represents entrepreneurs, owner-managed small and medium enterprises, and VCs on trade sale M&A mandates, in addition to fostering a fast-growing private equity practice that advises on investments and private equity backed buy-outs. Rachael Maunder leads the Reading-based team, advising on M&A and disposals. Penelope Garden continues to focus her practice on private equity and venture capital investments.

Practice head(s):

Rachael Maunder


Other key lawyers:

Penelope Garden; Jeremy Parkes; Ian Wood-Smith


Testimonials

‘Friendly, accessible and experienced team. They provide excellent service, good communication and commercial advice in negotiations.’

‘Penelope Garden is fantastic to work with. She’s clear and concise in her communication and provides clear commercial advice. She works incredibly hard to deliver deals.’

‘Flexible, great value for money, wide industry knowledge and expertise in VC-based transactions.’

‘Quick and decisive advice, good quality advice and ability to flex workloads.’

‘The team at FSP have a deep knowledge and understanding of both structuring well drafted legal documents for Venture Capital Investments and expediting a process to timescales. Their breadth of knowledge across multiple areas of the process of making an early stage investment are the key to why we use FSP.’

‘The team has a stand-out capacity to deliver continuity, bringing to bear relevant items from a long history of shared projects. Uniquely they tie in all of the other disciplines in the firm to offer consolidated and broad advice, whereas elsewhere you all too often find disjoint between a firm’s different teams.’

‘Penelope Garden delivers practical advice through a uniquely engaging style. She blends content accessibility with leading and growing a team of enthusiastic associates.’

Key clients

Window Ware Limited


BGF


Euro Car Parts (part of NASDAQ listed LKQ Corporation group)


Codan Limited (listed on Australian stock exchange)


Honda Motor Europe Limited


WAKMoor (Assets) Limited


Bewley Homes PLC


Whistl UK Limited


Mentor Group Limited


Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG)


Work highlights


  • Acted on behalf of Operational Solutions Limited and the purchaser of 51% of the issued share capital of Rinicom Intelligent Solutions Limited.
  • Acted for the sellers in respect of the sale of the entire share capital of EUDRAC UK Limited to Belgian buyer, Quality For you BV.
  • Assisted the shareholders of Alfa Energy on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company to Edison Energy.

White & Black Limited

White & Black Limited's corporate practice focuses on the technology sector, seeing major mandates from both technology companies and leading investment funds in this space. M&A is another core pillar of the group, with deal values frequently stretching into the tens of millions. Partner and practice head John Allen was praised as ‘an exceptional lawyer’ and specialises across the high-tech and marketing services industries. Jonathan Williamson has a wealth of experience handling cross-border M&A, joint venture and private equity transactions.

Practice head(s):

John Allen


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Williamson; Suzanne Whiteman; Laura Sinoplu


Testimonials

‘A great combination of pragmatism and solid legal approach. I have found the team especially strong in tech M&A and share transactions for PE-backed companies.’

‘John Allen is an exceptional lawyer, and simply terrific to deal with. He is calm in pressurised situations, and drives to the best result.’

‘Victoria Wright is highly knowledgeable and appears to be a great leader and is highly personable.’

Key clients

Techex


Esportif


General Oceans AS


Humly EdTech


Offspring International


Shaw Gibbs


Alexia Inge


Matchesfashion


With PR


Work highlights


  • Advised Humly EdTech AB on its acquisition of Exact Education Limited.
  • Advised the shareholders of Techex Europe Limited on the investment by private equity house Westbridge Capital.
  • Advising General Ocean AS on its acquisition of Tritech International Limited.

Clarkslegal LLP

Ashan Arif heads up the Reading-based corporate and M&A team at Clarkslegal LLP that has the capability to act on a vast array of matters, including cross-border M&A, AIM listings and private equity investments, alongside shareholder issues and schemes of arrangement, to name a few. The practice group’s deal flow also increasingly sees corporate restructurings – Stuart Mullins is the key name here, who also undertakes the full range of general corporate work.

Practice head(s):

Ashan Arif


Other key lawyers:

Stuart Mullins


Key clients

BMW Group UK


Kinectrics Inc.


Branford Castle Partners LP


Offsite Archive Storage and Integrated Services (UK) Limited


TFC Holdings London Limited


Comvest Investment Partners Holdings


New Era UK Holdings Ltd


Lumen Technologies


Firoka Group


Adler Pelzer Group


Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Harrison Clark Rickerbys is led by Rachel Turner on the corporate side, overseeing a particular hive of activity on private equity-backed transactions. Turner is a specialist on high-value and complex transaction structures, and is supported by experienced practitioner Robert Rice, who remains the focal point for the firm’s US-based clients in the space. Rachel Khiara heads the commercial division which is known for its expansive IT and technology sector work, alongside a full IP offering.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Turner; Rachel Khiara


Other key lawyers:

Robert Rice


Key clients

Steer Automotive Group Limited


BackOffice Associates (Europe) Limited


Wilton & Bain Group Limited


Azego TS Limited


Collard Group Limited


Insource Limited


Shareholders of J. Bennett & Son (Insurance) Limited


Shareholders of Wine Box Company Limited


YFM Equity Partners


Work highlights


  • Advising Mike Revell and Raza Rizvi on the sale of their shares in Activereach to Babble Cloud.
  • Acting for Steer Automotive Group Limited on its purchase of the entire issued share capital of AW Repair Group Limited.
  • Acted for the Shareholders of J. Bennett & Co (Insurance) Limited on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Jensten Limited.

KPMG Law

KPMG Law‘s Reading-based corporate and commercial practice group represents clients on high-calibre mandates that include M&A, corporate restructurings and private equity transactions. Practice chair and office senior partner Emma Gibson has extensive experience across all aspects of corporate law. Tim Sydor specialises in private equity work, particularly for management teams in PE buyouts.

Practice head(s):

Emma Gibson


Other key lawyers:

Tim Sydor; Emma Couch; Duncan Kay; Rachel Reeves; Becky Powell


Testimonials

‘Working with KPMG allowed a “one-stop” shop for an acquisition project. Rather than having multiple firms around a table, we were able to quickly co-ordinate DD, tax and legal with one team. Becky Powell was diligent, hard-working and always cheerful. Tim Sydor was technically excellent in managing the deal.’

‘Becky Powell stood out as an exceptional solicitor, with an amazing attention to detail, quick thinking, always happy to answer questions, and the ability to explain things in a very clear way.’

‘Tim Sydor has made things as easy as possible. Good customer service and communication.’

‘Emma Gibson combines accessibility with great knowledge – really impressive.’

‘I continue to be impressed with the diligence and outputs from Rachel Reeves and Becky Powell who work together seamlessly and provided an excellent service.’

‘Very responsive and collaborative and great communication throughout. They understood broader technical issues well, and were pragmatic in their approach.’

‘Tim Sydor and Duncan Kay were both very knowledgeable in executing private equity transactions as well as being highly experienced creating the supporting legal materials. Great at explaining and translating complicated and/or intricate legal details throughout this process.’

Key clients

Amber Beverage Group


Shareholders of Akixi Holdings Limited


BAP Pharma Limited


Shareholders of FourteenFish Limited


Pulsant Limited


Responsible Group


Oil Spill Response


Lovehoney


Hall & Woodhouse


Work highlights


  • Acted for Pulsant Limited and its investor Antin Infrastructure Partners on the £77m purchase of Amito.
  • Advised the founding shareholders of Akixi Holdings Limited on the sale of a majority share in the company to Axiom Equity following a competitive auction process.
  • Advised the shareholders of FourteenFish Limited on preparation of the company for sale through to ultimate disposal of their shares to EMIS Group PLC for £16m.

Blandy & Blandy LLP

Blandy & Blandy LLP's strong corporate and commercial practice acts on behalf of key clients in the IT and professional services sectors, on a full-suite of matters including mergers, joint venture, private equity and corporate restructurings. IP, regulatory issues and data protection are among the commercial specialisms of the team. Debbie Brett leads the team from Reading.

Practice head(s):

Debbie Brett


Other key lawyers:

David Few; Emma Ford; Nick Burrows


Testimonials

‘Strong connected advice on both personal and business interests.’

‘Approachable and pragmatic.’

‘David Few has been a delight to work with. Emma Ford is an upcoming star.’

‘They provide a wide range of expertise in business/commercial matters. All teams have partners that are all knowledgable and approachable.’

‘We have dealt with Nick Burrows for commercial matters over our time with Blandy. He knows our business very well and even these days as Partner & Chairman of Blandy, he uses his knowledge to direct us to the areas of expertise within the company that we require.’

Key clients

Reading Transport Limited Group of Companies


Skellerup Agri Holdings Limited


V J Tech Limited


Operational Research in Health (Holdings) Limited


Crest Hotels Group


Austin Fraser Limited


Revium Group Limited


The Cold Chain Federation


The Glass and Glazing Federation


Situ Live Limited


Box Technologies Limited


Print IQ Europe Limited


Warner Land Surveys Group


Luff Holdings Limited


Just Kampers Group of Companies


M’s Building Supplies Limited


LTRS Estates Limited (trading as ‘Orwells’)


The Hinrichson Foundation


Photon Energy Limited


Launch Diagnostics Limited


Thames Valley Air Ambulance


Work highlights


  • Advised the selling shareholders on the sale of their interests in V J Tech Limited to Nova Ventures Group Corp.
  • Advised Crest Hotels (Powys) Limited in relation to the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Hotel Metropole (Llandrindod) Limited.
  • Advised Situ Live Limited in connection with securing over £1m private equity funding by IWC.

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors comes recommended for its ‘strong client ethos’ and places emphasis on the SME market and large owner-managed businesses. Practice head Barry Niven focuses on business and share sales and acquisitions, alongside corporate recovery and insolvency.

Practice head(s):

Barry Niven


Other key lawyers:

Lily Holland


Testimonials

‘The team are focused on M&A activity in the SME sector and understand that clients value straightforward, commercially-focused legal advice. The team take time to explain issues in non-legal terminology and have a strong client service ethos.’

‘The team are willing to go the extra mile to provide a great service to clients. Barry Niven leads the team and makes himself available to clients and is highly responsive. This approach is shared through the team including Lily Holland who is highly professional in her dealings with clients.’

 

Key clients

Lawsons (Whetstone) Limited


Jargon PR LLP


Realogist Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Lawsons (Whetstone) Limited on its continued buy and build strategy by advising on three share acquisitions and two business and asset acquisitions.
  • Advising Realogist Limited on its acquisition of the Relocation Agent Network from Dwellworks LLC.
  • Acting for Duncan Yeardley Estate Agent Limited on its buy and build strategy including the acquisition of a 3 site letting and estate agents business.

Gardner Leader LLP

Gardner Leader LLP‘s Thames Valley offering in this space is headed up by Philip Humphreys who leads the business team, and focuses his practice on high-value mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts and reorganisations – frequently those with an international element. Experienced lawyer Peter James is the key name on the commercial team which covers commercial contracts and business law, including IT, IP and data protection issues.

Practice head(s):

Philip Humphreys


Other key lawyers:

Peter James; Joe Lewis; Diane Yarrow; James Thorpe; Hannah Davies


Testimonials

‘The ability to ask for a short review on key points is quick and effective.’

‘Two things count. The speed at which someone gets back to you and then their ability to understand the context in which you ask the question or need to understand the risk. They do both very well.’

‘The team have technical expertise in buckets, but most importantly the senior team have lots of real world experience so you get advised on what is best for you and your business and not just advised what the law says.’

‘Philip Humphreys is calm, considerate, decisive and a true gentleman. His vast experience means his solutions to problems are commercial and pithy.’

‘The team is technically good, yet user friendly.’

Key clients

KAM Project Consultants


Argentum Apothecary Limited


Cordell Health Limited


Clearwater Hampers Limited


Team Technologies Limited


Medical Supplies Direct Limited


Wynne Jones IP Limited


All Medical Professionals Limited


Jonas Software


Juice Moving Images


Shareholders of iTrinergy Limited


Workbuzz Analytics Limited


Shareholders of Berry Marketing Services Limited (Trading as Venue Directory)


Shareholder of Sonnox Limited


Prepay Technologies Limited


Orgvue Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholder of Sonnox Limited on the sale of the company to AIM-listed Focusrite plc.
  • Advised the shareholders of iTrinergy Limited on the sale of the company to Calnex Solutions PLC, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
  • Advising Medical Supplies Direct on its agency agreement with a leading integrated outsourcing provider to store and distribute covid tests to a major supermarket chain for consumer purchase.

IBB Law

Two lawyers jointly head up the ‘highly experienced team’ at IBB Law: Adam Dowdney who specialises in all aspects of corporate work and has been focusing on expanding the Thames Valley corporate offering, alongside Harriet Jones who provides commercial advice to businesses in the western Thames Valley.

Practice head(s):

Adam Dowdney; Harriet Jones


Testimonials

‘Strong team ethic means advice from corporate, employment and property is all tightly joined up providing a very efficient process for clients and deal intermediaries. Highly experienced team, strong capabilities and also good team players.’

‘Adam Dowdney goes beyond what is expected of a partner on a transaction project, without fail puts in the extra hours to get things done right and on time.’

Key clients

Portman Compliance


LGDN Bidco


Mega-Pak (2014) Limited


VLH Developments Limited


Finchley Morgan Limited


Logiq Consulting Limited


Lifecast Body Simulation Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of PortAll Limited and Nanstrad Limited in selling their shares to Compliancy Services Limited.
  • Advised LGDN Bidco (Family First), a buy and build platform operating in the children’s nursery business in the UK, on numerous acquisitions throughout the country.
  • Acted for the management team on the Management of Norwegian Log Cabins in the buy-out process including advice on the equity documents and service agreements relating to the MBO of Norwegian Log Cabins supported by Ethos Partners.

SE-Solicitors

SE-Solicitors‘s ‘efficient and extremely knowledgeable’ company commercial team advises regional, national and multinational clients across a wide range of corporate and commercial legal services including M&A, business sales, restructures, contracts and competition law. Founding partner Hitendra Patel now heads the team, after John Spratt stepped back to a consultant role. Patel is an expert in M&A, partnership law, corporate finance and agency agreements. Catherine O’Riordan has particular expertise in warehousing and logistics agreements, as well as website terms and policies and distance selling legislation.

Practice head(s):

Hitendra Patel


Other key lawyers:

Catherine O’Riordan; John Spratt


Testimonials

‘Spratt Endicott are our go-to firm and trusted partners over many years. We very much value direct access to senior lawyers that are more than willing to provide frank and invaluable advice that helps us get things done. Efficient and extremely knowledgeable, they provide advice on potential pitfalls and solutions to mitigate them.’

‘We have worked very closely with Andrew Woods and Andrew Querelle on complex matters for several years. Both are highly efficient and knowledgeable – they get things done. With Spratt Endicott we don’t have to hold on the telephone, in a queue to be put through to the wrong person – we call through and they answer. The firm delivers!’

‘No-nonsense advice, delivered in a timely fashion and the ability to quickly understand and see the detail.’

‘Despite being a regional firm, the service and expertise is second to none. Their knowledge and expertise is comparable to top firms based in London.’

‘For a mid-size legal practice, a client is still treated as an individual and with personal recognition and respect. The firm covers a wide range of legal services as well as a good and solid understanding on corporate law.’

‘Spratt Endicott is a long-standing law firm that is highly invested in the community.’

‘Hitendra Patel was the partner in charge. I have dealt with numerous corporate partners in large London firms over the years and no one comes close to his ability, intellect, commercial acumen and work ethic. He is a very humble, calm, soft spoken but determined individual who will fight your corner with rational and commercial arguments with great success.

‘I have always been well looked after and have received a great personal service.’

Work highlights


Mishcon de Reya LLP

Mishcon de Reya LLP places strong emphasis on advisory work regarding funding rounds in the life sciences, tech and innovation economy. Nicola McConville heads the team and is an expert at advising Oxford university spin-outs, leading on some of the largest funding rounds in the region. Attilio Leccisotti specialises in capital fundraisings with a focus on university spin-out companies, primarily in the technology and life sciences sectors.

Practice head(s):

Nicola McConville


Other key lawyers:

Attilio Leccisotti


Testimonials

‘Excellent and holistic combination of skills brought to every need of the business. From insights into complexity of data management in genomics, diverse incentive schemes for the team, to negotiations of Series A investment documents.’

‘Nicola McConville is excellent and cares for the client at all levels. We have changed firms to follow her over the years as we were unable to find someone to match her unique mix of expertise and personal traits.’

Key clients

Nucleome Therapeutics Ltd.


Oxford Ionics Ltd.


Brill Power Limited


Zyzzle Ltd


Opsydia Ltd.


Ufonia Ltd.


Fluorok Limited


By Rotation Ltd


The Run Buddy Limited


MyMynd


Get A Drip Limited


Work highlights