Firms To Watch: Corporate and commercial: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall

The Torquay-based corporate and commercial practice at Boyce Hatton was further strengthened by the arrival of Richard James, formerly at AmicusLaw, in June 2022.
Plymouth-based firm White Jackman is making a name for itself in mid-market M&A and management buy-outs; it was founded in 2019 by Tim Jackman, who is well regarded for his experience in corporate transactions.

Corporate and commercial: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall in South West

Ashfords LLP

The corporate and commercial practice at Ashfords LLP is known for its strength in the technology and retail sectors, in which it acts in a broad range of transactions. Financial services and healthcare are also sectors in which the firm has particular expertise, further bolstered by its specialist IP practice. Andrew Betteridge heads the corporate side of the group, while Brian Farrell, whose experience extends to join venture agreements and corporate governance alongside M&A deals, leads on commercial matters. Tom Phipps excels in commercial matters at the intersection of IP and data protection. Mark Lomas retired in May 2022.


Practice head(s):

Andrew Betteridge; Brian Farrell


Other key lawyers:

Andy Young; Tom Phipps; Jonathan Croley


Testimonials

‘Expert legal advice delivered locally by a very experienced team.’

‘Andy Young is a great individual that knows his stuff and works in a pragmatic way. Brian Farrell is very experienced in his sector.’

‘Pragmatic and flexible partner-led team with a high standard of helpful and available associates.’

‘Andy Young is commercial and quick to pick up on the issues that specifically related to our company and industry.’

Key clients

Datacor Inc


Bestport Private Equity


VTTI


EGN Services


Kea New


Estate planning investment fund


Work highlights


  • Advised a client on its purchase of two portfolios of solar projects (2.8MW over 57 sites) for £3m, all located on the roofs of schools.
  • Advised Bestport Private Equity on the buyout of independent fostering agency Affinity Fostering Services for £9m.
  • Assisted Day Pitney LLP’s client Datacor Inc on UK tax, employment and corporate matters regarding the acquisition of a Cargill subsidiary, Format Solutions, with a deal value of $36m.

Foot Anstey

Handling the gamut of corporate and commercial work, Foot Anstey is regularly sought out by international and domestic clients alike to assist in matters such as M&A and private equity deals. Regarding the latter, the firm has specialist experience advising private equity-backed portfolio companies. Matthew Stoate leads the practice out of Exeter and handles transactions in a wide variety of sectors, including private equity, energy and technology. Joint ventures, succession plans and exit strategies form part of Duncan Sykes‘ practice. Adam McKenna, who focuses on matters in the private equity space, was promoted to partner in May 2022.


Practice head(s):

Matthew Stoate


Other key lawyers:

Duncan Sykes; Ken Lewins; Adam McKenna; Chris Worrell; Dominic Cromwell


Key clients

Stanley Capital Partners


Shareholders of Helston Garages


Access UK


Gregory Distribution Ltd


August Equity-backed portfolio companies


uCheck Limited


Zenergi


Kocho Holdings


Atomis Financial Planning Limited


Avonhurst Legal Services LLP


Management of British Solar Renewables Limited


Marston (Holdings)


Quilam Capital


Lucid Digital Magazines


Livingbridge


Phoenix Equity


Devon Waste Management


Work highlights


  • Advised Stanley Capital Partners on its investment in a majority stake in French pharmaceutical group Laboratoire XO (Lab XO).
  • Advised the shareholders of Helston Garages Group on multiple corporate transactions worth £182m.
  • Advised Integrity360, a portfolio company of August Equity, on the acquisition of Caretower as part of its pan-European expansion plan.

Michelmores LLP

With a practice that is hailed as ‘down to earth, pragmatic and commercial‘, Michelmores LLP operates across various sectors, with particular strengths relating to the energy, retail, and financial services industries. Under the leadership of Richard Cobb and Henry Taylor, the team is also noted for its experience acting for clients in the private equity space. M&A, restructuring and private equity are among Stephen Morse‘s areas of expertise; he regularly advises SMEs, banks and private equity houses. Among the senior associates, Francesca Hubbard stands out for her experience advising companies on investments, MBOs and acquisitions. Ian Holyoak is a name to note for commercial matters pertaining to the energy and renewables sector.


Practice head(s):

Richard Cobb; Henry Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Morse; Alexandra Watson; Francesca Hubbard; Samantha Billingham; Harry Trick; Ian Holyoak


Key clients

Triple Point VCT 2011


Graphic


Gresham House/The Environment Bank Limited


St Austell brewery


Harmonic Limited


Talentmark


DSM Venturing


Rolemapper


Exeter Rugby Club (Exeter Chiefs)


Mobeus (VCT Sale)


Succession Wealth


Seasalt


Pay4Later Limited (Deko)


Wetsuit Outlets


Intelligent AI


Mission Health & Wellness


Laceys

The hospitality, healthcare and technology sectors are key areas of focus for Laceys‘ Bournemouth-based corporate and commercial practice. Lead partner Sam Freeman is ‘highly commercial’ and is well versed in matters such as share and asset acquisitions and disposals, as well as shareholder agreements. Natasha Jones complements her corporate and commercial experience with vast knowledge of banking and finance issues. Jeremy Channon, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, advises directors, shareholders and companies on corporate and commercial matters, including corporate governance and M&A.



Practice head(s):

Sam Freeman


Other key lawyers:

Ella Gould; Victoria Boynes-Butler; Natasha Jones; Jeremy Channon


Testimonials

‘I find Lacey’s a joy to work with and they offer very practical advice. They actually go above and beyond to ensure that clients are getting sound advice.’

‘Natasha Jones presents some very complex situations in good and easy to understand terminology that everyone gets. She covers all bases, won’t leave any stone unturned and really gets to the heart of the situation.’

‘Great people, quick on-boarding, clear billing and flexible.’

Key clients

Home Grown Hotels Limited


Limewood Group Limited


Williams Jet Tenders Limited


The Buckinghamshire Group Limited


Solace Global Limited


Nuevo Agency


Aventum Group Limited


Virginia Hayward Limited


Skybound Financial Planning


Sani Solutions Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of a group of hospitality venues on their exit in excess of £150m.
  • Advised a marine industry client on its joint venture with a billion-dollar business.
  • Advised a financial service business on multiple acquisitions as part of its growth strategy.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP is particularly noted for its corporate and commercial work in the technology, social media and e-sports industries, as well as manufacturing. Based in Bournemouth, the practice is headed by Grant Esterhuizen, who is dual qualified in England and Wales and South Africa. Splitting his time between the firm’s Southampton and Bournemouth offices, Dean Drew has particular experience advising companies in the technology sector, in addition to counting a number of social media influencers among his clients. Associate Danielle Slater is a go-to contact for SMEs and is well versed on matters such as share buybacks, corporate governance and commercial contracts.

Practice head(s):

Grant Esterhuizen


Other key lawyers:

Dean Drew; Edward Adamson; Susan Cowan; Danielle Slater; Ruth Chornolutskyy


Testimonials

‘Lester Aldridge provide excellent advice. They are professional and also very commercial, which is great.’

‘Grant Esterhuizen is a superb solicitor. Very experienced and easy to deal with. He always considers the commercial aspects of the deal as much as the legal position. He’s intelligent, open-minded and a real expert.’

‘This practice is very personal and professional. Always willing and able to help with whatever request we submit.’

‘Grant Esterhuizen is helpful and patient with all questions and requests. I would highly recommend Grant to any company needing legal or corporate governance assistance in the UK.’

Key clients

Flabba Limited


Supernova Events and Esports Limited


Futwiz Ltd


Trant Engineering Limited


Applications Platform Limited


Upload Agency


Work highlights


  • Advised Trant Engineering, a new client for the firm, in relation to corporate and commercial work and real estate and planning matters.
  • Negotiated the terms of a management buyout of the business and assets of a well-known restaurant and pub in the New Forest on behalf of a local businessman and entrepreneur.
  • Advised Flabba Limited, a fast-growth technology company, on fundraising to support the company’s roll-out of its document management solution across the UK.

Steele Raymond LLP

Noted for its ‘depth of talent’, Steele Raymond LLP offers advice on the gamut of corporate and commercial matters out of its Bournemouth office. Tim Stone heads the corporate team and is frequently sought out by clients for his experience advising on mid-market M&A in sectors including financial services and specialist care. The commercial side of the practice is led by Paula Eckton, who has extensive experience in distribution and franchise agreements, particularly in the context of data protection. Senior associate Shaun Guppy ‘has a wealth of knowledge’, which covers de-mergers and joint ventures, as well as commercial contracts. Alexandra Clapp left the firm in December 2022.


Practice head(s):

Tim Stone


Other key lawyers:

Craig Hardman; Nick Davies; Paula Eckton;  Shaun Guppy


Testimonials

‘They have a depth of talent, and we are always directed to the right person to support us based on their skill-set and expertise.’

‘The team are always pleased to help, have a positive and upbeat demeanour, take pride in delivering a service that is fully committed and engaged with delivering a commercial outcome.’

‘Tim Stone has been ultra supportive. He’s been excellent at not letting me capitulate on minor issues – explaining why I shouldn’t and resulting in me having extra strength in my negotiations.’

Key clients

Harvest Fine Foods


Mediaology


Arden Group


Slumbersac


The Drewitt Group of Companies


The Hill Brush Company Limited


Goadsby Estate Agency Group


Fusion Wifi


Riskstop Group Limited


Rebuild Cost Assessment Limited


Protect Line Limited


Forte Organics Ltd


Muc Off


Work highlights


  • Advising the selling shareholders of Intec Printing Solutuions in connection with the sale of its UK and North American operations to Swedish print technology supplier Plockmatic Group.
  • Advising RiskSTOP Group in connection with various corporate and commercial trading arrangements.
  • Acting for the selling shareholders in connection with the sale of Accounts Lab to Sleek, a Singapore-based tech company.

Stephens Scown LLP

Based in Truro and Exeter, Stephens Scown LLP is a go-to practice for SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and domestic and international companies. The practice covers a broad range of sectors, including mining, leisure and tourism, as well as financial services, where it advises clients on corporate transactions and commercial matters. Jointly leading the team are Giles Dunning, who has longstanding experience advising on M&A, and Laurie Trounce, who is noted for her expertise in public sector transactions and agreements. Tim Lane is a name to note at the associate level.

Practice head(s):

Giles Dunning; Laurie Trounce


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Carlton; Simon Morris; David Gebbie; Tim Lane; Helen Wallwork


Key clients

Stonehaven (Healthcare) Limited


Arc Marine Limited


Nozzle.ai Limited


Truro and Penwith College


CORSERV


Phoenix Learning & Care


Imerys


Cornish Metals


Cornish Mutual Assurance Company Limited


Interact Training Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Stonehaven in its acquisition of Woodhayes Nursing Home in St Leonards.
  • Represented the owners of Irvine Financial in a share sale of Throstles WBA.
  • Advised Arc Marine Group on an investment from Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment LP and others into the company.

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP is engaged by clients on a number of corporate transactions and commercial matters, including joint ventures and MBOs. Neil Cook leads the practice and has a particular specialism in the acquisition and disposal of care homes for regional and national clients, in addition to his broad expertise in the financial services sector. Hugh Craig retired in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Neil Cook


Other key lawyers:

Wayne Spolander


Testimonials

‘The Ellis Jones team are very personable, regardless of the nature of the type of work to be undertaken. All matters are dealt with quickly and with full transparency regarding progress.’

‘Wayne Spolander stands out, he is exceptional. Extremely proficient with his attention to detail, descriptions and translations of meanings and consequence of matters involved.’

‘Good, straightforward advice.’

‘Neil Cook is good to deal with, commercially minded and with sound advice.’

‘The personal service of the staff and partners make it feel like a more friendly service than I have experienced with other law firms.’

Key clients

Luxurycare Group Limited


W. H. White Limited (WHE)


Canford Renewable Energy Limited (CRE)


Muston Capital Limited


The Buyer of H.P. Transport (Garages) Limited


The MBO team purchasing Jade-Aden limited


The Seller of Little Brook House Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Luxurycare Group on its purchase of Kingsman House and refinance of £19m of debt and a major corporate restructuring.
  • Advised Linda Scott on the sale of Little Brook House, a specialist dementia care business, for £2.5m.
  • Advised W. H. White Limited on a restructuring of its group of operating companies.

Porter Dodson LLP

With the opening of an office in Exeter in 2022, Porter Dodson LLP further strengthened its presence across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. The firm’s client roster includes SMEs, owner-managed businesses and family-run companies, for which it acts on matters such as acquisitions, reorganisations and buy-outs. Practice head Evelyn Adfield has substantial experience across a broad range of corporate and commercial work, for instance in regard to M&A, joint ventures and shareholder arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Evelyn Adfield


Other key lawyers:

David Culshaw; Sarah Young


Testimonials

‘The team at Porter Dodson always go above and beyond with our queries.’

‘Evelyn Adfield is a superb communicator and brilliant at making complex matters outside our expertise simple and concise. Willing to listen and put in time and effort to help us articulate what we need when we do not know the terminology or language involved.’’

‘Porter Dodson’s USP is combining corporate ability with commercial common sense and an ability to relate to the client’s needs whilst charging a fair rate.’

‘David Culshaw is an outstanding corporate lawyer, quickly gets the issues, is responsive and communicates effectively.’

‘A good regional firm.’

‘They talk the right language to a wide range of clients.’

‘David Culshaw has been excellent since the start.’

‘David has the ability to listen, sympathize and has a can-do attitude.’

Key clients

Cooper Associates Wealth Management Limited


Minehead Surgery


Toolstream Limited


Barton Law


Ashridge Capital


Complete Aircraft Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advised Cooper Associates on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Pengilly Cox Financial Associates.
  • Represented the partners of Minehead Surgery in the transfer of the business to an Employee Ownership Trust, advising on the transfer of assets, associated property transactions, and regulatory and employment law implications.

Tozers Solicitors LLP

Tozers Solicitors LLP is known for its focus on corporate reorganisations and local M&A deals on behalf of SMEs and owner-managed companies. Practice head James Orpin supports clients in corporate transactions, and provides advice on commercial and shareholder agreements, as well as private equity investments and business restructurings. Transactional matters also form part of Amy Laver‘s portfolio, who further has expertise in charity law and governance issues. Rebecca Roberts was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

James Orpin


Other key lawyers:

Amy Laver; Rebecca Roberts; Oliver Kent


Testimonials

‘Tozers are a fantastic practice.’

‘Rebecca Roberts is very approachable and has great commercial awareness.’

‘Client service and technical ability. The understanding and commitment to deadlines.’

‘Small but focused team. Gives excellent client service, and robust clear advice.’

‘Amy Laver is direct and robust in dealing with often demanding clients.’

Key clients

Kensa Group Limited


The British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)


Wollens

Counting M&A, restructuring and franchising deals among its key areas of strength, Wollens sports a broad corporate and commercial practice and is particularly sought after by clients in the hospitality sector. Jon Dunkley leads the team and is noted for his regulatory expertise, while Dominic Hollingsworth regularly advises on asset acquisitions and disposals. State aid and public sector transactions form part of Hayley Green‘s portfolio; she also assists clients with compliance assessments and funding agreements.


Practice head(s):

Jon Dunkley


Other key lawyers:

Dominic Hollingsworth; Daniel Gresswell; Hayley Green; Emma Reed


Testimonials

‘They are a forward-thinking firm.’

‘Dominic Hollingsworth is a corporate solicitor that every firm would like to have working at their practice.’

‘Hayley Green is fantastic, offers a great personal, individual approach and treatment to the client. Very knowledgeable, professional and helpful on every occasion.’

‘The team are very versatile and able to take on all aspects of our work. The team we deal with are an all female team, which we like in terms of diversity, headed up by partner Emma Reed who is excellent.’

‘They are approachable, knowledgeable, have great strength in depth and offer a strong client service.’

‘Emma Reed is an exceptional partner.’

‘Dominic Hollingsworth is very knowledgeable, provides challenge, and always looks for the best solution for clients.’

‘Emma Reed always goes above and beyond, providing creative solutions with clarity in difficult circumstances.’

Key clients

Pickwell Manor Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Pickwell Manor on the asset purchase of Ravendere retreats, a luxury holiday home in North Devon.
  • Acted for the shareholders in the $20.8m sale of an international company where the shareholders were in different international locations.
  • Acted for a UK holiday agency in its £10m acquisition of a major competitor.

Frettens LLP

At Frettens LLP, the corporate and commercial department handles a broad range of transactions and is well connected with the firm’s commercial property as well as employment and insolvency teams, allowing it to handle matters spanning several practice areas. Karen Edwards leads the group and is experienced advising on M&A, reorganisations and private equity deals. In September 2022, the practice welcomed Paul Longland from Steele Raymond LLP and Zoe Watson, who was previously at Kiteleys.

Practice head(s):

Karen Edwards


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Fretten; Sarah Sillar; Paul Longland; Zoe Watson


Testimonials

‘Ability to apply common sense to transactions. Willing to understand risk vs complexity and cost and allowing the client to make their own decision.’

‘I felt supported. Willing to take away the stress and provide a range of solutions to any issues that arose.’

‘Great to work with on corporate transactions. Fantastic team of talented, forward-thinking individuals.’

Key clients

Sleek Technology Ltd


Bo-Ness Limited


A One Group


Geo. A. Payne & Son Ltd


Atlantic Marine Interiors Limited


RS Marine Group


Larger London Land Company


Amtek Engineering Group Limited


Emerald Care Ltd


The Crayside Group


Work highlights


  • Advised the subsidiary of a Singapore-based technology group on the multimillion-pound purchase of the entire issued share capital of a UK-based accountancy company.
  • Advised the Group on the merger of catamaran manufacturers Cheetah Marine International and RS Marine Group.
  • Advised Larger London Land Co on a corporate reorganisation involving a capital de-merger enabling a number of shareholders to exit the company.

GA Solicitors

SMEs and owner-managed businesses as well as local banks seek out GA Solicitors in relation to M&A, business restructurings, commercial contracts and financial distress. The firm has a strong reputation in the healthcare and energy sectors, which are also specific areas of focus for practice head James Peterson. Refinancing and securitisation transactions on behalf of banks, as well as matters within the healthcare sector, are among Tony Cusack‘s areas of specialism.

Practice head(s):

James Peterson


Other key lawyers:

Tony Cusack


Testimonials

‘The team are incredibly personable and go above and beyond to develop a meaningful relationship with their client in a very proactive way.’

‘The individuals takes a great amount of care and attention in their work and ensure that they push through services in a timely fashion.’

‘James Peterson and Tony Cusack talk clearly with clients.’

‘They have good strength in depth of knowledge and ability to call on specific experts to help in the recent corporate acquisition work they were doing. Teams calls make the process a lot easier especially dealing with multi parties.’

‘Great to work with James Petersen who was able to talk to us in a non-solicitor way that lay people understand.’

‘The team at GA are effective and friendly.’

‘The individuals I have worked with are easy to talk to. They talk in terms that you can understand and do not use their superior understanding of complex situations to leave you perplexed.’

‘James Peterson is highly professional, skilled with great attention to detail.’

Key clients

Taxi Services (Plymouth)


Camel Glass & Joinery (Holdings)


Plymouth Argyle Football Club


Marchand Petit Group


Ecospan Environmental Holdings


Whetstone Properties


Aquamare Marine


Trelawney Fire and Security Limited


Westcotts


Cedenpark Services


Work highlights


  • Advised Taxi Services (Plymouth) on its further expansion, including advising on further acquisitions and a business restructure.
  • Advised Camel Glass and Joinery on the acquisition of a competitor by way of a share purchase.
  • Advised Plymouth Argyle Football Club on a number of commercial contracts, ranging from venue hire agreements for events such as concerts, to service contracts including cleaning, security and servicing.

Murrell Associates LLP

Based in Truro, Murrell Associates LLP acts for a broad range of clients operating in sectors such as renewable energy, hospitality and technology. The practice routinely handles family-led buyout transactions and funding arrangements in addition to M&A and equity investments. The team is jointly led by Henry Maples, whose areas of focus include venture capital, private equity and family succession issues, and Rebecca Anforth, who is well versed in matters at the intersection of commercial and IP.


Practice head(s):

Henry Maples; Rebecca Anforth


Other key lawyers:

Hugh Murrell; Nikki Reid


Testimonials

‘Murrell Associates is unique in that it is a small dynamic team offering the capabilities and expertise of a top corporate law firm.’

‘They talk on a level that makes the matter and risk easier to comprehend in a jargon free way.’

‘Incredibly approachable, knowledgeable and understanding.’ 

Key clients

Ib vogt GmbH


Sapphire Holidays group


Hub Box Limited


ISO Spaces South West Limited


SWIG Finance Limited


SUMO Services group


Tugdock Limited


Finisterre UK Limited


St Austell Brewery Company Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised GoCollaborate on a venture capital investment from a regional investment fund.
  • Advised flagship regional producer retailer Great Cornish Food Store on new employee trust ownership.
  • Advised on a builders merchant sale to a national private equity-backed group.

Spencer West LLP

With a ‘highly knowledgeable and professional team’Spencer West LLP is well placed to advise regional and domestic clients on a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial issues. Sonya Bassett is the key contact and particularly experienced in matters in the renewable energy and tourism sectors. Employee ownership is a specialism for Christian Wilson.

Practice head(s):

Sonya Bassett


Other key lawyers:

Christian Wilson; Jo Probert


Testimonials

‘Christian Wilson is an expert in his field and has a commercial and sensible approach to the job.’

‘Highly knowledgeable and professional team.’

Key clients

Bristol City Council


Shareholders of British Solar Renewables


Christian and Co Holdings Ltd


Unity Flexible Office Space Ltd


Trafalgar House Pensions Administration Limited


Macildowie Associates Limited


PZ Bistros Ltd


Centregreat Engineering Limited


Hireath Energy LLP


Bath and West Community Energy Limited


Air Control industries Ltd


Bennett Oakley Limited


Inspired Cycle Engineering Limited


British Solar Renewables Limited


Eco Charger Limited


The Green Valleys (Wales) CIC


Work highlights


  • Advised Seven Yield Renewables on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Bradenstoke Solar Park, with the deal valued at £89m.

Trethowans LLP

Hailed as a ‘breath of fresh air in the legal sector’, Trethowans LLP‘s corporate and commercial team is led out of Southampton by a trio consisting of Nick Gent, Lucy Gleisner and Jon Stickland. In Bournemouth, Mark Nixon is the key point of contact, counting the sale and purchase of owner-managed companies among his areas of expertise.

Practice head(s):

Nick Gent; Lucy Gleisner; Jon Stickland


Other key lawyers:

Mark Nixon


Testimonials

‘The Trethowans team have consistently been a breath of fresh air in the legal sector, providing clients with high quality advice in a no-nonsense manner that is easily digestible and calming to clients going through otherwise stressful scenarios.’

‘Mark Nixon is an approachable and highly capable partner. Mark’s extensive experience and easy manner have been a breath of fresh air, providing detailed and comprehensive advice in a format that is both easily digestible and concise.’

Key clients

Just Develop It Limited


Nutrawise UK Limited


ICA (JV) Ltd


The MCG Group Holdings Limited


Mark Allen Holdings Limited


Betting Shop Services Limited


Britvic


Bacardi-Martini


Carnival


Saint-Gobain (Jewson)


The Property Franchise Group plc


Industrial Cleaning Equipment (Southampton) Limited


HSP Valves Holdings Limited


The Innovation Group Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Just Develop IT in a $1.4bn international deal involving special purpose acquisition company Trebia Acquisition Corp, which saw System1, LLC become a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “SST”.
  • Advising Britvic on the ongoing negotiations in relation to two agreements with Esterpet and Esterform which relate to the supply of recycled plastic and the production of bottles used for Britvic’s drinks.
  • Acted for Mark Allen Holdings in relation to the purchase of the entire issued share capital of Sterling Events.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP assists clients from a number of sectors, including real estate, construction and technology, on a broad range of corporate and commercial concerns. Lynne Rathbone, whose practice covers delivery models, joint ventures and outsourcings, leads the practice jointly with Stuart Mathews, who has extensive experience in corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Lynne Rathbone; Stuart Mathews


Testimonials

‘Strong depth in the team, unfailingly punctual and professional – plus pragmatic where needed.’

‘Lynne Rathbone is very strong technically, has a can-do attitude and works collaboratively with other advisers.’

‘Stuart Mathews has the ability to explain complex legal issues in a straightforward way.’

‘The corporate team are extremely competent, work in a collaborative way with all parties to help a deal to completion.’

‘Stuart Mathews works collaboratively with all parties to help the deal to completion, but can be robust with the other side if that is what is necessary. Great with clients.’

‘The team work collaboratively across the different disciplines so that the client gets well-rounded advice.’

‘Commercial and pragmatic advice ensuring client objectives are met rather than legal argument.’

Key clients

Care Concepts Ltd


Management team of Cakesmiths


Smith’s (Gloucester) Limited


The Wiltshire Distilling Company Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of Westcountry Food Holdings on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the group of companies to Kitwave Group for £29m.
  • Advised the selling shareholders on the sale of Fraser Anti-static Techniques (Fraser), a specialist developer and manufacturer of anti-static products, to SDI Group for £16.88m.
  • Advised the founder of Gone Wild Events in relation to securing equity investment into Gone Wild Festivals.