BPE Solicitors LLP acts for a client base encompassing both public and private companies on a range of corporate and commercial transactions. The firm’s corporate practice is headed up by Louise Grzasko, and includes advising on M&A transactions, investment rounds and share sales. In the private equity space, Adam Kean is frequently instructed on buy-and-build transactions, and the team’s work for public companies includes advising an increasing number of AIM-listed clients on placings. Iain Garfield is the key name to note on commercial transactions and advises on cross-border deals such as supply agreements. David Ashcroft joined the firm in January 2021, while Matt Jackson was promoted to partner in October. Dale Williams retired in December 2021.

The corporate practice at RWK Goodman advises on a steady stream of mid-market deals, acting on both the buy and sell-side. The team frequently acts on matters involving private equity, such as advising shareholders on sales to PE as well as handling PE-funded management buyouts. James Worrall leads the team from the firm’s Bath office, and has a particular focus on transactions in the financial services and care sectors. Hazel Phillips is another name to note in health and social care, while Katharine Mortimer offers clients deep expertise across M&A, restructurings and strategic partnerships. Associate Janetta White is also recognised for her transactional and restructuring experience.

Mogers Drewett LLP continues to be highly active in the mid-market M&A space, acting on both the buy and sell-side of transactions across a range of sectors. The team, led by Tom Webb, handles matters including cross-border deals from its Bath office. Webb has broad transactional experience, with recent work encompassing sectors including insurance, technology and retail; he is supported on these deals by associate Victoria Darvall.

At AmicusLaw, practice head Richard James provides clients with both corporate and commercial advice across M&A transactions as well as agreements with customers and other businesses. James is noted for his expertise in franchising, regularly assisting clients with commercial issues in this space. Technology is another area of focus for the Yeovil-based team.

The corporate and commercial team at Thrings LLP has a focus on M&A transactions, where it acts on deals in sectors including hospitality, utilites and engineering. John Davies has deep experience in corporate transactions and co-heads the team alongside commercial partner Kate Westbrook, who is praised as ‘pragmatic and responsive’. Simon Hore is also noted for his transactional expertise and frequently works alongside Davies on deals. The partners in the firm’s Swindon office routinely collaborate with the Bristol-based team to advise clients.

The corporate team at Willans LLP offers clients sector-specific expertise in technology, manufacturing, renewable energy and professional services. The group applies this knowledge to advise on a wide range of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, investments and demergers. Chris Wills leads the team and is praised as ‘highly knowledgeable, approachable and solution-oriented’. Paul Symes-Thompson retired in May 2021, while Rishi Ladwa joined the firm from RWK Goodman in September 2021.

The corporate team at Wilsons is instructed on transactions including M&A deals and management buyouts to demergers and investment rounds. The Salisbury-based practice is led by James Johnson, who has a broad client base spanning sectors such as technology, care homes, hospitality and manufacturing. Mark Cook is another name to note in the team and handles a variety of corporate deals, including a steady stream of mid-market M&A.