Based out of Cardiff and also able to leverage resources from its nascent London office, Acuity Law is well-equipped to advise corporates and private equity sponsors across their M&A transactions, joint venture structuring and corporate reorganisations, both in a purely domestic and UK-wide context. The 'imaginative and hardworking' Christian Farrow co-heads the corporate offering alongside the 'approachable and highly experienced' Beverley Jones, and is noted, in particular, for his expertise within the renewables and financial services sector, including his regular work on behalf of Admiral Group Plc. Stephen Berry maintains an active corporate practice, alongside his duties as firm chairman, and is well-versed at guiding early stage venture capital-backed technology companies through their funding cycle and ultimate exit strategy. Paul Lowe is another senior member of the team and adds particular value to clients on cross-border transactions, including those involving financial sponsor involvement. The team has also developed particular expertise within the technology/TMT space, an area that Phillip Pugh is very adept, and healthcare, where the 'pragmatic and responsive' Jon Lawley is noted for his work relating to the buying and selling of dental practices. Rachelle Sellek leads the team's efforts on the commercial front, which is enhanced by the firm’s in-house legal support subscription-based service - Acuity Counsel.
Corporate and commercial in Wales
Acuity Law
Practice head(s):
Christian Farrow (corporate); Beverley Jones (corporate/banking and finance); Rachelle Sellek (commercial)
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Berry; Paul Lowe; Phillip Pugh; Jon Lawley; Henry Clarke; Natalie Jones; Tom Saunderson; Chiara Howfield; Madeleine Chapman
Testimonials
‘Great team, stuff full of exciting talent and genuinely nice people.’
‘The corporate team at Acuity are true business partners to our company. They provide essential advice in a timely professional manner.’
‘Engagement with Acuity was a pleasure. The whole team was on the ball, attentive, explained everything in layman’s terms throughout the whole process.’
‘Clearly the culture of Acuity is about people, both customers and also internally within the organistion. It’s easy to see that this comes from the top of the organisation.’
‘Christian Farrow – an extremely safe pair of hands, imaginative, hard working, commercial and knowledgeable.’
‘Beverley Jones is highly experienced and has built strong relationships within our business. She is very approachable and radiates confidence.’
‘Jon Lawley has an excellent grasp of the issues and provides pragmatic and responsive advice.’
‘Jon Lawley is our key client partner and has become a very trusted adviser to our firm. Jon knows what our business needs are and is always willing to advise and support on a wide range of issues. This collegiate approach is refreshing and helps us move quickly through challenging issues.’
Key clients
Admiral
Bond digital
Brickability
Bright Network
Business Systems Limited
Hartford Care Group Ltd.
Portman
Wealthify
IQE Plc
IAAPS Ltd
Creditsafe Business Solutions Limited
Aqualisa Products Limited
W2 Global Data
Licentia Group Ltd
Alesi Surgical Limited
Newport Wafer Fab Limited
Work highlights
- Advised longstanding client Brickability Group Plc on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of McCann Roofing Products Limited.
- Continuing to act for privately led dental group Portman Dental Care in connection with its acquisition of 18 dental practices.
- Acted for key stakeholders (and founders) of investment platform Wealthify Group Limited in connection with the exercise of the shareholders’ call option for Aviva Group to acquire the remainder of the company’s shares.
Blake Morgan LLP
Benefiting from a dedicated corporate offering which is co-headed from Cardiff by the 'pragmatic' Robert Cherry and 'exceptional' James Williams, and also able to draw upon the expertise of lawyers from the same office with tax, banking and regulatory knowledge, should the need arise, Blake Morgan LLP has 'excellent strength-in-depth' and is able to provide 'pragmatic and client-friendly solutions' to public and private sector entities across the spectrum of their transactional needs. Williams has strong ties with the local business community and is regularly engaged in transactions across a myriad industry sectors on both the buy and sell-side, while Cherry is perhaps best-known for his work for companies seeking growth through buy and build strategies. The 'commercial and proactive' Richard Jones also continues to develop a strong following in the market, particularly on behalf of management teams on private equity and venture capital-backed deals. Penri Desscan heads up the firm's commercial offering and has an emphasis on long term, complex, high-value services and supplies contracts.
Practice head(s):
Robert Cherry; James Williams (corporate co-heads); Penri Desscan (commercial head)
Other key lawyers:
Richard Jones; Cathy Bryant; James Vaughan
Testimonials
‘The firm has excellent strength-in-depth and is led by very capable partners across all sectors of law that we require.’
‘Pragmatic and flexible approach to the remit enabling quick progress. Also agile in response to changing circumstances, including engagement with other industry advisors in order to determine most appropriate direction.’
‘Hands on and pragmatic, effective advice aimed at a client friendly solutions. Time efficient and flexible.’
‘The impressive team provided great service on an extremely complex transaction, with very tight timescales, while also offering sensible value.’
‘Richard Jones has led projects for me for a decade. His commercial and pro-active approach has produced exceptional results.’
‘James Williams is an exceptional corporate lawyer with well tuned commercial opinions backed by excellent legal credentials.’
‘Their prior experience of crowdfunding was a huge asset.’
Key clients
Capital Green Recycling Ltd
Symrise Limited
Tinopolis Group
Mous Products
Development Bank of Wales
The Thinking Traveller
Fusion Workshop t/a Kagool
Orbis Education & Care
Meridian SAS
Lending Works Limited
Stone Bear Capital Limited
BSN Social Care Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Meridiam, a long term infrastructure developer, investor and asset manager, which was selected as preferred bidder by the Welsh Government for a major education contract to develop, build, operate and maintain new schools and Further Education colleges across Wales.
- Acting for founder shareholder and management team in connection with £6m Series A investment by BGF, and then for the company in connection with its acquisition of Leeds headquartered digital agency, Delete, for an undisclosed sum.
- Advising Stone Bear on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of J.O Engineering Limited, a precision engineering manufacturing business.
Capital Law Limited
Under the guidance of the 'brilliant' Tom Kelleher and benefiting from the 'considerable wisdom and business ties' of the 'vastly experienced' Duncan Macintosh, who was himself formerly in-house at 3i, Capital Law Limited has a particular sweet-spot advising stakeholders, including funds and management teams, engaged in lower mid-market private equity transactions. Kelleher has developed strong ties with SME fund, Westbridge Capital, regularly representing it on its downstream investment work and its exits. The 'outstanding' Philip Barratt is also pivotal to the firm's growing success in the private equity market, with expertise on behalf of management teams and funds on deal execution, as well as ongoing portfolio management-related work. In addition to handling sponsor-side private equity M&A, senior associate Laura Spendiff also regularly advises start-ups/early stage companies seeking growth financing, and has successfully nurtured strong ties with numerous local SMEs. Maria Coggins leads the commercial team and has a strong grounding in commercial contract drafting and data protection matters.
Practice head(s):
Tom Kelleher (corporate head); Maria Coggins (commercial head)
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Macintosh; Marlies Hoecherl; Angelina Drljaca-Chandler; Philip Barratt; Maria Coggins; Laura Spendiff; Chris Coughlan; Gareth Williams-Davies
Testimonials
‘Capital Law has an energetic team of high-quality deal professionals. We work with them on private equity transactions at the lower end of the value spectrum, where they provide a quality service and real value for money.’
‘The firm has a proven track record of advising organisations of various sizes across the private, public and third sectors on all their legal requirements.’
‘The main difference for me, and one of the reasons we use them so much, is that they do not sit on the fence like other firms do. They give clear, pragmatic, commercial advice, and always ultimately with a clear steer. Very much no nonsense, is how I’d describe them as a firm.’
‘The team works together really well, is technically excellent but very down-to- earth and easy to work with.’
‘The outstanding Tom Kelleher leads the team effectively, and is always available.’
‘Tom Kelleher – great lawyer and brilliant at client management and running a number of jobs at the same time.’
‘Laura Spendiff – great to work with and very good at managing all the detail on a busy job.’
‘Phil Barratt is an outstanding, commercially astute young partner. He’s a safe pair of hands, and easy to work with.’
Key clients
WestBridge Fund Managers Limited
DBW Investments (3) Limited
Ascona Group Holdings Limited
NCL Technology Ventures Limited
Sprout.ai Limited
RJD Partners Limited
PDQ Partners Limited
Digital Assets Services Limited (trading as Coincover)
GTS Flexible Materials
Veezu Holdings Limited
Sun Capital Partners
Glamorgan Telecom Group
Sero Group
TXO Systems Limited
ITC Global Security Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for WestBridge Fund Managers Limited on the investment in, and acquisition of, of Everest Acquisition Company Limited, the holding company of the construction software company Eque2 Limited.
- Advised GTS’ management team on private equity funding from Growth Capital Partners, the UK SME private equity firm that partners with owner-managers.
- Advising Ascona, one of the UK’s fastest growing petrol forecourt operators, on their acquisitions of petrol filling stations across the UK.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Led by the 'exceptional' Paul Pugh, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's ten-strong team provides 'clear, practical and commercial advice' to corporates and private equity sponsors engaged in upper mid-market transactions, invariably in deals outside of Wales and often within regulated sectors. Pugh is particularly well-versed at advising on transactional work within the financial services space and continues to regularly advise specialist fintech-focused investment fund, Pollen Capital, on its downstream investment work.
Practice head(s):
Paul Pugh
Other key lawyers:
Iwan Walters; Shelley Evans
Testimonials
‘The firm provides clear, practical and commercial advice and guidance.’
‘The exceptional Paul Pugh provides timely and excellent advice, which he delivers in a client-centric manner.’
Key clients
Pollen Street Capital
Foreign Currency Direct Plc
GDFC Services Limited
Specialist Risk Group (Specialist Risk Investments Limited
Association of British Insurers
FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc.
Aryza Holdings Limited
Jaja Finance
Work highlights
- Advising FLEETCOR Technologies Inc, a leading global business payments company, on its acquisition of Associated Foreign Exchange, one of the world’s largest non-bank cross-border payment solutions providers.
- Advising Specialist Risk Group on its sale to specialist US private equity sponsor, HGGC.
- Advised the Association of British Insurers on the creation of a new UK insurance sector fund to support some of the charities and groups hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hugh James
Headed by 'consummate professional' Gerallt Jones, Hugh James' five-partner team has the strength-in-depth to be able to resource a range of corporate and commercial mandates for high-profile regional private and public sector clients, as well as international entities with a pervasive Welsh presence. Although the firm is active across a myriad industry sectors, its niche expertise within the hospitality and leisure space has ensured that it has been particularly busy of late from a crisis management perspective (given the disproportionate effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector), as demonstrated by its recent high-profile advice to the board of S.A. Brain on Marston Plc's high-profile takeover of the company's portfolio of 156 pubs throughout Wales (thereby safeguarding 1,300 jobs which were jeopardized by the impact of Covid-19). Other recommended partners include the 'commercial and pragmatic' Aled Walters , whose former in-house role at S4C ensures that he is particularly well-suited to handling media-related corporate and commercial matters, and Greg Williams, who has developed a particular niche advising on healthcare-related M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Gerallt Jones
Other key lawyers:
Aled Walters; Jon Fernandez Lewis; Greg Williams; Emily Powell; Lowri Walters; Gemma Davies
Testimonials
‘A good balance of talented people with strong associates and partners who are highly experienced across a range of transactions.’
‘The stand out characteristics of the individuals I have had the pleasure to work with are tenacity, trustworthiness, and organisation.’
‘Diversity in how they approach all lines of work for their clients adds value to the business.’
‘Gerallt Jones – a consummate professional who is highly experienced at making the right commercial decisions. We would always be glad to have him on our side.’
‘Aled Walters is very commercial and pragmatic.’
‘The hardworking Gemma Davies is rightly recognised as a capable and thorough lawyer who is a rising star. ’
‘Lowri Walters is efficient, professional, knowledgeable and responsive.’
Key clients
Rockwool International
BtoBet
Fairmountain Capital
SA Brain & Company
Welsh Rugby Union
Welsh Government
Wildflame Productions
Celtic Manor Resort
ICC Wales
Cardiff Blues
Development Bank of Wales
Hydro Industries
Shaw Healthcare
Juno Health
Work highlights
- Advised longstanding client Brains on the takeover by Marston’s Plc of the operation of the Brains portfolio of 156 pubs in Wales.
- Advised longstanding client Rockwool on its cross-border acquisition of the Parafon business.
- Advised the shareholders of BtoBet on the sale of the company to Aspire.
Hugh James
Headed by 'consummate professional' Gerallt Jones, Hugh James' five-partner team has the strength-in-depth to be able to resource a range of corporate and commercial mandates for high-profile regional private and public sector clients, as well as international entities with a pervasive Welsh presence. Although the firm is active across a myriad industry sectors, its niche expertise within the hospitality and leisure space has ensured that it has been particularly busy of late from a crisis management perspective (given the disproportionate effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector), as demonstrated by its recent high-profile advice to the board of S.A. Brain on Marston Plc's high-profile takeover of the company's portfolio of 156 pubs throughout Wales (thereby safeguarding 1,300 jobs which were jeopardized by the impact of Covid-19). Other recommended partners include the 'commercial and pragmatic' Aled Walters, whose former in-house role at S4C ensures that he is particularly well-suited to handling media-related corporate and commercial matters, and Greg Williams, who has developed a particular niche advising on healthcare-related M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Gerallt Jones
Other key lawyers:
Aled Walters; Jon Fernandez Lewis; Greg Williams; Emily Powell; Lowri Walters; Gemma Davies
Testimonials
‘A good balance of talented people with strong associates and partners who are highly experienced across a range of transactions.’
‘The stand out characteristics of the individuals I have had the pleasure to work with are tenacity, trustworthiness, and organisation.’
‘Diversity in how they approach all lines of work for their clients adds value to the business.’
‘Gerallt Jones – a consummate professional who is highly experienced at making the right commercial decisions. We would always be glad to have him on our side.’
‘Aled Walters is very commercial and pragmatic.’
‘The hardworking Gemma Davies is rightly recognised as a capable and thorough lawyer who is a rising star. ’
‘Lowri Walters is efficient, professional, knowledgeable and responsive.’
Key clients
Rockwool International
BtoBet
Fairmountain Capital
SA Brain & Company
Welsh Rugby Union
Welsh Government
Wildflame Productions
Celtic Manor Resort
ICC Wales
Cardiff Blues
Development Bank of Wales
Hydro Industries
Shaw Healthcare
Juno Health
Work highlights
- Advised longstanding client Brains on the takeover by Marston’s Plc of the operation of the Brains portfolio of 156 pubs in Wales.
- Advised longstanding client Rockwool on its cross-border acquisition of the Parafon business.
- Advised the shareholders of BtoBet on the sale of the company to Aspire.
Berry Smith
A stalwart of the regional market, Berry Smith has excellent ties with many local SMEs who confer trusted advisor status on the firm, with work running the gamut from advice on M&A transactions, corporate reorganisations and commercial contract drafting. Andrew Bound heads the three-partner team and as well as his strong reputation advising life sciences clients across a range of corporate finance matters (including EKF Diagnostics Holdings Plc which he continues to counsel on all of its transactions and its ongoing AIM regulatory work), has also developed a particular niche advising professional service practices (including law firms) on their corporate and commercial requirements. Emma Borrington is particularly well-versed at advising manufacturing and financial services clients on their corporate and commercial needs, although her work also extends to advice on behalf of individual company executives on corporate governance and strategic planing matters. The recently promoted Paul Evans rounds out the team at a partner level and is developing a strong reputation advising on corporate and commercial matters within the healthcare sector.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Bound
Other key lawyers:
Emma Borrington; Philip Griffiths; Paul Evans; Owen James; Dan Dowen
Key clients
Brightwells Limited
Jehu Group Limited
Enclave Networks Limited
Yourgene Health PLC
Jellagen Limited
Concepta Plc
BBI Solutions OEM Limited
Brecon Beacons National Park
Invacare Limited
Novarum DX Limited
Spectrum Technologies Plc
National Procurement for Wales (NPS)
Work highlights
- Advised the Jehu group of companies in relation to a multimillion-pound funding package provided by Bibby Financial Services, Santander and the Development Bank of Wales.
- Advised Brightwells in relation to the sale of its shareholding in Hereford Market Auctioneers Limited to Sunderlands 1862 LLP and the subsequent sale of its livestock market sale business.
- Advising on several agreements relating to providing Covid-19 Tests and Raw materials for BBI Solutions OEM Limited.
Douglas-Jones Mercer
Headed by the 'very approachable and responsive' Sheraz Akram, Douglas-Jones Mercer provides an 'extremely professional and diligent' service to a compelling mix of SMEs, owner-managed businesses, as well as larger international corporates, including Dawn Meats. The scope of the work is broad and includes advice on corporate restructuring, M&A transactions, commercial contracts, as well as work for high-growth companies seeking venture capital funding. As well as a growing presence in the fintech sector, healthcare-related mandates continue to inform a significant amount of work handled by the team, including advice on dental, veterinary and pharmacy acquisitions and disposals throughout England and Wales.
Practice head(s):
Sheraz Akram
Other key lawyers:
Aaron Hayward; Chloe Williams; Georgia Power
Testimonials
‘Excellent balanced team – customer focused but also able to cut to the chase very quickly and to swiftly deliver the required work product.’
‘Business-like and fair minded but always personable, approachable and down to earth in all our dealings.’
‘The team provides great attention to detail and always looks after the client’s interests. It also effectively summarises lengthy legal documents into succinct and crystal clear summaries.’
‘A wonderful group of diverse, pleasant, professional team members. Fair in billing and extremely professional and diligent in their work. Easy to work with and very highly regarded by this long standing client.’
‘In providing their service they gain an understanding of the business, the assignment and through continuity of personnel have the history previous work at their fingertips.’
‘Sheraz Akram is very approachable and responsive. He also has the ability to boil the issues down into manageable chunks that we can understand and then deal with easily.’
Key clients
Dawn Meats
Dawn Meats Group Unlimited
JTG Enterprises
Morgan Construction
Handlesbanken
Principality Building Society
Calon Wen Organic Milk Cooperative
DP Shayban
One Team Logic
Action for Children
Girlguiding
Furat Acquisitions
Silver Fox Acquisitions
Oxford Diecast
Icom Works
Shufflebottom Limited
Hornby PLC
Cambrian Pet Foods
Lion Studios London
Records Setting Records
Gravells Motor Company
Jaycock Holdings
Dunbia (UK)
Belgrave Dental Centre
Imperial UK Property LLP
Clay Shaw Butler Accountants
Amman Healthcare Limited
Work highlights
- Represented One Team Logic Ltd in a multimillion- pound investment from Octopus Investments.
- Represented Dawn Meats on the restructure of its UK operations following a strategic partnership between it and Dunbia Group.
- Represented Hawkins Thomas Wealth Management, one of the largest St. James’s Place practices within Wales, in respect of their purchase of another firm.
Geldards LLP
Led on the corporate front by the ‘responsive and considered‘ Andrew Morris and for commercial matters by the ‘very professional‘ Chris Williams, Geldards LLP is well-equipped to advise clients across a broad spectrum of transactional matters, including M&A and joint venture structuring, as well as ongoing commercial contracts work. Morris has developed a strong reputation advising on corporate and M&A work within heavily regulated sectors, including gaming, healthcare and financial services. As well as handling fairly conventional private sector corporate work, the firm’s overarching state aid and public law expertise, also ensures it is well-positioned to provide a ‘highly capable service‘ to stakeholders engaged in public sector-related transactional work. The recent departure of Geraint Tilsley to Lewis Silkin LLP was a setback for the firm, particularly in light of his strong regional private equity and venture capital offering.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Morris; Chris Williams
Other key lawyers:
Justin Harrington; Bethan Lloyd
Testimonials
‘The firm provides a highly capable service.’
‘Geldards offers a wide range of advice, which makes it ideal for a growing business.’
‘Commercially focused assistance with a pathway to completing projects within timescales and budget, to a high standard.’
‘Andrew Morris provides responsive and considered advice. His experience enables him to read situations very well and he can predict where any problems may occur.’
‘Chris Williams guided the company through three very challenging contracts of a subject not initially wholly au fait with. Throughout the contract advice period Chris demonstrated a very quick and helpful understanding of our industry, ensuring that productive and efficient arguments were put forward during these contract negotiations.’
Key clients
Novomatic Group
Development Bank of Wales
Rutherford Health plc
Celsa Group
Business Growth Fund
Xcellence Inc.
Office Depot
GoCompare
Deloitte LLP
Admiral Plc
John Bean Technologies Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Celsa UK Holdings on the corporate aspects of the very first HM Government loan under its Project Birch initiative – a scheme for bespoke lending by HMG to large companies which are critical to the economy but which are otherwise ineligible for aid as a result of their size or economy sector restrictions.
- Advised Xcellence, Inc on its acquisition of Anexsys Group Limited.
- Acted for Rutherford Health on all contractual and commercial arrangements in relation to its long-term commercial collaboration with Panthera Biopartners which will create a network of world-class clinical trial sites for the development of new cancer treatments.
GREENAWAY SCOTT
Under the commercial and pragmatic stewardship of 'well regarded' founding partner Nigel Greenaway, 'very strong entrepreneurial' firm GREENAWAY SCOTT continues to carve out a successful niche in the local market advising start-ups and early stage growth companies throughout their investment life-cycle, through to potential exit. Matthew Sutton 'is a hugely passionate and practical part of the team' and is appreciated for the 'pragmatic and insightful advice' he provides to many fintech-focused companies on securing venture capital funding. As well as excelling in the pure corporate finance aspects of these deals, the firm adds value by virtue of its ability to advise on IP-related commercial aspects which are often pivotal for the monetization of many of these technology/life sciences companies' business models, work which the 'exceptional' Rhian Osborne is particularly well-suited.
Practice head(s):
Nigel Greenaway
Other key lawyers:
Rhian Osborne; Matthew Sutton; Leanne Thomas; Lorna Bolton
Testimonials
‘The firm provides high-quality, insightful, entrepreneurial and, unusually, pragmatic advice. They serve clients effectively and do not engage in theoretical point scoring.’
‘Unlike some firms, the senior team take an active “hands on” approach, it is reassuring to know we can talk to the senior lead when we need to and haven’t just had our work delegated down.’
‘They are thorough, diligent, pro-active and always professional, we always feel in safe hands when dealing with them.’
‘A very strong entrepreneurial team.’
‘We have had the pleasure of working with Nigel Greenaway, whose knowledge really is second-to-none.’
‘Matthew Sutton is a hugely passionate and practical part of the team.’
‘Nigel Greenaway and Matthew Sutton are very well regarded.’
‘Rhian Osborne is exceptional, proactive and ahead of the curve in spotting issues before they become an issue. She is also personable and you never feel like any request is too much trouble.’
Key clients
Bombora Wave Power Europe LTD
Avantis Systems Limited
Solascure Limited
Yoello Ltd
Forest Support Services Ltd
Abergavenny Fine Foods Ltd
Asio Ltd
Development Bank of Wales
Cyril Luff (Metal Decorators) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholder on the merge/sale of Forest Support Services with private equity-backed Amberon Group.
- Advisors to Avantis Systems, a specialist in educational technology, in relation to the private equity investment from Key Capital Partners.
- Advised Abergavenny Fine Foods on the disposal of its blended cheese business to Somerdale International.
JCP Solicitors
Deeply embedded into the local Southwest Wales business ecosystem from its Swansea headquarters and also increasingly active on behalf of clients throughout the Southeastern portion of the country - following the firm's merger with Glamorgan Law in 2017 - JCP Solicitors provides 'very competent' advice to SMEs and owner-managed businesses across a myriad industry sectors. The team has an 'excellent understanding of the healthcare sector' and under the guidance of Chris Davies completed a substantial number of deals on both the buy and sell-side of healthcare businesses. Betsan Powell is 'pragmatic and assertive' and co-heads the company and commercial team alongside Michael Williams.
Practice head(s):
Betsan Powell; Michael Williams
Other key lawyers:
Chris Davies; Andrew Meech; Rhianydd Llewellyn
Testimonials
‘The commercial and corporate team is a very competent and very professional unit.’
‘The individuals are attentive and knowledgeable, are easy to contact and deal with – explaining issues in understandable language.’
‘The team demonstrates an excellent understanding of the healthcare sectors and its support is invaluable.’
‘Betsan Powell is an outstanding corporate lawyer. She is pragmatic, assertive and adapts perfectly to the pressure and timescales in each individual case.’
Key clients
Energybuild Limited
Macron S.p.A
Bloc Hotels
Gavin Griffiths Group
LBS Builders Merchants
Work highlights
- Advised Energybuild Limited in relation to a £5.5m finance exercise with Tenax Capital Limited.
- Advised Marine Power Systems Limited in relation to its £2.3m fund raising exercise undertaken via the Seedrs crowdfunding platform.
- Advising Macron on a seven-year partnership deal with Welsh Rugby Union.
Morgan LaRoche
Benefiting from well-established relationships with many local SMEs and owner-manged businesses from its Swansea head office, and also increasingly visible in the broader west Wales market by virtue of the continued growth of the firm's Carmarthen office, Morgan LaRoche continues to pick up a consistent flow of high-quality mandates across the waterfront of corporate and commercial work. Experienced team head William Barletta is at the forefront of much of the most significant work handled by the firm, including a considerable amount of transactions in the energy, waste and healthcare sectors. Dividing his time between the firm's Swansea and Carmarthen offices, Christopher Evans has been pivotal to the firm's growing success in the West Wales market, with clients appreciative not only of his legal expertise but also his Welsh speaking capabilities.
Practice head(s):
William Barletta
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Evans
Key clients
Culina Group Limited
Hallmark Care Homes
Esterkin Group
Athena Care Homes
USB International
Redrow Homes
GDH (Holdings) Limited
AMP Clean Energy
Metro Property Investments
Santander (UK) Plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
CKC Group
Swansea University
Ospreys regional rugby club
Scarlets regional rugby club
Mid Wales Housing Association Limited
M&P Direct Limited
Platinum Group
Cultech Limited
David Jenkins Limited
Owens (Road Services) Limited
Llanelec Precision Engineering Company Limited
Blackhills Caravan Sales Limited
Neath Port Talbot (Recycling) Limited
Carmarthenshire Recycling & Environmental Services Limited
EARS Fire Engineering Limited
Work highlights
- Advised EARS Fire Engineering Limited on the sale of shares to private equity-backed company Rockpool Investments.
- Advised shareholders of GD Harries & Sons Limited on the sale of shares to AIM listed company SigmaRoc Plc.
- Advised shareholders of MJ & TL Manning Limited on the sale of shares to the Ascona Group.
Ince
Ince‘s corporate offering in Cardiff office handles complex, often resource intensive mandates, leveraging broader firmwide resources, including out of London and internationally (particularly across Asia Pacific).
Other key lawyers:
Melanie Kincaid
Testimonials
‘An extremely professional team.’
‘The individuals we have dealt with at the firm have been extremely responsive to our needs and we have real confidence in the support and advice we receive on a regular basis.’
‘They are technical experts that understand people and business, and provide excellent commercial advice.’
Key clients
Natuzzi UK Retail Limited
Abaco UK
Gwalia Healthcare Limited
Willis Construction (Wales) Limited
Lewis Ballard Pembrokeshire Limited
Rabart Decorators Merchants Limited
Mint Green Consultancy Limited
M&M and Associates Limited
Welch Dental Limited
Oral Health Solutions Limited
Market Street Dental Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Willis Construction (Wales) Limited in relation to the partition demerger of the company to create two distinct operating structures.
- Advising the Mint Green Consultancy Limited on the proposed purchase of the entire issued share capital of a dental practice.
Dolmans
Under the guidance of Justin Harris, Dolmans handles corporate governance and general commercial contracts matters for an impressive roster of local authority and not-for-profit clients, in particular. Within the private sector, the firm is particularly well-attuned to advising SMEs, family businesses and start-ups.
Practice head(s):
Justin Harris
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Oliver; Tom Harris
Testimonials
‘This practice is always happy to help and has provided pro bono work to support the third sector in Wales.’
‘I worked with Tom Harris at Dolmans who created terms and conditions for centre managers to use when reopening community centres in Wales. Tom was always exceptionally approachable and professional and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others.’
Key clients
Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA)
Work highlights
- Supported WCVA in producing a bespoke set of terms & conditions approved by Llywodraeth Cymru /Welsh Government, which respond to the coronavirus regulations, and enable community centres throughout Wales to reopen safely and in compliance with current regulations.
Harrisons Solicitors LLP
Led from the firm's Welshpool office by the 'confident and clear thinking' Paul Ingram , Harrisons Solicitors LLP has a strong and well-established reputation throught mid-Wales and is regularly the first port-of-call for local SMEs and business owners requiring advice on transactional work, as well as on ongoing commercial matters. The scope of the work handled by the firm is broad, running the gamut from guidance on the optimal structure for a newly established business, through to advice on the the sale of a business or raising external finance.
Practice head(s):
Paul Ingram
Testimonials
‘We have worked with the corporate team on various business acquisitions and disposals and have found them excellent in their working knowledge and approach to each assignment.’
‘Paul Ingram is a confident and clear thinker who does not get ruffled throughout the transaction. His communication and case management is excellent.’
Key clients
Wynnstay Group Plc
Evabuild Developments Limited
WR Davies Motors Limited