Corporate and commercial: Birmingham in West Midlands
DLA Piper
DLA Piper has an outstanding track record in complex, high-profile and strategically significant M&A, corporate reorganisations and IPOs, among other matters. In addition to acting on domestic transactions, its first-rate group also excels in mandates with a cross-border component. The team includes Tim Lake and senior associate Simon Wright, who were among the advisers to Sovereign Capital Partners and the management shareholders on the £250m auction disposal and secondary MBO of the Outcomes First Group by The National Fostering Agency. Charles Cook heads up the UK corporate practice, while Noel Haywood leads the team in Birmingham. Robert Newman made partner in May 2020.
Practice head(s):
Charles Cook (UK head of corporate); Noel Haywood (location head of corporate, Birmingham)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An excellent range of experienced lawyers, great joined-up working with other specialisms within DLA Piper. Get the job done efficiently and effectively‘
‘Pragmatic, responsive and more then legal advisers. Rising star – Rob Shaw‘
Key clients
2 Sisters Food Group
Adenia Partners
Alstom SA
Altrad
Barclays Bank Plc
Blom
Brewdog Plc
Bridgestone
Bromford Industries
Chamberlin Plc
Clinigen Group Plc
Darwin Group
Dechra Pharmaceuticals Plc
Dignity Plc
DS Smith Plc
East End Foods Group
Ecolab, Inc.
Elan Homes
Fetim BV
Foster+Freeman
GKN
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
Hill & Smith
Huber + Suhner
Iberia Industry Capital
John Menzies Plc
Kelda Group
Lotus Bakeries
Mettis Aerospace
Mondelez
National Grid
NFT Ventures
Noble Foods Group Limited
Norsk Hydro ASA
Ocean Outdoor
Permira
Rolls Royce Plc
Sertec Corporation Limited
SmileDirectClub
Sodexo
Sovereign Capital Partners
Starstone Insurance Services Limited
Starwood Capital
Swissport
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc
Thomas International
Watkin Jones
Webjet Limited
Wipro Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Rolls Royce on the sale of its civil nuclear service businesses in US, Canada, France & the UK.
- Advised East End Foods Holdings and its shareholders on the sale of East End Foods to Exponent Private Equity.
- Advised Solway Foods Limited/2 Sisters Food Group on the sale of its sandwich/food to go business to Samworth Brothers Limited.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a strong profile among domestic and international clients, for whom it acts on their most complex mid-cap and large-cap transactions. Led by Mark Beardmore, the team undertakes a mix of private equity, M&A and equity capital markets work. Beardmore and Nigel Cooke were among the advisers to the shareholders of ALE Holdings Limited on the proposed disposal of the company to its main competitor Mammoet Holdings BV. Catherine Eley, Steven Hacking and Theresa-Marie Stodell are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Nigel Cooke; Catherine Eley; Steven Hacking; Theresa-Marie Stodell
Testimonials
‘Very pragmatic, responsive and personable – as well as being excellent lawyers.’
‘Theresa-Marie Stodell is very good – a quality lawyer. The honest advice is appreciated, both from a legal and commercial perspective.’
Key clients
Shareholders of ALE Holdings Limited
Aston Lark Group Limited
Wienerberger Limited
Audley Group Limited
Norman Hay Plc
Envigo International Holdings LLC
Escape Hunt Plc
Genting Casinos
Work highlights
- Advised Aston Lark on its acquisition of Protean Risk Limited.
- Advised Wienerberger Limited on its acquisition of BPD Holdings Limited.
- Advised Audley Group on its joint venture to develop four new residential retirement sites with Schroders Real Estate and Octopus Real Estate.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is active in headline M&A and private equity deals, and it also provides specialist commercial contracts advice. The group acts for clients in industries such as real estate, automotive and food and drink. In 2019, Chris Towle and others advised BGF Investments LP on its co-investment with CBGF into Appnovation Technologies as part of its international expansion strategy. David Vaughan heads up the corporate team in Birmingham, which also includes Jeremy Millington, Anurag (Ragi) Singh and Stuart Young. Sharon Ayres leads a group specialising in private fund formation, investments and restructurings. Principal associate Caroline McNally is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
David Vaughan (head of corporate and M&A, Birmingham); David Lowe (head of commercial, London)
Other key lawyers:
Jeremy Millington; Chris Towle; Stuart Young; Anurag Singh; Sharon Ayres; Caroline McNally
Testimonials
‘They care and are very attentive in understanding their clients’ needs and offering great advice. They also guide their clients through difficult waters, with a full support network being available to support the lead solicitors‘
Key clients
LDC
Birmingham City Council
Southco Inc.
M+W
Huhtamaki
Business Growth Fund
Rettig Group
Hill & Smith Holdings Plc
Cummins Inc.
Staffline
The Midcounties Cooperative
Otto Bock
Palatine Private Equity
Atcore Technology Group Limited
Hyundai
Sandvik AB
Tarmac
Metsaliitto Cooperative
GCI Group
Mitek Holdings Inc
GCP Applied Technologies
Codemasters Group Holdings Plc
A F Blakemore & Sons
ReBound Returns
Oxbotica
Aston Manor
The Hut Group
Sanctuary Group
SLR Global
M&G Real Estate
University Superannuation Scheme
St Modwen
NFU Mutual
Avison Young
Coca Cola European Partners
Sdiptech AB
Work highlights
- Advised Rigby Group on the sale of Fluidone Holdings Limited to Livingbridge EP LLP.
- Advised Avison Young on its acquisition of GVA Grimley from Apleona Group GmbH, a portfolio company owned by EQT.
- Advised LDC and the management team on the sale of the Away Resorts Group, a UK holiday park operator, to Bregal Freshstream.
Browne Jacobson LLP
Browne Jacobson LLP is strong in M&A, private equity and growth capital investments, and capital markets transactions. In addition, general commercial work is a bedrock of the practice. Clients of the firm include sponsors, global corporates and institutional funders. The team includes Mike Jackson and senior associate Kirk Glenn, who acted for Command Line Software Limited (trading as Impala) on an $11m investment round. Roger Birchall and Michael Stace are other ley corporate partners. On the commercial law side, Richard Nicholas and Ryan Harrison advise clients on matters such as outsourcing, contracts for the sale and purchase of goods and licensing.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Cummings (head of business services, Nottingham); Declan Cushley (head of commercial group, London)
Other key lawyers:
Roger Birchall; Michael Stace; Mike Jackson; Ryan Harrison; Gareth Davies; Richard Nicholas; Kirk Glenn
Testimonials
‘Mike Jackson – our partner at Browne Jacobson – is truly fantastic and a great source of both legal counsel and business and negotiation advice‘
‘Kirk Glenn & Daniel Thomas – Both exceptional associates that are on the ball and highly communicative. They manage to keep a lot of separate threads together in complex transactions‘
‘The team at Browne Jacobson has made a significant effort from our first engagement to not only get a real detailed understanding of our business but have gone a stage further to understand the different characters within the leadership team. This level of understanding helped enormously in our sale process that took a big effort from Browne Jacobson to get the drawn out process over the line‘
‘Mike Jackson (Partner) and his Birmingham team of (Clare, Francesca and Kirk) worked tirelessly on our transaction and, despite the lengthy process, remained focused and pushed all parties along. Where I think the team really stood out was its ability to see the challenges of the transaction from the ‘eyes’ of all stakeholders (management, Investors and buyers). This helped with decision making and resolving of conflicts by offering pragmatic solutions that worked‘
Key clients
T.C.L. Holdings (Parent) Limited
Apiary Capital LLP
C7 Health Limited
RentE Limited (trading as Evezy)
Slick Stitch Holdings Limited
Command Line Software Limited (trading as Impala)
CET Group Holdings Limited
Mobeus Equity Partners LLP
AFCW Plc
Sunrise Records and Entertainment Limited
The National Trust
PZ Cussons Beauty LLP
DPD Group
Camelot (the National Lottery)
John Smedley Limited
The Fresh Olive Company Limited
The Mission Group Plc
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of TCL Group on the company’s disposal to Idverde and reinvestment of certain managers in the buying entity.
- Advising Apiary Capital LLP on the purchase and financing of a nursery group.
- Advised AFCW Plc on a £2m crowdfunding campaign with Seedrs and on arrangements with other high net worth investors, including in the US.
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP's corporate team in Birmingham is led by Lee Clifford, who is also the national head of private equity. Clients range in size from SMEs to multinational companies. The group's work includes M&A and private equity transactions, restructurings, MBOs and MBIs. Tom Brown led the advice to Funeral Partners Limited on its acquisition of Funeral Services Northern Ireland Limited from Co-operative Group Holdings (2011) Limited in 2019. Mark Neale heads up a separate specialist commercial group, which handles large-scale, transformational projects. Nigel Gardner, Kirstin Roberts and Jason Richards are also recommended for their commercial law expertise. Ateeq Ahmed joined PwC.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Partner-led service, deep sector knowledge, experienced team, excellent communication and delivery, solution focused.’
Key clients
Natgraph Limited
Ricor Global Limited
Lloyds Development Capital
The Alumasc Group Plc
Finance Birmingham Limited
Wurth Group
Funeral Partners Limited
BGF Investments LP
ALDI Stores
Carlsberg
Travis Perkins
Tarmac
Barratt Developments
NEC Group
Eurocell Group
Eddie Stobart
William Hill
Inchcape
H W Martin
FCC Environment
Arkphire UK Limited
NCR Limited
Atlas Hotels
Principal Hotel Company
Synergy Logistics
Michelin
Samworth Bros
Pukka Pies
Arkphire
Work highlights
- Acted for the shareholders of Natgraph Limited (an advanced drying technology business) on the disposal of the company to Nasdaq Stockhom-listed business Indutrade.
- Acted for Ricor Global Limited on the acquisition of Walsall Pressings Company Limited and DRB Engineering Limited.
- Advised Funeral Partners Limited on the acquisition of Funeral Services Northern Ireland Limited from Co-operative Group Holdings (2011) Limited.
Gateley Plc
Gateley Plc acts for a mix of UK-based and international clients, including private equity houses, nominated advisers (NOMADs) and brokers, corporates and entrepreneurs. Tom Durrant heads up the corporate practice, while Paul Cliff leads the national capital markets team. In one highlight, Tom Rush led a cross-practice group, which assisted Hammonds Fitted Furniture Group Limited with a £19.75m MBO. Simon Gill, Chris Reed, Gareth John and Andrew Cowan are also experienced in corporate transactions. On the commercial contracts side, Simon Pigden has expertise in outsourcing, the procurement of goods and services and supply chain management, among other areas.
Practice head(s):
Tom Durrant (head of the corporate practice); Simon Pigden (head of the commerce, technology and media practice)
Other key lawyers:
Paul Cliff; Adam Percival; Tom Rush; Simon Gill; Chris Reed; Gareth John; Andrew Cowan
Key clients
Likewise Group Plc
Hammonds Fitted Furniture Group Limited
Connection Capital LLP
Sdiptech AB
Prism UK Medical Limited
GIL Investments Limited
TTC Group (UK) Limited
LDC
YFM Private Equity
Gymshark
Grosvenor Health and Social Care Limited
Palatine Private Equity
The Watches of Switzerland Group
Work highlights
- Acted for the shareholders of RADMS Paper Limited on the sale of the company to Japan Pulp and Paper Co,. Ltd
- Acted for Likewise Group Plc on its acquisition of Heatseam Limited, as well as the client’s placing and re-admission to The International Stock Exchange of The Channel Islands.
- Acted for LDC on the MBO of Instinctif Partners Holdings Limited.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP is highly regarded for mid-market corporate and private equity work. Its team includes Julian Smith, who is the head of the national independent health and care team. James Fry leads the life sciences practice, while recently promoted partner Junaid Haroon heads up the Midlands agri-food and business group. Another key figure is Peter McLintock, who is the head of the firm's Africa desk. In 2019, Smith, senior associate Joanna Duncan and others advised independent bookmaker Wilf Gilbert on the sale of the business to Boylesports. Kevin Lowe, Jane Hussey, David Varnham and principal associate Ruth Andrew are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Julian Smith; Peter McLintock; Kevin Lowe; Jayne Hussey; David Varnham
Other key lawyers:
James Fry; Junaid Haroon; Ryan Hawley; Joanna Duncan; Hayley Simonds; Ruth Andrew
Testimonials
‘The team have really strong and detailed knowledge of IT and Cloud deployment particularly which was both highly unusual in our experience and equally incredibly helpful. One big positive with this firm is their pragmatism – the ability, and willingness, to tackle a thorny subject.’
‘Peter McLintock has extensive commercial experience; a highly credible individual and very pragmatic. Ability to cut through the fluff, agree exactly what should be done and how is compelling. Also able to flex things to meet our requirements.’
‘Mills & Reeve understands our business and offers guidance rather than just options.’
‘Pragmatic, supportive, easy to get hold of and high level of skill throughout the wider team.’
Key clients
PreventX
Deutsche Bahn AG / Deutsche Bahn Digital AG
Elaghmore Fund
Stantec Inc
Healthshare Limited
Indigo Telecom Group Limited
Iron Mountain
Key Capital Partners
Geary’s Bakery group
Virgin Care
Swish Fibre Limited
Phoebus Software Limited
NorthEdge Capital
Palatine Private Equity
Senova PTY Limited
Jaguar Landrover
Apollo Chemicals Limited
Delta Financial Systems Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Swish Fibre Limited on a £250m MBO.
- Advised Soneva PTY Limited on a £200m investment into the company by an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners.
- Advised Preventx, its management team and shareholders on a strategic equity investment by private equity investor Synova Capital Fund.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP's corporate team, which is led by Nicole Livesey, acts for clients based in the West Midlands, UK and elsewhere worldwide. Andrew Hornigold has a standout reputation in technology-related M&A, and he also heads up the life sciences M&A practice. Elsewhere, the firm has a well-established reputation in the advanced manufacturing sector. Joanne Ellis, who focuses on the healthcare industry, led the advice to Xeon Smiles UK Limited (Bupa Dental Care) on the acquisition of the Total Dentalcare Partnership, MDANZ Holdings Limited, MZINC Limited and Future Drilling Limited, from the founder operators. Clare Francis heads up the commercial practice in Birmingham.
Practice head(s):
Nicole Livesey (head of department – corporate); Clare Francis (head of department – commercial)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We’ve been working with Pinsent Masons for over a year now. They are very keen and willing to innovate, cost effective and very easy to deal with. They get the challenges that our in-house team is facing and are aligned with the requirement to create win-win arrangements with our external counsel as we seek to increase efficiency and reduce operating cost‘
‘Jo Ellis, the lead partner. She is easily Magic Circle quality and highly commercial in all negotiations‘
‘Our experience with the firm’s M&A team in Birmingham has always been excellent‘
‘Nicole Livesey is an outstanding partner – commercially minded, pragmatic, great at taking the initiative, a terrific negotiator, all underpinned by excellent legal knowledge and good industry knowledge‘
‘Reliable, knowledgeable, efficient, effective responses‘
‘Nicole Livesey is a strong character, knowledgeable and very personable. She is someone I can and do rely upon. I trust her implicitly and seek and value her advice on a range of issues‘
‘The investment the firm makes in understanding its clients’ businesses is exceptional. Technical expertise (if you can call it that) is a given at this level, knowledge and interest in your business take the service to another level and the fact that the lawyers are real “people’s people” makes the firm a true extension of your business and the process a pleasure‘
‘Andrew Hornigold – a real stand out business partner, astute huge sector knowledge and fantastic to work with‘
Key clients
The Good Care Group London Limited
Riverdale Healthcare
The Ministry of Justice
E.ON Plc
Capita Plc
Node4 Limited
Linnaeus Group
Tesco Plc
Financial Times Group Limited (FT)
Xeon Smiles UK Limited (Bupa Dental Care)
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of Crosslink Technology Holdings Limited on the disposal of Crosslink’s subsidiary, Silentbloc UK Limited, to Dellner Bubenzer Group AB, as well as the subsequent disposal of Crosslink and its subsidiary, Icon Aerospace Technology Limited, to Integrated Polymer Solutions.
- Advising Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority on an ambitious project to establish a new university in Peterborough.
- Advised the Business Growth Fund, and the founder and manager shareholders of live-in care specialist ‘The Good Care Group’, on the multimillion pound disposal of the group to Sodexo Holdings Limited.
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's team includes Richard Wrigley, who is often sought out in complex restructurings and transactions involving a cross-border component. Wrigley is also noted for his energy sector expertise. Kavita Patel heads up the firm's investment funds practice and leads the corporate finance group. Patel assisted Mobeus Equity Partners LLP with a £58m fundraise involving four established venture capital trusts. Adam McGiveron and Emma Bryant (who was promoted to partner in 2019) are other names to note. Keith Spedding is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Richard Wrigley (head of corporate and commercial); Adam McGiveron (head of West Midlands corporate team); Kavita Patel (head of corporate finance and head of investment funds)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A trustworthy, reliable and very competent law firm‘
‘I have known Adam McGiveron for some 15 years. He is very professional, cost-efficient and highly attuned to the complex legislative framework in M&A and wider disciplines of law. He provides high quality and business friendly input‘
Key clients
National Grid Plc
Express & Star Newspapers
Alliance Automotive
Foresight Group LLP
Mobeus Equity Partners LLP
Lexon Holdings
British Independent Retail Association
British Independent Utilities
Sunderland of Scotland
Acorn Automotive
Work highlights
- Acted for Horstman Group on the multijurisdictional sale of a defence manufacturer.
- Handled 17 corporate acquisitions for Alliance Automotive.
- Acted for Foresight Group on the launch of the FP Foresight Global Real Infrastructure Fund (FGRI Fund), a sub-fund of FP Foresight OEIC, a UK open ended investment company (OEIC).
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP is particularly strong in growth and venture capital transactions; notable individuals with expertise in this space include Alastair Peet (who is the head of the national venture capital practice) and Alistair Hammerton (who made partner in 2019). Ben Turner leads the corporate team in the Midlands, which also provides full-service support on a wide range of other matters, including private equity transactions, M&A, joint ventures and corporate governance. The group acts for clients operating in industries such as technology, energy and infrastructure, hotels and leisure. David Jackson leads the commercial team. Helen Burnell was promoted to senior associate.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Alastair Peet; Paul Batchelor; Alastair Hammerton; Helen Burnell
Testimonials
‘Shoosmiths appears to have an excellent culture, which translates into an excellent service (quality of advice and client service levels). Appears to have a clear policy of recruiting from large firms and providing opportunities for progression, which means that Shoosmiths partners and team members are typically technically talented / experienced whilst being engaged and motivated. Shoosmiths has a broad service offering, with specialists available for almost all of our requirements‘
‘Typically Shoosmiths partners and teams provide the ideal balance of technical proficiency and commerciality. They do not fail to highlight and explain risks, and also offer solutions to overcome issues and a pragmatic assessment of the impact of risks. They move at pace throughout a transaction and are never the cause of unnecessary delay, which is often not the case with their competitors. Ben Turner (Partner) and Nick Little (Associate) in particular typify this approach‘
Key clients
Titgemeyer GmBH
Rotala Plc
GIL Investments
National Care Group
Valpak
Hambro Perks
Octopus Ventures
Precious Homes
Iron Mountain Inc.
Solid Solutions Management Limited
Gresham House Ventures
Three Mobile
Odeon Cinemas
Aramark
BNP Paribas
Estée Lauder
Telefónica
Mercedes Benz
Cushman & Wakefield
Volkswagen Group
Honda
Molson Coors
RAC
Dignity Plc
Santander Consumer
The White Company
Work highlights
- Advised AIM-listed transport solutions operator Rotala Plc on its acquisition of the business and assets of First Manchester Limited, including its Bolton depot.
- Acted for GIL Investments on the acquisition of the trade and assets of the Scottish precision machining business of Proserv UK Limited.
- Advised National Care Group on its acquisition of Integra Group.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs is a powerhouse for mid-market corporate M&A, and it features particularly prominently in the industrials and manufacturing, healthcare, leisure and retail, and football industries. Although its team is primarily active in buy-side mandates, it also demonstrates strong capabilities in sell-side matters. Elsewhere, private equity deals, Takeover Code work and equity capital markets transactions form other key pillars of the practice. Birmingham corporate head Geoff Perry and Andrew Glaze acted for CH Bailey Plc on its AIM delisting and capital reorganisation. Stuart James has over 20 years of experience advising clients on commercial law issues.
Practice head(s):
Geoff Perry (Birmingham head of corporate); Stuart James (Birmingham head of intellectual property and technology)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Responsive, deep commercial knowledge, and with the scale to get things done efficiently‘
‘Stuart James, partner, is an exceptional intellect with extraordinary commercial knowledge and experience. The consensus here is that he is the most capable lawyer any of us has dealt with. He is incredibly effective and has single-handedly helped us generate revenue where we thought there was no opportunity. He has a decent team too‘
‘Seamless integration of the various technical segments offered through the corporate team. I have one point of contact who simply makes life easy and delivers high quality advice. Not just legal advice but a genuine commercial involvement in transactions and real assistance with forming a view of the issues before us‘
‘Andrew Glaze is engaged, always available and offers excellent technical, real world advice. I see him as my team mate on transactions not my lawyer. I really value his opinion. The practical issues of delivering the legal support are his and I don’t need to see them but he absolutely ensures that the big issues are surfaced early and clearly‘
Key clients
Anglo Asia Mining Plc
Carver (Wolverhampton) Limited
CH Bailey Limited (previously C.H. Bailey Plc)
Dalata Hotel Group Plc
DK Group Investments Ltd
Lyndon Scaffolding Limited (previously Lyndon Scaffolding Plc)
Park Ohio Industries Inc
SAICA (Sociedad Anonima Industrias Celulosa Aragonesa)
Transport for Greater Manchester
Veolia Group
Vulcan Industries Plc
Work highlights
- Acted for Lyndon Scaffolding Limited (formerly Lyndon Scaffolding Plc) and the shareholders on the sale of Lyndon Scaffolding Plc to Brand Energy Holding BV.
- Advised Dalata Hotel Group Plc on the acquisition of the Tamburlaine Hotel.
- Advised Waterstones on the acquisition of new SaaS based systems for the operation of its warehouses, and for the ordering and supply of books throughout its store network.
DWF
DWF's corporate practice was strengthened recently by the arrival of John Campion from DLA Piper. Campion's expertise includes M&A, equity capital markets transactions and public takeovers. Campion works with Birmingham corporate head Mark Gibson, who acted for Fairview Hotels Limited on the acquisition of the Holiday Inn in Cardiff. Ben McLeod, who heads up the commercial team in Birmingham, handles mandates with a national and international dimension; he has been instrumental in growing the firm's work in the TMT sector.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Clear point of contact, attentive staff, value for money‘
‘Mark Gibson – practical and commercial approach. Understands our needs‘
Key clients
BT
Serco
Severn Trent Plc
Specialist Computer Centres Plc
Skytek Limited
Munnelly Group Plc
Work highlights
- Acted for Manx Telecom Plc on its £255.9m recommended takeover by Basalt Infrastructure Partners.
- Acted for Aperture on the acquisition of Synseal Extrusions Limited.
- Advised Cartesian on its $24m investment into London-based sleep technology company Simba Sleep Limited.
Fieldfisher LLP
Fieldfisher LLP has a well-established reputation in the energy, commodities and infrastructure sectors. It also advises professional services businesses, such as surveyors, architects and solicitors. Graham Muth leads the team, which advises on M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, restructurings and offshore investments. Chris Hill retired from private practice. Hugo Lidbetter joined from EDF Energy in 2019.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Metamorph Group Limited
Incap Oyj
Enzen Global Limited
Glancy Nicholls Architects Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Metamorph Group Limited, a consolidator of law firms, on its acquisition of Parrot & Coales LLP (a law firm in Aylesbury).
- Advising Metamorph Group Limited on its acquisition of Verisona Limited (a Portsmouth based law firm).
- Advising Finnish listed company Incap Oyj on the acquisition of an electronics manufacturing services group with production facilities in the UK and Slovakia.
Irwin Mitchell
At Irwin Mitchell, Nick Dawson heads up the corporate group in Birmingham, and also leads the firm's national private equity practice. In 2019, the team was strengthened by the arrival of Emma Callow from Pinsent Masons LLP. Callow was the lead adviser to Reconomy (UK) on its acquisition of Advanced Waste Solutions, as well as its acquisition of Nationwide Services Group. Chris Rawstron runs the corporate team nationally. The commercial group in Birmingham is led by Sarah Riding.
Practice head(s):
Nick Dawson (corporate – Birmingham); Sarah Riding (commercial – Birmingham); Chris Rawstron (national head of corporate – main base is in Birmingham)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Nick is very experienced, very energetic and well organised. His team has taken on all of these characteristics‘
“Nick Dawson: experience, well connected, reasonable, able to take a firm line with his client (me!) and never loses his temper. he is everything you want in a lead partner at a law firm‘
‘Matt Smith: Matt is the perfect lieutenant. He works very long and hard, he is intelligent and experienced, yet when he is unsure of a point, he will always refer back to Nick. And he is not too proud to admit that he needs to do this. I am quite certain Matt will be a partner at the firm shortly‘
‘The main individual I worked with was Matt Smith. I valued his professional and knowledgeable approach. He was also very efficient and did not waste time, which I have known to be the case with some competitors‘
‘I work with Charlotte Avery. She is very supportive and professional. Her great strength is her attention to detail and overall understanding of any commercial challenges we face, not just the legal aspects‘
‘I think the strength of the team came from its timely responses, very organised approach and knowledge of the service I required‘
Key clients
Hadley Industries Plc
Norchem Limited
Lexon (UK) Limited
Reconomy (UK) Limited
thyssenkrupp UK Plc
National Grid Plc
Jaywing Plc
Gravity Fitness Limited
The British Chambers of Commerce
Restore Plc
Camfil AB
Nuffield Health
Whitworths Limited
ATS Euromaster Ltd
Xoserve Ltd
idverde Holdings Limited
Mizuno Corporation
Motus Holdings (UK) Limited
NG BaileyEuropa Worldwide Group
Acorn Growth Companies
Work highlights
- Advised private equity firm Acorn Growth Companies on its acquisition of a majority interest in Aerospares 2000.
- Acted for the shareholders of AGC Aerospheres Holdings on the sale of the company to Cumulus Acquisition (part of the FDH group of companies).
- Advised Motus Holdings (UK) on its acquisition of F&G Commercials and F&G Holdings.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Clarke Willmott LLP's Birmingham team includes commercial contracts specialist John Irving, who is knowledgeable about distribution, franchising and partnerships, among other areas. Irving works with David Robinson, who was hired from Davies and Partners in 2019, and handles a mix of corporate restructurings, MBOs and MBIs.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and practical in how they approach problem areas.’
Key clients
Comau UK Limited
NVC Lighting Limited
Henry Squire and Sons Limited
Ingersoll Rand
Turnaround Management Association
Stockton Engineering Limited
Extra MSA Group
Kumho Tyre (UK) Limited
Conex Universal Limited
Casino 36 Limited
Jack Allen Holdings Limited
Ashbourne Management Services Limited
Legal Clarity
Corporate and commercial boutique Legal Clarity attracts work from owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurs. Led by Richard Underwood, the team advises on acquisitions, disposals and investments. Gary Davie, who joined from Shakespeare Martineau LLP in 2019, is experienced in employee ownership transitions (EOTs) and other tax or commercial-led reorganisations.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Collaborative approach and fast turnaround times‘
‘Gary Davie is the go to person for advice on transactions involving employee ownership trusts (EOT)‘
‘Professional, coordinated team with good communication. No fuss. Understandable and justifiable fee structure‘
‘Richard Underwood’s professional approach, impeccable attention to detail and thoroughness ensured the business sale completed. Highest quality, excellent level of contact and explanation of all complex issues. Would always recommend Richard to my contacts who are considering a business sale‘
‘Gary Davie is the partner we work with. Gary is always available and very responsive. He is commercially-minded and always willing to look for creative solutions. Gary provides us with an excellent service and we would have no hesitation in recommending him to other potential clients‘
‘I was impressed with their attention to detail and the clear way in which the contractual advice was presented. I was also given the impression they were very aware of charging the correct fees. I always felt I knew where I stood and the advice given was in my interest‘
Key clients
Filtermist International Limited
TeacherActive Limited
Microlise Limited
Baldwins Accountants
Magma Accountants
Prime Accountants
Dains Accountants
Modality Partnership
Stonegate Trinity LLP
Window Widgets Limited
Pallex Group Limited
William Gibbons & Sons Limited
Advanced Hydrocarbon Fuels Limited
DP9 Limited
Eclisse UK Limited
Whitemoor Davis Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for Filtermist on three acquisitions in 2019, including a £6.6m investment in DCS Group of companies.
- Acted for Fab Flamingoes Limited’s management Team on the MBO of Window Widgets (2006) Limited from DW3 Products Group Limited.
- Acted for DP9 Limited on its transition to employee ownership, which involved the transfer of the entire issued share capital of the company to a new trustee company.
The Wilkes Partnership
Gareth O’Hara leads The Wilkes Partnership's well-established corporate practice, and generates work from owner-managed businesses and other privately-owned companies, as well as banks. Its varied workload includes asset and share transactions, reorganisations and general company law matters. Jeremy Parkin leads the commercial contracts team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Wilkes played a vital part in the successful outcome of the sale of my business. Their expert guidance was crucial in overcoming the complications presented by the international nature of this transaction and they gave me the confidence to move ahead at every step to completion‘
‘The individuals that I work with at Wilkes are approachable and present information, options and outcomes in an easy to understand way. I’d like to specifically mention Jeremy Parkin and Helen Smart, who’ve been outstanding when I’ve had cause to interact with them‘
‘Gareth O’Hara is an exceptional lawyer – highly commercial, practical advice. I would highly recommend him and his team‘
‘Feels like they instantly become part of your team and provide the advice and support required to aid you with reaching your goals‘
‘Gareth O’Hara is very personable, and leads each assignment, giving his full attention on the matters in hand‘
‘A strong team with a real can do attitude. Relentless focus on the client outcome and getting the deal done, with a refreshing approach to clear communication and minimal use of legal jargon‘
‘Gareth O’Hara – a great understanding of business and business people, thinks like a business owner meaning he focuses on the key elements and how to get the deal done. Offers wise counsel during the deal, and is honest and realistic in managing the sale/purchase process and timelines, which is crucial. An ability to “cut to the chase” helps in pulling all parties together and avoiding drift‘
Key clients
Baldwins Holdings Limited
Johnsons Cars Limited
Fitzgerald Contractors Limited
Farillio Limited
BGF Plc
Star Events Group Limited
Smarts Specialists Plumbing Limited
MBG Global Brands GmbH
Cotswold BMW
Fraikin
Wesleyan Bank Limited
Dennis Eagle Limited
Aston & Fincher
Handelsbanken
Santander
Epyx Ltd
AF Blakemore (Spar)
J S Wright
HIA International Limited
Ricor Limited
Carter Environmental/Refrigeration
Niclen GmbH
STABILA Messgeräte Gustav Ullrich GmbH
Böcker AG
TruVenturo GmbH
Polytec AMR GmbH & Co KG
German Christmas Company Limited
Huber Car Park Systems International GmbH
Pravida Bau GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised longstanding client Johnsons Cars on the purchase of four Volkswagen dealerships, including three freehold sites and one leasehold site.
- Acted for Coppice Alupak Limited on the purchase of the business and assets of Nicholl Food Packaging Limited (in administration).
- Acted for the shareholders of Voluntas MRS Limited on the sale of the company to IFF Research.