An extensive roster of blue-chip MNCs and financial institutions turn to the ‘super responsive and industrious’ DLA Piper for representation in big-ticket, multi-jurisdictional deals. Practice co-chair Charles Cook drives many of the office’s most high-profile transactions, working with market-leading companies from the worlds of consumer goods, life sciences, and automotive manufacturing. Praised for his ‘highly intelligent and commercially perceptive’ approach, Noel Haywood specialises in M&A transactions, most notably in the consumer goods, food and retail sectors. Global manufacturing co-chair Tim Lake works closely with a number of the firm’s international clients on a steady flow of big-ticket acquisitions and disposals, while equity capital markets specialist Robert Newman routinely leads multi-million pound fundraisings for various AIM and Main Market-listed entities. Legal director Jonathan Clarke, a Turkish corporate and M&A specialist, also handles multiple insurance sector transactions, whereas senior associate Simon Wright is acclaimed for his fast-moving consumer goods expertise. Ryan Harrison, who joined from Browne Jacobson LLP in November 2021, works with major retailers on cross-border, commercial contract matters. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Renowned for the depth of its mid-market private equity and equity capital markets offering, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP fields one of the strongest corporate practices in Birmingham, advising an array of household names on premier, multi-jurisdictional deals. Practice head Mark Beardmore works on a wide variety of deals, exits, and management changes, while seasoned M&A advisor Catherine Eley is frequently sought out by national and international houses for her ‘terrific‘ technical acumen in divestitures and investment transactions. Equity capital markets lead Steven Hacking also handles a number of healthcare sector deals, working with a diverse array of industry players on high-value investments and acquisitions. Nigel Cooke is routinely instructed on big-ticket, cross-border deals for various FTSE 100 and Fortune 500-listed companies. Louise Finnie focuses primarily on private equity-driven transactions. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Fielding one of the largest corporate and commercial practices in the region, Gowling WLG consistently handles big-ticket international transactions for a formidable line-up of public and private sector entities. Corporate chair Chris Towle spearheads the firm’s US sales and UK indirect real estate practices, handling cross-border REIT transactions and restructuring for some of the market’s biggest investment managers. Stuart Young heads up both the corporate finance and automotive sector groups, while automotive manufacturing lead Ragi Singh works with a number of electric vehicle companies on a steady flow of acquisitions. Sharon Ayres is highly experienced in investment structures and joint venture agreements, while Amar Adatia heads up the solvent structuring and group reorganisation desk. On the commercial side, David Lowe is reputed for his ‘knowledgeable, practical and solution-driven’ approach to logistics agreements and procurement strategies, most notably in the food and retail arenas. The ‘outstanding’ Sarah Riding is well-versed in all manner of contract arrangements, regularly assisting clients from the worlds of manufacturing, automotive, energy and sport. Principal associate Caroline McNally is also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Regularly attracting wider market acclaim for its capabilities in corporate and commercial dealings, Browne Jacobson LLP is sought out by a number of corporations, venture capitalists, and private equity firms seeking assistance in cross-border transactions. Tech and VC specialist Mike Jackson works across a number of sectors on fundraisings, acquisitions, and exits, most recently for clients in automotive manufacturing and clean energy production. Richard Nicholas helms the team’s commercial offering, working with an array of in-house counsel – particularly in the tech and data space – on the full gamut of technical and contractual concerns. Gareth Davies runs the West Midlands private equity desk, advising a diverse roster of mid-market funds and PE-backed SME portfolio companies, while Clare Auty ’s expertise in the UK health market ensures that she is regularly instructed by companies and asset managers on inbound investment transactions. Senior associate Kirk Glenn, who focuses on high-value energy deals, and senior associate Clare Hanna, an SME and FSI specialist, are also standouts. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Lauded extensively for its ‘ innovative and pragmatic’ approach and ‘first-class’ client service, Freeths LLP works with regional, national, and international clients operating across all manner of industries. ‘Exceptional‘ corporate head Lee Clifford also runs the private equity practice, advising various PE houses and shareholders on major acquisitions and investment transactions. The ‘excellent‘ Tom Brown works with numerous private equity-backed companies on M&A deals, often with a cross-border element. Commercial chair Mark Neale is a regular port of call for emerging companies and international market players, who turn him for his expertise in IT and data matters. Nigel Gardner focuses on transportation and warehousing matters for some of the nation’s largest retailers and supply merchants. Managing associate Mohammed Abbas also comes highly recommended.

Gateley Plc fields one of the most active practices in the West Midlands, handling a strong mix of corporate and commercial transactions for various market-leading clients. Corporate practice chair Tom Durrant handles a number of cross-border acquisitions and disposals for individual entrepreneurs and international corporates alike. Paul Cliff specialises in equity capital markets and public company advisory work, while Simon Gill and Beth Mather focus on corporate finance and leveraged transactions. Commercial lead Simon Pigden, who also heads up the firm’s IP, commerce, and technology practice, routinely advises on outsourcing, procurement, and supply chain issues.  The ‘exceptional’ Tom Rush works with numerous household names on public M&A deals, most recently for clients in healthcare and manufacturing. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Praised for its ‘straightforward, proactive and responsive‘ manner, Mills & Reeve LLP is regularly instructed by a diverse array of public and private entities, most notably in the health and care sectors. Corporate chair and national private equity head Ryan Hawley handles numerous mid-market transactions for a diverse roster of clients, especially those in the education and renewable energy sectors. As head of the firm’s health team, Julian Smith is regularly involved in big-ticket acquisitions and disposals for some of the sector’s biggest players. Peter McLintock advises on cross-border M&A and private equity investments for major entities from the worlds of telecoms, software, and commercial property. Commercial practice chair Jayne Hussey heads up the firm’s automotive and engineering practice, advising on supply chain and logistics projects for various household names. In addition to helming both the agri-food and the life sciences teams, Junaid Haroon is a prolific advisor to private sector health and care clients.

The ‘truly impressive’ corporate and commercial group at Shoosmiths LLP fields one of the largest teams in the region, working on a litany of M&A deals and private equity transactions for various clients from the worlds of consumer goods, tech, logistics and media. National corporate head Ben Turner regularly works with multinational tech companies and PE houses on big-ticket mandates, while commercial practice chair David Jackson specialises in technology outsourcing deals, with recent engagements including customer and supplier-side contracts for major telecoms companies and car manufacturers. Praised for his ‘highly responsive’ approach, national VC practice head Alastair Peet acts for investors on funding, scaling, and exit matters, while the ‘excellent‘ Alastair Hammerton handles a myriad of transactions in the space. Senior associate Georgina Rennie is regarded as ‘a star‘ for her capabilities in M&A transactions. Michelle Craven-Faulkner , who joined the practice from Geldards LLP in January 2021, focuses on commercial contracts and other projects in the rail sector. 

Squire Patton Boggs‘ ‘hardworking, pragmatic, and professional’ team routinely handles mid-market M&A deals, PE transactions, and multi-jurisdictional commercial contracts for various corporate clients. Practice co-chair Geoff Perry is highly experienced in cross-border transactions, with recent highlights in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Andrew Glaze specialises in corporate finance, possessing particular experience in real estate and Takeover Code transactions. On the commercial front, practice co-chair Stuart James works with a number of international entities on data transfer and supply chain mandates, while Simon Jones is noted for his capabilities in large-scale logistics projects and public sector contracts. Senior associate Claire O’Connor is also recommended.

DWF is regularly engaged on high-value, cross-border transactions by a broad roster of clients, ranging from telecoms companies and utilities providers to property developers. Mark Gibson is a seasoned M&A lawyer who regularly works on deals for various healthcare, technology, and financial services players, including businesses based in the CEE. John Campion is renowned for his capabilities in equity capital markets work, with recent highlights including technology IPOs and media takeovers. Commercial and IT practice chair Ben McLeod works with both vendors and customers on outsourcing and cloud deals. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

KPMG Law in the United Kingdom‘s deal and structuring team is a burgeoning presence in the Birmingham market, advising a diverse roster of companies on M&A transactions, joint ventures, and reorganisations – often with a strong cross-border element.  Practice chair Jenna Ostrowski‘s recent highlights include international divestitures for clients in recruitment consultancy and food manufacturing. Thomas Swain focuses on privately held companies, while Dean Chauhan has most recently handled reorganisations and incentive scheme reviews. Eve Oppenheimer is also noted.

‘Readily available and extremely knowledgable‘, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is well-versed in an array of corporate and commercial matters, possessing key expertise in tax-related investments and cross-border deals. Practice chair Keith Spedding handles a number of public and private company M&A deals for businesses operating in a number of sectors, ranging from life sciences to cybersecurity. Kavita Patel, who heads up the investment funds desk, is widely praised for her capabilities in private equity and corporate finance deals. Jody Webb, who joined the practice from Freeths LLP in November 2021, is highly experienced in UK mid-market transactions.

With notable expertise in the German market, The Wilkes Partnership is consistently engaged by a litany of domestic and international companies seeking representation in corporate deals, commercial contracts, and financial transactions. Practice chair and senior partner Gareth O’Hara is instructed by numerous owner-managed businesses, most notably in the automotive retail sector. Rick Smyth is a prolific advisor on mid-market corporate finance transactions, regularly handling multi-million pound acquisitions, sales, and management buyouts. Seasoned corporate and commercial partner Kate Hackett focuses on privately-owned businesses seeking assistance in divestitures and general company law issues. Jeremy Parkin retired from the partnership in 2021, but remains with the practice as a consultant. Associate Helen Smart is also recommended.

Clarke Willmott LLP delivers ‘commercially-orientated and considered advice‘ in corporate dealings to a strong mix of businesses, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, engineering, and healthcare. Practice head Kim Klahn, who joined from Lodders Solicitors LLP in October 2021, is experienced in both transactions and corporate governance matters.

Leveraging its national network of offices, Irwin Mitchell is instructed both by SME clients and high-profile corporates on the full gamut of corporate and commercial matters. The Birmingham practice is chaired by M&A specialist Nick Dawson, who also serves as head of the firm’s national private equity group. Emma Callow is most active in the manufacturing, recycling, technology, and food and drink sectors, working with various UK companies on acquisitions and outsourcing agreements. Associates Matt Smith and Charlotte Avery are also integral to the offering.

Working with a diverse roster of corporate clients, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises on numerous mid-market private and public M&A transactions – both within the West Midlands and beyond. Adam McGiveron is regularly sought out by various entrepreneurs and directors for assistance in various corporate transactions, including reorganisations and shareholder and private-equity driven investments. Richard Wrigley is noted for his capabilities in cross-border deals, particularly in the technology and energy sectors. Emma Bryant specialises in early-stage and fast-growth business transactions. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP fields a robust corporate and commercial offering, working on a mix of transactional and advisory mandates for clients in healthcare, tech, sports, and venture capital. Mathew Harvey is noted for his expertise in manufacturing and automotive sector deals, as well as his burgeoning focus on telecare acquisitions. Amardeep Gill advises various public sector organisations on high-profile commercial projects, most recently in relation to 5G rollouts and the Commonwealth Games. Moad Giebaly specialises in UK private equity company buy-out and M&A deals, while senior associate Mike McMahon focuses on venture capital investment transactions.