The ‘fantastic, proactive’ team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys has a varied corporate practice covering public and private M&A, management buyouts, share schemes, fundraising and private equity investment. Managing partner Rod Thomas, dual-qualified and experienced in the US and Canada, fronts the corporate team; his counterpart in the commercial space is Robert Capper, a specialist in all forms of commercial deals, especially those in the advanced manufacturing space. Other prominent names include transaction specialist Arpinder Dhillon, singled out for her ‘amazing passion and knowledge of the law’, as well as dental sector authority Clare Emery and due diligence expert Helen Higginbotham. The client roster includes SMEs, FMBs, FTSE 100 companies and leading private equity houses from industries as diverse as education, sports, healthcare, defence and technology.
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the West Midlands in West Midlands
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Practice head(s):
Rod Thomas; Robert Capper
Other key lawyers:
Arpinder Dhillon; Clare Emery; Helen Higginbotham; Charlotte Thornton-Smith; Rebecca Leask; Alison Scott; Tom Bartley-Smith
Testimonials
‘Professionally competent and innovative in service design.’
‘The corporate team are fantastic. The knowledge and experience within the team rivals with the inner city law firms, but the cost of the advice is significantly lower. The corporate team have various departments that can advise on specialist industries. We always have multiple points of contact so that if one lawyer is in a meeting and we have something urgent to discuss, we can speak to another member of the team working on our case.’
‘The use of technology was very good and allowed us to have regular meetings with the team working on our case, meaning that we could complete the matter quicker and have a better understanding of the finer details of the contract at the same time.’
‘The fees were exceptional for the amount of work that was completed.’
‘Our two main points of contact throughout the matter were Tom Bartley-Smith and Alison Scott. We really felt like nothing was too much trouble for them.’
‘This was the first corporate transaction that my business partner and I completed and we were informed of progress all along the way and the whole process was explained to us in clear and plain English. We were never in doubt that we were in very capable hands.’
‘Their negotiation skills were also phenomenal as the other side pushed back on a few points, however, we ended up with everything we asked for and ended up with a great deal.’
‘No matter when I contacted Arpinder Dhillon, she responded almost instantly. I honestly cannot rate her enough.’
Key clients
SMI Group
Holmleigh Care Homes Limited
Muddy Boots
Poundland
Triple Two Coffee
Matara UK Limited
Fluidone Limited
MSC Associates
Bishops of Bromyard Limited
Prometheus Medical Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised on the high profile, cross border sale of SMI Group and its subsidiary companies to an American acquirer.
- Advised the shareholders of UK based Muddy Boots providing them the support of a global leader in communications & digital technologies, enabling growth in key markets, such as North America & Asia Pacific.
- Advised Holmleigh Care Homes Limited on their share sale to Ancala Bidco Limited. This was a complex transaction with 31 homes included in the process.
Higgs LLP
Higgs LLP delivers a ‘commercially orientated’, ‘modern’ and ‘innovative’ service, acting for entrepreneurs, OMBs and corporates - both domestic and international - on a range of transactions. The ‘fantastically knowledgeable’ Richard Griffiths and John Heaton are particularly acclaimed for their corporate finance work, with the former leading the corporate department and the latter heading the wider business services practice. Their team endeavours to operate as a one-stop-shop, working in close collaboration with the tax and private client departments to advise on all transactional considerations. At the more junior end of the partnership spectrum, Geoff Kettle hones his attention on the healthcare and early childhood education sectors while Jamie Partington is carving out an ‘exceptional’ reputation in the tech and hi-growth space. Clients also single out associate Katie Willems for her 'common sense approach'.
Practice head(s):
Richard Griffiths; John Heaton
Other key lawyers:
Geoff Kettle; Jamie Partington; Katie Willems
Testimonials
‘Friendly, approachable team. Excellent value for money; you get just as good a service as you get from city firms at a much lower fee.’
‘Katie Willems is calm and very personable, with a common sense approach.’
‘Jamie Partington and Richard Griffiths did a great job of managing the deal. Approachable and responsive.’
‘Higgs & Sons are a very commercially orientated practice that differs from any other legal firm I have used over the last 20 years. The have an excellent understanding of the needs of businesses undertaking private equity and are far removed from the stereotypical solicitors firm. They are modern, innovative, tech savvy and extremely fast to respond. Everything is done digitally and inline with the 21st century.’
‘Richard Griffiths and Jamie Partington are exceptional representatives of Higgs. They are fantastically knowledgeable of their subject matter, translate technical legalities into a currency that you can understand, excellent at drafting and have an attention to detail that is second to none. They represented our interests in a commercial fashion rather than a typical legal exchange. Excellent communicators, fast and effective – they understood our objectives and went about achieving it.’
‘The team are approachable, switched on, deliver on time and are good value for money.’
‘Jamie Partington is commercial in his approach, measured and personable which makes him really easy to work with. He is confident in his capabilities without being egotistical which is really refreshing in corporate.’
Key clients
La Maison Bleue
Business Growth Fund
Alycidon Private Equity
Wavenet
Purity Brewing
Palletline
Simworx
TH Baker
SuperGroup
Arden Fine Foods
AF Blakemore
Allen Ford
Erodex
Mercia Asset Management Plc
United Glass Group
Webster & Horsfall
Bowman Stor
Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Association
First Blue Group
Servosteel
UKF Group
Work highlights
- Advising the management team of £20m plus turnover biscuits and bakery supplier Arden Fine Foods in connection its management buyout.
- Advising the shareholders on the £18m sale of the entire issued share capital of the Native Antigen Company Limited to LGC (a global leader in the life sciences tools sector and hosts the UK National Measurement Laboratory).
- Advised the shareholder on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Johnson Fleming Group Limited and Johnson Fleming Future Life Planning Limited to New York insurance broker and consultant NFP.
Wright Hassall LLP
A ‘tight-knit team which works cohesively together’, Wright Hassall LLP predominantly represents local and London-based players, handling work including cross-border transactions in Germany, Italy, Canada and the US. Corporate practice head Steven Halkett is a veteran of many M&A, restructuring, group reorganisation and investment matters, providing specialist expertise of the automotive sector; his team is also well-versed in industries such as retail, health, social care, education, rural business and e-commerce and includes Robert Lee, a corporate finance, MBO and MBI and turnaround specialist, as well as senior associate Nathan Lapsley who focuses on tax efficient demergers and group simplifications. The corporate department is complemented by a dedicated outsourcing, technology and commercial practice, headed by the ‘exceptional’ Pete Maguire, which caters to blue chip and technology supplier comments on mandates such as commercial contracts, technology procurement and outsourcing.
Practice head(s):
Steve Halkett; Pete Maguire
Other key lawyers:
Robert Lee; Nathan Lapsley; Lindsay Ellis
Testimonials
‘A tight-knit team that works cohesively together.’
‘Pete Maguire and Lindsay Ellis are exceptional solicitors and a pleasure to work with. They are knowledgeable, commercially minded and respond quickly regardless of the extent of the task or advice required.’
Key clients
Scholastic Limited
Wasps Holdings Limited
Gestamp Automocion SA
Hilco Capital Limited
Denby Holdings Limited
Cad Cam Automotive Limited
Extra Technology Limited
Amcomri Group Limited
Amcomri Media Group Limited
Eaton Gate Gaming Limited
Gestamp Tallent Limited
Tmwi Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the shareholders of Zedonk Limited sold the entire issued share capital of Zedonk Limited to Dedagroup Stealth SpA.
- Acted for F2iT Limited in a nine-stage reorganisation to move the business property outside the trading group.
- Advised Willaroos Limited, the developer of Jack & Bry brand of jackfruit meat alternatives on various rounds of seed SEIS and EIS investment where the Startup Fund Club were the lead investor.
George Green LLP
George Green LLP is home to an ‘excellent’ practice which predominantly caters to SMEs and OMBs, also regularly acting for large corporates on small to mid-cap M&A transactions. Practice head Paul Bennett - described as being ‘on par with many large firm partners’ - has strong capabilities with regards to succession planning, distressed transactions and private equity deals. He has been particularly active within the pharmaceutical industry of late; his team also enjoys long-established connections with the local manufacturing market. Sarah Ward is another prominent name, with a track record in shareholder arrangements, investments, joint ventures and company law. On the commercial front, James Bird ‘leads by example’ on IT and IP agreements, providing a distinguished level of capability in respect of long-term supply contracts in the aerospace and engineering fields.
Practice head(s):
Paul Bennett
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Ward; James Bird; Kam Johal; Philip Round
Testimonials
‘A strong team; well-led, with an impressive client base’
‘They take a sensible commercial approach to resolving legal issues ’
‘We have required quick turnaround of several contract reviews with big, international companies and the team at George Green have reacted very quickly. In all occasions I have been fully informed as to the scope of their work, timeframes and cost and every time this has been adhered to.’
‘James Bird leads by example, judging by his team’s performance. James made sure he understood our business on the first assignment I gave him and this has been crucial in the advice he has given us throughout. James always makes sure that his written advice is followed up with a phonecall whereby he makes sure that all points are explained in layman’s terms and gives his reasoning behind the advice.’
‘George Green are a very focused legal practice providing an excellent range of services at cost effective rates.’
‘George Green have been excellent in providing both advice and more detailed services around these areas. They have also assisted with the successful buyout of a partner organisation in recent times, which was handled very effectively and achieved an excellent outcome for our organisation.’
‘Key contacts at George Green LLP are James Bird and Paul Bennett, who have assisted our business with various legal matters over the years. James in particular provides an excellent service and is always responsive to legal queries.’
Key clients
Ortus Secured Finance
Pallet Track Limited
Olive Communications Solutions Limited
Saltus Partners LLP
Diesel Marine International Limited
Scrivens Limited
Dudley Taylor Pharmacies Limited
Central Pharma
Manfield Partners
Hinton Perry & Davenhill
Work highlights
- Acted for Manfield Partners, which co-invested in a purchase of a proprietary intelligent data capture technology business from PwC alongside Souter Investments.
- Acting on the acquisition of certain business and assets from an IFA company, Alexander Knight Limited .
- Sale of the entire issued share capital of Pro-Clean Industrial Services Limited to Red Industries (Brownhills) Limited.
Thursfields Solicitors
The ‘outstanding’ and ‘dynamic’ corporate and commercial practice at Thursfields Solicitors advises on M&A, joint ventures, equity fundraising, group reorganisations and venture capital deals in tangent with the full spectrum of commercial contract affairs. The team has been considerably active in the healthcare, events and technology fields over the past year and is headed by Gareth Burge, a lawyer who ‘puts the needs of the client first’, and is well-versed in multijurisdictional transactions. The other prominent partner is M&A specialist Tim Edwards, cited for his ‘outstanding’ and ‘refreshing’ dedication.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Burge
Other key lawyers:
Tim Edwards; Philip Chapman; Fiona Boxwell
Testimonials
‘From the moment I was introduced to Thursfields three years ago, I have been completely amazed at their company culture as a legal firm. Never before have I or my businesses encountered a team of people across so many different departments who have been so personable and empathic whist providing first class advice on all the matters we have engaged with them on.’
‘They have helped advise on business sales, legal disputes and HR issues, I genuinely thank the day I was introduced Thursfields. The shear level of expertise within their organisation from both a business and personal point of view is exceptional and every time I have needed some advice or guidance on a new matter, the member of the team I had been working with at the time have gone out of their way to make sure when I was handed over to a new member of the team that they were briefed and ready to communicate in the same manner as everyone else in the company.’
‘Coming from a technology background, I can say their IT and communication systems have been excellent and made the interaction with them throughout the pandemic as seamless as possible.’
‘Tim Edwards who we initially engaged with from a recommendation from our accountants has been a terrific ambassador for Thursfields. His ability to communicate at all levels within a room whilst being personable and professional is a great asset and one we appreciate’
‘The team has a wide range of experience in dealing all sorts of transactions in a proactive way. It helps that they are nice people to deal with. ’
‘Gareth Burge is unique, in my view, in being a corporate solicitor entirely without an ego. This means that he and his team really do put the client’s needs first and work towards achieving a practical solution. His background has given him a wide range of experience which gives me the confidence that nothing he comes across will faze him.’
‘Gareth Burge is the standout for M&A. Modern and pragmatic, he understand what I am trying to achieve and is able to work are the fast pace i insist on.’
Key clients
Rockfire Resources plc
Oakland International Limited
Freemans Event Partners Holdings Limited
DRP Holdings Limited
PCMSEng Group Limited/Practice Care Maintenance Services Limited
Airband Community Internet Limited
Ruroc Global Holdings Limited
Demma Group Limited
cloudThing Limited
Smartbox Assistive Technology Limited
TelXL Limited
Vale Brothers Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the management team of Smartbox on its joint venture with AIM-listed CareTech Holdings plc and acquisition of Smartbox Assistive Technology and Sensory Software International for up to £10.6m.
- Advised the shareholders of Vale Brothers Limited on a group reorganisation and merger with Davies Odell Limited, a subsidiary of CEPS PLC (an AIM listed company).
- Advised the sellers of PCMSEng Group Limited on the sale of the group (including Practice Care Maintenance, VCI, VCL and Vibrotech) to British Engineering Services, which is backed by private equity firm Inflexion.
Ansons
Ansons fields a ‘high-calibre’ corporate with ‘prominent specialisms in key niche sectors and a tireless commitment to getting the job done’. Hilary D’Cruz provides ‘extensive experience’ in respect of M&A deals, jointly heading the practice alongside Neil Jones who is ‘knowledgeable of the pitfalls and nuances involved with business sales’; his far-reaching expertise also encompasses private equity, company reorganisations, commercial contracts and joint ventures in addition to to shareholder agreements and partnership matters. ‘Excellent’ associate Emma Benniston caters to various pharmacy, dental and care home clients and the wider team is also active in the manufacturing, logistics, education, property and technology sectors.
Practice head(s):
Hilary D’Cruz; Neil Jones
Other key lawyers:
Emma Benniston; Jamie Gill
Testimonials
‘Great all-round team. As part of the corporate assignment, we required specialist input across a number of technical areas. This was always delivered in a very joined-up manner.’
‘The team were excellent. Partner input was always on hand but the day-to-day process was handled really well by a team who we felt we always looking out for us. Really consistent quality across the firm.’
‘The firm are uniquely skilled in the corporate market for a regional firm and I have first hand experience of them going toe-to-toe with and commanding the respect of ’
‘Hilary D’Cruz has extensive experience in corporate activity and has effectively recruited ant trained an expert team to work alongside her all who subscribe to her ethos of expert client service.’
‘Hilary D’Cruz leads from the front. She is a highly commercial and practical law practitioner who always puts her clients first. She is hugely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Jamie Gill in the corporate team embodies the spirit of the firm and has provided that clever mix of service to me and my clients that is both personal, going the extra mile, and professional, with the knowledge to guide legally through a transaction.’
‘Hilary D’Cruz, Neil Jones, Emma Bennistone and Jamie Gill are very helpful, honest, proactive, commercial and very much client focused. The speed of delivery of service is faultless. Their knowledge of the pharmacy sector makes them stand out for us. We recommend them to our clients based in the Midlands and the North. ’
‘Neil Jones is very professional and knowledgeable about the pitfalls and nuances of the complex processes involved in the sale of our business. He stood up to the purchasing solicitors who were a much bigger organisation when unreasonable demands were being made and always went the extra mile to solve difficult problems.’
Key clients
St Philips Educational Holdings Limited
Shareholders of Nidd Transport Limited (Antony White)
Shareholders of RANDD UK Brendan Molloy and Michael Keyse
Pharmaelite Limited (and group)
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of RANDD UK Limited on the sale of a R & D Tax Credit Claims business to AIM listed buyer, K3 Capital Group plc, for a sale price which could rise to £16.8m.
- Advised the shareholders of Nidd Transport Limited on the sale of the international freight shipping business for a sale price of £4.6m to AIM listed Xpediator plc.
Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited
Specialist firm Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited provides ‘an outstanding service in all areas of corporate law’. The group’s foremost field of activity is the M&A arena where it routinely acts for SMEs operating in the manufacturing, engineering, insurance, IT, hospitality and pharmaceutical sectors. Managing partner and private equity expert Colin Rodrigues is the star name, bringing a ‘commercial edge to the table’ when engaged on management buy-outs, sales, mergers, restructuring and tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Colin Rodrigues
Testimonials
‘A firm that specialises in corporate law, and all the specialisms that surround that, ie property, banking, contractual, dispute resolution etc as a result all of their lawyers are both focussed and experienced in these areas giving them depth in this area.’
‘They also practice true partner led service.’
‘Colin Rodrigues is always the lead partner when I do business with the firm.’
‘Colin Rodrigues is a very competent corporate lawyer who brings experience and commercial nous to every assignment, always focusing on what really matters to the client in terms of legal protection and not getting bogged down in minutiae or point-scoring against the opposing lawyers.’
‘They provide a huge amount of support to us and do not charge us for providing the legal guidance we need to support and guide our clients.’
‘The support and guidance is incredible and we never have any hesitation in recommending them to our clients as we have 100% confidence that our client will get the right help and guidance.’
‘Attentive and commercially minded.’
‘Colin Rodrigues is a commercially minded lawyer who gets things done.’
‘An extremely personal service led by Colin Rodrigues. Always on top of matters, meaning you never have to chase them. They take the stress and the pressure of the matter away from you, and deliver a first class service, and give value for money.’
‘As stated above, Colin Rodrigues is actively involved in the process and ensures that your expectations are met. All calls and emails are returned in a timely fashion, making you feel your matter is the only case being looked after.’
Key clients
NatWest Bank Plc
Imaginera Limited
Drumcare Limited
Bebe Storage Limited
MacDonald Surfacing Limited
Renaissance Group
Core Group Limited
Banchory Holdings Limited
Complete Communications Limited
TVH Parts Holdings NV
Work highlights
- Advised Macdonald Surfacing Limited a renowned Tarmac Contracting company, on a share purchase valued at £16m.
- Instructed by the shareholders of Tangent Trading Holdings Limited, to act for them on the sale of their entire shareholding in Tangent to Marex Spectron Group for sum the of £17m.
- Instructed on behalf of six companies forming part of the Renaissance Group worth £12m in respect of the sale of the majority shareholder’s shares.
Lanyon Bowdler
A ‘regional firm with a surprisingly broad scope of capabilities’, Lanyon Bowdler’s corporate and commercial team is led from Telford by Gráinne Walters, a go-to for ‘complex and nuanced matters’. Her practice is centred around M&A, joint ventures, succession planning, corporate reorganisations and private equity investments in addition to international distribution, trading and agency agreements, among other forms of commercial contracts. The other prominent partner is Edward Burrell whose key strengths include company sale and purchase agreements, employee share schemes, shareholder disputes and software license agreements. Key sectors include agriculture, education, local authority, renewable energy, professional services and not-for-profit.
Practice head(s):
Gráinne Walters
Other key lawyers:
Edward Burrell; Mark Tromans
Testimonials
‘The staff are efficient and capable and all matters were dealt with in a timely manner. ’
‘Grainne Walters is extremely knowledgeable and very thorough. It was an absolute pleasure working with her – I would have no hesitation in referring her to colleagues and friends. I will certainly engage them again when an occasion arises.’
‘The team at Lanyon Bowdler have been very accommodating to our needs and have taken a flexible approach in order to support us.’
‘They are conscious to use the right seniority of lawyer for the complexity of job to mitigate excessive fees. For a regional firm they have broad scope of capabilities.’
‘Very comprehensive risk based approach. They learn about the complexities of our industry to ensure recommendations are relevant and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Michael Starr
LAF Holdings Limited and its group companies
Work highlights
- Advised a client on how to most effectively retire from his company in a complicated management buyout.
- Advised LAF Holdings Limited on various corporate and commercial transactions, including various equity investments and commercial agreements.
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
A ‘business-based, practical firm’, Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises on a range of M&A, joint ventures, corporate governance matters, group restructurings and reorganisations, as well as management buy-outs and buy-ins. The local team is integrated with the firm’s national practice and also often handles work with an international element. Team head Andrew Smith is ‘recommended without hesitation’, acting for a client roster which ranges from start-ups and SMEs through to multinational corporates; his team sets itself apart from the rest of the market through its expertise in the education, housing and charity sectors.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Smith
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Gwynne
Testimonials
‘Since we moved from a large London practice I have found that Shakespeare Martineau have always offered excellent advice across a range of subjects in a timely and helpful way.’
‘Andrew Smith’s advice is practical and clear and I have have found on many occasions that our advice and documentation is considerable better than those companies with whom we are dealing. He has taken the time to understand what our company does and his sound advice is always relevant.’
‘The whole team showed a proactive, relationship based approach which resulted in excellent customer service and professional advice and support.’
‘Great people skills. Depth of knowledge and experience. Pragmatic approach. Accessibility and responsiveness Just felt like a safe pair of hands.’
‘A very business-practical firm – they don’t give non-committal advice or overly cautious advice which I have gotten from a lot of other firms. They adapt well to delays from the customer’s business, and were able to restart processes after customer-caused delays without having to read back into the file at customer’s expense. ’
‘Andrew Smith is very responsive and practical. He is equally at ease talking to customer’s business and sales colleagues as he is to lawyers. He is very efficient and practical in keeping our statutory company registers for a number of our UK-resident companies.
‘Andrew Smith is responsive and great at generating pragmatic solutions; takes time to understand my businesses.’
‘Andrew Smith and his team are a pleasure to work with. Quick and pragmatic advice and transparent billing makes him stand out from his peers.’
Key clients
Whitworth Bros
Phoenix Brickwork UK
UK Battery Industrialisation Centre
Idea Catalyst Partners LLP
Hylands House Care Ltd
The Extracare Charitable Trust
Walsall Housing Group
O’Brien Contractors
Orbit Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Phoenix Brickwork UK on its acquisition of B M H Scaffolding.
- Acting for the shareholder of Bright Green Renewables on its acquisition by Efficient Building Solutions Ltd.
- Acting for BAFE on its purchase of the Awarding Organisation of the Fire Industry Association.
Aaron & Partners LLP
Shrewsbury-based Aaron & Partners LLP acts for OMBs on their local, national and overseas activities, with a particular focus on the Shropshire, Staffordshire and mid-Wales markets. Stuart Haynes is a contact of note for M&A, management buy-outs and commercial contracts; he is supported by Hugh Strickland who has a track record in the banking, finance and pharmaceutical sectors.
Practice head(s):
Stuart Scott-Goldstone
Other key lawyers:
Stuart Haynes; Zoe Lloyd; Charlotte Butler
Key clients
Invertek Drives Ltd
Courtney Harris Browsdon Exports Ltd
Tudor Griffiths Limited
TriTech Group
Edson Evers PR
Hawk Developments
Work highlights
- Instructed to advise the Tritech group on its entry into a new inventory facility, together with the associated finance and security documents. This was a complicated cross-border arrangement given the Indian HQ of our client. In addition, the refinancing had to complete at the same time as the disposal of a shareholding in a non-core subsidiary.
- Instructed by Courtney Harris Browsdon Exports Ltd (CHB) to prepare back to back contacts for the supply of recyclable waste materials in bulk in respect of a new recycling/production facility over a 20-year term. The acquisition and disposal of materials had to be simultaneous with the liabilities subcontracted onto the third part supplier.
- Advised Hawk Developments on a group restructuring and management buyout to enable the next generation to take control.
Brindley Twist Tafft & James
‘Capable of handling the full spectrum of the client’s business needs’, Brindley Twist Tafft & James is primarily active in Coventry and across Warwickshire, supporting local business with day-to-day contractual affairs, acquisitions, sales and corporate formalities. The department is helmed by the ‘outstanding’ Samantha Wright, who has a broad practice which often sees her instructed on cross-border director shareholder disputes.
Practice head(s):
Samantha Wright
Testimonials
‘Excellent, professional and strong team. Very communicative and responsive. We worked together on a couple of cases with respect to my company and they were really helpful. Overall, excellent team and service.’
‘Samantha Wright offered me legal assistance to disengage my self and my company from this web development company and person in a smooth professional manner.’
‘What we find is unique about Brindley Twist over other firms is they can cover the whole spectrum of corporate needs under one roof. Other firms I find offer this, but there is a difference between ‘offer’ and ‘deliver’, which Brindley Twist do well. They also collaborate extremely well with other law firms and businesses, as I have found useful when having to use Brindley Twist with a specialist employment law firm in London. Also, as a technology company ourselves, I have observed good practice and investment when it comes to IT with the firm from a client point of view. I have also found billing to be good value.’
’Samantha Wright is now senior partner, a thoroughly deserved position and a clear indication that I am not alone in my opinion of her as an outstanding corporate lawyer.’
‘The practice has the capability of handling the full spectrum of our business. They respond and advise to our needs and demands beyond expectations. the experience in there company is vast and all ways have the ability and time to walk us through the risk and benefits of the projects.’
‘They understand our business and give balanced view from both sides of the discussion.’
‘Our primary contact Samantha Wright is always quick respond even outside of normal working hours – we have had nothing but professionalism from our her and her team. She has given us confidence in the team and her knowledge and has surpassed our exceptions.’
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP
At FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, James Sage is the corporate department’s lead partner, handling shareholder and joint venture agreements, company and business transactions, as well as a wealth of general commercial matters. He has a focus on the manufacturing and banking sectors.
Practice head(s):
James Sage
Lodders Solicitors LLP
Hailed as a ‘regional firm doing high-quality, big city work’, Lodders Solicitors LLP's client base includes logistics and pharmaceutical companies, software and IT developers, manufacturers and care home specialists. The ‘extremely supportive’ Kim Klahn handles M&A, disposals, reorganisations and management buyouts with a noteworthy niche in the formation of family investment companies. The wider team is also geared for share sale, transactions, business sales and purchases and equity investments in addition to various commercial matters such as supply and distribution contracts, terms and conditions and franchise agreements.
Practice head(s):
Kim Klahn
Other key lawyers:
Graham Spalding; Victor Matts; Mark Lewis
Testimonials
‘The team are very capable and take very seriously the issue of client engagement. They are always available and very responsive.’
‘Availability and quality of work are key to me. The team score very highly on both fronts.’
‘Very friendly and client-focused. Work incredibly hard for their clients.’
‘Strong corporate skillset- a regional firm doing high quality big city work with the higher levels of client service you would expect from a firm in a smaller town ’
‘Graham Spalding really cares about clients and ensuring that they have access to as wide a range of specialists as possible. He is also great at bringing in external advisers to support.’
‘Kim Klahn is extremely supportive and produces very clear advice.’
Key clients
Mr and Mrs Kellas
Whitehouse Industries Limited
Four Oaks Food Co Limited
Colin Ombler
Sandfields Farm Limited
Messrs Cox
Work highlights
- Acted for the sellers in their sale of the entire issued share capital of Cornelius House Limited, a care home.
- Acted for Whitehouse Industries Limited in its purchase of the entire issued capital of a fastener supplier.
- Advised Four Oaks Food Co Limited on the share acquisition of Blackroot Bistro, which owns and operates a bistro in Sutton Park.
MFG Solicitors LLP
MFG Solicitors LLP supports its clients on acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts and a broad array of commercial matters, often working in tandem with the firm’s commercial property, employment and commercial litigation departments. Practice head Clare Lang has a strong reputation for her work on specialised capital reduction reorganisation and 110 Insolvency Act demergers while James Hayes is well-regarded for international trade contacts as well as IT-related distribution, valued added and licensing agreements. Stephen Wyer provides specialist knowledge of the education, energy, healthcare and education, supplementing the firm’s long-established food and drink sector expertise.
Practice head(s):
Clare Lang
Other key lawyers:
James Hayes; Stephen Wyer
Testimonials
‘I recommend them for their effiency.’
‘The knowledge is impressive, as is the fact they go the extra mile.’
‘I have have known Clare Lang for several years, I find her highly competent and good with my clients. Clare’s team support her very well.’
‘They are a very efficient practice with proven professionals that I have work with both at MFG and their prior firms.’
‘Clare Lang is an excellent solicitor; friendly, approachable, understanding and a consummate professional. She is a pleasure to work with. ’
‘Clare Lang is very client-centric and a great team player, liaises with other professionals very well. Technically proficient and explains matters in a clear manner which is appreciated by clients.’
Key clients
Kay Group Holdings Limited
Nestlife Lets Limited
L G Harris & Co Limited
Datascan Retail Limited
Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club
Vectric Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the asset disposal of a major golf club and holiday lettings business.
- Acted on the sale of the DCS Group to Managed Technology Corporation.
- Acted on the exit of shareholders from Angel Remy, which involved an own shares buyback.
Pickerings Solicitors
The team at Pickerings Solicitors ‘know the market intimately and service midlands SMEs expertly’. The team’s primary fields of activity in the transactional space are company sales, purchases and formations, corporate restructuring and reorganisations, joint ventures and venture capital investments. Practice head Craig Davies is also experienced in shareholder agreements, trading terms and conditions, as well as general contractual affairs; he is closely supported by Keri Pointon.
Practice head(s):
Craig Davies
Other key lawyers:
Keri Pointon
Testimonials
‘Pickerings are very professional and were happy to help/explain things that we were unsure about when purchasing our business. All staff were very professional during lockdown, under difficult conditions. We were so impressed with them dealing with our business purchase that we also used them for the sale of our house.’
‘We worked with Craig Davies when purchasing our business. He was very helpful, professional and understanding of our needs. Happy to help even out of office hours, which many companies/people would not be willing to do. Working with Craig during lockdown was no bother. He and his staff were very helpful.’
‘Craig Davies is approachable reliable and gets the job done. Craig and his team have gone the extra mile to get the job done, working long hours and weekends when deadlines dictated.’
‘We have worked with the practice for many years and I have found the team easy to work with. They understand our business, they respond to emails promptly, everything is discussed in advance before commencement of work. The support staff know what is going on and are always able to help.’
‘Keri Pointon has always worked extremely efficiently and in a timely manner. Her attitude to her work and clients is exemplary and we have a good level of trust.’
‘A very customer-focused team – they know their market intimately and service Midlands SMEs expertly on a very pragmatic basis.’
‘Craig Davies is utterly committed to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. Experience has its rewards, as they say, and Craig has been around the block long enough to identify the key challenges early on so they can be resolved. An excellent communicator, he is able to juggle his workload to always deliver the most pressing priorities on time regardless of circumstances. He is highly respected and recommended.’
Hatchers Solicitors LLP
Hatchers Solicitors LLP has been active in the OMB space over the past ear, acting on share sales, business asset transactions, reorganisations and shareholder agreements. Practice head Ann Fisher, hailed as ‘thorough and grounded’, also directs her attention towards SME representation and has specialist knowledge of the manufacturing, charities, not-for-profit, farming and agricultural sectors.
Practice head(s):
Ann Fisher
Testimonials
‘The team are always very responsive and offer balanced and nuanced advice in a straightforward way. They demonstrate a very clear and deep understanding of our business and its requirements and have been particularly helpful during the last year and the difficult situation we have all found ourselves during the pandemic.’
‘A fantastic team – welcoming and friendly.’
‘Ann Fisher helped us with efficiency and attention to detail , and having our best interests to the fore. We could not have completed our business sale without their help. She made an extremely difficult situation for ourselves run smoothly. She steered us in the right direction.’
‘The team are well organised to provide relevant advice in a client-friendly and prompt manner.’
‘Ann Fisher is extremely competent and approachable. She is particularly calm under pressure and is able to resolve all client concerns.’
‘Very approachable and friendly team with a good understanding of our family business.’