Yorkshire-based businesses, multinational corporations and private equity houses are among the clients who rely upon the expertise of the the tax group at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP. Led by Craig Askew, who is praised for his ‘great understanding of the tax consequences of private equity investments’, the team is adept at assisting with work such as M&A, corporate reorganisation and tax litigation. Matthew Cummings is equipped to handle high-value tax disputes in the indirect tax space.
Corporate tax in Yorkshire And The Humber
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Practice head(s):
Colin Askew
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Cummings
Testimonials
‘We have worked consistently with Colin Askew. Colin has been very good at making himself available when significant commercial pressures mean that we need access to partner-level resources to make quick analysis and decision points.’
‘Colin Askew has a great understanding of corporate tax matters and, in particular, the tax consequences of private equity investments.’
‘Colin Askew remains calm in challenging environments which also helps keep everyone solution-focused.’
Key clients
Inflexion Private Equity
Esken Holdings
Celeros Flow
Beech Tree Private Equity
Pollen Street Capital
Next PLC
WM Morrisons
Rolls Royce
Longacre Group
Howde
Pinsent Masons LLP
The corporate tax team at Pinsent Masons LLP is well-positioned to advise across the tax aspects of major domestic and cross-border corporate transactions, such as M&A and public takeovers. Practice head Peter Morley is a key driver behind the practice’s sector strength in technology, healthcare and real estate and frequently assists clients with real estate taxation mandates. Andrew McCarthy who was made up to partner in May 2023, is frequently sought out by private equity clients, while Lois Hewson‘s practice extends to employment-related securities and share incentive matters.
Practice head(s):
Peter Morley
Other key lawyers:
Andrew McCarthy; Lois Hewson
Key clients
DCC plc
Kids Planet
MML Capital
Kerv Group
Aviva Investors
Railpen
Compass Group
Everton Football Club
Aedifica
Erisbeg Private Equity
Work highlights
- Advised Everton FC on the acquisition of a majority stake in the club by US-based investment firm, 777 Partners LLC.
- Advised Kerv Group on its buyout by Bridgepoint Development Capital.
- Advised Flogas Britain Limited (subsidiary of DCC plc and part of the DCC Energy Division) on the acquisition of DTGen.
Squire Patton Boggs
From corporate and finance matters, to employee share incentives, to contentious and private client work, the expansive offering at Squire Patton Boggs is relied upon by clients ranging from private equity firms to property developers and public sector bodies. Mark Simpson leads the team and frequently advises on the tax aspects of transactions such as IPOs, demergers and takeovers. Victoria Murphy, who divides her time between Manchester and Leeds, is geared to advise on the tax aspects of share schemes and employee benefits. Emma Perez‘s practice spans M&A and employee incentives. Tom Barr and Olivia Foster are further names to note.
Practice head(s):
Mark Simpson
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Murphy; Emma Perez; Tom Barr; Olivia Foster
Key clients
The Shareholders of Ipsum Group Limited
Campus Living Villages
BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 2 LP
GBH
Shareholders of John Binns & Son (Springs) Limited
ECI Partners
Shareholders of Alpha Instrumatics Holding Company Limited
Fore Partnership
Xeros Technology Group plc
Octopus Investments
Adler & Allan Limited
The Brandtech Group Limited
Haines Watts South East LLP
Instem plc
Shareholders of Tharstern Group Limited
Addleshaw Goddard
Praised for its ability to combine specialist domain knowledge with ‘sound legal and commercial advice’, Addleshaw Goddard‘s tax group works closely with the firm’s corporate team to assist with regional, national and international transactions. The team also regularly works with private equity clients - both sell-side and management teams - on tax planning and structuring mandates, and employment tax support. Martin Griffiths is the key contact in Leeds and is praised for his ‘amazingly accurate and concise advice’.
Practice head(s):
Martin Griffiths
Testimonials
‘The AG team is not just technically very strong but they bring a level of pragmatism and true commerciality to their work product and advice’
‘Martin Griffiths provided amazingly accurate and concise advice around IR35 but the most valued element was his pragmatism around the associated risks.’
‘The team have deep domain knowledge of the markets they operate in including my particular market of interest (healthcare). They also have very sound knowledge of the legal and commercial underpinning of those markets. This domain knowledge together with sound legal and commercial advice sets them apart from their peers.’
‘The ability to quickly get to the heart of the matter and to ensure any advice is targeted to the key issues in my mind sets them apart.’
‘The team ensure they take time to develop a deep understanding of our business and are therefore able to provide advice in context; understanding not only the nature and commercial aspect of our business, but the personalities involved and how to navigate the potential challenges arising.’
‘The team are extremely talented and knowledgeable, and have always shown great service and response to our needs.’
‘Martin Griffiths is an outstanding lawyer whose advice has been instrumental to running my business. He has always shown insightful advice on all sides of any issue or challenge and guided us through to success in each challenge.’
Work highlights
- Acting for the managers of the Pirtek Group on their £210million exit to the Franchise Brands Group, providing structuring and tax advice to the selling management team.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP‘s team is active across tax issues connected to areas encompassing M&A, real estate, employment, and litigation. Nicola Parkinson leads a team that is increasingly popular with clients from the world of private equity. Parkinson is versed in the intricacies of approved and unapproved incentive arrangements and is able to work in sectors ranging from technology to student housing.
Practice head(s):
Nicola Parkinson
Testimonials
‘They tailor a service to meet an individual’s requirement.’
‘They listen, and don’t lecture or make things more complicated than they already are.’
Key clients
BlueCat Newtorks
Ropes & Gray International LLP
BGF
Unite Students
Telcom Group
Elanders AB (publ)
Kirkland & Ellis
Endless LLP
Work highlights
- Worked alongside Ropes & Gray to provide clients in the UK and USA with due diligence advice relating to share schemes and incentives.
- Provided tax structuring advice to BGF on its investment in the Leeds-headquartered healthcare specialist, Primary Care Physio Ltd.
- Providing support to the tax team at Unite, including advice in connection with VAT and SDLT.
Freeths LLP
Praised for its ability to assist with ‘complex tax matters‘, Freeths LLP is noted for its work relating to corporate and property transactions, corporate structuring and the tax structuring of private equity funds. In Sheffield, Adrian Hackett oversees the offering and frequently advises on tax issues connected to investment funds. Alex Angelides has a notable focus on corporate restructuring and exit planning.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Hackett
Other key lawyers:
Zain Hanif; Alex Angelides
Testimonials
‘ They were able to support in complex tax matter not only answering abstract questions but also supporting in discussions with the tax office.’
‘The Freeths team was incredibly hard-working, helpful, professional and patient. They went above and beyond the call of duty to explain everything in layman’s terms and ensure that everything ran smoothly to a tight schedule.’
‘Adrian Hackett and Zain Hanif were both superstars and made sure we understood every stage of a number of very complicated tax processes and procedures. We wouldn’t hesitate to use them again – indeed we hope to call on their services again shortly! ’
Key clients
Twenty20 Capital Investments Limited
Lloyds Development Capital
Certain Shareholders of Wattstor Limited (Marty and Others)
BFGH Limited
YFM Private Equity
Definition Group Holdings Limited
Growth Partner LLP
The Shareholders of Fastlane Paint and Body Limited
The Shareholders of Rowda Group Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Twenty20 Capital on the acquisition of brands including Blue Arrow, Career Teachers, Chadwick Nott, Global Medics, Medacs Healthcare, Litmus and Tate from Impellam plc.
- – Advising Lloyds Development Capital on its investment into Star Live, a specialist production agency that delivers live event and specialist build solutions.
- Advised certain shareholders of Wattstor Limited on the tax aspects of an investment by private equity house, Ara Partners.