Simon Entwistle > Lewis Silkin > London, England > Lawyer Profile

The franchising group at Lewis Silkin is well equipped to assist clients with building domestic and international franchise brands and networks across high-end and high-street restaurant chains, fashion labels, and leisure-based companies. Franchise agreements, structuring and tax-related issues, and brand management all fall within the department’s remit. Simon Entwistle leads the department, while James Gill heads up the wider digital, commerce, and creative group. Entwistle advises clients on the entire gamut of non-contentious mandates, including mergers and joint ventures.

Lewis Silkin handles both theatre and publishing matters across a number of sub-sectors, from live music and theatre, to print, digital, broadcast and social media. On the publishing front, the firm handles a mix of commercial, IP, data protection and defamation matters, while on the performing arts side, its advice centres on live events, such as fashion shows and festivals, and related contractual mandates, including agreements with talent and sponsors, and disputes. IP expert Jeremy Summers handles both contentious and non-contentious matters concerning productions and major live events, while deputy head of the media and entertainment practice Alan Hunt specialises in commercial and IP matters for the entertainment, fashion and media sectors. Adam Glass leads on media litigation matters and Simon Entwistle advises on a range of publishing issues. JJ Shaw has recently assisted with podcast development and talent deals, image rights, and IP licensing.

Described as having ‘the human touch of boutique with the power of enterprise’, the corporate M&A practice at Lewis Silkin strikes the balance between personalised services and strong transactional capabilities. The group is proficient in complex cross-border M&A deals, particularly in the technology, media and entertainment, and advertising and marketing sectors. Paul Rajput leads the team and has a breadth of expertise which covers both the buy and sell side of mergers and acquisitions, as well as venture and private equity capital and joint ventures. Rajput concentrates on assisting clients from the advertising and marketing and media and entertainment sectors. Chair of the firm Jo Evans is recognised for her extensive experience advising clients on M&A transactions, growth plans, and exit strategies. Evans is predominantly instructed by advertising, gaming, and communications businesses. Cross-border transaction specialist Geraint Tilsley is highly knowledgeable of the technology, IT, manufacturing, and engineering sectors, and focuses on supporting French and US companies on mergers and acquisitions. Tilsley is also adept in the private equity and venture capital spaces, leading on investments and portfolio work. The team also benefits from the expertise of Gavin McNaughton – who focuses on M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring – and Simon Entwistle – who has strengths in M&A, joint ventures, and IP matters. Other key names in the department include Sam Pennington, Sadiq Tajbhai, and Francesca Ainsworth. Chris Hallinan joined the team in July 2023 from Addleshaw Goddard.