Sara Valentine > Osborne Clarke LLP > Reading, England > Lawyer Profile

Noted for having an ‘extremely professional, practical, hard-working and friendly’ nature, Osborne Clarke LLP possesses a strong grounding in mid-cap private equity, growth capital and corporate reorganisation related mandates. Co-lead Sara Valentine is noted for her expertise in cross-border M&A transactions and is well-versed in the field of technology, while fellow co-lead Greg Leyshon is equipped to handle a broad range of transactions, with particular strength in the communications sector. Robert Wood deploys his expertise in venture and growth capital market to assist growing companies in the technology, media and communications sector, while Rob Hayes is an established presence within technology and life sciences industries. Mike Freer leads the firm’s specialist management advisory group.

Osborne Clarke LLP is known in the regional marketplace for its demonstrably strong track record across the entire gamut of complex IT and telecommunications issues, frequently handling matters encompassing commercial contracts, digital transformation projects and private equity investments, as well as contentious matters arising out of the space including litigation and arbitration. Sara Valentine, Peter Sheppard and Greg Leyshon head the team based in the Thames Valley. Leyshon is an important contact for clients in the communications sector, whilst Sheppard is a key name for IT disputes.

Osborne Clarke LLP‘s new offering is headed by the highly regarded Tom Lewis who is considered ‘a great hire‘ for the firm. The team offers a blend of corporate, finance and tax expertise to clients who are undergoing international reorganisations. Sara Valentine is a core team member who is lauded as ‘one of the best out there‘ for her corporate work and Akshay Agrawal is also a noted practitioner. The practice counts major UK and international corporates in its client roster – ranging from retail and   communications sectors to industrial and automotive.

Working with a number of blue-chip clients including entertainment conglomerates, telecoms companies, television broadcasters and video game companies, Osborne Clarke LLP‘s broad offering covers disputes, regulatory compliance, product rollout and strategic M&A. Practice co-chair Nick Johnson advises on advertising and marketing law, with a focus on data-driven marketing and expertise in e-commerce and gambling-related work. Fellow co-chair John Davidson-Kelly co-heads the team, advising on digital media regulation, consumer law and media and technology agreements. Jon Fell is an expert on telecommunications and internet-related law issues, while Sara Valentine is noted for her experience in technology-related corporate transactions, covering M&A, management buyouts, and investment – both domestic and cross-border.