Mark Tooke > Watson Farley & Williams LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Watson Farley & Williams LLP
15 APPOLD STREET
LONDON
EC2A 2HB
England
Mark Tooke photo

Work Department

PARTNER IN THE CORPORATE AND M&A GROUP

Position

Mark’s practice encompasses mergers, acquisitions, domestic and international joint ventures, venture capital and private equity transactions, other corporate transactions and a broad range of commercial arrangements, including distribution, agency and licensing with a focus on the aviation, maritime/offshore, energy, infrastructure and technology sectors.

Mark worked for three years at the UK Department of Trade and Industry, where he advised both them and the UK Patent Office on the operational, regulatory and legislative aspects of intellectual property and he continues to have a particular focus on the corporate and commercial aspects of IP.

Career

Trained Department of Trade and Industry; qualified 1998; legal advisor Department of Trade and Industry 1998-2001; assistant solicitor Watson, Farley & Williams 2001-08; partner 2008.

Memberships

The City of London Solicitors Company; The Law Society of England and Wales.

Education

St Gregory s RCCS, Tunbridge Wells; University of Manchester (1994 LLB Hons).

Lawyer Rankings

London > Corporate and commercial > M&A: Lower Mid-Market Deals, £100m-£750m

Possessing a wealth of experience in a number of core sectors – including energy, transport and infrastructure – the team at Watson Farley & Williams LLP is praised for its high quality service, deep industrial knowledge and very pleasant cooperation’ particularly in relation to maritime matters. The team is able to draw on a wide network of offices outside of the UK and frequently works with business owners, private equity investors and funds on matters spanning the entire acquisition process. Practice head Chris Kilburn is noted for his expertise in energy M&A. The ‘highly committed’ Jan Mellmann specialises in M&A and corporate finance work. Described as ‘brilliant, both technically and commercially,’ Mark Tooke focuses on maritime, energy and infrastructure-driven work, regularly advising on acquisitions, private equity, joint ventures, venture capital and commercial agreements. Daniel Saunders is praised by one client as ‘one of the best shipping and commercial legal experts’  in the market. Transport sector focused Christina Howard is also noted.

London > Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m)

Operating as a subset of the wider corporate and tax team, Watson Farley & Williams LLP notably works with management teams and sponsors on deals across the energy, infrastructure, and transport sectors, and particularly in emerging markets. Corporate head Chris Kilburn is especially noted for his capabilities in energy sector deals, acting for a range of investors and portfolio companies, both domestically and internationally. Andy Savage‘s experience encompasses renewables and social infrastructure, while Daniel Saunders is rated by clients for his expertise in shipping and offshore oil and gas. Mark Tooke is also recommended for his knowledge of maritime matters.