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

Noted for its ‘excellent sector knowledge and good partner involvement in transactions,Watson Farley & Williams LLP is a key choice for clients across the energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors. The team is headed up by oil and gas expert Chris Kilburn, who regularly works with clients from the mining, commodities, transport, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The ‘commercial and experienced’ Jan Mellmann specialises in domestic and cross-border acquisitions, particularly in the mining and commodities spaces. On the shipping and offshore oil and gas front, Daniel Saunders and Andy Savage are highly adept transactional lawyers, while Christina Howard and Mark Tooke work with clients from the transport and technology sectors respectively on international mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring. Energy and natural resources specialist Tony Edwards joined the practice in May 2023 from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP.

London > Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £500m)

Watson Farley & Williams LLP advises a host of financial sponsors, funds and corporates across a host of sectors, showcasing particular strength in non-performing loan transactions, secondary market deals, and emerging market mandates. Practice head Chris Kilburn is well-placed to advise on complex M&A, particularly in the energy sector. Andy Savage, who is also known for his energy and infrastructure focused work, has an active practice focused on emerging markets, including in Africa, while Daniel Saunders acts for a range of PE houses, venture capitalists, and corporates across numerous industries. Other key figures include Mark Tooke, who handles cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and high-growth deals; Christina Howard, a specialist in the maritime space; and Tony Edwards, who comes recommended for his cross-border practice and considerable understanding of MENA region affairs.