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Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1
The corporate and TMT team at Dentons regularly handles substantial cross-border and international transactions, specialising in sectors including automotive, insurance and venture tech/funds. Head of the corporate department Christopher Colclough has a track record of work on complex cross-border transactions, while head of TMT Nick Harrison leads the commercial side. Faye Garvey advises on private mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations. Ryan Chia is another key member of the team.Practice head(s):
Christopher Colclough; Nick Harrison
Other key lawyers:
Faye Garvey; Ryan Chia; Chris White: Francesca Bettermann
Key clients
Sainsbury’s Group
John Lewis Partnership
Royal Mail Group
Sharjah Islamic Bank
Cavendish Online
Cognita Schools
Silverstone Circuits Limited
White Clarke Group
Marshall Motor Holdings plc
Appello Careline Limited
Saracens Limited
Roku Inc
Euro Food Brands
Alpha Blue Ocean
Energie Fitness
Work highlights
- Guided the founders of Engergie Fitness through an exit and assisted in acquiring the business out of administration during the first lockdown.
- Advised Appello Careline on its agreement with McCarthy Stone for the provision of new IT infrastructure, to underpin the provision of their technology enabled care services.
- Advised Sharjah Islamic Bank on a deal with Cloudflare for the provision of infrastructure and security for the Bank’s website.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1
The Milton Keynes team at Dentons acts on behalf of both regional and international clients, including bluechip organiations and financial institutions, covering a broad range of disputes relating to product liability, professional negligence, commercial fraud, franchising and construction. Practice co-leader James Fairbairn is described as 'incredibly bright and quick', handling complex contract disputes and product liability cases. Practice co-leader Tim Constable focuses on international disputes, covering commercial fraud and corruption, as well as having experience in freezing injunctions and search and seizure orders. Rob Francis is recommended by clients. Clare Stothard and Steven Mills left in late 2020 as part of a large disputes and investigations team which joined TLT.
Practice head(s):
James Fairbairn; Tim Constable
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Tim Constable goes above and beyond to provide commercial and practical solutions, minimising risk, prioritising strategic goals and providing exceptional and experienced advice.’
‘The team, led by Tim Constable, has a great reputation for delivering quality legal advice internationally.’
‘James Fairbairn is incredibly bright and quick. His mind cuts straight through the case and focuses on the core issues.’
‘Rob Francis is intelligent, thorough and rigorous coupled with an approachable and friendly manner towards clients. Hard working and dedicated to obtaining results.’
‘Tim Constable is a big presence in the international space, with years of experience and a sixth sense for litigation strategy.’
‘Genuine commercial and strategic advice to ensure successful outcomes. True partnering alongside in-house counsel, dedicated to enabling the conclusion of contentious matters in a controlled and considered fashion. Exceptional international network for non-UK contentious work.’
‘Rob Francis is always available and keen to assist, demonstrating a total command of every aspect of the matter he works on. One of his particular strengths is being able to deliver a work of outstanding quality within short time frames.’
Key clients
National House-Building Council
Kenneth Davies
Silverstone Circuits Limited
Iliv Realty Pte
Independent Office for Police Conduct
Cox Powertrain Limited
Royal Mail Group
IG Index Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Diagnostics Al Limited in its judicial review and procurement claim against the UK Government and two of the Lighthouse Laboratories.
- Acted for three Mozambican companies in respect of seven claims brought against them by three English investors, involving a dispute relating to the funding of a Mozambique mining project.
- Acted for Green Box Recycling Limited in its claim for breach of fiduciary duty against its directors. Following a six-day trial the court found against the defendants.
Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1
The Milton Keynes employment team at Dentons advises clients in the retail, transport, telecommunications and media sectors on a broad range of matters including cross-border international issues, employment tribunal claims and day-to-day HR matters. Practice leader Sarah Beeby has considerable experience in complex redundancy and restructuring exercises, TUPE transfers, as well as handling the employment aspects of large-scale corporate transactions. Michelle Lamb covers a spectrum of both contentious and non-contentious matters, with particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional outsourcing and transactional work. Verity Buckingham deals with contentious employment disputes and regularly advises key clients on HR matters.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Beeby
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very responsive, pragmatic and offers decisive advice, reflecting the commercial realities of the situation and industry.’
‘Sarah Beeby is the standout lawyer in the team. Always responsive and timely advice which is clear, concise, pragmatic and commercial and always tailored to the requirements of the brief.’
‘Their communications are always clear, concise and progressive.’
‘Sarah Beeby is simply outstanding as a team leader, coordinator and lawyer, giving direct support and advice. It is clear that her team hold her in high regard and that she gives them every opportunity to develop and grow.’
Key clients
TUI UK Limited
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
Chanel
Holland and Holland
Bilby plc
Rackspace Limited
Science in Sport plc
Wizz Air Limited
Saracens
Royal Albert Hall
Engage Partners Limited
DF Capital Holdings plc
Marks & Spencer plc
Total SA
Lionsgate Entertainment Inc
Under Armour
Buccaneer Media
Souter Kent Limited / Likezero Limited
Work highlights
- Defended TUI Airways Limited in a class action for a high profile client.
- Provided employment advice to Octopus Ventures on all later stage investments.
- Defended Network Rail Infrastructure Limited in a number of employment tribunal claims brought forward independently by four claimants.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1
Dentons' Milton Keynes team plays a key role in the context of the firm's wide UK and international banking and finance offering. Led by Christopher Colclough, the group advises a mix of UK and overseas-based banks, as well as regional and international borrowers. Colclough has a notable focus on real estate finance transactions; his recent work included financings and refinancings of premium London retail and offices spaces. Also noted for her real estate finance expertise is Faye Garvey, who is also knowledgeable about syndicated and bilateral lending, as well as acquisition finance transactions. Senior associate Neill Pemberton has a wealth of experience of handling Islamic finance transactions for major Middle Eastern banks.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Colclough
Other key lawyers:
Faye Garvey; Neil Pemberton
Testimonials
‘We have continued to receive the same high level of service as always. We have never felt the need to move anywhere else for the services this team offers us.’
Key clients
HSBC Bank plc
RBS / Nat West
Barclays Bank plc
Metro Bank
QIB
National Bank of Egypt
Home Décor
Lloyds Banking Group
Santander UK
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1
The claimant-focused team at Dentons is highly regarded for dealing with claims against accountants, construction professionals, architects, and solicitors. In 2020, the team closed its Watford office and moved to an entirely agile working environment, while still being able to draw on its long-established Milton Keynes base. Practice co-chair and solicitor advocate James Fairbairn offers 'astute advice' and many years of experience, working with Tim Constable, an 'excellent negotiator' who has particular expertise in banking matters. Senior associate Sarah Rutnah is also seen as a 'standout' member of the team, often acting for international corporations.
Practice head(s):
James Fairbairn; Tim Constable
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A responsive, capable and very client-focused team, who understands their banking clients’ needs and priorities.’
‘Tim Constable is very bright and very client-centric, extremely pragmatic and an excellent negotiator.’
‘Dentons have a very high quality professional negligence practice. They have real in-depth knowledge and deal with claims on a friendly but perspective basis. ’
‘Tim Constable is one of the ablest solicitors in professional negligence. He has a real attention to detail, writes very well and is liked by both clients and opponents.
‘The practice has particular talent in dealing with professional negligence disputes that arise out of banking transactions involving solicitors and valuers.’
‘Tim Constable is an excellent lawyer. He has a fine grasp of the law and is adept at tackling the most technical of issues. His communication skills are first rate.’
‘Sarah Rutnah stands out as a talented associate who has been a rising star for some time now. She is bright, personable and a team player who you definitely want on your side.’
‘James Fairbairn is very experienced and grasped the issues immediately, giving us good advice on how the case would proceed. He was also very careful to highlight the pros and cons of proceeding with legal action and to carefully consider the other parties arguments so that we could comprehensively rebut them. As laymen, we were always concerned that once you started legal actions, it could become like a runaway train, but James always kept everything on an even keel and advised us on next steps and costs well before they had been actioned. His astute advice ultimately led us into a satisfactory settlement with the other party.’
Key clients
National House-Building Council
Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1
Based in Milton Keynes, Dentons acts on behalf of high-profile clients in the infrastructure, retail, banking, telecoms and public sectors on the full scope of commercial property matters, frequently involving cross-border and international elements. Practice leader Roland Gray promotes a ‘collaborative and inclusive approach’, and specialises in landlord and tenant matters, as well as development work. Robert Wyatt handles a range of commercial property transactions involving the acquisition, management and financing of commercial buildings, while counsel Greg Rigby advises on railway property work. Other key members of the team include senior associates Neill Pemberton and Lorna Rogers.
Practice head(s):
Roland Gray
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The lead partner Roland Gary, from the get go, has been proactive in promoting a collaborative and inclusive approach. I feel my interests are protected and his approach is one of attempting to seek the best possible outcome, but equally aware that some times this isn’t always achievable. In these circumstances, the risks and liabilities are clearly defined. I have found this approach to be a common theme that runs through the whole Denton’s team. Their reaction was fast and displayed a real determination to get stuck in and play a full part.’
‘Dentons work collaboratively across many functions to ensure objectives are delivered, but equally to ensure the right level of protection is gained in all transactions.’
Key clients
The National Bank of Egypt
Taylor Wimpey
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
Oak Furnitureland Group
Group 1 Automotive
Eastbrook Facilities Limited (SPV)
National Crime Agency
Mulberry Homes
Abbey Developments Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Sainsbury’s on its convenience store acquisition deals, such as exchanging on a number of sites in mixed-use development schemes and completing new sites.
- Advised Taylor Wimpey on the acquisition of multiple site phases of development sites in Bingham and Nottingham.
- Advised Eastbrook Facilities Limited (SPV) on a 110,000 sq ft building after the grant of a series of leases to pharmaceuticals giant Astra Zeneca in Cambridge.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1
Dentons’ renowned property litigation practice is regularly sought after by numerous high-profile retailers, financial institutions, infrastructure groups and developers. It frequently appears in proceedings at the Supreme Court, High Court and First-Tier Tribunals. The team covers the gamut of contentious property work, including cases relating to landlord and tenant disputes, rights of light, nuisance, negligence, adverse possession and property insolvencies. It is also increasingly sought after for advice on rating disputes. Bryan Johnston‘s work spans a number of segments, including offices, retail, industrial and hotels. He works with David Payton and senior associate Gemma Hunter-Barnes. Another key individual is senior associate Thomas Nolan, who is noted for his residential property litigation focus.Practice head(s):
Bryan Johnston
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are approachable, available, dedicated and experts in their fields. We have had a number of difficult and complex cases. The real strength is the individuals, no problem or case is too trivial, they dedicate their time fully to us and feel like true clients not just a number or a fee. This is very different to other firms.’
‘I have worked with a number of individuals at the firm and each individual is approachable and available. Nothing is ever too much trouble, they react proactively to the cases we have and sometimes have very short timescales and turnaround.’
‘They are all outstanding and I have confidence in the advice being given at all times, there is never a point that as a client we feel exposed or unsupported.’
‘Dentons has a very good and effective property litigation team offering high quality advice.’
‘Bryan Johnston is an exceptionally intelligent and strategic partner.’
‘Great all round performance, expertise and very good to deal with.’
‘Standout team members are Gemma Hunter-Barnes and Thomas Nolan. Bryan Johnston is also an excellent partner, good to deal with and technically excellent.’
Key clients
Network Rail
Sainsbury’s
Sports Direct
Taylor Wimpey
RBS
Santander
Thomson Reuters
Knight Frank
John Lewis
Topland
Work highlights
- Defending Sainsbury’s against a seven-figure claim, where it was alleged that Sainsbury’s had breached its contractual obligations to use reasonable endeavours to obtain a satisfactory planning permission.
- Acting for Sports Direct in a £6m High Court claim against Tesco, their former tenant of a retail department store in Liverpool. The claim is about the extent of disrepair at the property when Tesco’s lease ended.
- Advising Network Rail Infrastructure Limited on injunction proceedings against trespassers.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1
Dentons sports team works in close collaboration with its London team to provide major names from the worlds of rugby, esports, formula 1 and fitness with advice on the full range of commercial agreements. Nick Harrison, promoted to partner in May 2021, leads the sports practice outside of London and works with Saracens RFC on numerous commerical issues. The group also has a disputes offering; spearheaded by James Fairbairn, it was bolstered by the November 2020 arrival of associate William George from Harneys.Practice head(s):
Nick Harrison
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Silverstone Circuits Limited
Saracens Limited
Premier Team Promotions Limited
Esports Awards Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Silverstone Circuits Limited on the impact of Covid-19 on the hosting of the British Grand Prix in 2020.
- Providing Saracens Limited with commercial legal advice and support.
- Advising Esports Awards Limited on the provision of general Sports and Commercial legal advice and support.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 1
Dentons has an unrivalled international footprint and sizeable London corporate team, making it a strong choice for bluechip clients undertaking mid-market M&A transactions. Helmed by new UK corporate head Neil Nicholson and London corporate lead Stephen Levy, the team regularly handles an array of high-value deals for multinational corporates, energy providers, major tech players, and real estate holding companies. Nicholson is noted for his ample experience in financial services and oil and gas, especially in emerging markets. Levy focuses on M&A and private equity matters, while Matthew Tinger specialises in hotels and real estate. On the asset management side, clients rate Guy Norfolk for his ‘impressive intellect and commercial pragmatism’, with recent highlights including key transatlantic deals in technology and media. David Collins is also recommended for his deep international M&A experience.Practice head(s):
Neil Nicholson; Stephen Levy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team displayed great patience and intellect in a transaction that grew into the most complex deal I have seen for its size.The Dentons team coped admirably with the complexity, particularly as the transaction was commenced in the early days of lockdown.’
‘Guy Norfolk’s intellect and commercial pragmatism were highly impressive. Guy was able to keep on top of a fiendishly complex commercial and financial arrangement in a way which seemed to defeat the financial advisers and was the key force in driving the deal to a conclusion. I know that not all lawyers could have played such a key role’
‘The level of service provided by Dentons is outstanding where their professional approach towards delivering appropriate advice, industry exposure, capabilities of the team members and commitment on our requirements make them unique. The entire team is prepared to carefully listen to our queries, analyse them with their expertise and provide us the perfect solutions throughout our relationship with Dentons. The exemplary leadership of the partners is a major factor in their success.’
‘The individuals we work always have provided us the best quality service and the amount of efforts they make to fulfil our corporate and commercial deals specially in mergers and acquisitions. When we required the tasks to be completed with a strict timeline for the above purposes the experts were the biggest strength who always were ready to go an extra mile and accomplish all the tasks.’
‘Strong, interactive team, well staffed and supervised.’
‘Dentons has an all-round strong team and offers a full service of excellent legal counsel, as well as virtual data rooms, purchase price settlement services and other services.’
‘The Dentons team are true partners on a transaction and seek to understand not just the legal issues, but provide insightful, business-oriented advice and guidance.’
Key clients
Informa plc
Capita plc
Souter Investments
PRS REIT
Harrison Street Real Estate Capital LLC
Aprirose Limited
CK Holdings Co. Ltd
Belfont Hotels
Allied Cigar Corporation
Novia Financial
Work highlights
- Advised Allied Cigar Corporation and Gemstone Investment Holding on the acquisition of Imperial Brands PLC’s premium hand-rolled cigar business.
- Advised Statkraft on its acquisition of Solarcentury.
- Advised Souter Investments on their management buyout of LIKEZERO which was spun out by PwC.
Finance > Islamic finance Tier 1
Dentons is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of Islamic finance transactions, with its UK team working closely with practitioners in the firm's Middle East offices. Areas of expertise include sukuk, project and asset finance transactions, as well as shari'ah-compliant derivatives and structured finance deals. Matthew Sapte is experienced in handling bond financings and asset-backed securitisations. He co-heads the practice with Yusuf Battiwala, who is knowledgeable about shari'ah-compliant derivatives and structured finance. Associate Annreika Ray, who joined the firm from Deutsche Bank in 2020, is becoming increasingly known for Islamic derivatives.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Sapte; Yusuf Battiwala
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has depth and breadth of practitioners who understand Islamic Finance structures and shari’ah requirements very well.’
‘Genuine effort to understand nuances of shari’ah requirements and implement in the structures and documentation without compromising on financial and credit issues.‘
Key clients
Goldman Sachs
JP Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Macquarie
Citibank
Emirates NBD
Emirates Islamic Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank
Arab Banking Corporation (Bank ABC)
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Emirates NBD Capital
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Noor Bank
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of a leading global bank (as Programme Arranger) on the annual update of Sharjah Islamic Bank’s $3bn Trust Certificate Issuance Programme.
- Acting on behalf of the joint lead managers (Bank ABC, Citi, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector KFH Capital, Mashreqbank and two leading global banks), on the issue of $500m Trust Certificates due 2025 under Sharjah Islamic Bank’s updated US$3 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme.
- Advising an international bank on LIBOR reform for the Islamic derivatives markets.
Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1
Dentons has a presence in many emerging markets, which brings a broad palette of work into the London office. The firm has more than 50 years' experience in Africa, Russia and the CIS region, as well as having a substantial workflow from the Middle East and CEE. The practice is particularly strong in cross-border finance work, and recently assisted HSBC with its $1.2bn joint programme with the Asian Development Bank to support the supply chains of Covid-19-related products in Asia and the Pacific. Head of banking and finance Paul Holland co-ordinates the practice, which calls upon the expertise of consultant Howard Barrie, who splits his time between advising on structured trade and commodity finance work and project finance issues, and debt capital markets specialists David Cohen and Nick Hayday. 'Borrowers and banks love working with them', say clients of syndicated loans expert Isaac Felberbaum and senior associate James Ingham, while Yusuf Battiwala is 'a subject matter expert with the right mix of knowledge of Islamic finance principles'. Counsel Lee McLernon is a key adviser to export finance banks.
Practice head(s):
Paul Holland
Other key lawyers:
Isaac Felberbaum; Yusuf Battiwala; James Ingham; Howard Barrie; David Cohen; Nick Hayday; Lee McLernon
Testimonials
‘Good quality service throughout the different practices in the group. Regarding emerging markets, the network is generally good.’
‘It has a large number of local offices and the ability to work with a wide range of local counsel across different time zones.’
‘Yusuf Battiwala is a highly experienced subject matter expert with the right mix of knowledge of Islamic finance principles, as well as derivatives and conventional structured finance.’
‘An excellent team and incredibly well known.’
‘Isaac Felberbaum and James Ingham are fantastic lawyers and dedicated. Borrowers and banks love working with them.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable, professional and courteous.’
Key clients
The Standard Bank of South Africa
Standard Bank
FirstRand Bank
Emirates NBD PJSC
Mashreqbank psc
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
Arab Banking Corporation
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
CPI Property Group
ING Bank N.V.
Ghana Cocoa Board
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A
E D & F Man Group
Natixis
Société Générale
Emirates Islamic Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Avia Solutions Group plc
airBaltic
Lietuvos Energija, UAB
Commercial Bank of Dubai
The Republic of Lithuania
UAB Ignitis grupė
JP Morgan
Work highlights
- Advising HSBC on its $1.2bn joint programme with the Asian Development Bank to support the supply chains of Covid-19-related products in Asia and the Pacific.
- Advising CPI Property Group on its new five-year term €700m revolving credit facility with ten international banks.
- Advising the Arrangers and Dealers on the establishment of Wizz Air Finance Company B.V.’s €3bn Euro Medium Term Note Programme and subsequent debut drawdown under the programme – a €500m 1.350% Fixed Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2024.
Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 1
Dentons fields a leading global hospitality and leisure team that is able to leverage the firm's global reach, with strength across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It frequently advises owners, investors, high net worth individuals and capital sources, including investment funds and private equity firms. Core areas of work for the dedicated practice include sophisticated international acquisitions and dispositions, and day-to-day hotel operational issues such as employment, contract administration, legal risk limitation mitigation and commercial strategy. London partner Simon Masri has extensive experience in hotel investment and mixed-use development projects, for which the group is highly recommended. Masri has been very active guiding hotel clients during the Covid-19 pandemic, advising on restructurings, banking waivers and standstill agreements. Senior associate Laura Gowing is a key name for hotel financing and transactions. Mark Daliere is head of hotels for the UK and the Middle East, while Rick Ross chairs the global hotels group; both are based in Phoenix.
Practice head(s):
Mark Daliere; Rick Ross (US based)
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Brilliant and personal service.’
‘Everything is concluded quickly, and with experience they optimise contractual documents to save time and deliver top results to get a deal done.’
‘Expert knowledge of all areas within the hospitality sector and proactive provision of guidance and support when dealing with borrowing opportunities for our customers.’
‘They are able to take on board the idiosyncrasies of your business and build them into the legal documentation. They are able to be extremely pragmatic and commercial and not solely dogmatic and box ticking in their approach so you genuinely feel and know they have your back.’
‘All those involved were very professional, knowledgeable and were able to navigate around a difficult period with a not so easy transaction.’
Key clients
Aprirose
Societe Generale
Metro Bank PLC
Topland
KSL Capital Partners
LGH UK Management Limited
Hilton
Santander
HSBC Bank plc
Secure Income REIT
Malmaison and Hotel du Vin
HPL (UK) Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Belfont Hotels Ltd on its acquisition of the business and assets known as the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Leeds, England from Peel Hotels Limited.
- Advised China-headquartered CIMC Capital on the sale of the ‘Hampton by Hilton at Bristol Airport’ to Ability Group.
- Advised KSL on their acquisition of a French hotel group (Cezanne/Alpaga) consisting of 4 asset purchases and one share purchase from the same family.
Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 1
The ‘very knowledgeable and cohesive’ retail and consumer group at Dentons fields experienced partners from a wide range of legal disciplines, with substantial track records in the sector. Derek McCombe, in Glasgow, heads the UK team, which is particularly active in complex corporate and real estate deals and leverages the firm’s online portal, Legal Front Door, to provide clients with a single point of access to the wider firm’s legal services and specialists. The department – which advises retailers, brands, restaurants, landlords and franchises – also handles restructurings, franchising, cybersecurity, dispute resolution and employment matters. The department is a trusted legal adviser to Sainsbury’s – including Argos – across its full legal portfolio, with Scott Singer playing a key role for the sumermarket giant. Real estate litigator Bryan Johnston and Tristan Jonckheer, whose practice revolves around technology, outsourcing and commercial contract matters, are other names to note.Practice head(s):
Derek McCombe
Other key lawyers:
Scott Singer; Bryan Johnston; Martin Fanning; Tristan Jonckheer
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable and cohesive team covering all aspects of a client’s requirements’
‘The team I work with, including Derek McCombe, stand out for giving exceptional knowledge, time and effort’
Key clients
John Lewis Partnership (including Waitrose)
Sainsbury’s (including Sainsbury’s Bank and Argos)
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group
Quiz
Avis Budget Group
Sports Direct / Frasers Group
Virgin
Edrington Distillers Limited
Wella International/KKR
American Eagle Outfitters
Work highlights
- Advise Sainsbury’s (including Argos) across numerous specialisms, including commercial contracts, technology and outsourcing, real estate, construction and high-value dispute resolution cases.
- Acted for longstanding client Sports Direct in relation to its very high-profile acquisition of House of Fraser.
- Assisted Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group with a significant debt restructure, a strategically planned and executed insolvency of certain trading companies, followed by the acquisition of key brands into a newly formed group.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1
Dentons has ‘deep knowledge of the industry’ and a strong track record of handling complex international deals across Africa and Asia. The energy and infrastructure practice is led by Charles July in London and focuses on the full range of traditional oil and gas work, as well as energy transition matters, particularly in hydrogen. Charles Wood remains a key practitioner in the group and specialises in LNG and gas projects; he’s also the name for electricity market reform and regulation. Core areas of expertise for the team include project development, financings, and corporate transactions. Greg Hammond is a ‘well-experienced trusted advisor’ and is recommend for transactional work in Latin America. Other key members include Humphrey Douglas and energy disputes lawyer Liz Tout.Practice head(s):
Charles July
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of the energy sector and pro-actively work on developing solutions to complex issues raised rather than just providing drafting language.’
‘Charles Wood is very good at asking difficult questions and spotting why something we thought was simple is actually more complex then helping us to think around the issue – or alternatively taking something that we thought was complicated and turning it into a clear easily understandable concept.’
‘The entire Dentons Team has a very good understanding as regards the client’s needs. We apreciated their pragmative approach. They provided great support throughout all stages of the M&A process. We were in particular impressed by their negotiation skills.’
‘Humphrey Douglas: always available, great to work with, impressive Industry Knowledge. Great support during negotiations. Understands the client’s needs and positions and knows how to best implement. Angela Saldanha: Great support during negotiations.’
‘Greg Hammond has provided practical and commercial corporate energy related advice for many years. A senior, well experienced trusted advisor to have on one’s side.’
Key clients
BASF/Wintershall
Centrica
Equinor
PetroIneos
Ingenious
National Grid
PETRONAS
Vitol
Sev.en Energy AG
Hurricane
Noble Energy
Cadent Gas
Actis
OMV
ONGC Videsh
Work highlights
- Advised OMV Petrom, the largest energy company in south-eastern Europe, on the due diligence and sale of its 100% shareholding in Kom-Munai LLP (KOM) and Tasbulat Oil Corporation LLP (TOC) to Magnetic Oil Limited.
- Advising Hurricane Energy Plc on the development/procurement strategy for development and operations, including joint venture arrangements and potential tie-back.
- Advised Total on its acquisition of the majority of Ørsted’s business-to-business gas and electricity customer portfolio in the UK.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1
Dentons extensive global network enables it to consistently handle significant, cutting-edge matters across the TMT sector, acting for public and private sector clients. The team has particular strength in projects utilising emerging forms of technology, such as AI, robotic process automation and blockchain. In addition, it is well-known for assisting clients with cloud migrations, smart energy and digital transformation projects. In a recent highlight, demonstrating the firm’s strength in the public sector, the team advised the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport on the procurement of the UK Rural Broadband Project. Dan Burge assists corporate clients with complex IT projects and outsourcing arrangements. Andy Lucas stands out for the depth and breadth of his TMT practice, which includes advising various government departments in relation to their strategic use of technology. Highly active partner Henrietta Baker advises technology start-ups, early stage companies and global players in relation to complex and often innovative IT outsourcing transactions and technology projects.Practice head(s):
Dan Burge; Andy Lucas
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Africa Mobile Network
Avis Budget Group
Capita
EDF Energy
Emtelle
floLIVE
HM Government, including Transport for London (TfL)
John Lewis Partnership
Lebara
LikeZero
Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL)
Oman Future Telecommunications
Ooredoo
Royal Mail Group
Sainsbury’s
Secure Meters
SITAONAIR
Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA)
Trustonic
UiPath
Upfield / KKR
Virgin Group
Wella International / KKR
West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC)
Work highlights
- Advising on all aspects of Wella’s building of its entire global technology and telecoms environment following its separation from former parent Coty covering elements as diverse as digital marketing, cyber-security and worldwide data-comms.
- Advising Transport for London on the roll-out of 4G connectivity on platforms, stations and tunnel sections of the TfL estate for the first time.
- Advising Capita in connection with software licensing and cloud service issues and IT / data and IP aspects of a strategic software platform disposal.
Transport > Rail Tier 1
Dentons advises clients on the full range of rail industry matters, including franchises and concessions, operations, regulation, rolling stock procurement and maintenance, while also supporting on major disputes. 2020 saw practice head Matthew Hanslip-Ward lead the firm’s team on the renationalistion of the Northern franchise, as well as advising five franchises on Emergency Measures and Recovery Agreements. Christopher McGee-Osborne is a key resource regarding franchise renegotiations and renationalisations, while construction partner Mark Macaulay is an expert in the drafting of high-value infrastructure contracts. Counsel Martin Watt deals primarily in rolling stock, while senior associate Jonathan Smith specialises in franchising, concessions, and rolling stock, as well as railway law.Practice head(s):
Matthew Hanslip-Ward
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dentons have been our trusted partner in the rail business for many years. With their knowledge and expertise in the rail industry, they provide practical and commercial advice for our biddings in the UK. They are approachable, helpful and always provide high qualify legal support.’
‘They have deep legal expertise for the international practice area, an extensive international network to call upon and a strong commercial founded upon their industry knowledge and insight.’
‘Fantastic industry knowledge, not only of the law but the politics and players also. ‘
‘Matthew Hanslip-Ward and Jonathan Smith are trusted legal advisers of our team. They are very knowledgeable in the rail industry and understand our business and our internal operation. They are always ready to walk an extra mile for us when we require support.’
‘Working with Matthew Hanslip-Ward and his team is always a pleasure. Their knowledge of the UK rail market is second to none and in combination with their ability to see issues from a commercial and practical standpoint has meant that we have partnered with the team very successfully.’
Key clients
MTR Corporation
Deutsche Bahn
Arriva (including certain of its TOCs)
Virgin
Stagecoach
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Alstom
Transport for London
Mitsui
Rail Delivery Group
MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited
GB Railfreight
DB Schenker
DB International Operations
Transdev
Work highlights
- Concluded work on the renationalisation of the Northern franchise, the largest UK franchise, and went on to support Arriva and Deutsche Bahn in relation to the UK Government’s intervention in the rail franchise market in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic, working on the related Emergency Measures Agreements.
- Continued longstanding support to MTR Elizabeth Line in relation to its delivery of the Crossrail operating concession and a wide range of issues associated with what remains the UK’s biggest urban transport project.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 1
As part of the wider firm’s UK practice, Dentons‘ Scottish tax team handles high-profile tax matters in Scotland and internationally. It is well placed to handle cross-border advisory and transactional work, and advises on tax issues concerning employees working remotely overseas. Glasgow’s Gwen Souter is a chartered accountant, who heads the team alongside the London-based Alex Thomas. Lorna McCaa is a member of the Tax Committee of the Law Society of Scotland and the Property Tax Committee of the Scottish Property Federation, and has considerable experience in handling the tax aspects of real estate and corporate transactions. Roddy Harrison left for Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP in January 2021.Practice head(s):
Gwen Souter; Alex Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Lorna McCaa; Alastair MacLeod
Testimonials
‘The team is made up of high quality people, with a good knowledge of business’.
‘Although it is a large firm, the relationship felt personal’.
‘Very approachable, responsive, friendly and confidence-inspiring’.
‘Lorna McCaa handled complicated tax matters but was patient and helpful in managing the situation with company directors in offering solutions, explanations and resolutions of issues arising’.
Key clients
M&G Real Estate (various funds)
The PRS REIT plc
The Edrington Group Limited
Hansa Trust plc
Hurricane Energy plc
Scottish Equity Partners LLP
The Valence Group
J Sainsbury plc
John Lewis Partnership
Charles Ritchie’s Testamentary Trust
Work highlights
- Acted for Charles Ritchie’s Testamentary Trust as 96% shareholder and principal vendor of the entire issued share capital of Score Group plc.
- Advised DB Financial Investment Co. Ltd on the acquisition of 1-3 Lochside Crescent, Edinburgh, an office complex that acts as Aegon’s UK headquarters for South Korean investors.
- Instructed by Murray Income Trust plc in relation to its combination with Perpetual Income & Growth Investment Trust plc (PLI).
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 1
Dentons is well regarded in the Scottish market for its broad competition expertise, with key areas of focus including merger control, compliance, competition litigation and dawn raid issues. The team is jointly led by London-based Adrian Magnus and Glasgow’s Michael Dean, who has considerable experience in the full range of EU and UK competition law proceedings. Key practitioner Catriona Munro has notable expertise in cartels and contentious competition law. Senior associate Melanie Martin is recommended for non-contentious competition issues, state aid and Brexit-related matters.Practice head(s):
Michael Dean; Adrian Magnus
Other key lawyers:
Catriona Munro; David McGowan; Carolyn Burns; Melanie Martin
Testimonials
‘A highly skilled, professional and diverse team who are responsive and diligent on all matters. The wide range of expertise – and access to experts on wider areas of law – gives clients confidence that the team can collaborate to deliver projects of any scale, and that they can meet ambitious deadlines on complex problems. The stand-out feature of the team is their ability to understand the client, their operating environment, and risk appetite’.
‘The team really understand our business and their advice is always on point. They do not get bogged down in the detail but cut through it to give the advice we need. They are flexible and able to discuss concepts at a range of levels’.
‘Michael Dean and David McGowan always give great and easily digestible advice.’
‘Melanie Martin is bright and very easy to deal with.’
‘Catriona Munro gives flexible and helpful strategic guidance in disputes contexts.’
‘Approachable individuals who have good awareness of wider commercial considerations beyond just legal points. Each is an expert in their field, and give confidence that they are applying the most up-to-date thinking to matters.’
‘David McGowan is a notable expert who gives complete confidence in the breadth and thoroughness of his advice.’
‘This is a fast reacting and knowledgeable team who can convey this complex area of law in a way which resonates with the business we operate in.’
Key clients
Standard Life Aberdeen PLC
Daimler AG
Stagecoach Group PLC
Network Rail
The Edrington Group Limited
Aggreko PLC
UK Government (Department for International Development, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Department for Education)
Alexander Dennis Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Daimler on a follow-on claim brought on behalf of 21 Scottish local authorities in relation to the European Commission’s Trucks decision.
- Successfully defended Highlands and Islands Enterprise against allegations that they gave illegal state aid, both before the European Commission and the Scottish courts.
- Representing Stagecoach South Western Trains Limited (SSWT) in ongoing proposed collective proceedings in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) brought by Justin Gutmann against SSWT and two other rail operators.
Employment > Immigration Tier 2
Dentons is well known for advising employers in relation to the EU settlement scheme and visa arrangements in light of Brexit. It is also recognised for supporting companies with issues arising as a result of the pandemic, including the retention and recruitment of foreign staff. Senior associate Verity Buckingham handles various immigration and global mobility matters for corporate clients, illustrated by the fact she holds Level 1 User status on many sponsor management systems. Associate Rhona Azir is noted for her expertise in business and personal immigration arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Verity Buckingham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A solid reputable team working together for years.’
‘Verity Buckingham was outstanding in advising on every matter however large or small. She has great attention to details, was able to advice promptly on frequently changing rules. I worked with her over the years and the quality of service was impeccable.’
‘The Dentons team is responsive and flexible enough to answer questions on a wide variety of topics. They also have contacts around the world in the event I need legal advice in a country in which they do not operate.’
‘The team are knowledgeable, responsive and assist effectively with small and more complex queries.’
‘Verity Buckingham provides thoughtful information on a variety of employment and immigration questions.’
Key clients
ADAM Asset Management Ltd
Banijay UK Limited
Sonia Friedman Productions Ltd
SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd
United Artists Corporation Limited
Fortna UK Limited
Ocean Partners UK Limited
The KCS Group Europe Limited
The Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences
TUI Airways Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Fortna UK in relation to complex global mobility issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advised TUI Airways in relation to complex issues arising from Brexit and Covid-19.
- Advised The Corporation of the Hall of the Arts and Sciences (Royal Albert Hall) in relation to securing extension of a key migrant worker’s UK visa.
Real estate > Construction Tier 2
Regularly working alongside its network of national and international offices, Dentons’ Milton Keynes construction team regularly takes on non-contentious mandates for blue-chip corporates and financial institutions. In the past year, the team has worked with developers and funds in the commercial, retail, and rail sectors on multi-phase developments, procurements, and contract reviews. Practice head Jane Miles is highly experienced in major development work, most notably in the rail and retail space. Tasmyn Brittlebank advises on the construction aspects of real estate finance transactions. Shaun Tame regularly advises on procurement and contract issues.
Practice head(s):
Jane Miles
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I consistently find Dentons to be exceptional in terms of their approach, advice, ability and experience. What I have particularly found a huge positive is their desire to truly collaborate as a team. Their boldness is also to be commended. I often compare other legal firms with the Dentons team, and use my experiences with Dentons as the benchmark.’
‘Shaun has a wealth of experience and is always very clear in his advice, which leaves no room for doubt. ’
‘The team are very professional, approachable and knowledgeable. The legal advice received on our projects was very insightful and they maintain a very personable approach.’
‘Shaun Tame is approachable, friendly and has a wealth of legal knowledge and expertise on offer.’
‘Jane Miles is a very practical partner, looking for solutions rather than over complicating matters.’
Key clients
Realstar Group
Sports Direct
Verdion
Karlin Property
Kier Property Developments Limited
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
McArthur Glen (Cannock Designer Outlet Limited)
Ernst & Young LLP
John Lewis
Whitgift School
Work highlights
- Advising Verdion on the £400 million multi-phase and multi-tenanted six million sq. ft. rail and freight logistics development in Doncaster.
- Advising Realstar (one of Canada’s privately owned real estate investment and management companies) on the acquisition of the first of two newly constructed long leasehold accommodation blocks in a private rented sector scheme in Stratford.
- Advising Kier on all of the construction aspects of the development of the logistics city development at Basingstoke.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
Dentons is best known for its work with companies outside the tech sector looking to integrate IT into their businesses, though the firm is more than capable of advising technology companies. Nick Harrison, promoted to partner in May 2021, leads the TMT group in Milton Keynes and has advised major companies on the procurement of IT services. In a recent highlight, in 2020 Harrison advised Sainsbury’s with its strategic IT supply arrangement with NCR. Chris White is another name to note, and assists clients from the automotive, financial services and education sectors with their commercial IT needs.Practice head(s):
Nick Harrison
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Sainsbury’s Group (Sainsbury’s and Argos)
John Lewis Partnership
Royal Mail Group
Sharjah Islamic Bank
Cavendish Online
Cognita Schools
Silverstone Circuits Limited
White Clarke Group
Marshall Motor Group
Appello Careline Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Appello on its agreement with McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Limited to install and implement a new IT infrastructure in all of its retirement homes.
- Advising Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited and Argos in continued negotiations with NCR following the successful completion of a Framework Agreement for the supply of hardware and services.
- Advising Cognita in connection with the entry into contracts with two major infrastructure and device providers.
Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 2
Dentons’ dedicated commercial contracts team utilises the firm’s global network to handle a broad range of domestic and international mandates for high-profile clients including KKR, Sainsbury’s and Virgin Group. Scott Singer heads up the UK commercial division and is a key contact for retail and financial services clients, and Andy Lucas leads the TMT department. Other noteworthy individuals include the highly regarded Martin Fanning, Henrietta Baker, who focuses on the energy, manufacturing and transport sectors; and Tristan Jonckheer. Sarah Lima and Nick Harrison were promoted to the partnership in 2021. The group also leverages the firm’s legal manged services offering to streamline project work for clients.Practice head(s):
Scott Singer; Andy Lucas
Other key lawyers:
Martin Fanning; Henrietta Baker; Tristan Jonckheer; Sarah Lima; Nick Harrison; Catherine Bingham
Testimonials
‘Strong team with diverse knowledge . Both partners and the team have good understanding of the industry sectors, hence the discussion becomes easy for a technical person with little understanding of the legal terms.’
‘Response time is good. Understanding of the subject is good. Team behaviour is very good. Turn around time for the responses is very good. Flexibility in adding resources to deal with urgent matters.’
‘Good knowledge and a willingness to help.’
‘Very good responsiveness.’
Key clients
Avis Budget Group
Capita
HM Government, including Transport for London
John Lewis Partnership
KKR
Royal Mail Group
Sainsbury’s (including Argos and Sainsbury’s Bank)
Secure Meters
UiPath
Virgin Group
Work highlights
- Advising TfL on mandates including the roll-out of a neutral host mobile solution on platforms, stations and tunnel sections of the TfL estate and a commercial fibre telecoms network
- Assisting longstanding client the John Lewis Partnership with the allocation of day-to-day work from across different business areas.
- Advising Royal Mail Group in relation to its new long-term commercial agreement with Post Office Limited.T he Mails Distribution Agreement will allow Royal Mail and the Post Office to adapt and innovate to changing demands and ensures that customers will still have access to Royal Mail and Parcel Force Worldwide products in Post Office shops.
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 2
Dentons stands out for its extensive global presence, which allows it to advise private equity clients on transactions involving large numbers of jurisdictions, often with lawyers on the ground. The team also advises across a broad range of industry sectors, including real estate, technology, consumer goods, and manufacturing. Stephen Levy leads the team from London, advising PE houses, management teams and portfolio companies on transactions. Nicholas Plant is another key contact, with experience of handling complex international transactions.
Practice head(s):
Brian Moore; Stephen Levy
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Plant; James Davison; Joseph Altendorff;
Testimonials
‘The team have a can-do attitude and are very entrepreneurial. They work with clients to overcome inevitable roadblocks in a commercial and mutually beneficial way, reducing transaction friction.’
‘The team is very responsive and has a “can-do” attitude. They were able to jump on a matter very quickly when another firm got tied up with internal process requirements.’
‘Pragmatic and hard working. Very responsive. Did a great job of coordinating counsel from various jurisdictions.’
Key clients
Allied Cigar Corporation and Gemstone Investment Holding
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co Partners LLP (KKR)
CK Holdings Co., Ltd, the KKR owned holding company of Calsonic Kansei
KPS Capital Partners
Scottish Equity Partners
Centerbridge
Blackstone
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
Martin Moller (billionaire founder of Nordic Aviation Capital)
Graphite Capital
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
Astorg Mid-Cap
Work highlights
- Advised the private equity purchasers, Allied Cigar Corporation and Gemstone Investment Holding, on the acquisition of Imperial Brands PLC’s premium hand-rolled cigar business for £1.1 billion. The acquisition included the brands Cohiba, Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta. The business has operations in 150 countries.
- Advised global investment firm KKR on its acquisition of Citation, a leading provider of subscription-based HR and Employment law, Health & Safety, and ISO services to SMEs, from Hg, a leading European investor in software and tech-enabled services businesses. Dentons provided due diligence, warranties and disclosure advice.
- Advised global private equity firm KPS Capital Partners on its acquisition of the Lufkin rod lift solutions business from Baker Hughes.
Finance > Securitisation Tier 2
Dentons is praised for being ‘truly devoted to the transaction and giving excellent legal advice‘. The firm is known for its expertise in mortgage loans, trade receivables, trade finance and auto loan securitisations, and the core team in London is able to leverage a global network of offices to handle cross-border transactions. Its work on innovative transactions is typified by its advice to Oaktree Capital Management on a €470m deal for Retiro Mortgage Securities plc backed by Spanish non-performing loans, which was Europe’s first Rule 144A NPL securitisation. Practice heads Peter Voisey and Edward Hickman, who led the Retiro deal, are elder statesmen of the securitisation market. Voisey recently assisted Coventry Building Society with the establishment of its RMBS master issuer programme, which has a pool of loans totalling £1.15bn. Catriona ’Kitty’ Lloyd is highly regarded for her advice to trustees, security agents, custodians, cash managers, account banks and other agency providers on securitisation.Practice head(s):
Peter Voisey; Edward Hickman
Other key lawyers:
Catriona (Kitty) Lloyd
Testimonials
‘The team provides a very professional service and the individuals are very responsive and accessible.’
‘The team has been truly devoted to the transaction and given excellent legal advice.’
‘Dentons has transformed itself with the arrival of Peter Voisey and his team. Peter’s team bring a level of expertise in the field of structured finance which is unrivalled in the city. His quality of advice and understanding of matters impacting building societies is exceptional. Peter also understands the social aspect of member businesses and keeps a good eye on costs to ensure best value for his clients.’
‘The Dentons team have some exceptionally talented individuals who always look to try find the best solution for their client. They are always available to talk through any issues and have a wide range of expertise to cover a wide range of legal topics. They are very supportive at helping institutions work through new regulations and highlighting key developments.’
‘I really value the consistency of the team and how they understand and get to know an organisation.’
Key clients
Coventry Building Society
Barings (UK) Limited
TMF
Five Arrows
Principality Building Society
Atom Bank plc
DBRS
Deutsche Bank
Morgan Stanley
Co-operative Bank
Skipton Building Society
Oaktree
Centerbridge
KKR
International Finance Corporation
Be-Spoke Capital
Work highlights
- Advising Coventry Building Society on the establishment of their RMBS master issuer programme, Economic Master Issuer PLC, and the first issue under it, namely £350m Class A1 notes and £500m Class A2 notes.
- Advising Barings on (i) the jurisdictional switch of eight of their CLOs from The Netherlands to Ireland by replacing the Dutch issuer SPV with an Irish SPV, which were the first ever CLO jurisdictional switches in the market and (ii) on the origination of new assets for seven of its European CLOs to enable it to qualify as an originator risk retainer.
- Advising Skipton Building Society on its £666m STS compliant Darrowby No.5 RMBS transaction, Skipton’s first RMBS in four years.
Finance > Trade finance Tier 2
Dentons is 'a legal firm with the right attitude - they walk with clients through the journey until the completion of the assignment'. Veteran trade finance specialist Celia Gardiner retired, but the firm continues to be involved in high-value transactions. It recently assisted Ghana Cocoa Board with the $1.3bn pre-export financing of Ghana's 2020/21 cocoa crop. Howard Barrie leads the practice and splits his time between structured trade and commodity finance and project finance, principally in Africa. Tim Pipe, who handles upstream oil and gas financing, and Mark Cheney, who focuses on physical commodity trading and structured commodities deals in the energy sector, are the principal practitioners. Senior associate Ian Clements is recommended for deals in Western Europe, Latin America and Africa.
Practice head(s):
Howard Barrie
Other key lawyers:
Tim Pipe; Mark Cheney; Ian Clements; Matthew Sapte
Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable, professional and courteous.’
‘Dentons is a legal firm with the right attitude. They respond to demands from clients swiftly. They walk with clients through the journey until the completion of the assignment. They understand the client’s business and billing is very flexible and reasonable.’
‘I have worked with both Matthew Sapte and Mark Cheney. Both Mark and Matthew are engaged and fully available when I have needed them and I appreciate the intellectual curiosity that they apply to the transactions that I have worked on. I feel it is very collaborative. They are also very transparent about fees and open to flexible fee arrangements.’
‘Ian Clements is very friendly and personable and is easy to approach. He sets out a timeline for completing work or getting back to you and always delivers on time. He provides straightforward advice on key points in a commercial manner.’
‘The individuals at Dentons understand client business and culture. They are flexible and always available to help. The standout partner is Howard Barrie and the standout associate is Ian Clements.’
Key clients
ING Bank N.V.
Ghana Cocoa Board
Coöoperative Rabobank U.A
E D & F Man Group
Natixis
FBNQuest Merchant Bank
Work highlights
- Advised HSBC on its $1.2bn joint programme with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the supply chains of Covid-19-related products in Asia and the Pacific.
- Advised Ghana Cocoa Board in relation to the $1.3bn pre-export financing of Ghana’s 2020/21 cocoa crop. Advised COCOBOD in the negotiations of the facility agreement and security documentation, as well as on logistics concerning the security arrangements across COCOBOD’s annual and medium-term financings.
- Advising FBNQuest Merchant Bank as working capital facility lender to members of the Seven Energy group in the context of a restructuring of $1bn of debt owed by Seven Energy to a range of local and international lenders in anticipation of Seven Energy’s sale to Savannah Petroleum.
Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 2
Led by Nick Chandler, the ‘very experienced and super responsive‘ team at Dentons is best-known for its aviation finance work for a balanced array of airlines, manufacturers, lessors and lenders. Although a good deal of the recent work handled by the team had a restructuring flavour to it, from advising lessors on deferral exercises, through to more formal insolvency mandates, the team also managed to close some notable new money mandates. Chandler was at the forefront of much of this work, including his representation of TUI Group on the $84m pre-delivery financing provided by Carlyle Partners to fund the purchase of 12 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. Serge Sergiou continues to spearhead the firm’s relationship with Airbus, including advising it, alongside the firm’s Dublin office, as a stakeholder in relation to the Irish Examinership of Norwegian Air Services. The ‘very experienced‘ Paul Holland is also recommended across a range of commercial and ECA-backed financings, as well as on work involving a significant nexus with the Middle East.Practice head(s):
Nick Chandler
Other key lawyers:
Serge Sergiou; Paul Holland; Sarah Dyke; Stephen Temple; Lee McLernon; James Francis
Testimonials
‘It is a very experienced team and super responsive. It compares very well with other firms we use as they proactively push through issues with sensible suggestions that work for us.’
‘Paul Holland is very experienced.’
‘Lee McLernon is excellent.’
Key clients
Emirates
TUI Group
Qatar Airways
Goshawk Aviation
Chorus Aviation
Avolon Aerospace
Wizz Air
TAP Airlines, Portugal
Société Générale
Airbus (including Airbus Financial Services, Airbus Helicopters Leasing Services and Airbus Helicopters)
Bocomm Leasing
Engine Lease Finance Corporation
ALAFCO
The Export–Import Bank of China
ORIX
airBaltic
National Australia Bank
Bank of Montreal
The Air Ambulance Service
Domodedovo Airport
Avia Solutions Group
LCI Operations Limited
Omni Helicopters International
Work highlights
- Advised Airbus in relation to the Irish Examinership of the Norwegian Air Services.
- Advising long-standing client TUI on a $84m pre-delivery payment financing provided by Carlyle Partners in respect of 12 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.
- Advising the arrangers and dealers on the establishment of Wizz Air’s €3bn Euro Medium Term Note Programme and subsequently advising the joint lead managers on the debut drawdown under the programme.
Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds Tier 2
Dentons fields strong teams in London and Edinburgh, which advise major asset managers on IPOs and secondary equity raisings, as well as complex regulatory and fund management issues. Of particular note is the firm's work on fund mergers via Section 110 documentation, and changes in investment management, which often involve multijurisdictional elements. Guy Norfolk in London is an experienced figure within the investment trust space. He co-heads the practice with 'knowledgable' Edinburgh-based partner Claire Armstrong, who has a strong focus on undertaking advisory and transactional work for closed-ended funds. Senior associate Owen McLennan handles a broad range of primary and secondary fund structurings and transactional matters.
Practice head(s):
Guy Norfolk; Claire Armstrong
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We use Dentons as a firm because of their extensive knowledge of the listed funds sector together with their all round excellent team.‘
‘Guy Norfolk heads up the listed funds team and has a wide an extensive knowledge of the sector. Very pragmatic and able to be results focused.‘
‘Claire Armstrong – Very knowledgeable and key to running complex projects.‘
Key clients
Baillie Gifford & Co
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Invesco
Murray Income Trust
The PRS REIT
The Edinburgh Investment Trust
Hansa Investment Company
Jupiter US Smaller Companies
Invesco Select Trust
Invesco Enhanced Income
City Merchants High Yield Trust
Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust
Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust
CQS New City High Yield Fund
CQS Natural Resources Growth and Income
Aberdeen New Thai Investment Trust
Aberdeen Asian Income Fund
Aberdeen Japan Income Trust
Shires Income
Aberdeen Standard Asia Focus
Aberdeen New Dawn Investment Trust
North American Income Trust
Downing Strategic Micro-Cap Investment Trust
Work highlights
- Advised Murray Income Trust, one of the Aberdeen Standard managed investment companies on its merger with Perpetual Income and Growth Trust.
- Advising The PRS REIT on its migration from the Specialist Fund Segment to the Premium Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
- Advising on the change of its manager from Jupiter Asset Management to Brown Advisory, and all related transaction documentation.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure Tier 2
The Dentons infrastructure practice advises on UK projects as well as leveraging the firm’s global presence to advise on matters across the globe, including in Liberia, Nigeria and Jamaica. Another area of work is assisting clients on the expiry of their projects, notable examples being a wastewater project, an army equipment project, an acute hospital project and a naval equipment/services contract. Edinburgh-based Euan Wilson specialises in large infrastructure and project finance transaction. He co-leads the team with consultant Dominic Spacie, who has experience advising banks, institutional investors, development finance institutions, contractors and various government entities on domestic and international PPP, PFI and concession-based infrastructure-related projects.
Practice head(s):
Euan Wilson; Dominic Spacie
Testimonials
‘Make themselves available whenever required’.
‘Commercial. Very quickly focus on what is important and give confidence’.
‘What made Dentons unique was the close relationship with their clients and their expertise in Privately funded infrastructure projects’
‘The team I worked with was very close, reachable and personal. They integrated perfectly with the rest of the team as if they were part of the company. At the same time they were very professional when it came to giving their best advice; even if they knew they were contradicting what we wanted to hear.’
Key clients
Her Majesty’s Government and the Official Receiver to Carillion plc
Ministry of Defence
Department for Education
World Bank
ISS Mediclean
Ofwat
Amey
Semperian
Sir Robert McAlpine
Morgan Sindall Investments
3i Infrastructure
Network Rail
Tfl (Transport for London)
Britishvolt plc
Infrastructure Managers Limited
Dalmore Capital
Proserve Energy
Greater London Authority
Mota Engil/ Bugesera Airport Company Limited
Lands Improvement Holdings and Gallagher
London Luton Airport Operations Limited
Great Western Developments Limited
Aviva Public Private Finance Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the c. £10bn , 11-Lot re-procurement of its maritime services contracts.
- Advised funds managed by Dalmore Capital Limited on multiple acquisitions from 3i Infrastructure, including the 50% investment in the West of Duddon Sands Offshore Transmission Project, an interest in a portfolio of 18 UK PFI/PPP projects, 100% interest in Ayrshire College NPD Project, and an interest in Mersey Gateway Bridge PPP Project.
- Advised Semperian on the acquisition of a 33.33% interest in the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route NPD (non-profit distributing) project from a Carillion entity.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 2
Dentons’ power practice leverages the firm's huge international footprint to handle large cross-border energy mandates across Africa and the Middle East. The group has a significant track record of work covering project financing, energy transition and regulatory regimes. Practice head Charles July has over three decades of experience advising on renewable energy across EMEA, and has of late been advising on an offshore wind project in Morocco. Humphrey Douglas handles transactional matters, whilst global energy co-chair Christopher McGee-Osborne is a key name for large-scale power, electric, and oil and gas matters. Solar power specialist Lucille De Silva is another key contact, while Humphrey Douglas can draw on his experience as general counsel for a Middle Eastern state energy company. Senior associate Tom Guilfoyle works across emerging markets on project financings.
Practice head(s):
Charles July
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable about current regulation, but also very valuable at guiding our strategic approach when approaching uncharted territory and recommending how to approach and what to request from new regulations.’
’We have been working fundamentally with three partners. Charles July has led the effort and has been always approachable and all our interactions have led to better understanding of the issues. Christopher McGee-Osborne’s knowledge and expert advise on energy and government approach has also been a key active to develop our regulatory strategy.’
‘Very experienced expertise in the energy sector, in particular gas.’
‘Precise, creative, responsive; Charles July is very experienced.’
‘Humphrey Douglas, our point of contact, makes the whole Dentons experience unique!’
Key clients
Equinor
LightsourceBP
National Grid
Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Sev.en Energy AG
Authority for Electricity Regulation, Oman
Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority, Saudi Arabia
Low Carbon Contracts Company
Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Actis
China Nuclear Power Design Company
International Finance Corporation
Power by Britishvolt
Octopus
Statkraft
Viking Energy Shetland
Northland Power
SSE
Work highlights
- Advised the International Finance Corporation on the procurement of two rounds of solar PV projects in Ethiopia.
- Advised Statkraft on the acquisition of the entire share capital of Solarcentury, which gives Statkraft access to Solarcentury’s 6GW project pipeline, spanning many high-growth markets.
- Advised on all aspects of Enbridge’s investment in the Rampion Extension (1.2GW offshore wind farm in the UK).
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2
Acclaimed for its ‘excellent knowledge and commercial approach’, Dentons employs its expansive international network to serve as a go-to option for international investors from the US, South Korea, India and Luxembourg, among other jurisdictions. Deepa Deb fronts the national real estate practice and her core strengths lie in mixed-use investment and development projects, especially those encompassing alternative asset classes such as student accommodation and multifamily; the team includes Rob Thompson, who is likewise active on both the development and investment fronts, bringing an intimate knowledge of hotel, logistics and high-end residential assets to the table. Elsewhere, Rupert Dowdell and Alex Coulter are among the key contacts for office, retail and industrial lease negotiations and asset management mandates while at the more junior end, associate Carla Revelo is developing a reputation for her transactional work, particularly in respect of vast investment portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Deepa Deb; Rob Thompson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge – they always respond with a commercial approach.’
‘Dentons offer good client service and are responsive, approachable, likeable and commercial.’
‘Alex Coulter has been the primary contact at Dentons and has personally handled all the transactions that we have undertaken. Alex is very hands on, thorough, approachable, commercial but also fun to work with.’
‘Rob Thompson is very experienced, thorough and commercial.’
‘Highly responsive; lots of partner contact; added value outside of billable work.’
‘Rob Thompson and Carla Revelo are always there when needed and are able to go the extra mile to get a deal agreed. Working so closely with them is like having an extension to your team.’
‘Simon Masri is a hands-on partner with confidence in his team so you don’t only deal with him.’
Key clients
RTP Global
Harrison Street
Frasers Group Plc (Sports Direct)
Heitman
John Lewis Partnership / Waitrose
Realstar
Redevco
Royal Mail
Taylor Wimpey
Transport for London
Work highlights
- Advised John Lewis Partnership on the sale and leaseback of eleven Waitrose Limited stores by way of two transactions carried out simultaneously.
- Negotiated three new leases for the Royal Mail Group (RMG) in a one-month period to fulfil increased parcel distribution needs.
- Leading on the convenience store acquisition deals for Sainsbury’s including; Leicester Square; in the new City Island development; and in Hackney Wick, Wallis Road.
Real estate > Environment Tier 2
The team at Dentons is praised for its ‘combination of skills and commercial acumen’, as it handles multi-jurisdictional transactional work, advises corporate clients on environmental regulation and assists them in contentious situations. The practice’s client portfolio spans the oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, retail, real estate and insurance industries. ‘Very engaging’ environment expert Stephen Shergold leads the team and is at the forefront of the firm’s ESG work - a key area for which the firm has developed products and platforms to help corporate clients assess their exposure or manage their performance throughout their supply chain. Helen Bowdren plays a central role in the team, acting on large, cross-jurisdictional matters.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Shergold
Other key lawyers:
Sam Boileau; Helen Bowdren; Annabel Hodge
Testimonials
‘Great capability within the environmental sphere.’
‘Stephen Shergold is very engaging.’
‘Sam Boileau is very detailed and a strong specialist in the environmental legal aspects – both his knowledge and his understanding and experience of working with his various counterparts in the negotiations and transactions proved invaluable in supporting the successful closing out of these transactions.’
‘The Denton’s environmental team is extremely commercial. Their knowledge of environmental matters is second to none, which is coupled with an excellent understanding of environmental insurance and M&A. It is this combination of skills and commercial acumen that makes Dentons stand out. Our instructions are invariably complex and require multi-disciplinary input – Dentons is the only law firm that we have found that is able to deliver practical, commercial opinions and solutions in a rapid and easy-to-understand form.’
‘Stephen Shergold and Helen Bowdren bring in additional resources if necessary, and both are extremely knowledgeable in environmental law. Moreover, they have taken the time to really understand our business and the markets in which we operate. They provide rapid, commercial opinions on complex matters. They are always willing to discuss matters ‘off the clock’ and are approachable and personable. We often involve Dentons in our client discussions, which is testament to the trust we have in the team and our main contacts.’
‘Excellent environmental knowledge with a strong commercial awareness.’
‘Stephen Shergold’s knowledge can be invaluable and his ability to work with non-legal stakeholders is appreciated by the business.’
Key clients
BASF
AIG
Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality
Centrica Storage Limited
Avis Budget Group
SSE
Network Rail
SCOR
KPS Capital Partners
Peabody
SLIP
Work highlights
- Advising Allianz regarding coverage under an environmental liability policy for costs incurred pursuant to an enforcement undertaking to be offered to the Environment Agency by its insured in relation to a pollution incident.
- Advised BASF, one of the largest chemical companies in the world, on commercial and regulatory issues arising as a result of Brexit.
- Assisting Britishvolt in relation to the ESG aspects of its development of a new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in the UK.
Real estate > Planning Tier 2
Dentons advises both government and investors on the full spectrum of planning law. It is known for its expertise in large-scale housing and mixed-use regeneration projects, CPO and infrastructure funding advice. The team has seen an increase in instructions from specialist asset classes such as build to rent, co-living schemes and developments in the elderly care sector; an area in which senior associate Rachael Herbert is an expert. Practice head Roy Pinnock has extensive experience acting on strategic land promotion and major regeneration schemes and is supported by counsel Michele Vas, who specialises in the delivery of urban extensions, new towns and CPO regeneration projects.
Practice head(s):
Roy Pinnock
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good sector and technical knowledge.’
‘I have always found the Dentons’ planning team a real pleasure to work with. They embrace thought leadership and have a focus on working towards sustainable outcomes.’
‘Roy Pinnock of Dentons is one of the leading solicitors in this field. Vastly experienced and able to bring an independent and highly informed and considered approach to all planning problems.’
‘They have a commitment to training and development within the planning industry, which sets them somewhat apart from many. Their approach matters strategically and makes connections outside of a strictly defined legislative framework.’
Key clients
Anschutz Sports Holdings Limited
Bedford Borough Council
Colchester Borough and Tendring District Councils
London Green and Topland
Network Rail
Peabody Development Limited
Places for People Developments Limited
Queensgate Investments
Reselton Properties Limited
Sainsbury’ Supermarkets Ltd
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Southend on Sea Borough Council
SSE
Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
Telereal Trillium
Tide Construction
Transport of London
Work highlights
- Advising East Northamptonshire and Corby Councils on the s106 agreement for a mixed-use urban extension for up to 3,500 dwellings, community uses and infrastructure at Priors Hall, Northampton.
- Advised Tide Construction Limited on securing planning permission for London’s largest co-living development.
- Advising London Green/Topland in relation to a public inquiry into the Albany Riverside scheme opposite Kew Gardens.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2
The ‘technically astute‘ team at Dentons is well versed in major property litigation and also provides alternative dispute resolution services to an impressive roster of blue-chip clients across various sectors. Its recent retail sector work includes ATM rating and rights to light disputes, while freehold owners in the hospitality and leisure sectors also instruct the firm on trespass and development-related issues, among others. Led by ‘master strategist‘ Bryan Johnston, the team is also well placed to handle landlord and tenant disputes, neighbourly matters and disputes arising out of tenant insolvencies. In addition, private clients retain the practice to assist with restrictive covenants.Practice head(s):
Bryan Johnston
Testimonials
‘Bryan Johnson is a very experienced leader of the team and really has an extremely thorough and very up-to-date knowledge of this area of law.‘
‘Dentons got to grips with the case immediately and I had all the contact I needed, both with the partner and his assistants.‘
‘They were very supportive right the way through and I would highly recommend the team.‘
‘The team is headed up by Bryan Johnston, who is a master strategist and an excellent all-round technical lawyer. The team he leads is built around his values and strengths, making the team technically astute and canny with it.‘
‘Having worked with a few large firms, we were particularly impressed with their professionalism, willingness to listen, approachability and attention to detail. They also adopted a very commercial approach and made us feel that no question was too stupid to ask. We would certainly use them again and would recommend them without hesitation.‘
‘We found the whole team to be very approachable, down-to-earth, personable, efficient and utterly professional. We were delighted to work with them.‘
‘A first-rate team with strength and depth. One of the go-to teams on rights of light disputes.‘
‘Dentons’ property litigation team has strength and depth at all levels of seniority. They think tactically and are intensely focused on the outcome for the client.‘
Key clients
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd
Co-operative Group
The Official Receiver
Taylor Wimpey
ATS Euromaster
Argos
London Borough of Southwark
Sainsbury’s Bank
Prestbury
Secure Income REIT
Work highlights
- Acted for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Sainsbury’s Bank Plc and the Co-operative Group in a case concerning the separate rateability of automatic teller machines in supermarkets (ATMs), including ATMs fixed both internally and externally to the store as well as free-standing ATMs located within stores.
- Acting for ATS Euromaster Limited in a claim for compensation following the compulsory purchase of one of its sites by the local council.
- Successfully represented Sainsbury’s in the High Court with regard to a claim that it had breached its contractual obligations to use reasonable endeavours to obtain satisfactory planning permission.
Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2
Dentons advises FTSE-listed clients, financial institutions and clients in the public sector on an array of governance issues, including annual reporting and regulatory compliance work, ESG issues, and governance concerns arising from transactions and business strategies. The team is led by Martin Mankabady, who has a strong focus on the insurance sector and handles operational resilience issues and the redrafting of corporate governance codes, alongside Richard Barham, who primarily advises on governance issues relating to transactions and joint ventures, including a number of cross-border matters. Candice Chapman focuses on highly regulated industries, while Celyn Armstrong handles contentious financial services sector work. Senior associate Marija Bračković specialises in financial crime mandates, including drafting frameworks for regulatory compliance.
Practice head(s):
Martin Mankabady; Richard Barham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Richard Barham is the main contact for this type of work and I trust him to give me good advice, properly researched and, when needed, pragmatic solutions. He provides clarity in an understandable way, without the legal jargon.’
‘Highly qualified knowledgeable and personable team across all disciplines with extensive global reach. Clear and concise advice delivered within agreed timescales.‘
‘Personable, friendly and engaging, at the same time pro-active and knowledgeable with extensive experience gained from having worked for respective regulators. Collaboration between partners across different complementary disciplines. Difficult and challenging situations are discussed and challenged in an open and supportive way. Written advice is clear, concise and addresses the issues.‘
Key clients
Wizz Air
North Essex Authorities
WorldFirst
National Bank of Egypt
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 2
‘Technically excellent on both the law and the technology’, Dentons takes the lead on global cybersecurity and data protection matters, providing cross-disciplinary advice in relation to data incidents and compliance work. The practice also handles regulatory investigations and litigation following data breaches, contentious data subject access requests and privacy activist complaints. Nick Graham leads the team and has recently been assisting businesses with the fallout from the Schrems II ruling. Simon Elliott provides international data advisory support, while Antonis Patrikios handles data privacy and cybersecurity matters. Martin Fanning, who is ’exceptionally strong on client relations’, is recommended for binding corporate rules and international data transfer projects, and counts financial institutions and large corporates among his clients.
Practice head(s):
Nick Graham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This team is one of the strongest I’ve worked with in the field’.
‘They spent time getting to know our business inside out’.
‘They are commercial and experienced, and able to give strategic, risk-based advice’.
‘Martin Fanning picks up with positivity whatever challenge we take to him, is creative in problem solving, and very calm and constructive’.
‘They have demonstrated rich experience in data privacy laws to help our company expand our business in the EU’.
‘Antonis Patrikios has a deep understanding of adtech and his advice is always pragmatic and commercial’.
‘Their reaction time and quality of deliverables and advice exceeds our expectations’.
‘One of the strengths that we value is its global network, which makes it possible to efficiently offer a one-stop service to a multinational enterprise like us’.
Key clients
Avis Budget Group
Aviva
Essential Living
John Lewis Partnership
Virgin Atlantic
Worldwide Clinical Trials
Work highlights
- Advising John Lewis on strategic data privacy projects and also on its operationalised implementation of GDPR.
- Acting as Avis Budget Group’s ‘one stop’ for all data privacy issues on a global basis, including GDPR, CCPA and other emerging privacy laws.
- Acting as the preferred GDPR advisors for a number of companies within the Virgin family, including Virgin Management (the Virgin TopCo), Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Voyages, Virgin Galactic and Virgin Hotels.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Franchising Tier 2
Dentons acts for a range of top international brands, leveraging its global network to assist with cross-border franchising arrangements. Key areas of work for the team include data privacy, commercial contracts, competition, compliance and disputes. Babette Märzheuser-Wood (who works across the firm's London, Warsaw and Düsseldorf offices) advises on international franchising, area development and master franchise agreements. Anna Copeman is recommended for trade marks, franchising and brand licensing work. Ross Nicol handles non-contentious IP and IT matters. Tim Constable is a name to note for franchise disputes.
Practice head(s):
Anna Copeman; Ross Nicol; Babette Märzheuser-Wood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Babette is gifted at coordinating cross-border teams and sourcing the best (and often the most economical) advisers from the Dentons global network.’
‘Babette ensures that the team is focused on commercially-driven outcomes and is dedicated to positive results for her clients.’
‘Billing is always fair and reasonable.’
‘Babette and her team have a genuine interest in understanding our business and partnering with us to ensure they are advising on realistic aspects of work for us and not academic and improbable issues.’
‘The team are pragmatic, commercially-minded and exceptional at collaborating with the business.’
Key clients
M&S
Lina Stores
Island Poke
Joel Robuchon
Ralph Lauren
Hertz
Avis Budget Group
IWG
Wagamama
Flight Club
The Avocado Show
Manolo Blahnik
Virgin Group
Work highlights
- Acted for M&S in respect of all its international and UK franchising work, and many other brand licensing matters.
- Acted for the Virgin Group for over 20 years, advising on trade mark licensing and intellectual property-related disputes.
- Acting for Avis Budget Group across the world on both daily operational matters, including drafting precedent franchise and ancillary agreements, competition law, intellectual property, privacy, contractual dispute resolution with franchisees, agents and suppliers; as well as largescale M&A transactions resulting in the acquisition of competitor brands and the re-structuring of their distribution network and hotly contested class action litigation.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 2
At Dentons, practice head Justin Hill has built a patent prosecution destination practice for technology clients. Specialising in high-stakes strategic advice, the caseload includes prestigious mandates from the semiconductor, manufacturing, logistics, life sciences and technology sectors, primarily for corporate clients, but also for public bodies. The volume of work handled for UK-based technology clients, in particular those from the country's most prestigious research centres such as Cambridge, has grown in 2020. Stand-out features are the Seraphim Space Camp Accelerator, aimed at space technology clients, and the firm's TechConcierge programme, aimed at supporting high-growth technology companies with strategic commercialisation advice. Embedded in one of the world's largest law firms, the practice is an excellent choice for cross-border matters. In 2020, the team's heft in the market expanded significantly with the addition of new junior attorneys and the promotion of two senior associates.
Practice head(s):
Justin Hill
Other key lawyers:
Marie Jansson-Heeks; Liz Dawson; Alexander Rees
Testimonials
‘Provide strategic perspective on intellectual property especially related to patent portfolio. I am convinced that the team we work with are the best in the world at what they do.‘
‘Diverse backgrounds when it comes to associates and partners so all of our diverse innovations are covered at any given point.‘
‘The team have strong credentials and are genuinely client-focused: They showed a really good understanding of our company’s circumstances and drafted a clear and robust legal agreement to get us the best available outcome.‘
‘Ability to distil inventions to core patentable attributes, worksheet for tracking and generating complementary IP.‘
‘Justin Hill has years of valuable experience and has provided very good advice on how to approach negotiations, taking account of the realities for both our company and our counterparts.‘
Key clients
ARM Holdings
Dexcom
Zuru
M&S
Positec
Raytheon
Royal Mail Group
Starkey Labs
TikTok
Virgin
Zentiva
Work highlights
- Advising Raytheon on its large and complex European patent portfolio comprising hundreds of different patent matters and involving a wide range of cutting edge technologies, including navigation technologies, space and satellite systems, cyber security, aerospace, drones and novel materials.
- Advising ARM on drafting original patent applications and managing the patent families globally for ARM group companies.
- Advising Congenica on patent risk management, freedom to operate, patent strategy, patent drafting and portfolio management.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 2
Dentons‘ Scotland corporate offering, which dates back to its 2017 takeover of Maclay Murray & Spens, handles high-value domestic and international deals for leading businesses, fund managers, investors and lenders. Key areas of focus for the firm include public and private M&A, private equity and venture capital, corporate restructurings and equity capital markets work. The team is headed by Brian Moore and Iain Sutherland, both of whom have considerable transactional experience. Derek McCombe handles corporate finance transactions, and equity and debt fundraisings. Senior associate Owen McLennan is recommended for work in the financial services industry. Former Maclays chairman Michael Livingston and fellow partner Gordon Hobkirk have both recently retired.Practice head(s):
Brian Moore; Iain Sutherland
Other key lawyers:
Derek McCombe; David McGrory; Claire Armstrong; Owen McLennan; Donald Smith; Kimberly Goh
Testimonials
‘A very diverse skillset amongst the partners, with good coverage across most sectors’.
‘The firm has a good mix of older more experienced partners, as well as promoting young talent development, which is very good’.
‘Very experienced and proven professionals in their own field’.
‘They have always been highly competitive in nature and come across as a team that want to be the best’.
‘As a small international business we get the support of a UK-based firm. but with global reach’.
‘They combine a unique blend of being able to cover both mainstream corporate work and also restructuring work’.
‘Derek McCombe has developed a real niche in the retail sector and is highly regarded and trusted by his colleagues’.
‘Brian Moore is always very responsive and was a great support throughout our transaction’.
Key clients
The Law Debenture Corporation plc
Scottish National Investment Bank plc
Murray Income Trust PLC
QUIZ plc
Scottish Equity Partners
The Edrington Group Limited
Stagecoach Group plc
Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group
Tomlinson Group Argenta Limited
Clyde Blowers Capital
Work highlights
- Advised on the restructuring of AIM-listed fast-fashion retailer Quiz plc’s retail store estate.
- Advised Law Debenture Corporate Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Law Debenture Corporation plc, on its binding agreement to acquire the company secretarial unit of Konexo UK, a division of Eversheds Sutherland International.
- Advised the founders of Zestia Limited t/a Capsule, the Manchester-based relationship firm, on a minority multi-million pound investment from Newlands Capital with the support of Hermes GPE.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2
Leveraging its international network, Dentons is well equipped to handle large international mandates for both borrower and lender clients. The practice has a broad spectrum of expertise, which includes handling acquisition finance issues, general lending work, renewables and project financings, real estate finance work, securitisations and structured finance matters. It has recently been advising a number of clients on the UK government’s Covid-19 lending schemes. Edinburgh-based Susan Kelly heads up the Scottish banking team and counts a number of large corporations on her client roster.Practice head(s):
Susan Kelly
Other key lawyers:
James Wilson; Stuart Fitzsimmons
Testimonials
‘The team there are very efficient and we always receive an excellent service from them’.
‘They have shown themselves to be highly knowledgeable, reliable and willing to go the extra mile if required, as it sometimes is’.
‘I deal with Stuart Fitzsimmons, who has been extremely helpful, professional and has put himself out to get work done at times’.
‘Dentons have a national high quality range of legal services and are able to advise on asset-based lending advisory work in England as well as Scotland’.
‘They are proactive, operate at pace and have been fundamental in deal completions where I have engaged them.’
‘Stuart Fitzsimmons is a superb lawyer, easy to work with, proactive in expanding our relationship and an essential part of our deal teams when engaged’.
‘They have been incredibly effective in negotiations and on problem solving’.
‘They are very engaging, very responsive to queries and manage expectations around timescales, whilst ensuring they have the resources in place to deliver’.
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard Asia Focus plc
Murray Income Trust plc
KIC Inventories Limited
The Scottish Salmon Company Limited
Koomin Bank Co. Ltd, London Bank
Lochside Crescent Edinburgh Unit Trust
PRS REIT plc
Devro
Sigma Capital Group
First Milk
Work highlights
- Acted for the Lochside Crescent Edinburgh Unit Trust as borrower on a £87m loan agreement to part fund its acquisition of the Aegon Building in Edinburgh.
- Advised Aberdeen Standard Asia Focus plc on its US private placement with MetLife.
- Acted for a syndicate of six lenders (including Bank of Montreal) in connection with the acquisition pursuant to a plan of arrangement of Clearwater Seafoods Incorporated, a TSX listed company.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2
Dentons has a focus on insolvency transaction work and handles matters that straddle English and Scots law, with support from its network of offices. It acts for insolvency practitioners and directors and purchasers of distressed companies in relation to restructuring and insolvency matters. Douglas Blyth and Derek McCombe head up the team; Blyth is recommended for contentious insolvency matters and disputes; and McCombe handles corporate restructurings and insolvencies.Practice head(s):
Douglas Blyth; Derek McCombe
Other key lawyers:
Craig Kennedy
Key clients
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Dunfermline Building Society
KPMG LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
CVR Global LLP
RSM
HM Government
Timex Fashions Limited
Quiz plc
Grant Thornton
Purepay Retail Limited
Work highlights
- Led the The Edinburgh Woollen Mill (Group) through a significant debt restructure, a strategically planned and executed insolvency of certain trading companies followed by the acquisition of key brands into a newly formed group.
- Advised long standing client AIM-registered Quiz PLC on the restructuring of its retail portfolio (bricks and mortar stores).
- Advising the Gibraltarian based trustees of Gregory King, the former Heather Capital hedge fund principal, in connection with the investigation into and recovery of assets in Scotland.
Finance > Investment funds Tier 2
Dentons stands out for its combination of listed fund and regulatory experience, and its private funds practice. Regularly acting on a cross-office basis with the London team, the firm handles a high number of cross-border mandates. It routinely acts for service providers to funds, including investment managers, investment advisers, depositaries, custodians and administrators. Claire Armstrong heads up the group and is recommended for fund establishment, structuring and restructuring matters, partnership law issues and asset management regulatory advice. Tim Edward left for MBM Commercial at the start of 2021.
Practice head(s):
Claire Armstrong
Other key lawyers:
Owen McLennan; Stuart Fitzsimmons
Testimonials
‘Accessible, pragmatic and experienced – always with an eye on good commercial outcomes.’
‘Claire Armstrong is accessible, pragmatic and thoughtful; and very diligent
‘Owen McLennan is very user-friendly and reliable’.
‘The main standout was the quality and timeliness of advice given, not only on the legal documents, but also the tactical advice to the board as it navigated the process’.
‘Their availability at short notice and fast turnaround of some complex documentation was much appreciated’.
Key clients
Murray Income Trust PLC
Sigma Capital
Target Global
Gatehouse Bank
Work highlights
- Advised new client Murray Income Trust PLC on its merger with Perpetual Income & Growth Investment Trust plc pursuant to a scheme of reconstruction under S110 of the Insolvency Act 1986.
- Advising Target Global on the structuring and implementation of a carried interest policy to be applied across all global funds.
- Restructuring and migrating a private equity fund from Guernsey to Abu Dhabi.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Projects Tier 2
Dentons, which is active in the public and private sectors, counts lenders and investors as key clients. The practice handles a mix of both domestic and international mandates, and is particularly experienced in operational change and asset management matters. Team head Euan Wilson (who is dual-qualified to practise in Scotland and England and Wales) is recommended for large infrastructure and project finance transactions, with a focus on the secondary market. Andrew Orr is recommended for PFI and PPP projects.Practice head(s):
Euan Wilson
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Orr; Stewart MacIver
Testimonials
‘The team offers honest, commercial advice.’
‘They are approachable and easy to work with.’
Key clients
3i
Dalmore Capital
Sir Robert McAlpine
Aviva Public Private Finance
Network Rail
Infrastructure Managers Limited
Robertson Capital Projects
Morgan Sindall Investments
Semperian
Blue Transmission
Envac UK
ISS Mediclean
Transport for London
Choice Housing
Oaklee Housing
Department for Education
Bouygues / Axione
World Bank
Work highlights
- Acted for Semperian in acquiring a 33.33% interest in the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route NPD (non-profit distributing) project from a Carillion entity.
- Following a competitive procurement process, appointed to advise the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the c. £10 billion, 11-lot re-procurement of its maritime services contracts.
- Advised Department for Education on its Institutes of Technology project.
Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 2
Brian Hutcheson joined Dentons from Morton Fraser in May 2020 and now heads the team following the retirement of Gordon Aitken. With a huge international network, the firm is well placed to handle high-value, multi-jurisdictional mandates. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm created interactive toolkits that assist clients with lease, agreement and litigation, possession and enforcement issues. Hutcheson is recommended for estates management and development work.Practice head(s):
Brian Hutcheson
Other key lawyers:
Paul Haniford
Testimonials
‘Every member of the team, no matter how junior, is more than capable of the task they are required to do’.
‘All individuals are working within their own specialised area, but they always provide a joined-up approach’.
‘Each of the people we are involved with give us the highest attention at all times, no matter how small the question’.
Key clients
M & G Real Estate
Aviva Investors
Hammerson Plc
Praxis Asset Management
Aberdeen Standard
Peel Retail Developments Limited
Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited
The Student Hotel
Inmark Asset Management Co. Limited
Sigma Capital
Work highlights
- Instructed by DB Financial Investment Co. Ltd (in association with Hyundai Asset Management and Roebuck Asset Management) on the acquisition of 1-3 Lochside Crescent, Edinburgh, an office complex that acts as Aegon’s UK headquarters.
- Advised Tarn Crag Limited, managed by Praxis Real Estate, on the lease of 28,216sq ft of Grade A office space at 310 St Vincent Street, Glasgow to Wescot Credit Services Limited.
- Provided Scots law support to Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited on its acquisition of a 49% share in the share capital of a new joint venture company.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2
Dentons has a strong profile for landlord and tenant disputes, covering the full range from ratings and lease disputes to break options and dilapidation claims, while also handling contentious matters arising from commercial and residential developments. This offering attracts a wide range of institutional landlords, corporate tenants and housebuilders and has led to a number of prominent retailers instructing the team to handle all property disputes across its portfolio in Scotland. Former practice head Gareth Hale has now left the firm.Testimonials
‘The team has a natural ability to advise in writing or discussion, on what can be a complex legal matter, in such a way that the point at issue is readily understood. Such understanding and expertise gives confidence to the client in forming the basis of the next step in the process to achieve a successful outcome.’
‘I find Denton’s property litigation team easy to deal with, fast to respond and explain the situation to me as a lay person very well.’
‘They explain the situation clearly in layman’s terms – this ensures I understand the possible outcomes and costs involved.’
Key clients
Topland plc
M&G Real Estate
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
Universities Superannuation Scheme
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
The John Lewis Partnership
M&S plc
Wildstone Capital
The Department of Work and Pensions
Taylor Wimpey plc
Work highlights
- Acting for Doosan Babcock Limited in the successful defence of an action for rectification; the team is now instructed in the defence of an ongoing appeal to the Inner House.
- Acting for the Co-operative Group in a large number of ratings disputes in Scotland.
- Acting for John Lewis in all property disputes arising across its entire (industrial and retail) portfolio in Scotland.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2
Particularly active in non-contentious IP issues, Dentons regularly advises clients on the IP aspects of M&A deals, guides clients through IP audits, assists with IP licensing and commercialisation issues, and aids with IP protection as well as broader IP strategies. Working in close collaboration with the firm’s global offices, the local group is headed up by the ‘extremely intelligent, very commercial‘ Alison Bryce, an accredited IP law specialist. Ross Nicol is mainly instructed on IP-related matters by household clients in the life sciences, financial services, food and drink, and technology sectors.Practice head(s):
Alison Bryce
Other key lawyers:
Ross Nicol; Julie Brown
Testimonials
‘Ross Nicol is an excellent practitioner, who is very capable of providing real world advice.’
‘Ross Nicol provides pragmatic advice which is always well tailored in light of commercial circumstances. He understands the challenges faced by an in house lawyer.’
‘In my view their knowledge and expertise of this subject area is unrivalled in Scotland. Their team has grown significantly in recent years as they continue to win large instructions.’
‘Alison Bryce is an excellent partner – extremely intelligent, very commercial, pragmatic, clear in her advice, and with an understanding of her subject area which is second to none.’
‘Ross Nicol really knows his stuff and is extremely hard-working and dedicated.’
‘Julie Brown is an excellent senior associate – very thorough and responsive.’
Key clients
The Edrington Group Limited (owner of Famous Grouse and The Macallan, Highland Park, Brugal Rum)
The John Lewis Partnership (including Waitrose Limited)
The Restaurant Group plc (concessions businesses include Wagamama, Frankie & Bennie’s, Garfunkels and Chiquitos)
Finsbury Foods Limited (which produce foodstuffs under licence for Thornton’s, Weight Watchers and Disney)
Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited (highly recognisable brands include Jaeger and Austin Reed)
Nairn’s Oatcakes Limited
STV Group plc
Arnold Clark
Aggreko plc
Marks and Spencer plc
Work highlights
- Worked closely with the Department for International Development on the agreement to secure the development, manufacture and supply of patented Covid-19 testing kits and associated equipment.
- Advised Peters, Fraser + Dunlop, one of the longest-established literary and talent agencies in the UK, on the sale of its interests in 12 major literary estates and intellectual property aspects associated.
- Assisted Optos with negotiating an agreement with NHSX, in particular advising upon the IP ownership and licensing provisions.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
As part of the firm’s vast international network, the Scottish practice at Dentons, which is overseen by Alison Bryce, advises predominantly large multinational corporations on the full gamut of information technology agreements and projects. Key pillars of the group include IT software, hardware and systems procurement mandates, IT outsourcings, technology licensing issues, e-commerce matters and data protection work. Other practitioners to note are IP expert Ross Nicol and senior associate Julie Brown, who regularly handles technology-based contracts, including software licences and service level agreements.Practice head(s):
Alison Bryce
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team have taken the time to get to know and understand our business and our team along with aligning themselves with our requirements and objectives. Despite being a third party provider, they now feel an extension of our internal team.’
‘Alison Bryce has been paramount to driving this approach and engaging with our company in such a manner that they feel part of our team. Alison’s counsel is always valued and we are only too pleased to continue working with Alison and the wider team.’
‘They are always extremely professional, proactive and responsive with evident domain expertise and good broader industry knowledge and very pleasant indeed to work with.’
‘We work mainly with both Alison Bryce (Partner) and Julie Brown (Senior Associate) and find them both to be excellent at all times, providing pragmatic and considered advice and drafting on a prompt and reliable timeline.’
Key clients
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets
Artos Systems Limited
Marks and Spencer PLC
MUFG Securities EMEA plc
STV Group plc
Ascensos Limited
Aggreko plc
Bank of Tokyo
The John Lewis Partnership (including Waitrose Limited)
The Marsden Group Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised MUFG Securities EMEA plc/ Bank of Tokyo, a leading Japanese financial services institution, on business-critical software licences and cloud platforms.
- Assisted Artos Systems Limited with an innovative deal with FanDragon Technologies, a company which is seeking to reimagine the global ticket distribution business via a Software as a Service platform that brings control and transparency back to ticket rights holders.
- Advising a major UK Retailer on its payment services agreement relating to in-store and online payments.
Scotland > Transport Tier 2
Acting as exclusive legal services provider to Network Rail, Dentons has rail sector work at its core and handles the full spectrum of business-relevant contentious and non-contentious matters, including real estate, construction, health and safety, commercial contracts and procurement. The group also assists with transactions, disputes and various commercial matters in the ports, road and bus sectors. The team is jointly led by construction procurement specialist Mark Macaulay and Euan Wilson, who has a specialism in infrastructure and project finance transactions.Practice head(s):
Mark Macaulay; Euan Wilson
Other key lawyers:
Barry Edgar; Malcolm Gunnyeon; Kirsti Olson; Michael Dean
Key clients
Network Rail
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
Transport for London
Stagecoach
Royal Mail
Port of Cairnryan
Semperian PPP Investment Partners No. 2 Limited
Acciona
Jones Brothers
Glasgow Prestwick Airport Limited
Scottish Citylink Coaches Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Port of Cairnryan (part of the P&O Ferries group) in proceedings raised in the Court of Session against engineers Mouchel Limited (now owned by WSP) arising out of the design and construction of a new floating linkspan at Cairnryan in the southwest of Scotland.
- Defending Halcrow Group Limited in proceedings raised in the Court of Session by the Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners (FHC). The proceedings arose out of works carried out by McLaughlin & Harvey Limited (MCLH) from 2013 to deepen the existing North Harbour at Fraserburgh.
- Acted for Acciona and Jones Bros. in its bid for the Welsh Government’s MIM project to upgrade and build an 18km section of the A465 road.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3
Dentons has an experienced tax risk and warranty and indemnity practice with a broad global client base. The team is led by Alex Thomas, who leads the UK tax practice and co-heads the global tax practice. Alex Tostevin‘s ‘technical capabilities‘ are singled out by clients, as is his strong background in private equity work.Practice head(s):
Alex Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Alex Tostevin; Alastair MacLeod
Testimonials
‘I admire Alex Tostevin’s technical capabilities greatly and enjoy collaborating with him and his team.’
‘The level of service provided by Dentons is outstanding. The team’s professional approach, industry exposure and capabilities make them unique.’
‘Throughout our relationship with Dentons, the entire team is always well prepared and will always carefully listen to our queries. The team’s expertise allows them to deliver the perfect analysis and solutions to our problems.’
‘The individuals we work with have always provided us with the highest quality of service and their effort is highly valued and appreciated. Whenever we have a strict timeline, the team are prepared to go the extra mile to accomplish all the tasks.’
Key clients
KKR
Atom Bank
Lloyds
Virgin
Visa
KPS Capital Partners
Her Majesty’s Government
John Lewis
Swiss Life
Barclays
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Mail Group on its new long-term commercial agreement with Post Office Limited.
- Advised Barings on the jurisdictional switch of eight of its CLOs from The Netherlands to Ireland by replacing the Dutch issuer SPV with an Irish SPV.
- Advised Allied Cigar Corporation and Gemstone Investment Holdings on the acquisition of Imperial Brands PLC’s premium hand-rolled cigar business.
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3
Dentons is well-placed to handle an array of domestic and cross-border equity capital markets transactions, with its wide national reach being complemented by in-house US securities expertise and a far-reaching global presence. Key figures in the team include global equity capital markets head Nik Colbridge and Neil Nicholson, who leads the practice in the UK. The team is adept at handling small to mid-market IPOs and large international listings, as well as secondary offerings and public M&A. Clients include FTSE 250 companies and AIM-listed corporates, investment banks, NOMADs and brokers. In 2020, Cameron Half led advice to VGP NV on a €200m Rule 144A/Regulation S placement via an accelerated bookbuild offering to institutional investors, as well as a separate €109.18m Rule 144A/Regulation S placement of its existing ordinary shares held by its Belgian subsidiary. In another matter, Nicholson and senior associate Verity Kent acted for Science in Sport on its £4.5m share placing on the AIM market. Notable institutional clients include Canaccord Genuity, Peel Hunt, Stifel Nicolaus Europe and N+1 Singer.
Practice head(s):
Nik Colbridge; Neil Nicholson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team were highly flexible and able to adapt to a changing deal structure without any issues. The team were attentive and always available to assist where necessary.’
‘Verity Kent and Neil Nicholson were excellent to work with. Easy to have a sensible conversation with on the best way forward for the client and able to articulate the implications of legal advice or structuring clearly and concisely.’
‘All members of the team are very helpful and have proven themselves competent.’
‘Neil Nicholson has proven extremely adept at locating the ‘right’ legal resource for whatever we require. The advice is always commercially sensible and he provides what is needed rather than everything under the sun.’
‘The team is very proactive and helpful. They have strong knowledge of the law but the ability to apply that pragmatically to the circumstances.’
‘Neil Nicholson is very commercial and is very useful as a sounding board on a variety of different matters. Cameron Half is a very good US securities lawyer. Verity Kent is an extremely strong associate.’
Key clients
airBaltic
Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)
Polymetal International plc
PRS REIT plc
Air Astana
VGP NV
D P Eurasia NV
O’Key Group S.A.
Frasers Group plc
Work highlights
- Advised a syndicate of 11 major international investment banks and eight Indian investment banks as book running lead managers on a combined offering of $2.39bn, which includes shares, non-convertible debt and warrants, by Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited, the largest non-bank financial institution in India.
- Advised the Joint Global Coordinators and Bookrunners (J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Swedbank and UBS acted as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners, and BofA Securities acted as Joint Bookrunner) on the IPO of AB Ignitis grupė – one of the largest utility and renewable energy companies in the Baltic region and majority-owned by the Lithuanian government. Raised €450 million in its Rule 144A/Regulation S initial public offering and dual listing of global depositary receipts on the London Stock Exchange and shares on Nasdaq Vilnius.
- Advising Club Brugge, the leading football team in Belgium, as to US securities and English law on its proposed Rule 144A/Regulation S IPO and listing on Euronext Brussels.
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 3
Dentons is well-placed to handle an array of domestic and cross-border equity capital markets transactions, with its wide national reach being complemented by in-house US securities expertise and a far-reaching global presence. Key figures in the team include global equity capital markets head Nik Colbridge and Neil Nicholson, who leads the practice in the UK. The team is adept at handling small to mid-market IPOs and large international listings, as well as secondary offerings and public M&A. Clients include FTSE 250 companies and AIM-listed corporates, investment banks, NOMADs and brokers. In 2020, Cameron Half led advice to VGP NV on a €200m Rule 144A/Regulation S placement via an accelerated bookbuild offering to institutional investors, as well as a separate €109.18m Rule 144A/Regulation S placement of its existing ordinary shares held by its Belgian subsidiary. In another matter, Nicholson and senior associate Verity Kent acted for Science in Sport on its £4.5m share placing on the AIM market.
Practice head(s):
Neil Nicholson
Other key lawyers:
David Collins; Brian Moore; Verity Kent; Cameron Half; Nik Colbridge
Testimonials
‘The team were highly flexible and able to adapt to a changing deal structure without any issues. The team were attentive and always available to assist where necessary.’
‘Verity Kent and Neil Nicholson were excellent to work with. Easy to have a sensible conversation with on the best way forward for the client and able to articulate the implications of legal advice or structuring clearly and concisely.’
‘All members of the team are very helpful and have proven themselves competent.’
‘Neil Nicholson has proven extremely adept at locating the ‘right’ legal resource for whatever we require. The advice is always commercially sensible and he provides what is needed rather than everything under the sun.’
‘The team is very proactive and helpful. They have a strong knowledge of the law but the ability to apply that pragmatically to the circumstances.’
‘Neil Nicholson is very commercial and is very useful as a sounding board on a variety of different matters. Cameron Half is a very good US securities lawyer. Verity Kent is an extremely strong associate.’
Key clients
Science in Sport plc
Bonhill Group plc
RA International plc
Cenkos Securities plc
Informa plc
Bilby plc
Quiz plc
PRS REIT plc
Hurricane Energy plc
Menzies (John) plc
Stifel Nicolaus Europe
Canaccord Genuity
Work highlights
- Advising Cenkos in its role as NOMAD and broker to professional services firm, FRP Advisory Group, on its AIM IPO. This was the largest company to list on AIM in Q1 2020 based on market capitalisation.
- Advised Arlington Group Asset Management Limited and Cenkos Securities plc as joint brokers on Auctus Growth PLC’s reverse takeover of HeiQ Materials AG and a concurrent equity fundraising on AIM.
- Advised Canaccord Genuity as NOMAD, Sole Bookrunner and Broker on a £17.5m share placing via an accelerated book build for Everyman Media Group plc, the independent, premium cinema group, on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 3
The lawyers at Dentons are 'willing to get their hands dirty' when assisting clients with sanctions, export controls, WTO law and trade remedies; in 2020, the group has also been heavily involved in Brexit-related issues. The practice has developed significantly in recent years and has been appointed to the new UK government trade law panel to assist with WTO disputes and trade negotiations. When it comes to advising on sanctions, practice head Roger Matthews 'understands what the client wants' and previously worked at the European Commission and HM Treasury Sanctions Unit.
Practice head(s):
Roger Matthews
Other key lawyers:
Anastasia Stankova
Testimonials
‘The team are very knowledgeable. They were very good at identifying the issue and coming up with ideas to solve the problem. They quoted for the work and did not go over the cost quote.’
‘Experienced in the area. Willing to get their hands dirty. Not afraid to challenge the status quo.‘
‘Very client oriented, the client comes first and Dentons is there to provide advice that adds real value to the transaction.‘
‘Roger Matthews. He gets it. He understands what the client wants, the things that they haven’t thought about and meets their needs. Straightforward and very effective.’
‘The area of practice that we sought advice on, regulations relating to PPE, is fairly niche. The advice provided was very detailed and specific, which was invaluable.’
‘Roger Matthews was a pleasure to work with – his advice was provided efficiently and the advice that was given was of a very high standard in a very fast moving and evolving area of law.’
Key clients
Aggreko
Frog Bikes
BASF
Tui Travel Aviation Finance
John Lewis
Work highlights
- Advised Aggreko in relation to trade and sanctions issues.
- Advised Frog Bikes on the Department of International Trade’s decision not to extend the Chinese anti-dumping duty on bicycle parts into UK.
- Advising BASF on adjusting its EU-UK business to the post-Brexit arrangements.
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3
‘Staffed with excellence from top to bottom‘, Dentons‘ financial disputes group is a popular choice for retail banks in high-value litigation. Felicity Ewing (who is noted as being ‘definitely someone you want in your corner‘) has a breadth of experience including in defending banks in group claims. Ewing leads the team which includes ‘hugely experienced banking litigator‘ Richard Caird and the ‘technically exceptionally strong ‘ Natalia Fludra. Thomas Leyland re-joined the practice from Walkers.Practice head(s):
Felicity Ewing
Other key lawyers:
Richard Caird; Natalia Fludra; Tom Hanson; Thomas Leyland; Chris Brennan
Testimonials
‘Dentons have a long-established, highly regarded banking litigation practice. They tend to act for the major retail banks on their most high profile and commercially significant disputes.’
‘Richard Caird – a hugely experienced banking litigator who has excellent judgment and is enormously well respected in the market. Felicity Ewing – an very highly regarded banking litigator who continues to win high-profile instructions for the firm. Tom Hanson – a very clever associate who clearly is going places.‘
‘Richard Caird – veteran litigator who has been there, seen it all several time and bought a cupboard full of t-shirts – including as a senior in-house lawyer he brings searing insight, wry humour and a no-nonsense attitude to bear within an approach that is at once both supportive and challenging. He deserves immense credit for building an exceptionally qualified and capable team with consistent effort and attention to detail over a period of 15 or 20 years.’
‘Felicity Ewing – calm in a storm and razor-sharp when it matters. Felicity is an absolute joy to work with. Intellectually hugely capable but with people skills not frequently associated with litigators. Definitely someone you want in your corner. ‘
‘Natalia Fludra – technically exceptionally strong and intellectually at the very top of the tree Natalia is one of those rare litigators that is very easy to work with and yet more than willing to tell her clients when they are wrong – a hugely under-rated skill in a market seemingly all too frequently driven by those who want to fit an argument to the client’s wishes rather than to the law and the facts. A superstar.‘
‘This team represents surely the best value banking litigation option in the City. Staffed with excellence from top to bottom and yet available at prices far below what the quality suggests it should be. The practice is also backed by top flight banking/capital markets partners led by the incomparable Matthew Sapte.’
Key clients
Commerzbank
Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”)
Barings (U.K.) Limited
NatWest
Work highlights
- Acting for Barings in its role as Collateral Manager of a CLO transaction on a complex point of construction before the Court of Appeal.
- Acting for CTCL and Citibank in defending wide-ranging claims concerning the construction of CMBS documents, as well as allegations of conspiracy, fraudulent misrepresentation, deceit, breach of contract, and breach of trust.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 3
The health and safety team at Dentons maintains a balance of transactional, advisory, and regulatory defence work across the energy, transport, food and drink, and manufacturing industries, advising a number of well-known clients in these sectors. Environmental law specialist Stephen Shergold leads the London operation alongside Malcolm Gunnyeon, who also leads the Scottish health and safety team. Shergold's practice focuses on oil and gas, waste, and contaminated land, among other related specialisms. Helen Bowdren maintains an international practice and works with clients including chemical manufacturers.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Shergold; Malcolm Gunnyeon
Other key lawyers:
Helen Bowdren; Sam Boileau
Testimonials
‘Having a brilliant lawyer with no people skills or vice versa, would be a disaster for us. Malcolm Gunnyeon has both skill sets: extensive experience in health and safety and also the ability to be supportive, especially when dealing with emotional issues for us as an organisation.’
‘Malcolm Gunnyeon understands the need of the oil and gas sector in Aberdeen.’
‘Compassion and ability to be empathic as well as forensic in their analysis and advice. Always responsive and flexible when we require updates.’
‘Malcolm Gunnyeon is friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.’
Key clients
Official Receiver / PwC – in connection with the insolvency of Carillion
Group One Automotive
Aprirose
The Edrington Group Limited
John Lewis & Partners
Baxters Food Group Limited
Avis Budget Group
The Action Group
Aggreko plc
Menzies Distribution Limited
Zenith Bank (UK) Limited
Holland & Barrett Retail Limited
Auria
Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 3
Dentons' pensions practice sits within the wider people, reward, and mobility team. Providing advice for sponsoring employers of DB and DC schemes, the practice is headed by Virginia Allen and Eleanor Hart . The team’s non-contentious and dispute resolution practices cover the gamut of pensions law and the firm’s global reach sees the team regularly advising in complex global corporate transactions, sometimes involving as many as 40 countries. Elmer Doonan is widely known for his insolvency expertise and advises trustees/employers on pension restructurings, acquisitions, and disposals.
Practice head(s):
Virginia Allen; Eleanor Hart
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Eleanor Hart – not only is she incredibly responsive, but she is also proactive. She anticipates her clients’ needs and sees around the corners. I am confident that when working with Eleanor, I am unlikely to be caught by surprise. She is able to be so proactive because she has a deep underlying knowledge of her clients’ pension schemes. I have worked with many firms who are able to address issues when raised, but Eleanor helps solve issues before they become problems in the first place.’
‘Strong insolvency expertise’
Key clients
BorgWarner Inc.
Refinitiv Limited
KPS Capital Partners
JCB Finance Pension Scheme
Virgin Atlantic Airways
TUI UK Limited
Work highlights
- Advised JCB Finance Pension Scheme trusteein a dispute with the sponsoring employer over the correct level of pension increases to be applied to post-1997 pension accruals.
- Provide ongoing general advice to Virgin Atlantic Airways as and when required on all general pension, death benefit and trust law matters.
Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3
Dentons pensions practice sits within the wider people, reward, and mobility team. Providing advice for sponsoring employers of DB and DC schemes, the practice is headed by Virginia Allen and Eleanor Hart. The team's non-contentious and dispute resolution practices cover the gamut of pensions law and the firm's global reach sees the team regularly advising in complex global corporate transactions, sometimes involving as many as 40 countries. Elmer Doonan is widely known for his insolvency expertise and advises trustees/employers on pension restructurings, acquisitions, and disposals.
Practice head(s):
Virginia Allen; Eleanor Hart
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Eleanor Hart – not only is she incredibly responsive, but she is also proactive. She anticipates her clients’ needs and sees around the corners. I am confident that when working with Eleanor, I am unlikely to be caught by surprise. She is able to be so proactive because she has a deep underlying knowledge of her clients’ pension schemes. I have worked with many firms who are able to address issues when raised, but Eleanor helps solve issues before they become problems in the first place.’
‘Strong insolvency expertise’
Key clients
BorgWarner Inc.
Refinitiv Limited
KPS Capital Partners
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 3
Dentons is adept at handling cross-border syndicated lending transactions, governed by UK law, for borrowers (including investment grade corporates) and commercial banks, where it is also aided by practitioners spread across the firm’s extensive international network of offices. The 'commercial and enthusiastic' Isaac Felberbaum heads up the syndicated loans team and has a particular niche advising banking syndicates on the provision of loan facilities for other emerging markets-based financial institutions, particularly those based out of Turkey and Africa. Simon Middleton is a 'safe pair of hands' and has 'many years of experience advising bank syndicates and borrowers in loan financing matters', particularly with a nexus to the Scandinavian market. The arrival in January 2021 of Will Turner from Linklaters LLP also bolsters the team, by dint of his expertise advising global banks on financings for investment grade and cross-over credits within Europe and the emerging markets.
Practice head(s):
Isaac Felberbaum
Other key lawyers:
Simon Middleton; Catherine Astruc; Will Turner; James Ingham
Testimonials
‘Not only is the team highly skilled and experienced but their client service focus makes them extremely easy to work with and the quality of their work makes the whole process more efficient, resulting in more positive experiences for both borrowers and lenders.’
‘Key strength of the team is the partner attention given to transactions rather than leaving the whole process to associates.’
‘Superb team – very well staffed and incredibly focused.’
‘Isaac Felberbaum and James Ingham. Absolute top lawyers: commercial, engaged, enthusiastic and willing to go above and beyond for clients.’
‘I cannot speak highly enough of Simon Middleton. Simon has many years of experience advising bank syndicates and borrowers in loan financing matters and his expertise and approach sets him apart from other private practice lawyers. Rarely have I come across a lawyer able to balance both the legal and commercial needs of his client in the context of a transaction so well.’
‘Simon Middleton puts equal focus on quality advice and technical drafting as he does on client experience and transaction focus. He is a safe pair of hands with transactions of any level of complexity, and gives the same level of attention and professionalism to both the most complex structured financing as to the simplest amendment.’
Key clients
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB)
CPI Property Group
Ryanair
ICBC
Nordea Bank
SMBC
Mizuho Bank
The Standard Bank of South Africa
Emirates NBD Bank
Leonteq Securities AG
JP Morgan
Credit Suisse
Handelsbanken
Standard Bank
Fidelity Bank
Bank Hapoalim
Bank Leumi
Work highlights
- Acting for Nordea, SEB and a leading European bank on a €750m facility to Atlas Copco, a Swedish manufacturing company, with a €250m accordion option.
- Advising CPI Property Group on its new five-year term €700m revolving credit facility with ten international banks.
- Advising ICBC (London) Plc and a syndicate of lenders on a $520m loan facility for The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (SBSA).
Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 3
Dentons is known best for its emerging markets DCM practice, which relies on the firm's global network of offices. The London office is a key hub for international bond issues across Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, CEE, Russia and the CIS, though it also handles domestic and European deals. For instance, Nick Hayday advised Ryanair on its €850m issuance, which was the first bond issuance by a European airline since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'They know and understand the market and are innovative, endlessly patient and supportive', remarks one client. David Cohen leads the practice and is a highly regarded partner for public, listed eurobonds, commercial paper, private placements and liability management transactions. US securities partner Cameron Half and corporate trustee specialist Catriona Lloyd also play key roles in the practice. Associate Moeen Qayum and senior associate Victoria Wyer are emerging as a key advisers to both issuers and managers.
Practice head(s):
David Cohen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dentons DCM practice is full of experts who apply the law practically and persuasively. They know and understand the market and are innovative and problem solving. Endlessly patient and supportive.’
‘Partners worthy of mention are David Cohen and Nick Hayday. Working with David is a genuinely enjoyable experience, safe in the knowledge that you are in the hands of an expert. New senior associate Victoria Wyer is a major asset to the team. Her knowledge and expertise on ECP documentation and conventions were invaluable when working on the CCFF at the height of last year’s crisis.’
‘Dentons’ capital markets capabilities has broadened in recent years, with hires in the DCM, securitisation and bond trustee areas. It’s always great to work with the team and this gives us greater scope to do so.’
‘David Cohen is an experienced, highly knowledgeable partner. He provides commercially driven, reliable advice. He is also a pleasure to work with. Victoria Wyer is a dedicated, details-focused senior associate who is a safe pair of hands across a variety of types of transactions.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and readily available. Happy to think outside the box.’
‘Great lawyers giving great advice, but fun to work with too.’
‘Kitty Lloyd is a trusted adviser who is always willing to go the extra mile. Always available, even on holiday! Has a pragmatic and commercial approach too. David Cohen – always on hand and available to deal with queries, inspires confidence and is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Nick Hayday and Victoria Wyer in particular are very commercial, technically strong and able to communicate clearly and effectively with all parties. David Ferris an excellent addition as a PSL, producing some really useful material.’
Key clients
Ryanair
Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Coventry Building Society
CPI Property Group
Commercial Bank of Dubai
The Republic of Lithuania
Faurecia
Avia Solutions Group
UAB Ignitis grupė
Domodedovo Airport Group
O1 Properties
Eurochem Group
BNY Mellon
Deutsche Bank
Law Debenture
Montepio
airBaltic
Work highlights
- Advising the Arrangers and Dealers on the establishment of Wizz Air Finance Company B.V.’s €3bn Euro Medium Term Note Programme and subsequently advising the Joint Lead Managers in respect of Wizz Air’s €500m 1.350% Fixed Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2024 debut drawdown under the programme.
- Advising Ryanair on an €850m bond with an annual yield of 3%, maturing in 2025. This was the first bond issuance by a European airline since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Advising The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited on the issue of $200m million green bonds due 2030.
Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3
Dentons has ‘a well experienced and down to earth team‘ that is best known for its emerging markets structured finance work, which covers the full range of derivatives transactions, as well as structured products and CLOs. The firm is among the market leaders for Islamic derivatives, and is also prominent in repos, securities lending and the emerging area of ESG-related transactions. ‘Standout specialist and well respected practitioner‘ Matthew Sapte leads the derivatives practice and is also a skilled partner for structured debt transactions. Yusuf Battiwala is frequently called up to advise financial institutions, corporates and funds on both conventional and Islamic derivatives and structured finance instruments. He recently advised EBRD on new legislation for the derivatives and repo markets in each of Egypt and Kazakhstan. Luke Whitmore also plays a key role in the practice.Practice head(s):
Matthew Sapte
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A well experienced and down to earth team.’
‘Mathew Sapte is a standout specialist and well respected practitioner.’
‘The team provides a very professional service and the individuals are very responsive and accessible.’
‘ A dedicated and hardworking team, very efficient and professional.’
‘They are all very dedicated and provides with good input quickly.’
‘The personnel that we have dealt with are very responsive and commercial and link up well with other colleagues in the firm to finesse their advice. Over the last year we have received specialist advice on the latest legal and market operation of certain derivative clauses which greatly assisted our negotiations to close out certain transactions on a sound commercial basis.’
‘Luke Whitmore and Matthew Sapte are our primary contacts. Both are able practitioners. Luke’s expertise across the various product areas provides a one-stop shop for much of the advice we need. Matthew is a skilled banking lawyer with significant experience in managing emerging market legal issues. Both are engaged and available. Also a strength is their focus on providing value for clients. They understand the pressures on clients to manage costs and work hard at delivering cost effective advice – this is a great strength.’
Key clients
Be-Spoke Capital
Barings (UK) Limited
Morgan Stanley
Goldman Sachs
Citibank
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FADB)
Emirates NBD
MUFG
Société Générale
JP Morgan
Gulf International Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
National Bank of Bahrain
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce / CIBC Capital Markets
Macquarie Bank Limited
Leonteq Securities AG
Ebury
Work highlights
- Advised Barings (UK) Limited (i) on the jurisdictional switch of eight of their CLOs from The Netherlands to Ireland by replacing the Dutch issuer SPV with an Irish SPV, which were the first ever CLO jurisdictional switches in the market; and (ii) on the origination of new assets for 7 of its CLOs to enable it to qualify as an originator risk retainer.
- Advising EBRD and local regulators in Egypt on new legislation for the derivatives and repo markets.
- Advised an International Bank on LIBOR reform for the Islamic derivatives markets.
Industry focus > TMT Tier 3
Dentons is particularly active in the technology sector, providing clients with advice in relation to software licensings, cloud services, outsourcings, patent protection issues; the firm is also involved in various prominent public sector projects. In one standout matter, the team is advising Transport for London in relation to the roll-out of 4G on platforms, stations and tunnel sections of the TFL estate for the first time. Group co-head Andy Lucas regularly advises clients in relation to major IT projects; he is also well-known for advising on the use of emerging technology, such as AI and health tech. Fellow co-head Martin Fanning is highly regarded for his expertise in commercial technology transactions, electronic and mobile commerce projects and large-scale IT, telecoms and business procurements. Senior associates Sarah Lima and Rachael Morris are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Andy Lucas; Martin Fanning
Other key lawyers:
Simon Elliott; Sarah Lima; Rachael Morris
Testimonials
‘I worked extensively with Martin Fanning and Sarah Lima on a project that we undertook and appreciated their industry knowledge on the subject matter. Their pragmatic and commercially oriented approach made the difference for us in closing the deal. We appreciate the flexibility and promptness in the delivery of their engagement.’
Key clients
Aptiv Technologies
ARM
Artos
Benevolent.AI
Capita PLC
Capsule Technologies
Congenica
Dexcom
Informa
InTapp
IntellectEU
Intralinks
LikeZero
OpenText
Raytheon
Ripple Labs
SITA
Starkey Labs
TechnologyOne
TikTok
Trustonic
UiPath
Ultra Electronics
YouGov
Work highlights
- Advising Transport for London (TfL) on the roll-out of 4G connectivity on platforms, stations and tunnel sections of the TfL estate for the first time.
- Advising Capita in connection with software licensing and cloud service issues and IT/data and a strategic software platform disposal (Eclipse).
- Advising SITA, the world’s leading specialist in air transport telecoms and information technology network and services provision, on a number of strategic IT projects.
Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 3
At Dentons, regulatory partner Katharine Harle is co-head of disputes, regulatory and investigations - she is noted for her previous experience working as an in-house counsel for the Financial Services Authority.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A very responsive team that has expertise globally. Very useful in the world of insurance, where it is important to understand applicable regulations in every individual jurisdiction.‘
‘Interpersonal, problem-solving and always driving any process forward in a positive manner.‘
‘Very responsive, hard working and give good clear advice.’
‘Dentons ensured that they were available and engaged with us round-the-clock.‘
‘A very proactive approach to solving insurance issues and working closely with contacts in the insurance brokerage market to achieve desirable outcomes for coverage.‘
Key clients
AIG
John Lewis Finance
Mobius Life Limited
Vitality Life Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a client on its Brexit restructuring plans, including navigating different Brexit transitional regimes in a number of member states.
- Advised a client on a joint venture which is looking to provide a new offering to customers combined with other services and technologies.
- Advised a client on a complex restructuring involving numerous countries across three continents.
Public sector > Local government Tier 3
The team at Dentons frequently advises local authorities on matters relating to large-scale regeneration projects. Michele Vas deals with urban regeneration projects, while in Milton Keynes, head of the property litigation team Bryan Johnston is a key resource for local authorities seeking advice regarding real estate litigation.Other key lawyers:
Key clients
North Essex Authorities (Essex County Council, Braintree District Council, Colchester Borough Council and Tendring District Council)
Northamptonshire County Council
Greater London Authority
Southampton City Council
Huntingdonshire District Council
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Transport for London
London Borough of Southwark
Braintree District Council
Southend-on Sea Borough Council
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
London Borough of Hounslow
Uttlesford District Council
Mid Sussex District Council
Work highlights
- Advised on the Oxford North planning application, part of the Northern Gateway initiative, providing advice on the application process, committee reporting and negotiating the section 106 agreement.
- Advised East Northamptonshire and Corby Councils on the section 106 agreement for a mixed use urban extension to include residential development (up to 3,500 dwellings), retail and leisure facilities, schools, green infrastructure, highways, sustainable urban drainage network, utilities and transport infrastructure and any necessary groundworks and demolition, and extension to local wildlife sites.
- Advised Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on the compulsory purchase process to facilitate the redevelopment and regeneration of the Nicholson’s Shopping Centre and surrounding land in Maidenhead to deliver a comprehensive mixed-use town centre development.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3
Acclaimed for its ‘excellent knowledge and commercial approach’, Dentons employs its expansive international network to serve as a go-to option for international investors from the US, South Korea, India and Luxembourg, among other jurisdictions. Deepa Deb fronts the national real estate practice and her core strengths lie in mixed-use investment and development projects, especially those encompassing alternative asset classes such as student accommodation and multifamily; the team includes Rob Thompson, who is likewise active on both the development and investment fronts, bringing an intimate knowledge of hotel, logistics and high-end residential assets to the table. Elsewhere, Rupert Dowdell and Alex Coulter are among the key contacts for office, retail and industrial lease negotiations and asset management mandates while at the more junior end, associate Carla Revelo is developing a reputation for her transactional work, particularly in respect of vast investment portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Deepa Deb; Rob Thompson
Other key lawyers:
Richard Budge
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge – they always respond with a commercial approach.’
‘Dentons offer good client service and are responsive, approachable, likeable and commercial.’
‘Alex Coulter has been the primary contact at Dentons and has personally handled all the transactions that we have undertaken. Alex is very hands on, thorough, approachable, commercial but also fun to work with.’
‘Rob Thompson is very experienced, thorough and commercial.’
‘Highly responsive; lots of partner contact; added value outside of billable work.’
‘Rob Thompson and Carla Revelo are always there when needed and are able to go the extra mile to get a deal agreed. Working so closely with them is like having an extension to your team.’
‘Simon Masri is a hands-on partner with confidence in his team so you don’t only deal with him.’
Key clients
Abbey Developments
Frasers Group Plc
Harrison Street
Heitman
John Lewis Partnership / Waitrose
Realstar
Redevco
Royal Mail
RTP Global
Sigma Capital
Taylor Wimpey
Transport for London
Work highlights
- Advised on a joint venture fund between Sigma Capital and EQT, established for the forward purchase of a residential development from Countryside Properties (UK) Limited at Beam Park, Dagenham.
- Advised on the acquisition of a site in Lenham for house builder Abbey Developments/Abbey New Homes.
- Acted for private equity real estate fund manager Harrison Street on a joint venture with CA Ventures to establish a platform for student accommodation development projects initially with four UK properties which will deliver a total of 1,000 beds.
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3
Acclaimed for its ‘excellent knowledge and commercial approach’, Dentons employs its expansive international network to serve as a go-to option for international investors from the US, South Korea, India and Luxembourg, among other jurisdictions. Deepa Deb fronts the national real estate practice and her core strengths lie in mixed-use investment and development projects, especially those encompassing alternative asset classes such as student accommodation and multifamily; the team includes Rob Thompson, who is likewise active on both the development and investment fronts, bringing an intimate knowledge of hotel, logistics and high-end residential assets to the table. Elsewhere, Rupert Dowdell and Alex Coulter are among the key contacts for office, retail and industrial lease negotiations and asset management mandates while at the more junior end, associate Carla Revelo is developing a reputation for her transactional work, particularly in respect of vast investment portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Rob Thompson
Other key lawyers:
Deepa Deb; Alex Coulter; Simon Masri
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge – they always respond with a commercial approach.’
‘Dentons offer good client service and are responsive, approachable, likeable and commercial.’
‘Alex Coulter has been the primary contact at Dentons and has personally handled all the transactions that we have undertaken. Alex is very hands on, thorough, approachable, commercial but also fun to work with.’
‘Rob Thompson is very experienced, thorough and commercial.’
‘Highly responsive; lots of partner contact; added value outside of billable work.’
‘Rob Thompson and Carla Revelo are always there when needed and are able to go the extra mile to get a deal agreed. Working so closely with them is like having an extension to your team.’
‘Simon Masri is a hands-on partner with confidence in his team so you don’t only deal with him.’
Key clients
RTP Global
Brydell Capital
Harrison Street
Realstar
Heitman
Frasers Group Plc (Sports Direct)
Redevco
Castleforge
Aprirose
KSL
PRS REIT
Cerberus
Work highlights
- Acted for private equity real estate fund manager Harrison Street on a joint venture with CA Ventures to establish a platform for student accommodation development projects initially at four UK properties which will deliver a total of 1,000 beds, including a first acquisition of a property at Hackney Wick, London, together with related Investec financing.
- Advised Tishman Speyer on its sale of West End, landmark property Smithson Plaza to the real estate arm of Portuguese insurance company Fidelidade for c. £160m.
- Advised global real estate investment management firm, Heitman, on its acquisition of UK self-storage business Space Station, on behalf of Sunsuper, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds.
Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 3
Dentons advises a number of clients, including developers, contractors, retailers and PPP stakeholders, on construction dispute avoidance and resolution. Internationally, it provides arbitration support in key international matters, while domestically, its work is diverse, covering litigation and a number of ADR methods. It also has expertise in advising on distressed PFI projects. Akin Akinbode and Gurbinder Grewal lead the team, advising on a number of construction and engineering matters including PFI and energy-from-waste disputes. Esther McDermott is also known for her work in the TCC.
Practice head(s):
Akin Akinbode; Gurbinder Grewal
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has real strength across all areas of construction dispute practice – international arbitration, domestic litigation and arbitration, and adjudication. They have strong personnel in every area.’
‘Akin Akinbode has a superb client base and quality of instructions for international arbitration work and is a careful thinker and strategist.’
‘Gurbinder Grewal offers fantastic client care, great energy in his work, and is a really persuasive writer and thinker.’
‘The Dentons team has depth gained from a team which has worked together for a long time. Regardless of which partner or associate you are working with, you can count on them to be well prepared.’
‘Gurbinder Grewal has exceptional intellect which allows him a keen grasp of the technical details of a dispute. Not only will he provide a capable analysis of the legal points, he will also have a firm understanding of the expert and factual evidence.’
‘Tenacity in seeking good results. All the staff are results focused.’
‘Esther McDermott is very sharp and well organised.’
‘The team has extensive experience, strength in depth and is great to work with.’
Key clients
G.E. C.I.F. Trustees Ltd
Galliford Try Building
Leonardo S.p.A.
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Limited
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
Work highlights
- Representing an Italian multinational company responsible for the construction of an installation in Qatar in a €14.6m dispute heard in the Qatar Financial Court.
- Advising Morgan Sindall in relation to a multi-party dispute arising in relation to the redevelopment of Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester.
- Acting for Galliford Try Building in respect of its dispute with its lead consultant, an architect and steelwork subcontractor.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 3
Dentons offers its clients expertise across a number of major construction sectors, advising on UK real estate matters and both UK and international energy and infrastructure developments. The team has a strong international client base in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, and domestic strength in housebuilding matters. It also has a growing emphasis on renewable energy. Mark Macaulay leads the team’s non-contentious arm and primarily acts on employer-led development work domestically while advising on broader issues internationally.Practice head(s):
Mark Macaulay
Key clients
Marks & Spencer plc
Kier Construction
Transport for London
Helical plc
M&G Real Estate
London Luton Airport Operations Limited
Galliford Try
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Power by Britishvolt Limited
Virgin Media
Work highlights
- Advised Stanton Bonna in respect of the design and construction of green tunnels for the HS2 rail project.
- Providing legal support to AMMC in connection with the preparation of a two-stage procurement for the reconstruction and stabilisation of AMMC’s mining production facilities in Uzbekistan.
- Advising Power by Britishvolt Limited in connection with the development of the UK’s first-ever gigaplant for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 3
Dentons acts for major financial institutions and corporate borrowers, as well as private banks and private wealth teams, regarding investment and development financings. With a sizeable global network, it is adept at cross-border and European financings. 'Commercial' practice co-head Simon Tweedle has expertise in advising both borrowers and lenders on asset classes such as offices, retail and residential properties, hotels, care homes, student accommodation and shopping centres. Co-head James Irvine focuses on real estate finance involving hotels and related restructurings. Simon Masri similarly has expertise in hotel investments.
Practice head(s):
Simon Tweedle; James Irvine
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Having worked with the banking and property team on a regular basis, they are easy to work with, take care of matters diligently and get the job done. The banking team are continually on top of things, with James Irvine always looking after our interests but, at the same time, retaining a commercial approach to get the deal done. The property team always seem to get the job done, dealing with issues before they reach me so limited input is often required.’
‘Highly commercial with the ability to pull in the wider expertise of the firm when required.’
‘Simon Tweedle is one of the most commercial and helpful real estate finance lawyers in the market. I will use him as a sounding board on wider matters as well as the deals he is appointed on.’
Key clients
Lloyds Bank
HSBC Bank
Metro Bank
Royal Bank of Scotland
NatWest
Lombard
DBS Bank
Société Générale
Chenavari Investment Managers
Ho Bee Land
Aprirose
McArthurGlen
Harrison Street Real Estate Capital
United Overseas Bank
OCBC
Raven Property Group
Cheyne Capital
InfraRed Capital Partners
Patrizia AG
Mayfair Capital
Swiss Life
Work highlights
- Acted for Cheyne Capital on its financing of the development of Strawberry Star’s Lu2on mixed-use scheme on the site of the former Vauxhall car factory in Luton.
- Acted for Realstar on its acquisition and the related financing elements of two separate long leasehold interests in PRS blocks, totalling 105 individual units across the two transactions, as part of the first phase of the new East Wick and Sweetwater multi-phased development within the Legacy Communities Scheme at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park site.
- Acted for a syndicate of lenders for the refinancing of a last-mile logistics portfolio that was bought by an acquisitive group during the course of 2019, 2020 and early 2021.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 3
Dentons combines the strengths of its TMT and financial regulation practices to advise on high-value payments, electronic money, crypto, digital banking and IT outsourcing transactions. It acts for innovative banks, non-traditional lenders and fintech firms. ‘Outstanding partner’ Jonathan Garforth co-heads the team with Martin Fanning (who is recommended for IT matters in the financial services industry) and Alison Bryce.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Garforth; Alison Bryce; Martin Fanning
Other key lawyers:
Tristan Jonckheer; Antonis Patrikios
Testimonials
‘They know their stuff inside out and work collaboratively.’
‘They are always keen to push the boundaries of what is possible for their clients.’
‘Jonathan Garforth is incredibly bright; he is always coming up with innovative solutions for his clients and finally is absolutely on top of his game.’
‘They are truly global in a work area that is without borders. It is important that law firms that serve this area reflect that.’
‘The Dentons team is able to connect with colleagues around the globe for country-specific regulatory advice.’
‘The team sets itself apart in its human and personable approach.’
‘They explain and navigate a complicated topic like regulations in a clear and understandable manner.’
‘Jonathan Garforth is widely respected and a team player who sees the bigger picture.’
Key clients
Ant Group (World First, Ant Financial and Alipay UK)
Paypal Inc
TreviPay (Multi-Service Technology Solutions, Inc)
John Lewis Partnership
ING Bank N.V., London Branch
FCMB Bank (UK) Limited
Karma Technologies International Limited
Cheddar Payments Limited
Aventus Network Services Limited
cashbackApp (Enigmatic Smile Limited)
Work highlights
- Advised Paypal Inc on its signing to acquire Curv, a provider of cloud-based infrastructure for digital asset security based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Advising Karma Technologies International Limited, on its UK launch and its rebranded product “Borofree” that included advice in respect of the Financial Conduct Authority’s recent review into the buy-now-pay-later industry.
- Advising Multi Service Technology Solutions, Inc (MSTS) doing business as TreviPay (and its former parent, World Fuel Services Corporation) as lead global regulatory counsel on the payments regulatory aspects of a deal which saw MSTS sold to private equity firm, Corsair Capital.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 3
Dentons’ media and entertainment team in London, which is part of a larger international practice, acts for clients in the film, TV, animation, digital media and games sectors. Its varied workload includes regulatory, M&A, data protection and IP matters. The group is jointly led by technology specialist Andy Lucas, corporate partner Darren Acres and Anna Copeman, who focuses on contentious and non-contentious IP matters.
Practice head(s):
Andy Lucas; Darren Acres; Anna Copeman
Key clients
Peters Fraser Dunlop Group Limited
Virgin Group
BBC Scotland
Warner Music Group
Yamaha
MTG
Nordic Entertainment
Anthem Entertainment
Sonco Gaming
Work highlights
- Advised Peters Fraser Dunlop Group Limited on its sale to International Literary Properties UK Ltd. (ILP), a US owned literary management company.
- Advised Yamaha on licensing its IP to authorised product dealers, in order for the dealers to effectively advertise and promote the Yamaha products for sale.
- Advising Warner Music on a number of investments in music portfolios and businesses, including Ziiki Media, a leading music aggregator, distributor and production house, with a significant presence in Africa and India.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 3
Dentons handles various commercial disputes arising from contractual arrangements and has recently been particularly active in the public, energy, transport, food and drink and financial services sectors. Handling insolvency-related disputes, often with cross-border elements, is an area of particular expertise for team head and solicitor advocate Douglas Blyth, who is also experienced in shareholder and boardroom disputes. Aberdeen-based Malcolm Gunnyeon is a key contact for oil and gas alongside transport sector clients.Practice head(s):
Douglas Blyth
Other key lawyers:
Malcolm Gunnyeon; Craig Kennedy
Testimonials
‘We have had great service from Malcolm Gunnyeon and his team in Aberdeen. They are proactive, professional and thorough which may seem as a basic requirement but is so often missing. We like people who pay attention to and don’t forget the fundamentals.’
‘Malcolm Gunnyeon is very friendly with an ability to connect at a personal level with his clients from the very first meeting. He exudes professional capability and we are most impressed with his ability to grasp the core issues at hand very quickly.’
‘Douglas Blyth is a smart and legally and commercially astute litigator with strong expertise in insolvency.’
‘Dentons’ portal was very useful for uploading and communicating documents quickly. Video conferencing was well resourced and trouble free. Flexibility on billing was helpful. However, Denton’s main stand-out strength is the quality of its people.’
‘Douglas Blyth is highly experienced in assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses in our case/defender’s case and developing an appropriate negotiating strategy.’
‘Douglas Blyth was a very solid man to guide us.’
‘The dispute resolution team at Dentons provides first-class technical advice and support in difficult times. Their advice is thorough but practical and they seek sensible solutions. They are available 24/7 and go above and beyond. ’
‘Douglas Blyth combines an excellent technical knowledge with a supportive and understanding style. He seeks sensible solutions and achieves results.’
Key clients
Highland and Islands Enterprise
Stagecoach South Western Trains Limited
Standard Life Aberdeen Plc
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Baxters Food Group Limited
The UK Government
KPMG LLP
GKFF – EnNovo LLC
HC-One Limited
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Work highlights
- Acted for HC-One Limited in Court proceedings brought by the Care Inspectorate in one of the first highly publicised Covid-19 litigations in the Scottish Courts relating to Home Farm Care Home on the Isle of Skye.
- Acted for the Co-operative Group in relation to a large number of ratings disputes in Scotland following the decision of the UK Supreme Court in Cardtronics UK Limited & Others v Sykes and others.
- Acted for Kenman Holdings Limited, part of the biggest hotel group on the Island of Lewis, in a multi-million pound Court of Session action against Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (The Western Isles Council) pertaining to state aid and procurement.
Employment Tier 3
Dentons acts across various sectors such as retail, transport, energy, entertainment, food and drink and has a growing financial services client base thanks to Sarah Jackman‘s expertise in this space. The practice is well placed to guide clients through a wide range of employment law issues such as senior exits – an area the team has recently been particularly active in – transactional matters and redundancy programmes (including those related to Covid-19), while its recent contentious work includes internal investigations into various sensitive matters alongside disability discrimination, harassment and holiday pay claims. While team head Alison Weatherhead predominately acts in the non-contentious space, she also has experience in employment tribunal work. Counsel Elouisa Crichton joined from Shepherd and Wedderburn in 2021.Practice head(s):
Alison Weatherhead
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Jackman; Mark Hamilton; Elouisa Crichton
Testimonials
‘Elouisa Crichton’s legal understanding and knowledge gives us a much needed safety net, nothing is ever to much or little to help with, can-do attitude at all times.’
Key clients
Amazon UK Services Limited
SSE plc
John Lewis Plc
Aggreko Plc
Stitch Fix UK Limited
The Edrington Group
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Scottish Equity Partners
Ceridian Europe Limited
Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
Work highlights
- Retained the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) as a client following a re-tender, providing all of its employment advice for both the union and its members.
- Advised Aggreko plc, a global power generation, industrial cooling and heating rental business, on a standard employment approach to neutralise the impact of layered tax and employment law rights, enabling contractors and the company work to one set of employment law standards and one tax arrangement.
- Advised BorgWarner Inc on the acquisition of a US-listed company, Delphi Technologies Inc, by another US-listed entity, Borg Warner Inc. A key part of this advice focussed on the post-completion restructure of the business, on behalf of Borg Warner.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy (excluding oil and gas) Tier 3
With support from its global network of offices, Dentons is well-placed to handles domestic and international mandates. It is experienced in traditional renewable energy projects and has recently been handling a number of matters in the energy transition sector, which has seen a boost due to government green recovery initiatives. David Cruickshank, who is the head of the energy, transport and infrastructure team, is recommended for hybrid technologies, large-scale renewables and electronic vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
David Cruickshank
Other key lawyers:
Stuart Fitzsimmons; Bill Fowler; Paul Young
Testimonials
‘The team have taken the time to get to know and understand our business and our team along with aligning themselves with our requirements and objectives’.
‘Despite being a third party provider, they now feel like an extension of our internal team’.
‘The individual attention and detail provided by David Cruishank has been excellent and we have now built up a solid rapport with a clear understanding of efficient ways of working’.
Key clients
Aggreko PLC
Blue Transmission
Dalmore Capital Limited
Octopus Energy
Power by Britishvolt plc
Viking Energy Shetland
Tenaga Nacional Berhad
OFWAT
National Grid
China Nuclear Power Design Company
Work highlights
- Advising Power by Britishvolt on all aspects of the location and building of a 500m2 “giga” factory in the UK for the manufacturing of lithium ion (and successor technology) batteries targeting electric vehicle production.
- Advising on China Nuclear Power Design the design contract for the Bradwell B Nuclear Power station.
- Advised Octopus on its acquisition of two operating onshore wind farms managed by Longspur Capital and located at Bargoed, Caerphilly, Wales and North Cliffe, Yorkshire.
Real estate > Construction Tier 3
Dentons has carved out a strong practice handling developer-led work but also acts for a number of contractors. The team headed by Glasgow-based construction procurement specialist Mark Macaulay handles both contentious and non-contentious matters – with Edinburgh-based construction dispute resolution expert Kirsti Olson being the main contact for the former – and has particular expertise in the transport sector. Other recent work arose from mixed-use, leisure, residential and healthcare projects. In March 2021, transactional construction and engineering specialist Craig Bradshaw joined as counsel from MacRoberts LLP.Practice head(s):
Mark Macaulay
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Honeywell S.L.
P & O Ferries
Galliford Try Construction (UK) Limited
Halcrow Group Limited
Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
Helical plc
M&G plc
Clyde Gateway URC
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Wilson Bowden plc
Work highlights
- Advised the Prudential Assurance Company Limited (PACL) on its mixed-use development at Haymarket, Edinburgh.
- Advised Capita Property & Infrastructure Limited on a court action raised in the Court of Session by Greater Glasgow Health Board. The action relates to the construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
- Advised Dutch client, The Student Hotel, on the acquisition and development of part of the Candleriggs Quarter, which is at the heart of the Merchant City in Glasgow.
Real estate > Environment Tier 3
As an integral part of Dentons' UK-wide practice, the team routinely acts with colleagues from its London office to advise on environmental liability and compliance alongside environmental matters associated with transactions as well as energy and transport projects. While much of its work stems from the oil, gas and manufacturing sectors, the team has niche expertise in producer responsibility and green claims, which is regularly called upon by retail sector clients. Real estate sector players have recently received assistance with energy efficiency and flood mitigation issues. Senior associate Pamela Coulthard is the main contact in Scotland and handles all aspects of environmental regulatory and enforcement.
Practice head(s):
Pamela Coulthard
Testimonials
‘They network with firms around the world and have the ability to find appropriate people to work on our matters across the firm.
‘They provide good clear legal advice and respond quickly.’
‘Pamela Coulthard is very good.’
Key clients
Amazon EU Sarl
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Total S.A
British Volt
Ministry of Defence
Perenco UK Limited
Portsmouth City Council
Telford Three Limited
M&G Real Estate
Canpack Group
Slip Holdings Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Total S.A. on the disposal of its last remaining UK refinery and associated assets.
- Advised the Ministry of Defence on the approximately £10bn, 11-lot re-procurement of its maritime services contracts.
- Advised Amazon on extended producer responsibility and product labelling issues.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 3
Dentons’ media and entertainment practice, which is led by Ross Nicol, leverages the firm’s international network to advise clients across a range of media spaces. Key areas of focus include media-related disputes, regulatory issues, M&A transactions, data protection matters and IP issues.Practice head(s):
Ross Nicol
Testimonials
‘The team have taken the time to get to know and understand our business and our team along with aligning themselves with our requirements and objectives. Despite being a third party provider, they now feel an extension of our internal team.’
‘They are always extremely professional, proactive and responsive with evident domain expertise and good broader industry knowledge and very pleasant indeed to work with.’
‘The team at Dentons goes above and beyond by not just providing sound legal advice, they also assist you with interpreting this and supporting you 24/7 if needed.’
Key clients
Peters Fraser Dunlop Group Limited
Virgin Group
BBC Scotland
Warner Music Group
Yamaha
MTG
Nordic Entertainment
Anthem Entertainment
Sonco Gaming
STV
Edinburgh International Festival
Work highlights
- Advised on the sale of Peters Fraser Dunlop Group Limited, one of the longest-established literary and talent agencies in the UK, to International Literary Properties UK Ltd. (ILP), a US owned literary management company.
- Advising BBC Scotland in connection with its news reporting and other programming, including online content. This includes providing support direct to BBC journalists in connection with defamation, privacy and contempt of court.
- Advising STV on an agreement with a major global content creation and distribution company upon the acquisition of programme content for the STV Player platform.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 4
The Dentons financial regulatory disputes team sits within the financial markets disputes group, with a strong client-base of UK banks. The group is known for cross-border matters, as well as acting for foreign-owned banks operating in the UK facing cross-border regulatory and compliance issues. Lawyers are also regularly instructed to defend claims against the FCA and the financial services compensation scheme (FSCS). Celyn Armstrong leads the team, which includes financial crime and conduct expert Daren Allen and Richard Caird, focuses on the work for regulators, as well as specialising in internal investigations. Katharine Harle has a growing reputation in FCA enforcement proceedings, as well as leading on much of the FCA panel work.Practice head(s):
Celyn Armstrong
Other key lawyers:
Daren Allen; Richard Caird; Katharine Harle; Craig Neilson; Natalia Fludra; Chris Brennan
Testimonials
‘We have found the level of support to be second to none. The team takes a pragmatic approach, tailored to our business. They have consistently shown themselves to be flexible, to find appropriate solutions and been very quick to revert on complex matters at very short notice.’
‘Craig Neilson consistently demonstrates a strong knowledge of our industry and is able to apply it to find pragmatic solutions. He is very easy to deal with and always reliable.’
‘Dentons have a substantial international presence and are regularly instructed in high-value commercial cases with cross-border implications. They act for both governmental authorities and private clients and have built a team with impressive expertise and diverse professional “back-stories”.’
‘Celyn Armstrong, who has acted as a senior regulator and at a number of high-profile financial services firms, is a disciplined and authoritative presence in any financial services case whilst recently-made partner Katharine Harle provides energy and expertise to all her cases.’
‘Dentons has a first rate team of specialists in financial services disputes, capable of dealing with the most challenging matters around. They punch well above their weight.’
‘Chris Brennan is one of the best informed regulatory advisers in the City of London. He maintains an excellent awareness of the changing regulatory landscape and has the practical experience necessary to work on matters swiftly.’
‘Our clients have used Chris Brennan on a number of occasions primarily because he has expert knowledge on FCA rules and regulations and practical experience of working at FCA. We have found Chris Brennan to have a superior knowledge and understanding of regulations when compared to other regulatory lawyers at other firms (including the Magic Circle firms).’
‘The stand out partner is Chris Brennan. He is expert in FCA regulations. He adopts a practical approach to dealing with matters and is respected by FCA senior management. When our clients have a serious regulatory issue/problem, Chris Brennan is the lawyer that we would recommend.’
Key clients
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Financial Services Compensation Scheme Limited (FSCS)
Société Générale
UK Government – Finance and Complex Legal Services Panel
Interactive Brokers
Work highlights
- Successfully defending a high-profile, high-value misfeasance claim against the FCA and enforcing the non-party costs order made against former Keydata CEO, Stewart Ford. The proceedings relate to the FCA’s imposition of the highest ever fine against an individual of £76 million.
- Acting for FSCS in relation to judicial review arising out of the high profile collapse of mini-bond provider London Capital & Finance (LCF).
- Advising FSCS in relation to the collapse of CBL Insurance Europe DAC, an insurance company based in the Republic of Ireland which is now in liquidation.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4
The financial regulation team at Dentons sits within sits within the banking department, which it supports on transactional banking work. Areas of expertise include regulatory capital matters, licensing and conduct of business requirements. The London office works closely with the firm's global office network, giving it the edge in cross-border regulatory issues. Jonathan Garforth focuses on consumer finance and payments regulation, while Greg McEneny has a specialism in financial products. Michael Wainwright leads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Michael Wainwright
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Outstanding client service. A real matter of strength in depth. They are across all areas of non-contentions and regulatory practice.’
‘Jonathan Garforth is an industry leader. Charming, super capable and a team player.’
‘From my perspective, Jonathan Garforth is well versed in UK financial laws and regulations, his experience and professional dedication helped us to remove potential obstacles and eliminated legal risks. When we were in dilemma during that case, he was always able to provided valuable and practical advice. Working with him and his team were a very pleasant experience. Although due to the Covid-19 pandemic, their office was closed for quite a long time, Jonathan managed to response in a timely manner and provide the support.’
‘Jonathan Garforth and I worked together on a global leading capital raising transaction last year, Jonathan and his team were responsible to provide certain legal opinion regarding UK financial regulations.’
Key clients
HSBC
ING Bank, N.V.
PCF
Multi Service Technology Solutions, Inc
World Fuel Services Corporation, Inc
Coventry Building Society
Work highlights
- Advised HSBC on whether a US$1.2 billion joint programme with the Asian Development Bank to support the supply chains of COVID-19-related products in Asia and the Pacific would be eligible as credit risk mitigation under the Capital Requirements Regulation.
- Acting as lead global regulatory counsel on the payments regulatory aspects of Project Shiraz – the deal that saw MSTS sold to private equity firm, Corsair Capital.
Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 4
With a cross-disciplinary offering that draws on the expertise of practitioners in the IP, employment and financial regulatory groups, Dentons delivers a 'high-quality experience' to a growing roster of early stage companies and investor clients. Leveraging strong relationships with stakeholders throughout the VC sector, the 'bright and hardworking' Joseph Altendorff is able to effectively provide a 'very joined-up service' to clients, ranging from start-ups to institutional fund clients. On the investor front, Altendorff played a pivotal role in securing instructions from new client Octopus Ventures (including US transactions) and has also been central to the firm's efforts to strengthen its ties with corporate venturers. Edinburgh-based partner David McGrory co-heads up the team alongside Altendorff.
Practice head(s):
Joseph Altendorff; David McGrory
Other key lawyers:
Joseph Collingwood; Kimberley Goh
Testimonials
‘The team is extremely helpful/proactive, highly professional, and easy to work with. It is always striving to create value and deliver a high-quality experience.’
‘A well connected VC practice with a global reach. Good experience with VC investments in seed through to Series B.’
‘When presented with legal or even operational roadblocks the Dentons team are outstanding at taking the time to find (often multiple) creative solutions to the issue while always being mindful of sensitivities.’
‘Joseph Altendorff is an excellent client friendly partner. He is bright, hard-working, and able to offer legal advice that is focused on the clients objectives.’
‘Joseph Altendorff and Joseph Collingwood are a stand-out team who are always ready to provide helpful advice / guidance, and are also very generous with their network. I highly recommend their work in the venture capital arena.’
‘Joseph Altendorff is the consummate professional who knows how to deal with all sorts of personalities and takes the rough and the smooth with a smile. He understands venture capital in depth and more importantly which points are important which are not – super commercial and very responsive. He is well connected in the VC eco system, deeply engaged and truly cares about the clients and deals he advises on.’
‘Joseph Collingwood provides excellent and pragmatic advice. He is able to think strategically, as well as to cover the detail.’
Key clients
Octopus Ventures
Evolution Equity Partners
Marks & Spencer plc
Capita Business Services Limited
Yusuke Kubo
Adjacent V1 LP
Bennett Winch Ltd
REACH Accelerator UK Limited
Norma Investments and Vollin Holdings
ATAI Life Sciences
BehindBras Group Ltd
Power by Britishvolt plc
Scottish Equity Partners
Work highlights
- Advised new client Octopus on numerous UK and US transactions (seed, series A and series B) in the UK and US, including investments into Wefarm, Altitude Angel, Stackin, Legl and more.
- Advised new client Evolution Equity Partners as lead investor on Quantexa’s £50m Series C, valuing Quantexa at over £250m, with major participation from pre-existing backers Dawn Capital, Albion VC and HSBC.
- Advised Marks & Spencer, on investment opportunities in the brand and retail space.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4
Dentons‘s ‘excellent‘ dispute resolution group excels in international disputes, where it is able to leverage its extensive global network. The firm recruited Addleshaw Goddard London practice head Louisa Caswell to lead its UK disputes division in November 2021. Felicity Ewing and counsel Adrian Giles are key contacts for M&A and corporate disputes. Liz Tout and Thomas Leyland (who recently rejoined the team from Walkers‘ Dublin’s office) have experience in energy and outsourcing disputes respectively while the ‘exceptional‘ Craig Neilson and the ‘absolutely excellent‘ recently promoted partner Natalia Fludra both count finance and fraud among their areas of specialism. Simon Colledge left to join gunnercooke LLP.Practice head(s):
Felicity Ewing
Other key lawyers:
Liz Tout; Thomas Leyland; Craig Neilson; Natalia Fludra; Adrian Giles; Dominic Pellew; Louisa Caswell
Testimonials
‘Excellent offering particularly in high value international litigation where the firm can use its talented lawyers from various offices around the world.‘
‘Craig Neilson is an excellent partner. He is extremely responsive and diligent, and is always thinking of creative and imaginative approaches to a dispute. He is also very pleasant to work with.‘
‘Adrian Giles – a brilliant strategist and very calm under pressure.’
‘Natalia Fludra is absolutely excellent and a star in the making. Adrian Giles is incredibly hard working, intelligent and approachable. Dominic Pellew is a great tactician.’
‘Top team in this field; with particular strength in fraud. Thorough understanding of the area. Very experienced partners supported by very able assistants.‘
‘Incredibly flexible and reliable and willing to provide support at very short notice. Their understanding of our business means they offer pragmatic solutions.‘
Key clients
PWC
GPF GP S.à.r.l.
Government of India
Ecotricity Group
EDF Energy Customers Limited
Cathay Investments 2 Limited
First Milk Limited
Work highlights
- Acting on a £63m breach of confidence claim against PwC.
- Acting for Nord Naptha in its Commercial Court claim against New Stream Trading AG (NST) for repayment of $16m
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4
Dentons' team is best known for energy, infrastructure and project-related disputes, as well as its work involving Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia/CIS, and the Middle East. Energy disputes specialist Liz Tout leads the team, which includes London and Moscow-based arbitration specialist Dominic Pellew, energy and TMT expert Dan Bodle, and the 'extremely smart' James Langley. Counsel Matthew Vinall is 'particularly good with numbers', and senior associate Catherine Gilfedder acts in commercial and investment treaty disputes.
Practice head(s):
Liz Tout
Other key lawyers:
Dominic Pellew; Dan Bodle; James Langley; Catherine Gilfedder; Matthew Vinall; Sophie Palmer
Testimonials
‘Teams that are always lean and efficient, making full use of their in-house expertise but then drawing on the independent Bar when appropriate.‘
‘The team has a very strong partner group, which is well supported by the rest of the client-facing team.‘
‘Dentons has a particularly high-profile international presence. They also have very good legal brains, are commercial and creative, and have good rapport with clients.‘
‘As approachable as they are knowledgeable.‘
‘Always enthusiastic, delivering great results for clients with the minimum of fuss.‘
‘Liz Tout is hugely experienced, and has an instinctive sense of commercial and legal merits.‘
‘James Langley is extremely smart and fantastically well organised.‘
‘Counsel Matthew Vinall is a seasoned operator, who is particularly good with numbers.‘
Key clients
Government of India
Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Posco Daewoo
Deutsche Bank
Newcastle United Football Club
Work highlights
- Acted for the Government of India in defending challenges/appeals to an arbitral award, which were brought by Reliance and BG in the English Commercial Court further to a high-profile, oil and gas project-related UNCITRAL arbitration.
Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 4
Dentons' practice covers investment treaty disputes, treaty interpretation, investment protection, sovereign immunity, state responsibility, state succession and sanctions. In addition, other key areas include WTO issues, and business and human rights issues. Energy specialist Liz Tout leads the practice, which includes experienced partners Roger Matthews, James Langley and senior associate Catherine Gilfedder.
Practice head(s):
Liz Tout
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Dentons London team wins interesting instructions and is a safe pair of hands.‘
‘Really good, likeable team that devotes itself to difficult cases.‘
‘Long established and well-deserved reputation for very high-quality work in London.‘
‘Dentons provides great quality legal services at reasonable pricing, with adequate staffing at all seniority levels.‘
‘Liz Tout has excellent judgement.‘
‘James Langley is a reassuring presence and Catherine Gilfedder is a notably exceptional senior associate. Top-class, hands-on performers.‘
‘James Langley is an absolutely hands-on partner. He is always responsive and has a quick turn-around time.‘
Work highlights
- Assisted an overseas government with its defence of a bilateral investment treaty claim, which was brought by a UAE entity and conducted in accordance with the UNCITRAL Rules.
- Assisted a Dubai-based manufacturing company with its bilateral investment treaty claim against the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Employment > Employers Tier 4
Presided over by Virginia Allen, Dentons’ practice has extensive experience handling Employment Tribunal litigation and transactional support work for high-profile clients from a broad range of sectors. Leveraging the firm’s international network, the group is skilled at advising on cross-border projects, ranging from large-scale reorganisations to assistance with redundancy processes, employee exits, and grievances and disciplinaries. Restrictive covenant expert Purvis Ghani is a key name in the department, which in September 2020 saw the departure of Ryan Carthew.
Practice head(s):
Virginia Allen
Other key lawyers:
Purvis Ghani; Rebecca Jorgensen
Key clients
Spotify AB
Sainsbury’s
London Stock Exchange / Refinitiv
John Lewis
Sports Direct
Royal Mail
Marks and Spencer
Reuters News
CBRE
Société Générale
Bank of China
Informa Plc
Islamic Relief Worldwide
Work highlights
- Providing employment law advice to Spotify in the UK, including advice on redundancy processes, employee exits, employee grievances and disciplinaries, post-termination restrictions and general HR queries.
- Advised Refinitiv, a global provider of financial market data and infrastructure, on the employment and pensions aspects of its purchase of The Red Flag Group.
- Advised CreditSights on the full spectrum of employment law, including performance, grievances, disciplinaries, post-termination restrictions, and reorganisations.
Employment > Immigration Tier 4
At Dentons, Jessica Pattinson advises clients on the full range of corporate immigration matters and compliance issues. She plays a key role handling the immigration aspects of corporate transactions, such as TUPE-related issues and sponsor licence reporting, and also leads the firm's cross-sector international remote worker initiative. She is particularly knowledgeable about immigration issues faced by clients in the creative and media sectors, as well as the oil and gas, energy and renewables industries. The immigration team is a core pillar of the national people, reward and mobility practice, which is led by Virginia Allen.
Practice head(s):
Jessica Pattinson; Virginia Allen
Testimonials
‘They are straight talking and take it down to layman’s terms as necessary. They make sure we are invited to additional virtual events to aid learning, and not just on the topic we work with them most often on.’
‘The team were very responsive to our needs. Took account of the size of the organisation, the resources available and our specific requirements and adjusted both their approach and advice accordingly.’
‘Jessica Pattinson was the main contact and I cannot praise her down-to-earth, proactive advice and support enough.’
‘The team make an effort to know their client, know how we like to work and are real partners in supporting our UK immigration needs. Jessica Pattinson sets the tone and her team is approachable, accessible, knowledgeable and can be trusted to provide pragmatic and robust support and guidance.’
‘The depth of knowledge is excellent, which gives a good sense of value for money.’
Key clients
Acro Aircraft Seating Limited
Bank of China Limited
Ceridian Europe Limited
Hunter Boot Limited
The Institute for Government
NBCUniversal International Limited
Reservoir Group Limited
Tishman Speyer Properties UK Limited
Upfield UK Services Limited
Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 4
Praised for its willingness to 'think-outside-the box and provide succinct commercial advice', Dentons is a popular choice for banks on restructuring matters, as well as for IPs and debtors on more formal insolvency mandates. Under the leadership of the 'unflappable and highly experienced' Neil Griffiths, the firm has been extremely active on some high-profile domestic work across a range of sectors, including some, such as retail and leisure, that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The 'fantastically organised and committed' Tessa Blank and 'technically outstanding' counsel Luci Mitchell-Fry are also key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Neil Griffiths
Other key lawyers:
Ian Fox; Catherine Astruc; Celia Hayward; Richard Pallot-Cook; Jason Sheard; Luci Mitchell-Fry; Tessa Blank; Mark Price
Testimonials
‘Exceptional advice and service. Always thinking outside-the-box and providing succinct commercial advice.’
‘Great commercial awareness, attention to detail and speed of response on highly complex and challenging restructuring cases.’
‘Exceptional experience, down-to-earth commercial approach, willing to think outside the box.’
‘Neil Griffiths is virtually unflappable, highly experienced and provides very reassuring advice.’
‘Ian Fox knows his stuff, puts in the hours, and provides clear advice.’
‘Richard Pallot-Cook provides first-class commercial advice.’
‘Tessa Blank is fantastically organised and committed.’
‘The techically outstanding Luci Mitchell-Fry provides commercial and robust advice.’
Key clients
Sainsbury’s
Knight Frank
Ernst & Young
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
BDO
FRP Advisory
Grant Thornton
Jackie Stephenson
John Lewis
Chanel
Airwair International (Dr Martens)
Marks and Spencer
Sports Direct
Worldpay
Virgin/Stagecoach
Arriva Group Plc/Deutsche Bahn AG
Network Rail
DB Schenker
Work highlights
- Advised Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group on numerous recent high-profile transactions, including the acquisition of Bonmarche; a high-value debt restructure and refinance; the appointment of FRP as administrators to EWM, Peacocks, Jaeger and Ponden Mill; the appointment of RSM as administrators of Bonmarche; the acquisition from administrators of EWM, Ponden Mill and Bonmarche and the sale of Jaeger to M&S.
- Providing ongoing advice to the Official Receiver and Special Managers of Carillion in one of the largest and most high-profile corporate collapses for ten years in the UK.
- Continuing to act for the LBHI2 administrators in a high- profile piece of litigation (the sub-debt litigation) following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in relation to a directions application by the administrators of LBHI2 estate.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 4
Dentons combines a sophisticated patent prosecution outfit (led by Justin Hill) with a strong bench of litigators, making it well-placed to excel in highly technical disputes. Ongoing highlights include acting for generic pharmaceutical companies in multi-patent infringement and validity proceedings relating to fibre optics technology and SPC invalidity actions. Jennifer Cass and James Marsden were promoted to senior associate in July 2020.Practice head(s):
Justin Hill
Other key lawyers:
Marie Jansson-Heeks; Jennifer Cass; James Marsden;
Testimonials
‘A hardworking, experienced and tight-knit team, which know what their clients want and will work unceasingly to achieve it.‘
‘Their breadth of experience makes them very easy to work with as they can tackle any of our very varied inventions.‘
‘Fantastic team that know their stuff inside and out.‘
Key clients
ARM Holdings
Dexcom
Emtelle UK Limited
M&S
Positec
Raytheon
Royal Mail Group
Starkey Labs
Tesla
TikTok
Virgin
Zentiva
Work highlights
- Representing Diagnostics AI in its expedited High Court claims in relation to the government’s selection process of an IT contract for coronavirus testing.
- Advising Raytheon on its large and complex European patent portfolio comprising hundreds of different patent matters and involving a wide range of cutting-edge technologies.
- Advising and acting for Emtelle on a high-value UK High Court multi-patent case relating to fibre optic cabling. Emtelle is Defendant in a claim by multinational Prysmian Group for infringement of two patents.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4
Dentons’ IP offering in London works closely with its Scottish and European counterparts to execute cross-border transactions and IP-rich investments; a recent example saw co-head Anna Copeman providing advice to Warner Music on the copyright aspects of high-value investments in music portfolios and businesses. On the contentious side, Copeman leads a team assisting with cross-border brand disputes in the fashion sector. Senior associate Jennifer Cass assists with both contentious and non-contentious mandates.Practice head(s):
Anna Copeman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I work with Anna Copeman and James Marsden in the IP team and they have advised me excellently in several matters. No nonsense, but flexible in their approach and consideration to find innovative solutions.‘
‘Anna Copeman is simply fantastic. She is quick to respond, calm in a crisis and really knows her stuff.‘
‘All legal advice and support is clear and transparent so I knew exactly what was happening and what certain processes meant, and why they were important.‘
Key clients
American Eagle
Emtelle UK Limited
Glencairn
KKR
Lottoland Holdings Ltd
M&S
Positec
Warner Music
Virgin
Zentiva
Work highlights
- Defending American Eagle Outfitters in UK High Court proceedings brought by Lyle & Scott for alleged breach of a co-existence agreement and passing off in relation to use of American Eagle’s logo in key retail channels.
- Represented Glencairn (manufacturers of the iconic Glencairn Whisky Glass) in IPEC proceedings against Final Touch for producing infringing copies glassware, in violation Glencairn’s 3D trade mark and registered designs.
- Acting for M&S in respect of all intellectual property matters, including drafting and negotiating its international franchise agreements and consignment, brand licensing and distribution agreements with major third party brands (including Phase Eight, Hobbs and Early Learning Centre).
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4
Dentons specialises in strategic trade mark portfolio advice for global brands and large UK companies. As part of the world's largest law firm, the group is highly adept at multi-jurisdictional matters, including disputes and enforcement issues. Practice head and solicitor Anna Copeman shoulders a varied caseload that includes high-profile contentious proceedings as well as strategic licencing agreements.
Practice head(s):
Anna Copeman
Other key lawyers:
Anna Brown; James Marsden
Key clients
American Eagle
Emtelle UK Limited
Glencairn
KKR
Lottoland Holdings Ltd
M&S
Positec
Warner Music
Virgin
Zentiva
Work highlights
- Acted for the Virgin group for over 20 years as go-to lawyers for trade mark licensing and intellectual property related disputes.
- Defending American Eagle Outfitters in UK High Court proceedings brought by Lyle & Scott for alleged breach of a co-existence agreement and passing off in relation to use of American Eagle’s logo in key retail channels, working in tandem with Dentons US on the parallel US proceedings.
- Acted extensively for Marks & Spencer in respect of all intellectual property matters, including drafting and negotiating its international franchise agreements and consignments, and brand licencing and distribution agreements with major third party brands (including Phase Eight, Hobbs and Early Learning Centre) in addition to acting in contentious matters, on both enforcement and defence.
Transport > Aviation Tier 4
Dentons advises airlines, airports, and private operators on cross-border aircraft finance and leasing, as well as regulatory issues, banking and finance, intellectual property and M&A. Practice head Nick Chandler is particularly experienced advising on leasing structures, ECA-supported financings, and leasing and purchase structures.
Practice head(s):
Nick Chandler
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 5
Dentons is highly capable in multijurisdictional merger clearances, as well as handling international FDI filings. The group is strong in investigations, having recently represented Yamaha Music Europe in a CMA investigation into the musical instruments sector. Adrian Magnus leads the team and advises clients from the financial services, retail and energy industries, while Christopher Graf is experienced in the aviation and media sectors.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Magnus
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Graf; Rebecca Owen-Howes; Adele Behles
Testimonials
‘The team is very much focused on our needs; they provide us with the advice required and the persons in charge are very, very professional, with a very friendly attitude and way of communication. As a client we feel very well advised and supported.’
‘Christopher Graf has become a very reliable and trustful adviser who understands our needs and supports us in the best way possible.‘
Key clients
Yamaha Music Europe
TOTAL
Avis Budget Group
Enbridge
Royal Mail Group
John Lewis/Waitrose
Sainsbury’s
World Fuel Services
KPS Capital Partners
Statkraft
Marshall Motor Group
Informa
Mizuho Bank
Work highlights
- Obtained complete immunity for Yamaha for resale price maintenance in one of the CMA’s investigations into the musical instruments industry.
- Advised World Fuel Services on merger control aspects of its acquisition of UVair.
- Advised Royal Mail Group’s on a Distribution Agreement with the Post Office.
Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 5
Dentons fields a dedicated business crime and investigations group, but also utilises experts in complementary groups such as international trade, financial services regulatory, cybersecurity and commercial litigation. The team acts for corporates suspected of criminal offences, third-parties with commercial ties to criminally accused corporates, and victims of financial and employee fraud.Other key lawyers:
Craig Neilson
Testimonials
‘Genuine expertise in banks and money laundering.’
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 5
The team at Dentons , which is able to draw on the wider firm's extensive international footprint, is led by Richard Barham, who is instructed on a wealth of cross-border M&A and financing deals in addition to matters concerning league structures, corporate governance and event bidding. The wider team is also well-regarded for its proficiency in broadcasting and media right sales, disputes, stadium planning and construction, as well as commercial agreements such as sponsorship and partner deals. Motorsport and rugby-related matters are particularly prevalent within the recent workload and the group is also home to long-standing expertise in football.
Practice head(s):
Richard Barham
Other key lawyers:
James Fairbairn; David McGrory; Chris White; Nick Harrison
Testimonials
‘Commercially-minded advice, offering not just the letter of the law options but risk based real world solutions too.’
‘Really quick turnaround times – they really invest in the client to get to know their needs.’
‘Nick Harrison is really great with getting to know the needs of clients.’
Key clients
St James Holdings (owner of Newcastle United)
Silverstone Circuits Limited
Saracens (Premier Team Promotions)
Scottish Cycling
Esports Awards Limited
Major Chinese Port
Hibernian Football Club
Mercedes AMG Petronas F1
Basketball Entertainment Partners Ltd
Falkirk Football & Athletic Club Limited
Work highlights
- Supporting Saracens with day-to-day commercial legal matters, ranging from the drafting and negotiation of sponsorship and partnership agreements to advising on potential disputes.
- Advising St James Holdings Limited on the potential sale of Newcastle United Football Club.
Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 6
With three partners in London with a core focus on acquisition finance mandates and also able to leverage the expertise of lawyers spread across the firm's extensive international network, Dentons is increasingly well-positioned to advise banks and private equity sponsors on cross-border mandates, including those with a nexus to the emerging markets. Former Simmons partner Simon Middleton co-heads the team alongside Catherine Astruc and is particularly noted for his lender side work within the Nordic markets.
Practice head(s):
Catherine Astruc; Simon Middleton
Other key lawyers:
Will Turner
Testimonials
‘Simon Middleton is our main relationship partner and is a highly trusted advisor that we use for a large number of our financing transactions. We always have confidence that we will receive excellent service from Simon and his team.’
Key clients
Nordea
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken
DBS Bank
Chenavari / AREO Sarl
Aberdeen Standard Investments
KPS Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advising a leading global bank and the mandated lead arrangers on a €1.5bn acquisition facility for a multinational pharmaceutical company.
- Advising leading global banks on a €43.5m credit facility to be used for business acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.
- Advising two leading global banks in connection with a £108m term and multicurrency revolving credit facility for a British multinational technology company, which also included the acquisition of a listed Canadian entity.
Insurance > Product liability: defendant
Dentons > Firm Profile
Dentons is designed to be different. As the world’s largest law firm with 20,000 professionals in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries, we can help you grow, protect, operate and finance your business. Our polycentric and purpose-driven approach, together with our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and ESG, ensures we challenge the status quo to stay focused on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com.
Types of work undertaken
Banking and finance: Dentons has one of the largest banking practices in the UK and is privileged to be seen as a trusted legal adviser to the majority of banks and financial institutions. The firm’s practice spans all service lines, from general corporate lending to more specialist areas such as lending funds.
Corporate: Dentons’ corporate practice represents and works with clients on the full range of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities, corporate finance and corporate governance. The firm’s strengths are most evident in cross-border transactional work, including transactions spanning the entire firm, from North America to Europe and the rest of the world, China to the Middle East, Africa to Latin America, Russia to the UK, and many more.
Dispute resolution: Leveraging core practices at each of Dentons’ legacy firms, Dentons has one of the pre-eminent disputes groups in the world. In the UK, Dentons’ commercial litigation team is particularly well known for its work in energy, construction and engineering, banking, financial services, restructuring and insolvency, and international arbitration.
Energy: This global award-winning team has expertise in transactional, regulatory and litigation matters including electricity, oil and gas, environment and natural resources, project development and finance, and energy trading. The firm’s lawyers handle a wide variety of power generation matters, including those related to renewables, nuclear, natural gas and coal.
Real estate: Dentons’ lawyers have a deep and wide-ranging understanding of the fundamentals of real estate. The firm plays a significant part in advancing ideas and practice across the industry and is best known for its expertise in development and regeneration, real estate finance/restructuring and insolvency, real estate funds, utilities, hotels and leisure, retail and rail.
Technology, media and telecommunications: With a multidisciplinary team around the globe of several hundred lawyers and professionals operating at the convergence of innovation, strategy, finance and law, Dentons represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 and emerging growth companies to venture capital firms, private equity firms and investment banks. Additional sector expertise includes: automotive; aviation and aerospace; construction; defence; forest products and agribusiness; gaming; luxury, fashion and beauty; and professional services.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
UK, Ireland & Middle East Chief Executive Officer | Paul Jarvis | ||
UK, Ireland & Middle East Practice Partner | Helen Simpson |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sarah Beeby | Sarah is a partner and head of the Firm’s tier one ranked… | View Profile |
![]() | Francesca Bettermann | Francesca is a corporate lawyer and Counsel in the Milton Keynes Corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Verity Buckingham | Verity is a senior member of the People, Reward and Mobility team… | View Profile |
![]() | Christopher Colclough | Chris heads the Corporate and Banking team in Milton Keynes. He leads… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Constable | Tim is a geographic lead of the Commercial Dispute Resolution practice and is based… | View Profile |
![]() | James Fairbairn | James is a partner in the Milton Keynes office Commercial Dispute team.… | View Profile |
![]() | Rob Francis | Rob is a senior associate in the Milton Keynes Dispute Resolution department.… | View Profile |
![]() | Faye Garvey | Faye is a partner at Dentons’ Milton Keynes office. She is a… | View Profile |
![]() | Bryan Johnston | Bryan is a partner and deals with all aspects of property litigation.… | View Profile |
![]() | Michelle Lamb | Michelle is a partner in Dentons’ tier one ranked People, Reward and… | View Profile |
![]() | David Payton | David is a property litigator, acting for landowners, landlords, investors, corporate tenants… | View Profile |
![]() | Neill Pemberton | Neill is a senior associate in the Real Estate team. He specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Greg Rigby | Greg is a legal project manager in the Real Estate department. His… | View Profile |
![]() | Lorna Rogers | Lorna is a senior associate in the Real Estate team based in… | View Profile |
![]() | Shaun Tame | Shaun is a counsel in the construction and engineering law group and… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Wyatt | Robert is the Milton Keynes Office Managing Partner and a member of… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 148 Number of other UK fee earners : 612DIVERSITY
Our Inclusion & Diversity commitment is a global one and a key part of our strategy to be the most inclusive firm. Accountability is driven through the Global and Regional Boards, with our Global CEO, Elliott Portnoy, leading the Global I&D Leadership Council with leaders from across our regions to shape the global I&D strategy. This includes global policy development and co-ordination of our women’s and LGBT networks across the firm. In 2019, we ran The Big Inclusion Project, a collaboration of 12 cross-regional teams of lawyers and business services professionals working together to identify and solution inclusion topics. 2020 was our Year of the Ally and also saw the launch of our Accelerating Race strategy to advance our progress on race diversity and inclusion.
We start with inclusion as we believe that inclusion will help drive greater diversity, whereas diversity is not enough on its own. Our I&D strategy is organised around the three key pillars of Talent – to attract, retain and progress the best people; Culture – to be the most inclusive firm; and Clients – to collaborate with our clients on I&D and progress priorities together.
In terms of breadth and reach we have a broad commitment to I&D, rather than a single focus, with programmes on gender, ethnicity, LGBT and social mobility. Many of our people are engaged in these efforts via our diversity networks – Inspire, our gender network; Black Professionals Network; Fusion – our Asian professionals network; Parents and Carer’s; and Glow – our LGBT network.
Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
‘Dentons’ internationality exudes from every pore; much of the experience you gain, the work you do and people you meet will have an international element to them’. The ‘ambitious’ firm’s ‘commitment to innovation is impressive’ and ‘the broad spectrum offering means more opportunities to explore different practice areas’. Dentons offers training contracts in London, Milton Keynes and Scotland’s Central Belt, and for many trainees, the prospect of ‘City work without having to be based in London’ was a big draw. Some of the tasks recruits enjoyed the most were ‘drafting an important witness statement in a trademark dispute which received rave reviews’, ‘being given sole responsibility for drafting the transactional documents of a multi-million-pound acquisition’ and ‘being flown out to Madrid for a client’s closing dinner’. Far less enjoyable were ‘a really crazy client that emailed about 20 times a day’, ‘continued long hours over a two-week period before a signing’ and ‘reviewing four prospectus blacklines at 4am on a Saturday’. The Dentons training programme offers ‘a good level of responsibility at an early stage’ and ‘partners and associates are really great at getting trainees involved in interesting work’. It is also encouraging that the ‘supportive team environment’ remained despite the pandemic as supervisors were ‘good at keeping in touch while we’re working from home’. The ‘limited seat options in Milton Keynes’ were lamented, but the main complaints centred around the ‘Covid-based salary cuts’, which were implemented despite the fact that ‘working hours substantially increased for all fee-earners’. A higher NQ salary is also on trainees’ wish list. To undertake ‘far-reaching work’ for ‘big-name clients’ at ‘one of the most global law firms on earth’, consider Dentons.Press Releases
Mr. Phuc Le rejoined Dentons LuatViet to strengthen its offshore legal services
7th July 2022 Dentons LuatViet is delighted to welcome back Mr. Phuc Le to join our firm as a Special Counsel. He will primarily provide legal services to our clients in the US and Moscow.Singapore Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk Boosts Corporate Practice with Two Senior Lawyer Hires
4th July 2022 Singapore, 1 July 2022 – Singapore’s Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk are today announcing the arrival of senior corporate lawyers Evelyn Ang and Emily Low. Together with six other lawyers, they join Dentons Rodyk from Big Four accounting firm EY’s Singapore law practice, Atlas Asia Law Corporation (AALC). The news follows Dentons' recently launched combination with leading Vietnamese law firm LuatViet, as the Firm pursues its goal of being the leading pan-ASEAN law firm.Dentons launches combination with LuatViet in Vietnam
17th June 2022 Dentons has launched its previously announced combination with leading Vietnamese law firm, LuatViet, which has more than 40 legal professionals serving clients from offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.Former Deputy Director of Attorney-General’s Chambers Navin Naidu joins Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk
17th June 2022 Big Five Law Firm Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP is pleased to announce the arrival of Attorney-General’s Chambers’ former Deputy Director Navin Naidu to the firm’s White Collar and Government Investigations practice.How Singapore’s Big Five law firm Dentons Rodyk is embracing the future of work and ditching its traditional office for good
14th April 2022 Visions for the future of work have never been bolder. The COVID-19 pandemic changed notions on how many felt a work environment should be. The world was rushed into accelerating technology adoption, increasing digital connectivity and embracing virtual collaboration. As we usher in a new and dynamic decade, Dentons Rodyk envisions the future of work by ditching its traditional office for good and introducing a permanent hybrid work model.Dentons secures final victory for ICT on European patent infringement case against ESSITY
18th August 2020Global law firm Dentons is pleased to announce that the Paris Court of Appeal, the Higher Regional Court of Karlsruhe and the Barcelona Provincial Court have all issued final decisions dismissing Essity’s claims of patent infringement in regards to Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti’s (ICT) three ply toilet paper. With Dentons’ counsel, ICT successfully demonstrated beyond a doubt that its branded and private label products are produced based on its own proprietary process, and patented under European patent 2 353 859.
Dentons has been advising Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti S.p.A since 2016. Based in Lucca, ICT is a leader in the category of high quality tissue paper products for domestic use, and has subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Poland.
The Paris decision, which is the most recent, ends a long-running patent infringement litigation with Essity and affirms ICT can continue to produce and distribute absorbent paper based on its own proprietary technology. The three courts in France, Germany, and Spain have confirmed ICT’s argument that it is using its own novel technology, also patented. Essity’s claims of infringement were based on a patent originally filed by Georgia Pacific, and subsequently becoming Essity’s.
Dentons partner David Masson served as lead partner and represented ICT in France. Dentons partner Dr. Constantin Rehaag represented ICT in Germany, and PwC partner Alejandra Matas Brancós represented the client in Spain, with the support of Dentons partner Juan Ignacio Alonso.
David Masson, lead lawyer on the case, commented: “It has been very interesting to understand ICT’s own technology and work closely with different teams, including ICT’s R&D department, which has been part of all strategic and technical decisions throughout the case”.
Constantin Rehaag, who represented the client in the German court hearings and coordinated the work with the client’s patent attorneys, said: “This is an outstanding success of a great team formed by the client, who provided us with invaluable technological insight, the team of patent attorneys and, finally, by the Dentons teams in France, Spain and Germany.”
The patent litigation began in 2016 when Essity sued ICT in France, Germany and Spain for the alleged infringement of its patent related to the technical solution for the bonding of three layers of tissue for paper products such as high quality, soft and bulky, toilet paper.
In France, Essity claimed that ICT had breached the French part of its European patent 1 081 284 and that the toilet paper marketed as Foxy Soie Plus, and also certain other private labels produced by ICT France, had infringed on their patent. Essity demanded that all production operations be halted. The rolls of toilet paper were carefully analyzed and there were no findings of infringement. The two French courts - in first instance and appeal - rejected the claims and ordered Essity to pay compensation for the legal fees to ICT Italy and ICT France.
In Germany, the case was first taken to the Mannheim District Court, which is well reputed in patent matters. The lawsuit mainly focused on the complex questions regarding the construing of the claims of Essity’s patent. The court ruled in favour of ICT, and Essity filed an appeal. In August 2019, the Higher Regional Court of Karlsruhe also ruled that the German subsidiary of ICT did not infringe the German part of the patent 1 081 284.
In Spain, after a first decision in favor of Essity in the lower court, the Barcelona Provincial Court clearly stated in a written appeal that ICT’s products - and in particular, Foxy Seda, Foxy Bouquet, certain three-ply private label products - did not infringe the Spanish part of the patent 1 081 284.
About ICTIndustrie Cartarie Tronchetti (ICT) was founded in 1976 in Italy, in the Lucca province, to operate in the tissue sector, producing high quality paper exclusively from virgin fibre. The first production facility was opened in 1978 in Piano della Rocca, Lucca, and over the years new plants and facilities have been set up in Piano della Rocca, Diecimo and Piano di Coreglia. The Foxy brand, one of the leading brands in the European market, was launched in 1982. ICT is an example of excellence in the paper industry, in full harmony with the tradition of the Lucca region, where the most important Italian papermaking hub is located, on a par with those of Green Bay (USA) and Fuji (Japan). In Lucca in particular, great expertise has been nurtured in the field of paper for household use, and the city is in fact known as the world tissue capital. Today, ICT SpA boasts an annual production capacity of about 160,000 tonnes.
About DentonsDentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic.
Dentons advises Snam on US$10.1 billion consortium investment in ADNOC Gas Pipelines
3rd August 2020 Global law firm Dentons advised Italian-based multinational energy infrastructure operator Snam in relation to its agreement, in consortium with several international investment funds, to purchase a 49 percent share of ADNOC Gas Pipelines from The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). ADNOC Gas Pipelines is valued at approximately US$20.7 billion (US$10.1 billion for 49%).The transaction is one of the most important in the global energy infrastructure sector, as well as Snam’s first acquisition outside Europe. ADNOC Gas Pipelines holds the tariff-based rights for the 38 pipelines that connect ADNOC’s upstream activities to Abu Dhabi’s consumption points and the export and interconnection terminals to neighboring Emirates.
The transaction was financed by a pool of international banks for approximately $8 billion, plus an equity contribution from each of the consortium members. In addition to Snam, the other consortium members included Global Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Asset Management, GIC, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and NH Investment & Securities.
Dentons acted with a cross-border team from Italy and UAE, coordinated by partner Sara Biglieri in Milan. Partners Luca Pocobelli (Rome) and Mhairi Main Garcia (Dubai), counsel Claudio Segna (Milan), senior associate Craig Hughson (Abu Dhabi) and associate Stephanie Hawes (Dubai) advised on corporate and M&A aspects. Partners Alessandro Fosco Fagotto (Milan) and Stephen Knight (Abu Dhabi), counsel Franco Gialloreti, senior associate Tommaso Zanirato and junior associate Giulia Caselli Maldonado (all Milan) advised on financing aspects. Partner Michele Carpagnano (Rome) and associate Giulia Giordano (Rome) advised on the competition and antitrust aspects.
Snam’s internal legal team was led by General Counsel, Marco Reggiani - assisted by Michela Schizzi, Senior Vice President Regulated Assets Legal Affairs - and included senior legal counsels Rosanna Pallotta and Claudia Jolanda Fanelli. The legal aspects related to the financing were handled, together with Marco Reggiani, by Gloria Bertini, Head of Finance and Capital Market Legal Affairs and Roberta Di Mauro, legal counsel.
Dentons advises Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) on the establishment of the EU Malaria Fund
3rd August 2020 The EU Malaria Fund was initiated by the kENUP Foundation, a not-for-profit organization promoting research-based innovation with public and societal benefit. The fund is managed by the IBB Group. The target volume of the fund amounts to €280 million, with a first closing of €70 million on June 3, 2020.A Dentons team from Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich provided comprehensive advice to IBB Group on the establishment of the EU Malaria Fund. This included the development of the legal and tax conception of the fund, regulatory advice, corporate law support on the setup of the fund, and the negotiation of the financing agreements with the EIB, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other investors.Berlin-based partner Dirk-Reiner Voss and Frankfurt-based partner Arne Klüwer jointly led the Dentons team, with support from partners Stephan Busch, Matthias Santelmann and senior associates Holger Hölkemeier and Bernd Düsterbeck in Berlin; counsel Verena Etzel and Oda Elmoutaouakil in Frankfurt; partner Axel Schlieter in Dusseldorf, and partner Richard Fagerer in Munich.About DentonsDentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.comDentons advises on ACS Group’s €500 million NEU-CP Program
3rd August 2020 Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, has advised Spanish-based multinational construction group, Actividades de Construcción y Servicios, S.A. (ACS), on the renewal of its €500 million Negotiable European Commercial Paper (NEU-CP) Program. The NEU-CP program is registered with the Central Bank of France, with the involvement of BNP Paribas, BRED Banque Populaire, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, ING Bank N.V. and Natixis, as dealers for the Notes.Headquartered in Madrid, the ACS Group is a worldwide leader in construction and services. It is currently the only non-financial issuer with a NEU-CP Program registered with the Central Bank of France.Dentons’ Capital Markets group in Madrid advised ACS on all aspects of the transaction. Partner Ignacio Corujo led and coordinated the transaction with the support of junior associate Ana Artola.Ignacio Corujo joined Dentons in January this year to establish and lead the Capital Markets group in Spain. In addition to this most recent deal for ACS, he has closed several high-value debt capital markets deals since his move, including most notably, Grupo Cajamar’s €1 billion issuance of mortgage bonds, as well as Sacyr’s renewal of its €500 million EMTN Program.About DentonsDentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.comDentons advises UniCredit on a €450 million secured sustainability-linked financing for Gunvor Gro
3rd August 2020 Global law firm Dentons has advised UniCredit Bank AG as Mandated Lead Arranger, (Sustainability) Coordinator, Bookrunner, Facility Agent and Security Agent as well as the lenders on a €450 million secured sustainability-linked borrowing base facility agreement with Gunvor Group. Gunvor Group will use the funds to cover the working capital requirements of its Ingolstadt refinery.The innovative financing model is tied to the borrower's achievement of predetermined ESG key performance indicators (Sustainability KPIs) and provides for a sustainability discount or premium in case the company overachieves or underperforms the predefined targets. An independent sustainability auditor will report on the performance of the Sustainability KPIs on an annual basis. The ESG-based scoring of certain key performance indicators provides a unique way for borrowers and lenders to communicate their commitment to sustainability and incentivizes sustainable corporate measures.Participating banks included DZ Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank, Raiffeisen Bank International, Erste Group Bank, Commerzbank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, CA Indosuez (Switzerland), Bank of China and First Abu Dhabi Bank.Gunvor Group is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded. With strategic investments in industrial infrastructure – refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals – Gunvor Group further generates sustainable value across the global supply chain for its customers. UniCredit is one of the pioneers in sustainable loans in the German market.Düsseldorf finance partner Dr. Axel Schlieter fully advised the bank on the drafting and negotiation of the loan agreement. The Dentons team further comprised Julia Heitmann (senior associate, Banking and Finance, Düsseldorf) and Eike Hinrich Pradt (associate, Banking and Finance, Frankfurt). Axel Schlieter is a core member of Dentons’ Sustainable Finance group in Europe and is regularly involved around the topics of issuance of green bonds and on sustainable financing.Advisors to UniCredit: Dentons (Düsseldorf): Dr. Axel Schlieter, (lead partner), Julia Heitmann (senior associate, both banking and finance, Düsseldorf), Eike Hinrich Pradt (associate, banking and finance, Frankfurt am Main)UniCredit inhouse lawyers: Carina Engelhardt, Alexander Strigin, Christian HentrichAbout DentonsDentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.comDentons advises Qair on refinancing of the acquisition of Rzepin and Linowo wind farms in Poland
3rd August 2020 Dentons’ Banking and Finance practice team advised Qair SAS, Qair International and Qair Polska Sp.z o.o. in connection with the refinancing of two wind farms under operation, Rzepin (58 MW) and Linowo (48 MW). The financing institutions are BNP Paribas and EBRD.The two wind farms are part of Qair’s larger portfolio of almost 200 MW of renewable energy sources, which also includes 93 MW of new capacity from three wind farms – Udanin (50 MW), Parzeczew (9 MW) and Września (9 MW) – and 25 MW of solar photovoltaic.The project was supervised by Mateusz Toczyski, Head of the Europe and Co-Head of the Global Banking and Finance practice, and led by Tomasz Zwoliński, counsel, with assistance from lawyers Klaudia Szymańska-Rutkowska, Katarzyna Mazur, Katarzyna Kaptur and Jakub Walawski. Supporting the Warsaw team were counsel Surbhi Malhotra-Trenkel in Munich and partners Jean-Marc Allix and Olivier Genevois, and associates Djésia Meziani, Philippine de Fouchier and Hugo Casasnovas in Paris. Dentons’ London team consisting of partner Matthew Sapte and associate Annreika Ray advised on the hedging documentation.“We are very pleased and honored to have had this opportunity to assist Qair in yet another wind power project the company has undertaken in Poland,” said Mateusz Toczyski.“We would like to congratulate Qair on this financing and to wish every success with further developments and investments in Poland and elsewhere in the world,” added Tomasz Zwoliński.About DentonsDentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.comDentons advises Sev.en Energy on aacquisition of US-based Blackhawk Mining
3rd August 2020 Dentons has advised international energy group Sev.en Energy on its strategic acquisition of US-based metallurgical coal producer Blackhawk Mining, LLC. C. The transaction comes on the heels of Sev.en Energy’s acquisition of a 17% ownership interest in Corsa Coal in May 2020, further reinforcing its access to the metallurgical coal mining industry in the US market.Blackhawk Mining is one of the largest metallurgical coal producers in the US. With annual production capacity of seven to eight million tonnes of metallurgical coal among its five underground and open pit mining complexes in West Virginia and Kentucky, Blackhawk Mining is an important supplier of metallurgical coal both locally and internationally. It also owns three thermal coal mine complexes producing three to four million tonnes per annum. In 2019, Blackhawk Mining had $1bn revenues and $120m EBITDA. Commenting on the acquisition, Dentons partner Petr Zákoucký, said: “Having worked for Sev.en Energy for many years, I am inspired by their sustained dynamism, and by this bold strategic move, even during these difficult market conditions. We were delighted to have opportunity to play our role in this success.” Alan Svoboda, Executive Director of Sev.en Energy who leads the Group’s international expansion added: “Once again, the Dentons team exceeded our expectations and delivered the transaction within a tight time frame of less than a month, nailing both the complexity of the deal and challenges created by the current worldwide pandemic. What was really outstanding was the dedication and flexibility that the entire team showed.” Dentons’ cross-border team was composed of partners Petr Zákoucký (Prague, Energy/M&A), Ilan Katz (New York, M&A), Lee Smith (New York, Finance), Christopher Van Bever (Lexington, Mining) and John Rhine (Evansville, Mining) Robert E. Richards (Chicago, Insolvency), Managing Associate Gregory DiBella (New York, M&A) and Associate Barbora Obračajová (Prague, Energy). Alvarez & Marsal advised Sev.en Energy on financial due diligence and Weir on technical due diligence. About Sev.en EnergySev.en Energy owns significant coal and energy production assets in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Australia and the USA. It is the largest private operator of coalmines and conventional power plants in the Czech Republic, and employs more than 3,500 people. In 2019, Sev.en Energy acquired additional power generation assets from Swiss energy group Alpiq and a 50% stake in the multinational energy company – InterGen N.V., which is one of the leading independent power generators with gas-fired power plants in the UK and coal-fired power plants and coal mines in Australia. When pro-forma aggregated with the financial results of InterGen and Alpiq CZ, Sev.en Energy group combined revenues in 2019 were EUR 1,4 billion and EBITDA of EUR 319 million. About DentonsDentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.comDentons supports German subsidiaries of the Recylex Group in restructuring
3rd August 2020 Global law firm Dentons is assisting Weser-Metall GmbH and Harz-Metall GmbH, both subsidiaries of the French-German Recylex Group, with their restructuring through ‘self-administration’ proceedings. In addition, Dentons restructuring lawyers Andreas Ziegenhagen and Dirk Schoene and their team are advising the German management of the Recylex Group within the scope of its self-administration.As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatic decline in metal prices, the German subsidiaries of Recylex have each applied for protective shield proceedings under German insolvency law. The aim of the protective shield is to allow the companies to continue their individual restructuring measures and to return to economic stability after the pandemic - if necessary, in a new shareholder structure.Weser-Metall produces about 100,000 tons of lead per year at its headquarters in Nordenham (Lower Saxony), making it the third largest lead smelter and the second largest lead recycler in Europe. Harz-Metall has its headquarters in Oker in the Harz Mountains and is one of the leading European recycling companies for lead and zinc contaminated waste.The Recylex group has a total of eleven operating units and two administrative sites in France and Germany. In addition to the companies supported by Dentons, two other companies in the group, Norzinco GmbH and PPM Pure Metals GmbH, have also submitted applications for protective shield, whilethree other German subsidiaries requested self-administration under creditor protection. The Group's French companies are not affected.Andreas Ziegenhagen, Head of the Europe and German Restructuring practice, said: "With the filing for protective shield proceedings, we are making use of the most restructuring-friendly court proceedings in the interest of all stakeholders of the companies”.Advisor to Harz Metall / Weser Metall / German management of Recylex:Dentons (Berlin): Andreas Ziegenhagen (Partner, Restructuring, Berlin/Frankfurt), Dirk Schoene (Partner), Dr. Jan Seelinger (Counsel), Dr. Benjamin Kurzberg (Counsel), Judith Schmid (Senior Associate), Dr. Jakob Pickartz (Senior Associate), all Restructuring and InsolvencyAbout DentonsDentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.comComparative Guides
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