Dentons > London, England > Firm Profile

Dentons
ONE FLEET PLACE
LONDON
EC4M 7WS
England

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1

Dentons ’ team of ‘high-quality performing lawyers’ recently saw a changing of the guard with Martin Fanning and Henrietta Baker taking over as co-heads of the practice. The specialist commercial contracts team acts for a broad range of national and global clients across the financial services, retail, transport, energy and technology sectors and also counts multiple governmental departments on its client roster. Recent highlights include advising Frasers on its international distribution and e-commerce agreements with The Hut Group for certain portfolio brands, and assisting the Royal Mail Group on its mails distribution agreement with Post Office Limited. Scott Singer is a key name for retail clients, Catherine Bingham regularly acts for public sector clients, and Sarah Lima is active in outsourcing mandates. Dan Burge, Andy Lucas and Tristan Jonckheer also lead on some of the firm’s key highlights, and Rachael Morris is the key name at senior associate level.

Practice head(s):

Martin Fanning; Henrietta Baker

Testimonials

‘Great experience overall with Sarah Lima. I appreciated the collaborative relationship she fostered with the internal team and myself (as the in house counsel). Sarah understood our project, gave prompt responses and was knowledgeable in the subject matter. We were happy with our outcome and would not hesitate to work with Sarah again.’

‘High quality performing lawyers with excellent commercial and regulatory expertise. Able to come up with innovate solutions to address needs. Firm offered support on a strategic project and was able to deliver in a cost effective manner.’

‘Key individuals supporting our business included Tristan Jonckheer. He offered exceptional legal advice, was responsive and delivered on a strategic repapering project. In addition to exceptional legal services, Tristan was able to bring market colour and a commercial layer to the advice.’

Key clients

Avis Budget Group

Daily Mail Group / DMG

EDF / EDF Renewables

John Lewis Partnership

TopGolf

Royal Mail Group

Secure Meters

Frasers Group

M&S

Wella

Work highlights

  • Advising Frasers (the holding company for Sports Direct, Jack Wills, GAME, Flannels, USC, Lillywhites and Evans Cycles as well as the Everlast, Lonsdale, Slazenger and No Fear brands) on its international distribution and e-commerce arrangements with The Hut Group for certain key brands within Fraser’s portfolio.
  • Advising Wella on its intended arrangements to outsource key business processes to third party suppliers, with particular focus on those in the finance and admin areas.
  • AdvisingDMG Events on global events arrangements, including terms for virtual and hybrid events and its events platform product into the digital events industry.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 1

Dentons‘ ‘exceptional’ commitment to ‘responsive, practical solutions‘ and ‘experience-backed commercial advice in heavily regulated transactions‘ ensures that the practice is regularly sought out for high-value deals, both domestically and internationally. Under the leadership of ‘brilliant tactician’ Neil Nicholson, the team frequently handles big-ticket mandates for a sweep of listed clients operating in the aviation, TMT, consumer goods, sports, and real estate sectors. Matthew Tinger is particularly praised on account of his capabilities in the latter, where he works with a number of hotels and commercial operators on cross-border transactions, while Darren Acres‘ cross-border expertise is most notably concentrated in transatlantic M&A and deals involving African stakeholders. Underscoring the team’s level of international fluency, Joseph Altendorff has led M&A teams in over 100 jurisdictions, particularly with respect to venture technology deals. Senior associate Joseph Collingwood is well-versed in sport and manufacturing M&A, while fellow senior associate Verity Kent is noted for her experience in oil and gas, mining, and renewable power. The team’s corporate finance offering was bolstered by the arrival of Patrick Somers from TLT in May 2021.

Practice head(s):

Neil Nicholson

Testimonials

‘Able to blend offices and people to deliver at a sensible cost point (uses right people for right jobs rather than one size fits all). Clear and prompt billing helps us stay ahead of issues.’

‘Responsive, practical solutions, and maintain good relationship with the other party.’

‘Neil Nicholson’s team gives solid, experience-backed commercial advice in heavily regulated transactions. I trust them implicitly to guide me through uncharted territory with confidence.’

‘Neil Nicholson is a brilliant tactician with the ability to call out a bad idea or making the best of a tricky situation. It’s clear that he brings his depth of experience to the deal, giving clients the confidence to make clear decisions.’

‘Neil Nicholson is an excellent partner to work with and really understands issues from a client perspective. He is very well reasoned and commercial. He is really clear about fees and communicates well.’

‘Very sensible and commercial advice. Partners lead from the front and remain the key point person throughout the deal. Strong communication and interpersonal skills which are important for managing difficult clients. On top of everything from start to finish.’

‘Matthew Tinger was very engaged and available at any time with deep client care, knowledge, and deal experience. One key differentiator is that he “owns” a process and will guide the deal team, proactively manages the process, and push documents along. At the same time, he is very efficient in work scope and fair with regards to billing.’

‘The performance of the team and the successful result, due in large part to the quality of our legal advisers, will mean more work for Dentons in the future. The level of work and commitment from the team was exceptional – we were consistently looked after and the quality of advice was always top notch.’

Key clients

Informa

Capita

Sigma Capital Group

PRS REIT

Harrison Street Real Estate Capital

Aprirose Limited

St James Holdings

Trevipay

Ecotricity

BGL

Dye & Durham

Chorus Aviation Inc

Work highlights

  • Advising Chorus Aviation Inc. on the acquisition of Falko Regional Aircraft Limited, a leading regional aircraft lessor, together with (i) affiliates of Falko, and (ii) the equity interests in certain entities and aircraft which are ultimately owned by funds managed by Fortress Investment Group LLC and managed by Falko (or one of its affiliates).
  • Advising BGL Group on the sale of BGL Insurance, a digital distributor of insurance and household financial services, to Markerstudy.
  • Advising Mike Ashley’s St James Holdings Limited on the sale of Newcastle United (NUFC) to a joint venture involving the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers following settlement of NUFC’s arbitration against the English Premier League.

Finance > Islamic finance Tier 1

Acting on its own, as well as frequently in conjunction with lawyers based out of the firm’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, Dentons provides a strong service to both conventional and Islamic banks, primarily in relation to capital markets mandates. Team head Matthew Sapte has vast transactional experience, both in terms of sukuk bond issuances, as well as in relation to derivates and structured products – where his expertise is regularly sought after by banks developing templates and structured products. Yusuf Battiwala joined Norton Rose Fulbright in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Sapte

Other key lawyers:

Paul Holland; Alex Tostevin

Key clients

Citibank

Emirates NBD Capital

Emirates Islamic Bank

Dubai Islamic Bank

Arab Banking Corporation

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Leonteq Securities AG

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1

Dentons is praised by clients for 'timely deliverables and good visibility of the process', with one client remarking that the firm 'always comes up with the required solutions and is very professional in dealing with other parties, even when disagreements arise'. Head of banking and finance Paul Holland oversees the firm's emerging markets group, which has a strong presence in Africa, the Middle East, the CEE, CIS and Russia, as well as other developing markets. Debt capital markets partner Nick Hayday  is 'a wonderful lawyer who instils confidence in a client'. He assisted CPI Property Group, a major owner of income-generating real estate in the Czech Republic and the CEE region, on a €700m sustainability-linked bond issue. Debt capital markets specialists Cameron Half, who was part of a team that advised JSC Silknet in Georgia on a $300m bond issuance and who 'contributes from his vast expertise and pragmatic solutions', and David Cohen are key members of the emerging markets group. Trade and export finance specialist Ian Clements is 'very attentive and understands the issues'. Dominic Spacie  specialises in projects, particularly infrastructure transactions, in Africa and the Caribbean. New energy and infrastructure partner Colm Ó hUiginn, who joined from Shearman & Sterling LLP in 2022, and finance partner James Ingham are also key to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Paul Holland

Other key lawyers:

Nick Hayday; David Cohen; Cameron Half; Ian Clements; Dominic Spacie; Nick Hayday; Colm Ó hUiginn; James Ingham

Testimonials

‘Sound and knowledgeable.’

‘Ian Clements is very attentive and understands the issues.’

‘Very close and no-nonsense cooperation with clients. Availability of senior partners, together with the competence and expertise of associates. Timely deliverables and good visibility of the process. Always came up with required solutions and were very professional in dealing with other parties, even when disagreements arose. It is a joy to work with them.’

‘Nick Hayday is a wonderful lawyer who  instils confidence in a client. When you discuss an issue with him, a clear path  towards a solution is almost immediately charted. it is also very pleasant to work with Nick on a personal level. Cameron Half (partner) is highly competent and his involvement in an issue is always welcome, contributing from his vast expertise, driving towards pragmatic solutions.’

Key clients

The Standard Bank of South Africa

Ghana Cocoa Board

ING Bank N.V.

The African Development Bank

Trafigura

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Jamaica) Limited (FCIB)

Republic of Kenya

Republic of Uzbekistan

CPI Property Group

JSC Silknet

Société Générale

UniCredit Bank

Globe Trade Centre S.A.

Nigerian Ministry of Transport

SPP – distribúcia, a.s.

Hurricane Energy

Republic of Lithuania

Emirates NBD

Work highlights

  • Advising Ghana Cocoa Board in relation to the US$1.5 billion pre-export financing of Ghana’s 2021/22 cocoa crop.
  • Advising JSC Silknet on its debut Rule 144A/Reg S bond issue of US$300 million 8.375% bonds due in 2027, together with a concurrent consent solicitation and tender offer in relation to its senior unsecured notes maturing in 2024.
  • Advised in relation to a USD$88,000,000 syndicated loan for the refinancing of the construction of a portfolio of renewable projects (solar and onshore wind) owned by a segment of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Investments across the Caribbean in Jamaica, Cayman Islands and the Republic of Guatemala.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 1

Their ability to collaborate‘ enables the team at Dentons to effectively advise beyond the domestic scope, with client relationships spanning France, Ireland, Italy, the Middle East and Africa. The team comprises sector experts who are well versed in the handling of day-to-day hotel operational issues, franchising matters, acquisitions and dispositions. Mark Daliere acts as the head of hotels for the UK and the Middle East, whilst  Rick Ross chairs the global hotels group. Both are located in Phoenix. Simon Masri, a London based partner, is well regarded for his expertise in hotel investment, finance and mixed-use development projects. He is trusted to advise by many clients including institutions and private and public companies, both UK based and overseas. Matthew Tinger is noted for his extensive corporate knowledge. Additional mention is given to recently promoted real estate partner Laura Gowing for her hotel financing and transactions expertise.

Practice head(s):

Mark Daliere; Rick Ross (US based)

Other key lawyers:

Simon Masri; Matthew Tinger; Laura Gowling

Testimonials

‘The team has the ability to put extra resource onto a deal when strict deadlines are in place; it is really helpful and has enabled transactions to be complete on time.’

‘I would give special mention to Simon Masri; he has given expert advice on several issues relating to complex customer transactions in the hospitality sector.’

‘The service and quality are always top notch. The hotels team have a clear understanding of the requirements in this sector, and the experience means that they know how to deal with every situation. When it comes to negotiations, they know how to conduct this in order to achieve the best outcome.’

‘Matthew Tinger will work day and night when it comes to a transaction. There is nobody else I would trust. He is there to make sure you have the best quality legal, negotiation, and service at every step of the way.’

‘Dentons are a large firm, but clearly have great relationships. Their ability to collaborate is what makes their firm stand out against the rest.’

‘Matthew Tinger and Simon Masri are perhaps two of the most responsive, knowledgeable and commercial partners I have met in the M&A and real estate team.

‘They are also very approachable and good people with a humbleness that I have seen only in a very few.

Key clients

Aprirose

HPL (UK) Ltd

Timothy Oulton

Topland

KSL Capital Partners

AGO Hotels

Hilton

Santander

HSBC Bank plc

Malmaison and Hotel du Vin

Work highlights

  • Advised TB Management Investment Ltd on the sale of The Belfry Hotel & Resort to Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Cedar Capital Partners.
  • Advised Summerhill Properties Limited on the sale of the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff to the property investment firm, Castleforge Partners.
  • Advised Selsdon Estates Property Limited on the corporate acquisition, related debt financing and subsequent hive-up restructuring of Selsdon Park Hotel.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 1

Dentons fields a sizeable multidisciplinary team, which handles the full spectrum of retail work include outsourcings, commercial contracts, real estate issues, privacy and cybersecurity matters, franchising work and dispute resolution. The practice utilises its global presence to advise clients both locally and internationally. Derek McCombe heads up the practice from the Glasgow office; his experience extends across 15 years’ and includes advising clients on international corporate and commercial matters. Scott Singer is well regarded for his advice to high-profile high street clients such as Marks and Spencer, John Lewis Partnership and Sainsbury’s; his particular specialisms include handling commercial contracts, IT issues and privacy work. In a recent highlight, Anna Copeman represented American Eagle Outfitters before the High Court, in proceedings pertaining to a claim concerning passing off and breach of contract. James Batham joined the practice from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP - where he led the retail and consumer sector teams - in mid-2022.

Practice head(s):

Derek McCombe

Testimonials

‘Professional, very knowledgeable on matters at hand.’

‘Very knowledgeable about their specialisms and provide timely advice.’

Key clients

John Lewis Partnership (including Waitrose)

Sainsbury’s (including Sainsbury’s Bank and Argos)

Marks & Spencer

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group

TopGolf

Avis Budget Group

Sports Direct / Frasers Group

Sigma Sports

ghd

Wella International/KKR

American Eagle Outfitters

Lottoland

Work highlights

  • Advised Sainsbury’s on matters including commercial contracts and high-value dispute resolution cases.
  • Advised Fraser Groups on matters including real estate, litigation, data privacy and employment.
  • Acted for Marks & Spencer plc in respect of High Court proceedings commenced against Aldi UK Limited in relation to its iconic product, Colin the Caterpillar.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 1

Offering ‘pragmatic and commercial advice in a timely manner’, Dentons acts for a long list of high-profile companies on all aspects of privacy, data protection and cybersecurity matters. The practice also benefits from the firm’s large global network, which makes it uniquely positioned to handle multi-jurisdictional compliance projects and regulatory investigations. Leading the team is Nick Graham, who has extensive expertise in data subject access requests, breach incidents and data sharing projects. Simon Elliott, who is described as extremely dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his clients’, is recommended for contentious data protection matters, including investigations and cybersecurity incident responses. Other key name is Antonis Patrikios, who is noted for his ‘specialism in leading multi-jurisdictional projects in the UK, EU, US and Asian’.

Practice head(s):

Nick Graham

Other key lawyers:

Simon Elliott; Antonis Patrikios; Esther Rusling (Senior Associate)

Testimonials

‘The Dentons privacy team contains many expert practitioners that are able to provide pragmatic and commercial advice in a timely manner.’ 

‘Antonis Patrikios is our client lead, and he is always willing to do what is necessary in the name of client delivery. He ensures that we get the right level of experience on the team and is able to coordinate service delivery from multiple jurisdictions.’ 

‘Simon Elliot and Esther Rusling are excellent. They understand the complexities of our business and consistently provide timely practical advice.’ 

‘The team were extremely focussed on delivering an excellent standard of work for our company. I found all members very collaborative and focussed on finding solutions which were appropriate for our business.’ 

‘Simon Elliott is extremely dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his clients, taking a pragmatic and considered approach. His technical knowledge, personable manner and attention to the commercial details of our business provided us with the valued support we needed on a critical global data privacy programme rollout.’ 

‘Simon Elliott is a very easy to work with individual, and always provides sensible advice in an accessible way.’ 

‘Antonis Patrikios always makes himself available and even makes time to arrange catch up calls to discuss burning issues in the data protection and privacy sphere, despite being extremely busy. He is my go to expert as I know I can rely on him. He is up to date, pragmatic and solution driven.’ 

‘We selected Dentons as our legal partner based on Antonis Patrikios’s specialism in leading multi-jurisdictional projects in the UK, EU, US and Asian across multiple sectors, including technology, e-commerce, media and AdTech. Antonis’s remarkable approach in supporting clients during crises makes him the most valuable external legal partner I have ever worked with.’ 

Key clients

Avis Budget Group

Bain

Capital

Dentsu

Essential Living

Informa

John Lewis

KKR

Lightship

Northern Trust

Open Text

Royal Mail

SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques)

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe (SMBCBI)

Topgolf

UNiDAYS

Virgin Group

Virgin Atlantic

Worldwide Clinical Trials

Work highlights

  • Advised Avis Budget Group on all aspects of global data protection compliance and related issues.
  • Assisted John Lewis with data protection compliance work.
  • Assisted Virgin Atlantic with its BAU data privacy operations to provide strategic and operational support across the full range of data privacy issues facing the company.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

The London-based team at Dentons is praised for its ‘superb technical expertise‘ and benefits from the firm’s global network, allowing it to work on international IT and telecoms projects. It acts for consumers and adopters of IT and telecoms in the retail, financial, transportation, energy and public sectors, and undertakes work involving commercial contracts, M&A transactions, regulatory issues, data privacy and cybersecurity work, competition mandates, financing issues and disputes across the technology and telecoms spaces. Martin Fanning and Henrietta Baker jointly lead the TMT group, while Tristan Jonckheer leads the telecoms group; Fanning handles major technology M&A mandates, Baker has acted on IT transformation projects, and Jonckheer has substantial experience in advising clients on major communication projects and regulatory matters. Dan Burge assists corporate clients with complex IT projects and procurement arrangements, and Andy Lucas has a wide-ranging and thriving practice, which includes advising private sector companies on technology projects and handling major IT outsourcing projects for governmental departments. Nick Harrison and Sarah Lima were recently promoted to the partnership.

Other key lawyers:

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Testimonials

‘Dentons offers an excellent depth of expertise in TMT and has seamless communications between departments, for example in relation to corporate, employment and tax, which is invaluable.’

‘The Dentons team provides an always innovative approach to system integration outsourcing work, always pushing for new ways to increase value for clients by adopting new and non-conventional approaches.’

‘Extremely skilled in their field, very open minded and collaborative, all supported by total integrity and respect for colleagues and counterparts.’

‘Dentons provides not only superb technical expertise but it is always embedded in a real understanding of our business, as well as the market. From the partners down to the associates, they are a pleasure to deal with and always deliver pragmatic, prompt and digestible advice.’

‘The team are approachable and demonstrate great client service. There is an expectation that a legal team will be highly knowledgeable. It is the way their knowledge is delivered in a commercially-focused manner that sets them apart.’

‘Henrietta Baker uses her extensive experience to provide practical and commercial solutions and legal strategy support. Henrietta and her team became an extension of our team and were easy to work with.’

‘Tristan Jonckheer is a trusted advisor, valued by key stakeholders. He provides commercial legal advice in a clear and articulate manner, often going above and beyond, making him stand out from his competitors.’

‘Tristan Jonckheer managed the support to our team in a seamless manner, quickly ensuring his team and him were up to speed with our ways of working and providing a notably responsive approach.’

Key clients

Vodafone Italia

Capita

EDF Energy

Royal Mail Group

Secure Meters

Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA)

Wella International / KKR

TechnologyOne

UiPath

Facebook

Work highlights

  • Advising Secure Meters in relation to its bid to the DCC to design, build and operate a bespoke IT solution for Device Management services to support the roll out of next generation communication hubs to approximately 26 million energy consumers.
  • Advising Royal Mail on its highly complex agreements with BT and Zebra to supply high performance, rugged mobile devices and to provide critical related communications services and IT support services over five years.
  • Advising ghd on its global implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning systems.

Transport > Rail Tier 1

The first-rate team at Dentons advises on all aspects of the rail industry from passenger and freight to infrastructure development and operations. It also excels in light rail and trams as well as regularly advising on a whole host of other issues from franchises and concessions, stock procurement and maintenance to financing, technology and safety matters. It fields a large UK rail team that has a national coverage with significant international capabilities. Matthew Hanslip-Ward heads the team – he has continued to lead on various matters in the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic affecting the UK passenger industry and has been involved in several highly strategic projects. Christopher McGee-Osborne also plays a pivotal role in the department while Mark Macaulay is adept at advising on major infrastructure contracts. Counsel Martin Watt has particular expertise in rolling stock matters and senior associate Jonathan Smith’s work spans franchising, concessions and rolling stock.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Hanslip Ward

Testimonials

‘In the rail market Dentons has a team with long experience in all aspects of the industry’.

‘Advice and support from Matthew Hanslip-Ward and Jonathan Smith have been excellent over many years – it is always provided swiftly and in an understandable manner with due regard to commercial requirements’.

Key clients

MTR Corporation

Deutsche Bahn

Arriva (including certain of its TOCs)

Virgin

Stagecoach

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“Network Rail”)

Alstom

Transport for London

Mitsui

Rail Delivery Group

MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Limited

GB Railfreight

DB Schenker

DB International Operations

Transdev

Department for Transport

Work highlights

  • Continuing to support on delivering the Crossrail/Elizabeth Line project due to open fully in Spring 2022 with services commencing operation through the central section tunnel through central London from Paddington to Liverpool Street.
  • Advising on the Police, Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail and Road investigations into the tragic derailment near Stonehaven/Carmont on 12 August 2020, with the Report published on 10 March 2022.
  • Assisted Britishvolt on acquiring and developing its UK site including the development of a rail connected freight terminal. The £4+ bn project will result in the third largest man made structure in the UK being built.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 1

Dentons calls upon its extensive international footprint to support clients on a broad variety of domestic and international tax matters; examples include the planning and structuring of corporate transactions and reorganisations, employment taxation and share schemes, real estate tax, cross-border deals and VAT. Gwen Souter, the team’s practice head, is also a charted accountant and caters to a mixture of listed companies, multinational entities and privately held businesses; her team includes Lorna McCaa, dual-qualified as a charted tax adviser, whose expertise spans corporate and property transactions, tax-efficient employee incentivisation schemes, SDLT, LBTT and capital allowances.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Lorna McCaa; John Finnick

Key clients

M&G Real Estate (various funds)

The PRS REIT  plc

The Edrington Group Limited

Axle Group Holdings Limited

Hurricane Energy plc

Scottish Equity Partners LLP

Bute Island Foods Limited (and its shareholders)

Evolution Equity Partners

John Lewis Partnership

Marshall Motor Group Limited

Work highlights

  • Providing a full range of tax advice to Sigma Capital Group plc in relation to a £188m recommended all cash offer for its entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital by Six Bidco Ltd, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of investment funds managed by PineBridge Benson Elliot LLP.            
  • Advising Evolution Equity Partners as Lead Investor on Elliptic’s $60m Series C funding round.  Elliptic’s business of cryptoasset risk management meets demand for a product that did not exist in any material way until recently.
  • Acted for the shareholder sellers of Bute Island Foods Limited who founded and built the business, a leading producer of vegan cheese, to a Canadian multi-national.  This was a significant and high value transaction for an area of Scotland outside the main population centres.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 1

Dentons demonstrates a tenacity for merger control, compliance, vertical supply chain, competition litigation, public procurement, utilities regulation and dawn raid mandates, deploying its far-reaching international network to handle both domestic and cross-border affairs. Practice head Michael Dean is reputed for the full array of competition law matters, a forte which he complements with extensive expertise of regulatory law, particularly within the water, post and power fields. Elsewhere, Catriona Munro is a go-to for state aid, cartel and contentious competition law affairs meanwhile counsel Carolyn Burns is forging a prominent reputation among government and regulatory clients. Senior associate Melanie Martin is also a key member of the team, having notably advised the UK government on competition, Brexit and state aid-related issues.

Practice head(s):

Michael Dean

Other key lawyers:

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

  • Defending Daimler in a follow-on claim brought on behalf of 21 Scottish local authorities in relation to the European Commission’s Trucks decision; the first private damages competition case in Scotland.
  • Representing Stagecoach South Western Trains Limited (SSWT) in ongoing collective proceedings in the Competition Appeal Tribunal brought by Justin Gutmann against SSWT and two other rail operators in relation to alleged abuse of dominance regarding boundary fares.
  • Handling global merger approvals for KPS Capital Partners, including unconditional EC merger clearance, its €2.25bn acquisition of Crown Holdings, Inc.’s European Tinplate business, comprising 44 manufacturing facilities in 17 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

The corporate team at Dentons is frequently involved in multi-jurisdictional acquisitions due to its international reach, with work that spans industries such as automotive and insurance. The firm has a diverse client base with high profile names such as the Royal Mail Group and the John Lewis Partnership and the team carries out specialist insurance work in the warranties and indemnity sector. The practice is headed by corporate expert Christopher Colclough and Nick Harrison who routinely leads deals in the retail and sports sectors. Senior associate Ryan Chia works on public sector matters.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Colclough; Nick Harrison

Other key lawyers:

Ryan Chia; Faye Garvey; Francesca Betterman

Testimonials

‘They get the work done.’

‘Very responsible and knowledgable.’

‘What stands out about our experience with Dentons is the collaboration. It is very easy to tell theirs is a culture of delivering excellence to the client in a transparent and considered manner.’

‘Chris is incredibly hard working diligent and was able to summarise complex legal matters succinctly, therefore protecting us from information overload which may have distracted the sellers in their day to day work. Chris introduced Ryan Chia who acted as our Senior associate and we were delighted with his professionalism, diligence and hard work. At no point did we feel uncomfortable or uncertain in the process and this is credit to both these individuals and the heavy lifting that they provided during the transaction process. All individuals we dealt with (Chris, Ryan and associate Rebekah Hobbs) were all very personable.’

‘Flexible.’

‘Experienced in automation installation and IT contracts.’

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

Group 1

Saracens Limited

Roku Inc

The National Crime Agency

Strictly F/X

Energie Fitness

Inwido UK

Work highlights

  • Advised Marshall Motor Holding on its acquisition of Motorline Holdings Limited.
  • Advised the shareholders of Axis Electronics limited on the sale of their shares.
  • Advised Saracens RFC on day-to-day commercial legal and contractual matters.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

Dentons represents clients in various areas of law such as product liability, asset finance, professional negligence, franchising, fraud, data protection and construction. The team has a diverse clientele across sectors including banking, insurance, automotive, manufacturing, transport, retail and energy. The practice is well versed in alternative dispute resolution methods such as adjudication and arbitration. New team head Louisa Caswell joined from Addleshaw Goddard while James Fairbairn  is well-regarded for breach of contract matters. Tim Constable handles international disputes while Rob Francis covers public inquiry work. Sarah Rutnah is another experienced litigator.

Practice head(s):

Louisa Caswell

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Tim Constable is an excellent and energetic partner. Brings a very creative mind to strategic issues.’

‘Sarah Rutnah is an up and coming senior associate. Works like a trojan with a sound commercial instinct.’

‘Dentons is a full service law firm, with some very good lawyers.’

‘Tim Constable is by far and away one of the most talented lawyers in the industry – he’s a real asset to Dentons – extremely knowledgeable, determined to provide clients with the best service possible and a really nice guy.’

‘James Fairbairn is a very experienced litigator with a very good sense of how cases will play out in court.’

‘The team headed by James Fairbairn stands out to me due to the high quality of their lawyers. My experience is that they are very bright, up to date with the law, have a full and proper understanding of the legal issues in the case and are alive to the difficulties in any particular matter. The draft documents, correspondence and submissions prepared by the team are excellent. I have recommended clients to James Fairbairn’s team in the past and will continue to do so.’

‘James Fairbairn is a seasoned litigator, nothing phases him, he’s seen it all before and vigorously fights every corner for the benefit of clients. Coupled with that however he provides wise advice. He is realistic about the strengths and weaknesses in any particular case and provides solid, clear, practical advice to clients. He is also a pleasure to work with.’

‘Rob Francis is fantastic. He knows our business inside out, which shows when he’s litigating on our behalf. Rob can be trusted with any of our instructions.’

Key clients

Pathfinder Mozambique SA

JV Consultores Internacionais Limitada

National House-Building Council

Circumference Investments (Europe) Limited

Circumference (Luxembourg) SARL

Circumference Holdings Ltd

Iliv Realty PTE

Petro Trade

Rubis

Lasko Products LLC

Avis Budget UK Limited

 

Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

The employment team at Dentons is well known in the local market in Milton Keynes in addition to its broader reputation.  The team advises on a range of matters from employment tribunal claims to day-to-day matters and has a roster of big-name clients including HSBC, TUI and Virgin Group. The practice operates across several sectors including retail, transport, technology and telecommunications. Practice head Sarah Beeby is experienced in restructuring while Michelle Lamb is specialised in whistleblowing and discrimination cases. Verity Buckingham handles contentious employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Beeby

Other key lawyers:

Michelle Lamb; Verity Buckingham

Testimonials

‘The team are very responsive and if we need to speak to them urgently they will make it happen even if it is not with our usual contact. They are friendly and approachable.’

‘I have predominantly worked with Verity Buckingham who is always approachable, friendly and knowledgeable. I have confidence in the advice she gives and she does so in a customer centric way.’

Key clients

TUI UK Limited

HSBC Bank plc

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited

Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited

Chanel

Rackspace Limited

Science in Sport plc

Wizz Air Limited

Saracens

Royal Albert Hall

Marks & Spencer Plc

Total SA

Lionsgate Entertainment Inc

Under Armour

Group 1 Automotive

3M

Cognita Schools Limited

Drax Corporate Limited

Octopus Investments Limited

KKR

Work highlights

  • Supported Rackspace on an outsourcing agreement with BT for cloud services.
  • Advised on employment law issues arising out of 3M’s innovative global “Work Your Way” policy.
  • Advised KKR on its bid to acquire data center operator CyrusOne, Inc.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1

The experienced banking and finance team at Dentons is accustomed to advising on bilateral acquisitions, leveraged financings, syndicated lending transactions, real estate and Islamic financings. The firm has been highly involved in Covid-19 related work such as covenant waivers and renegotiation of financial covenants. A strong international presence is reflected in the firm’s client base with several overseas banks including Bank of Montreal and Fifth Third Bank. Practice head Christopher Colclough and Robert Wyatt focus on real estate finance transactions. Faye Garvey handles leverage and acquisition finance transactions.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Colclough

Other key lawyers:

Robert Wyatt; Faye Garvey

Testimonials

‘Denton’s have a diverse team who are able to deal with any legal matter that arises. Their billing structure also recognises the needs of a medium sized company.’

‘The team at Denton’s  practice are always quick to respond and provide solutions to issues. Ryan Chia and Chris Colclough have helped recently navigate a challenging management incentives scheme.’

Key clients

HSBC Bank

NatWest

Metro Bank

QIB (UK) plc

Lloyds Banking Group

Santander

Bank of Montreal

Royal Bank of Canada

Home Décor GB Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised National House-Building Council on an agreement and associated security arrangements with Drakar Limited.
  • Advised QIB (UK) plc with the on-shoring of three master murabaha facilities and underlying property assets.
  • Advised Metro Bank plc on two loan facilities to the Gardening Express group to assist with the refinancing of two properties.

Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1

Dentons has in recent years consolidated its professional negligence teams by closing its Watford office to merge with its base in Milton Keynes, which particularly focuses on construction matters in addition to representing lenders including several major banks. James Fairbairn has nearly 40 years of experience, including work as a solicitor advocate, and is overseeing the expansion of the firm’s sports litigation practice. CEDR-accredited mediator Tim Constable‘s work, meanwhile, is focused on lender claims – he sits on the professional negligence panels of a number of lenders, including ten years for Barclays Bank. He is supported by senior associate Sarah Rutnah, who is focused on claims involving fraud.

Practice head(s):

James Fairbairn; Tim Constable

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I have been so impressed by Dentons that I am using them again in another matter. James Fairbairn puts a great deal of thought into his communication with me in what has been an incredibly protracted and distressing situation, he is clear and concise, patient and kind, knowledgeable and efficient and this is reflected in all my interactions with his team. They also laugh at my jokes which takes a special kind of patience.’

‘I was singularly impressed with the professionalism of Sarah Rutnah and her focus on leading me through a very stressful negotiation which led to a very satisfactory outcome. I was kept fully advised each step of the way and I could not have been in better hands.’

‘Sarah Rutnah is a confident, highly knowledgeable and professional lawyer who does not take any prisoners and is so focused that you are persuaded you are the only pebble on the beach.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Delta Hotels on pursuing claims against project managers. The alleged negligence relates to failures to set a proper budget for the improvement of two Hilton brand hotels followed by inadequate management of the building contractor appointed to complete the works. This in turn lead to a circa 3.5 million overspend.
  • Represented Grant Coughtrey in a professional negligence claim against an accountant and tax consultant arising out the entering into and unwinding of an E-Share tax scheme.
  • Assisted the National House-Building Council with providing evidence surrounding guidance which it issued prior to the Grenfell Tower fire. Dentons’ work involves the critical review of the conduct of many parties, including construction professionals, involved with Grenfell Tower disaster and a wider review of accepted professional standards.

Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

Dentons is one of the leading real estate practices in the South East and regularly handles complex high value transactions. The Milton Keynes-based team services clients across multiple sectors including retail, logistics, residential and the public sector. The firm carries out acquisition work for house builder clients such as Taylor Wimpey and acts for banks including HSBC on lending matters. Since Roland Gray left to join Browne Jacobson LLP, Robert Wyatt  now heads the real estate team and has experience in residential development work. Lorna Rogers handles acquisitions, disposals and conditional agreements. Susie Stross specialises in railway management work.

Practice head(s):

Robert Wyatt

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

Pye Homes

Taylor Wimpey

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited – Convenience

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited – Estates

Oak Furnitureland Group

Group 1 Automotive

Eastbrook Facilities Limited (SPV)

National Crime Agency

Mulberry Homes

Abbey Developments Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on the sale of a high profile property at 42/43 New Bond Street by long standing investor client Ebchester.
  • Advised Pye Homes in relation to proposals for a new garden town at Harrington in Oxfordshire.
  • Assisted Sainsbury’s group with the acquisition of several local fulfilment centres which are mid sized depots in key network locations across the country.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1

The Dentons team in Milton Keynes has established itself as a go-to market leader for organizations behind large sports events worldwide. In a recent highlight, the team fronted by Nick Harrison assisted the Esports Awards with hosting their event in Arlington, Texas. Harrison is a specialist in retail and sports matters particularly where they intersect with IT. In disputes clients may rely on seasoned litigator James Fairbairn who handles all forms of commercial dispute resolution. A rising star within the team is associate Rose McDowall, particularly noteworthy for her experience with commercial contracts, especially in media distribution.

Practice head(s):

Nick Harrison

Other key lawyers:

Work highlights

  • Advised Silverstone Circuits Limited in relation to staging of the 2021 Formula 1 British Grand Prix in July 2021 amidst the on-going Covid restrictions regarding large-scale events; bringing the event within the Event Research Programme’s requirements.
  • Advised Saracens RFC on their agreement with StoneX Financial to become principal sponsor of the men’s rugby team and the naming rights holder in respect of the now StoneX Stadium.
  • Advised Silverstone Circuits Limited on its agreement with Goose Live Events for the staging of a new experimental motoring event “Switch Live”.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 2

Dentons continues to be highly active in cross-border PE transactions, where it leverages its network of offices around the world to act for both sponsors and portfolio companies. Clients value the PE group, which acts across a broad range of sectors, for its ‘practical advice in terms of moving deals towards completion’. Nicholas Plant and Stephen Levy are key names to note in the department, with experience acting for buyout houses including KKR, KPS and LeapFrog. Plant co-heads the firm’s global private equity group and is praised as having ‘industry expertise and a fresh business-oriented approach’.

Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Plant; Stephen Levy; Joseph Altendorff; James Davison; Matthew Tinger

Testimonials

‘Able to blend offices and people to deliver at a sensible cost point (uses right people for right jobs rather than one size fits all). Clear and prompt billing helps us stay ahead of issues. Coverage across all key services that we needed.’

‘Nick Plant was both available and on top of the detail throughout the transaction – he also managed the wider Dentons team effectively and was authoritative in supporting our non-executive directors through the deal.’

‘Offers expertise, availability and delegation to the appropriate level. Quick response times’

‘Practical advice in terms of moving deals towards completion.’

‘Nicholas Plant is a remarkable lawyer with industry expertise and a fresh business-oriented approach. He is a reliable source to our organization and is able to connect us with other team players for our different transactions. Highly recommendable. Billing is fair.’

‘Matthew Tinger was very engaged and available. One key differentiator is that he “owns” a process and will guide the deal team/ proactively manages the process and pushes documents along. At the same time, very efficient in work scope and fair with regards to billing.’

Work highlights

  • Advised CPPIB and other private equity owners of CompareTheMarket.com on the auction sale of subsidiary BGLi to Pollen Street Capital portfolio company Markerstudy for £400m.
  • Advised BNF Capital on its joint venture with Rolls Royce to develop small modular nuclear reactors, with £210m of matching funds from UK Government .
  • Advised global B2B payments company, Trevipay (a portfolio company of Corsair Capital, a NY and London based private equity firm) on the sale of MSTS Tolls to Shell.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 2

The lawyers at Dentons are ‘very approachable and knowledgeable on securitisation matters and talk in an easy-to-understand manner.‘ ‘They pull together to deliver the work required and provide great communication‘, remarks one source, noting that the firm offers ‘‘excellent professional service, providing timely and high-quality advice on complex securitisation matters‘. The firm is best known for its work on mortgage loan transactions, trade receivables, and securitisations of corporate loans, trade finance receivables and auto loans. Peter Voisey, who is ‘an expert in his field, very experienced in secured funding matters and communicates very clearly‘, leads the practice along with Edward Hickman, who focuses on loan portfolio sales, financing and servicing across Europe. Voisey acted for Coventry Building Society in a the update of its RMBS programme and the issuance of £350m in notes thereunder. Hickman led a team that assisted Oaktree Capital with the first European non-performing loan securitisation structured to be offered to US investors. 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

‘They are very approachable and knowledgeable on securitisation matters and talk in an easy to understand manner.’

‘They pull together to deliver the work required and provide great communication.’

‘The partner we deal with (Peter Voisey) is very experienced in secured funding matters. He and the team are always available to discuss matters and provide regular updates.’

‘They communicate very clearly and provide updates on regulatory development as and when required.’

‘Excellent professional service providing timely high quality advice on complex securitisation matters.’

‘Peter Voisey is an expert in his field.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Coventry Building Society on its update of RMBS programme, Economic Master Issuer PLC, and issue of £350 million series 2021-1 notes under the programme.
  • Advising a leading UK retail bank on a series of private securitisation programmes, by which they funded a number of accredited Fintech lending platforms under the British Business Bank’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILs) and Recovery Loan Schemes.
  • Advising Charter Court Financial Services Group Plc in successfully completing negative consent processes in relation to Notes and Residual Certificates issued by Charter Mortgage Funding 2018-1 PLC, Precise Mortgage Funding 2018-2B PLC and Precise Mortgage Funding 2018-1B PLC.

Finance > Trade finance Tier 2

The commodities, trade and upstream finance practice at Dentons provides ‘sound and knowledgeable advice‘ on a broad spectrum of complex and cross-border work, and it counts ING Bank, ED&F Man and Trafigura among its key clients. Lead partner Tim Pipe has extensive experience in the English law upstream oil and gas financing market and frequently works on financings and re-financings in the sector across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America. Simon Prendergast, who joined from Addleshaw Goddard, is regarded as a leading asset-based lending and receivables financing lawyer and he frequently advises UK and international banks, as well as numerous large corporates. Ian Clements frequently handles syndicated borrowing base, pre-export and structured prepayment financings, as well as bilateral secured trade finance facilities, receivables financing transactions, trade finance distributions and export credit financings.

Practice head(s):

Ian Clements

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Sound and knowledgeable.’

‘Ian Clements: He is responsive and understands the issues.’

Key clients

ING Bank N.V.

Ghana Cocoa Board

Coöoperative Rabobank U.A

E D & F Man Group

Natixis

UK Export Finance

Trafirgura

FBNQuest Merchant Bank

Work highlights

  • Advising Trafigura as arranger of a reserve based lending facility for Panoro Energy in connection with its acquisition of Tullow assets in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
  • Advising Ghana Cocoa in relation to its annual syndicated receivables-backed pre-export financing facility.
  • Advising AfDB on the development of a suite of guarantee documentation in relation to its newly implemented trade finance guarantee programme.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 2

The ‘very experienced, practical and approachable’ five-partner team at Dentons remains best known for its aviation-related finance and leasing work, where its client base includes a varied array of stakeholders, including airlines, manufacturers, lessors and lenders. Most of the work is led from the London office, although its huge international network means it can provide a one-stop-shop service, not just on English law but also on relevant local law issues should they arise. The firm’s relatively recently launched Dublin office has also enabled the firm to provide unique English/Irish law solutions on matters and enhanced its ability to service some of its lessor clients, a good number of which are headquartered in Dublin. Paul Holland is ‘massively experienced’, particularly on matters with a Middle Eastern nexus, and has recently provided expert guidance to longstanding client, Emirates, as it dealt with vastly reduced demand throughout the pandemic. Nick Chandler has a balanced practice which includes work for banks and airlines, as well as an increasing volume of lessor-related work, including his recent work for Chorus Aviation  on the acquisition of Falko Regional Aircraft from Fortress Investment Group. Serge Sergiou is also one of the more senior members of the team, whose longstanding presence in the market has seen him active across a range of different leasing and finance structures, including for core client Airbus. The ‘very approachable and pragmatic’ Stephen Temple co-heads the team alongside Sarah Dyke. Greg Kahn left to join Keystone Law in October 2021.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Dyke; Stephen Temple

Other key lawyers:

Nick Chandler; Serge Sergiou; Paul Holland; Lee McLernon; James Francis; Grace Stobbart

Testimonials

This team is very experienced, practical and approachable.’

The team is experienced and always looks at the holistic picture which is much appreciated.’

‘Paul Holland knows our business and is massively experienced.’

‘Stephen Temple is a very approachable, pragmatic person that you want to have on your side when it comes to solving problems. He understands the issues and gets to the point with no fuss.’

Lee McLernon is an excellent lawyer who has built up a very strong reputation over many years in the industry.’

James Francis always looks at the bigger picture.’

‘Great at getting the deal done, communication with all stakeholders and staying on top of hundreds of emails at once.’

‘The single greatest quality is the calm measured way that every activity is undertaken.’

Key clients

Emirates

TUI Group

Qatar Airways

Goshawk Aviation

Chorus Aviation

Avolon Aerospace

Airbus

TAP Air Portugal

Minsheng Financial Leasing

Wizz Air

Bocomm Leasing

Engine Lease Finance Corporation

ORIX

ALAFCO

Société Générale

LCI

Ryanair

JP Morgan

BNP Paribas

Faurecia

The Air Ambulance Service

Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank

Work highlights

  • Advising Chorus Aviation on the acquisition of Falko Regional Aircraft from Fortress Investment Group, creating the second largest regional operating lessor in the world.
  • Advising Ryanair on a successful €1.2bn bond issue.
  • Advising Qatar Airways on the non-bank financing of two Boeing 777F aircraft arranged by the alternative investment firm Castlelake.

Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds Tier 2

Based across the firm’s Edinburgh and London offices, the team at Dentons is experienced in a wide variety of listed fund transactions, including in relation to consolidations of investment companies, secondary fundraisings and the spectrum of financial regulatory issues. The group also has expertise in REITs, an area where multiple team members are adept. Jointly taking the lead are London’s Guy Norfolk  and Edinburgh’s Claire Armstrong , who has built a reputation for investment trust and REIT design and launch instructions. In London, Cameron Half contributes US securities-related advice, which he brings to bear in relation to cross-border listed fund transactional work; while in Edinburgh, senior associate Owen McLennan is developing an impressive practice involving ESG and impact investing.

Practice head(s):

Guy Norfolk; Claire Armstrong

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Specialist team that understands investment trusts and the issues that impact them.’

‘Long-standing, broad experience of the area within a well-resourced firm.’

‘Guy Norfolk stands out as the lead partner. He is an excellent lawyer with good communication and client handling skills. He thinks things through and I would be comfortable going to Guy for any aspect of legal advice including something complex. He’s a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Dentons’ willingness to understand our business and the ability to call on other teams from within the firm to assist on some of the more niche areas means we have a fully integrated one stop shop for our legal advice.’

‘The team is headed by Guy Norfolk. The stand out factor with Guy is his depth of knowledge and expertise and this is married with a confident, calm approach which is often invaluable when dealing with several parties. His advice is always excellent and definitive and delivered in a manner that is easy to comprehend and tailored for our business. An extremely capable lawyer and one we enjoy working with.’

Key clients

Baillie Gifford & Co

abrdn

Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust

Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust

The PRS REIT

The Edinburgh Investment Trust

Hansa Investment Company

Invesco Bond Income Plus

Invesco Select Trust

Investec Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised a fund manager on legal aspects of flagship MOBILIST programme, catalysing investment in underdeveloped markets.
  • Lead advisors to Invesco Bond Income Plus Limited and Invesco Enhanced Income Limited on the merger of these two Jersey investment companies by means of contractual scheme of reconstruction, a first of its kind in Jersey.
  • Advised a US-focused smaller companies fund on the change of its manager from Jupiter-managed trust.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure Tier 2

The infrastructure team at Dentons is strong in the roads, defence, healthcare, education, transportation and renewable energy sectors. The practice advises on transactions, including M&A, as well as PFI and PPP projects. The group is jointly led by the Edinburgh-based Euan Wilson  and Stewart Maciver, and London’s Dominic Spacie . Wilson is a name for project finance and acts for large UK investment funds; Maciver handles both primary and secondary market transactions; while Spacie advises banks, institutional investors, development finance institutions, contractors and government entities on domestic and cross-border transactions.

Practice head(s):

Euan Wilson; Stewart Maciver; Dominic Spacie

Testimonials

‘All engagements are well managed by the respective partners and associates with each bringing, when needed, sound challenge and commercial judgement’.

‘The Dentons team are always understanding of our particular business deliverables and market, working in collaboration with company directors and our key management teams’.

‘The knowledge and awareness of our industry demonstrated by Dentons’ key individuals gives us the surety that their advice and opinion is robust’.

‘Very experienced and diligent’.

Work highlights

  • Advising over 51 PFI project companies on amendments necessary to their project finance loan documents and associated interest rate hedging swaps which have arisen from the FCA/Bank of England’s move away from permitting use of LIBOR as a reference rate for UK loans.
  • Appointed to advise the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the c. £10bn, 11-Lot re-procurement of its maritime services contracts.
  • Acting as project counsel for the c. £4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2

Dentons has ‘a demonstrable wealth of experience in the sector, which is impressive in nature and reassuring to those with whom they are dealing’. The team is active in a range of areas relating to the oil and gas industry, including development, regulatory, commercial, corporate, disputes and financing work. Humphrey Douglas heads the team and has considerable experience of international transactions, while Charles Wood is experienced in the design of new commercial and regulatory frameworks for market reform and large energy projects both domestically and globally. Colm Ó hUiginn joined from Shearman & Sterling LLP in March 2022. Alistair Black left for Norton Rose Fulbright in September 2021 and Christopher Thomson left for Squire Patton Boggs in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Humphrey Douglas

Other key lawyers:

Charles Wood; Liz Tout; Christopher Thomson

Testimonials

‘Dentons’ Oil & Gas team has a demonstrable wealth of experience in the sector, which is impressive in nature and reassuring to those with whom they are dealing’.

‘The team is very knowledgeable, experienced and competent’.

‘They easily understand the key issues and present highly valued advice and solutions’.

‘The team responds quickly and with very good quality on requests and inquiries’. 

‘The individuals are very experienced and knowledgeable’.

‘They know the business and they are very professional’.

‘The individuals are positive and service-minded and always seek to find the best way to solve an issue or dispute’.

‘They work hard and have strong problem-solving skills’.

Work highlights

  • Acting as project counsel for the c. £4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
  • Advised on the sale of its 15.5% interest in the Shah Deniz gas field, one of the world’s largest gas-condensate fields, and associated offshore pipelines in Azerbaijan to three separate (pre-empting) purchasers.
  • Advising BEIS since early 2021 in respect of a seminal reform project in the electricity and gas markets. This is an extensive public/administrative law project which puts us at the heart of the energy industry.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 2

Dentons is frequently advising on power matters which are at the heart of the UK energy transition including new technologies such as battery storage, EV, compressed air and carbon capture. The firm has a large international presence which allows it to work on cross-border deals and recent matters include Xlinks’ remote generation project involving 10GW of solar and onshore wind in Morocco. Practice head Lucille De Silva  has particular expertise in power purchase agreements while Christopher McGee-Osborne  is experienced in negotiating commercial contracts. Charles July  advises on project development work and is supported by transactional lawyer Humphrey Douglas.

Practice head(s):

Lucille De Silva

Other key lawyers:

Christopher McGee Osborne; Charles July; Humphrey Douglas

Testimonials

‘Solid practice, well resourced.’

‘David Cruickshank is an excellent practitioner with strong market knowledge.’

‘Dentons have created a large team of lawyers with diverse strengths, skills and knowledge. Their skill sets are all unique and yet complement each other so they can always field someone with exactly the specialist skills you need. The depth of their experience is particularly notable with many of their lawyers having decades of industry, government and regulatory experience. There simply isn’t an energy team in London to rival them!’

‘Christopher McGhee- Osborne is a standout experienced practioner in this field. He is very good at targeting client’s needs and always approachable and practical.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Pale Blue Dot on the c. £4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
  • Advised Britishvolt on the development of the UK’s first gigafactory.
  • Advised BEIS in respect of a seminal reform project in the electricity and gas markets.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

Multinational firm Dentons advises a host of international investors from as far afield as South Korea, India, the US, and Luxembourg, drawing on its large, cross-border real estate network. The firm is active in the alternative assets and BTR sectors, as well as the senior living market and student accomodation, all of which national real estate practice head Deepa Deb has a particular focus in. Rob Thompson is head of the national and Middle East real estate practice and uses his 'deep knowledge' to advise banks, private equity funds, and listed and non-listed property companies, in addition to large corporates which operate in the office, hotels, logistics, retail, and high-end residential sectors. Alex Coulter  focuses on investment, development, and lease negotiations in the logistics, retail, and office sectors, while associate Carla Revelo has 'excellent attention to detail' and extensive expertise in high-value development projects and investment portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Deepa Deb

Other key lawyers:

Rob Thompson; Alex Coulter; Rupert Dodwell; Carla Revelo

Key clients

RTP Global

Harrison Street

Realstar

Heitman

Royal Mail

John Lewis Partnership/Waitrose

Taylor Wimpey

Frasers Group Plc (Sports Direct)

Transport for London

Redevco

Work highlights

  • Advised the John Lewis Partnership on new plans to install up to 800 electric vehicle charging points in Waitrose’s car parks in collaboration with Shell.
  • Advised Royal Mail on the renewal of circa 150 English, Welsh, and Scottish leases with the landlord, Telerium Trillium.
  • Advised on the real estate aspects of the corporate sale of National Tyres, Autocare, Tyre Shopper, and Viking Wholesale Tyres to Halfords. This involved a UK wide real estate portfolio of circa 248 properties and included the requirement to vary a number of leases.

Real estate > Environment Tier 2

Dentons‘s environment team is led by Stephen Shergold and benefits from his environmental expertise across sectors including oil and gas, waste and environmental insurance. The team also draws on the experience of environmental law experts including Helen Bowdren, who regularly acts on complex cross border mandates, Sam Boileau, whose expertise includes the environmental regulation of the oil & gas and waste sectors, and Pamela Coulthard, whose specialisms includes regulatory issues surrounding oil & gas decommissioning and pollution control. Recently, the firm has moved to expand its ESG practices, including through creating the ESG: Global Solution Hub, a tool used to measure legal risk for clients. The firm works across jurisdictions, leveraging its global influence and network to participate on high profile international cases.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Shergold

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very strong team of dedicated environmental solicitors. Practical knowledge of environmental matters. Able to assist on challenging matters.’

‘Commercial advice; strong networks’

‘The Dentons team boasts a truly global reach but manage to maintain consistency in the quality of their service delivery. The Environmental team is highly experienced, knowledgeable and commercial. They always deliver, probably because they take the time to really understand our needs up front.’

‘Stephen Shergold is simply the most commercial environmental lawyer that I have come across in the industry. His knowledge of environmental law and its interplay with the environmental insurance products that our company provides is unrivalled. Stephen is also at the forefront of ESG risks and provides practical, up to date legal advice in an easily understood, commercially sound manner. He is the leading practitioner in the niche space of environmental and ESG litigation risk and insurance.’

Key clients

BASF

AIG

Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality

Centrica Storage Limited

Avis Budget Group

SSE

Network Rail

SCOR

KPS Capital Partners

Peadbody

SLIP

Work highlights

  • Advising BritishVolt on a range of environmental matters, including developing and carrying out an ESG Agility Assessment for the client to produce a picture of the client’s flexibility to meet the rapidly evolving business paradigm of transparent environmental and social performance and corporate governance.
  • Advising TotalEnergies SA on the packaging for and proposed sale of its UK refinery. This sale successfully completed in 2021.
  • Advising BASF, one of the largest chemical companies in the world, on commercial and regulatory issues arising as a result of Brexit.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

Dentons advises clients across a range of real estate litigation matters; the team's expertise includes rent review, property insolvency and restructuring, alienation, rights of light, restrictive covenants, nuisance and negligence claims. The practice is headed by Bryan Johnston. He is known as a specialist in property litigation; his particular specialisms include the Electronic Communications Code, party walls, development agreements and portfolio management. The practice advises a broad range of clients from insurers, retailers, investors and corporates, to public sector bodies, local authorities and government agencies.

Practice head(s):

Bryan Johnston

Testimonials

‘The depth and breadth of experience available and the speed and quality of advice is excellent.’

‘Their knowledge of my portfolio is excellent, and their willingness to deliver results under tough time constraints is extremely valued.’

‘Very skilled and knowledgeable team.’

‘Bryan Johnston who leads the team is an excellent property litigator with a particular expertise in rights of light.’

‘The Dentons team are a very strong and practical team who focuses intensely on what the client needs to achieve.’

‘Bryan Johnston is at the top of his game – a true expert on lots of areas, particularly rights of light. He puts the client’s needs above all else to a degree I have rarely seen.’

‘Bryan Johnston is a great person to work with. He is delightful company, knows his stuff and is someone you want to listen to.’

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

  • Advised Ashtead Warren Property Association Limited on a Right of Way dispute over The Warren.
  • Advised liquidator in relation to the property portfolio of Carillion Construction Limited on general real estate litigation advice.
  • Advised National House Building Council on the Grenfell Tower inquiry concerning the co-ordination, management and production of disclosure documents, witness interviews and hearings.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2

Dentons’ corporate governance team is ‘always helpful and supportive in providing quick advice on corporate governance matters’. With the ability to leverage its global platform, the firm is well placed to advise large international clients on cross-border governance matters and has particular expertise in data privacy, employment, tax, finance and regulatory issues. The team is jointly led by Richard Barham and Katharine Harle; Barham handles governance-related M&A, joint venture and restructuring issues in the transportation, banking, manufacturing and sports sectors; and Harle is recommended for disputes, regulatory and investigations work. In December 2021, former practice co-head Martin Mankabady left for Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, while counsel Dan Lund joined from Akin. Daren Allen left for Shoosmiths LLP in June 2021 and Chris Brennan joined from White & Case LLP in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Richard Barham; Katharine Harle

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very efficient and supportive’.

‘Always helpful and supportive in providing quick advice on corporate governance matters’.

‘Depth and breath of experience in respect of all aspects of legal advice, transparency in respect of fee quotes and billing’.

‘Global reach and reputation’.

‘Katharine Harle, who has been my main contact in recent years regarding corporate governance issues, has provided excellent timely advice’.

‘Katharine Harle is always proactive, responsive and provides clear and accurate advice and guidance’.

Work highlights

  • Acted for Eric Parry Architects Limited on the corporate restructuring to allow for the existing shareholders to retire over a period of time; and to fulfil the client’s desire for the company to be owned by its senior employees through an employee benefit trust (EBT).
  • Advising the Uzbek company Artel Engineering & Management LLC on a joint venture to operate a goldmine in Uzbekistan. The transaction involved negotiating a shareholders’ agreement and the constitution of the joint venture company.
  • Acting as company secretary for the National Bank of Egypt UK Limited, including attending all board meetings, steering committee meetings and meetings of the audit and risk committee meetings.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Franchising Tier 2

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 2

Dentons’ patent prosecution practice counts national and global technology companies among its key roster of clients and has demonstrable experience across the automotive, artificial intelligence, electronics and pharmaceutical sectors. The team’s expertise in the space and defence arena is highlighted by the launch of the Seraphim Space Camp Accelerator, aimed at attracting space technology companies globally, and the firm’s TechConcierge, a programme to support all aspects of the development and growth of technology companies. With a base in Cambridge, the team acts as a destination practice for the UK’s leading research and development facilities, and on account of the firm’s global presence, the group is well-placed to handle cross-border mandates. Practice leader Justin Hill heads up the patent and opposition teams across all the firm’s European offices, including the UK and Germany, and manages global patent portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Justin Hill

Other key lawyers:

Alexander Rees; Marie Jansson-Heeks; Liz Dawson;

Key clients

ArQit Inc

ByteDance/Tik Tok

BIOS Health

Dexcom

Iceye

Positec Tool Corporation

Raytheon

Seraphim Spacecamp / AWS Spacecamp

Starkey Labs

Work highlights

  • Advising Arqit Inc. on a technology patenting and commercialisation strategy, including all aspects of invention harvesting, patent drafting and filing, strategic management of the patent portfolio globally, competitor monitoring and intelligence, contentious activities and dispute/risk management.
  • Assisting Dexcom on UK, German and US patent litigation against Abbott Diabetes Care.
  • Advising Raytheon Technologies on its complex European patent portfolio.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Dentons leverages its extensive international network to support on an array of domestic and cross-border acquisition, real estate, asset based, renewable project, infrastructure and structured finance matters. The team in Scotland is also acclaimed for its capacity in general and investment trust lending and is headed by Stuart Fitzsimmons, a go-to for corporate, investment trust and project-related transactions; his team includes Susan Kelly, a seasoned veteran within the corporate lending, acquisition finance and real estate finance fields, who possesses distinguished expertise in senior, stretch senior and mezzanine products.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Susan Kelly; Morag Campbell; James Wilson

Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful team, highly efficient.’

‘Stuart Fitzsimmons and his team are excellent.’

‘The Dentons team work efficiently, with good understanding of our business to reflect this in negotiations, offering practical solutions and middle-ground to resolve issues.’

‘The team are pragmatic, focus on the real issues and take a proportionate approach to resolve issues. Lorna Henderson stands out as being in control, with a thorough understanding of our complex arrangements.’

Work highlights

  • Advised FTSE 250 Murray International Trust plc on its US private placement debt transaction with MetLife.
  • Advised EQT Real Estate and Sigma Capital on the funding aspects of their joint venture which was launched to create a £1bn investment portfolio of residential homes in the UK including putting in place a £96m syndicated facility with NatWest as lead arranger.
  • Advised The 1887 Company Limited owner of the iconic Macallan and Famous Grouse whisky brands on a new debt facility with a syndicate of domestic and international banks. The debt facility supports the Group’s continued growth and strength in the global spirits market.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Dentons deploys its broad national network to handle a variety of Scottish and English insolvency-related transactions, disputes, security coverage, enforcement, turnaround and formal insolvency matters. Derek McCombe has recently handled a number of restructuring transactions within the retail sector and routinely caters to secured lenders and administrators in addition to distressed company boards; he spearheads the practice alongside Douglas Blyth, an insolvency disputes specialist with experience in the sheriff courts, the Court of Session and the Supreme Court.

Practice head(s):

Derek McCombe; Douglas Blyth

Other key lawyers:

Craig Kennedy; Kimberley Goh

Testimonials

‘The team is well established and has has experts in corporate insolvency in both the corporate finance and litigation divisions. This allows those advising on non-contentious matters to have the benefit of input from litigation colleagues and vice versa.’

‘Douglas Blyth is very good at thinking around a problem. He has a detailed knowledge of the insolvency legislation and the case law dealing with it and is always looking for innovative ways to find solutions for clients.’

‘The Dentons Scottish Insolvency and Corporate Recovery team are unique in terms of the extent to which they are integrated with the wider firm (which ensures they regularly pull together best in class multidisciplinary teams to meet the needs of their clients). Particular strengths include: access to a national and international network; deep sector expertise (with retail being a particular standout); and a highly commercial approach which brings a genuine desire to identify work opportunities for their clients.’

‘For me, they operate at the top end of the Scottish insolvency and corporate recovery legal market.’

‘Derek McCombe is a market leader and has built a first class reputation in both the Scottish and UK market. He is highly commercial and provides practical advice (rather than get tied up in legalistic jargon).’

‘Recommended for the extent of the team’s experience and knowledge of both technical, practical and commercial matters.’

‘Douglas Blyth and Derek McCombe were both excellent in assisting with a particularly difficult assignment, demonstrating detailed technical knowledge, a sensible approach in dealing with a unusual situation, practicality, willingness to get the job done in a short period of time and flexibility.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Zetland Capital on its debt and equity restructure which included the acquisition of a 51% equity stake in Typhoo Tea Limited.
  • Advised Anglo Global on the acquisition of the business and asset of Peacocks Stores Limited (in Administration) for £50m.
  • Continuing to act for the trustees in the bankruptcy of Gregory King, the founder and former owner of the Heather Capital hedge fund. Our work this year has included litigation in connection with matters in Spain, Scotland and Gibraltar.

Finance > Investment funds Tier 2

Dentons’s practice is home to Claire Armstrong, the firm’s managing partner for Scotland and a specialist in investment funds and corporate finance who possesses an extensive history in closed-ended listed fund representation; her key fields of expertise include fund establishment, partnership law structuring and restructuring, direct and co-investments, regulatory advice and investment management agreements. The department recently bolstered its numbers at partnership-level through the promotion of the ‘first-rateOwen McLennan and has handled a number of investment company consolidations and fundraisings of late.

Practice head(s):

Claire Armstrong

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The  team is technically strong, commercially focused and responsive.’

‘Claire Armstrong and the team are hugely experienced and bring tremendous problem solving skills to the table time and time again.’

‘They are pragmatic, commercial and easy to deal with.’

‘Owen McLennan (newly promoted partner) is first rate.’

‘Very proactive, commercially minded and practical.’

‘The funds team across the firm seems to be very collaborative’

‘Claire Armstrong stands out for technical skill and commercial acumen. Particular experience in the listed fund sector.’

Work highlights

  • Advised on the legal aspects of flagship MOBILIST programme, catalysing investment in underdeveloped markets.
  • Advised on the sale of an LP portfolio of over 160 interests for the value of $475m from 18 separate sellers (all represented by abrdn) to ICG.
  • Lead Advisors on the merger of two Jersey investment companies by means of contractual scheme of reconstruction.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Projects Tier 2

Dentons operates on a local, domestic and international scale from its Edinburgh office, ‘going above and beyond’ to lend its expertise on a wealth of different projects matters. Euan Wilson is particularly accomplished in the field of PFI/PPP secondary market transactions, serving as practice co-head alongside Stewart Maciver, a lawyer whose core strengths include asset management and primary market deals. Andrew Orr is the other key partner within the group and leverages a track record in energy, healthcare, housing, transport, waste and education projects, among others.

Practice head(s):

Euan Wilson; Stewart Maciver

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Commercially-focused advice.’

‘Dentons consistently demonstrate that they have genuine empathy with the client and behave in a commercial, practical way. This is going above and beyond technical legal advice and is a real added value distinction compared to other advisors.’

‘We feel confident that they understand our business and what we are trying to achieve when issues arise, knowing they have the resources to deal with issues when we call.’

‘Euan Wilson – we value his ability to cut quickly to the what the real issue is and to structure a solution.’

Work highlights

  • Advising over 51 PFI project companies on the amendments necessary to their project finance loan documents and associated interest rate hedging swaps which have arisen from the FCA/Bank of England’s move away from permitting use of LIBOR as a reference rate for UK loans.
  • Acting as project counsel for the c. £4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
  • Following a competitive procurement process, appointed to advise the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the c. £10bn, 11-Lot re-procurement of its maritime services contracts.

Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 2

Home to a UK-wide real estate practice, Dentons’s Scottish team is spearheaded by Brian Hutcheson, a lawyer with extensive student accommodation, BTR, retail and logistics asset expertise; he is supported development, leasing and investment expert, Barry Edgar, in addition to Paul Haniford whose key fields of focus include renewables and leisure. Madeleine Smallwood rounds off the four-partner team and is often engaged on major energy developments as well as transactions pertaining to hotel and leisure assets.

Practice head(s):

Brian Hutcheson

Testimonials

‘The team really knows our business. They have built up a very good relationship with the individuals within the business over the years and can anticipate our requirements.’

‘Barry Edgar – he is personable and provides clear practical advice. He is solutions orientated and is keen to find solutions to issues that crop up.’

 

Work highlights

  • Advised Glade Capital on the acquisition of a fully let office on North Esplanade West in Aberdeen, funded by AIB. We gave real estate, tax, banking and construction advice.
  • Acting on the real estate aspects of the corporate sale of National Tyres, Autocare, Tyre Shopper and Viking Wholesale Tyres to Halfords. This involved a UK wide real estate portfolio of circa 248 properties and included the requirement to vary a number of the leases.
  • Advising FORE Partnership on the development of their ambitious speculative office development known as CadWorks, Cadogan Street, Glasgow.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2

Helmed by the ‘excellent’ Alison BryceDentons is widely regarded by a host of coporate clients for its capabilites in high-value transactional and advisory IP mandates, working across the worlds of retail, consumer goods, energy, life sciences, fintech, and media. Bryce attracts broad market acclaim on account of her fluency in IP, IT and commercial contract matters, ranging from data protection to e-commerce and outsourcing. Ross Nicol‘s non-contentious focus encompasses various commercial arrangements related to technology creation and commercialisation, with recent engagements including big-ticket sales in the automotive and med-tech sectors. Senior associate John McGonagle is noted for his expertise in procurement. All named lawyers are based in Glasgow.

Practice head(s):

Alison Bryce

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge in partner Ross Nicol. A safe pair of hands.’

‘The Dentons team has fantastic strength in depth. The Dentons legacy firm Maclay Murray & Spens was the first in Scotland to set up a dedicated IP practice. Dentons’ key IP Scottish partners Alison Bryce and Ross Nicol have been with the firm for many years and have built up an unrivalled expertise. They work on complex and high profile IP matters and provide a fantastic service. They are extremely commercial and practical.’

‘Alison Bryce has excellent IP knowledge and experience across all IP rights and a broad spectrum of clients across many sectors. Her commerciality and practical advice is second to none. Ross Nicol has built up great expertise in R&D/ life sciences matters. He knows the sector really well and provides excellent advice.’

‘We have worked with the IP practice at Dentons for many years on a number of different projects. Each time the advice received is top quality, cost effective and commercial.’

‘Alison Bryce and Ross Nicol are recognised leaders in their field providing excellent, partner-led solutions to any problems we encounter.’

Key clients

The Edrington Group Limited

Ofwat

The Restaurant Group plc

Finsbury Foods Limited

Aggreko

Nairn’s Oatcakes Limited

STV Group plc

National Theatre of Scotland

RoslinCT

Marks and Spencer

Work highlights

  • Acted for National Grid n the negotiation of a complexcollaboration agreement relating to a ground-breaking research and development project with X, an arm of theGoogle group (Google X).
  • Acted for Bute Island Foods on the sale of its products and licensing of its brands (including its key “Sheese” brand) to international dairyproducer Saputo.
  • Advised Roslin Cell Therapies Limited on an extensive due diligence and disclosure process, pursuant to which it received investment from Global Healthcare Opportunities.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Leveraging its robust international network of offices and sector specialists, Dentons is rated by clients for its ‘excellent‘ approach across the full gamut of IT contracts and projects. Practice head Alison Bryce is well regarded for her capabilities in IT procurement and outsourcing arrangements, routinely working with leading international banks and retail chains on new payment systems and fraud screening mechanisms. Ross Nicol ’s wide-ranging commercial focus sees him working with clients from the worlds of retail, life sciences and financial services on licensing, distribution, and contract matters. Senior associate John McGonagle works on large-scale procurement and outsourcing projects for both domestic and foreign heavyweights. All named lawyers are based in Glasgow.

Practice head(s):

Alison Bryce

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge in partner Ross Nicol. A safe pair of hands.’

‘Dentons work closely with us as though they’re an extension of our own team. They have the ability to step in when required to support and be a credible part of our team in the eyes of our clients. The quality of advice is excellent. They’ve offered a bespoke support model, following our request, which was tailored to our needs and fully flexible.’

‘Ross Nicol is excellent. He takes time to understand our needs and the situation, before offering advice and solutions which not only solve problems, but offer ways forward.’

Work highlights

  • Continued to advise MUFG Securities and Bank of Tokyo, a leading Japanese financial services institution, in the negotiation and drafting of a its agreements with major financial data providers and cloud service providers. In addition we have provided advice and assistance on ensuring compliance with EBA Outsourcing Guidelines.
  • Advising Emtelle UK Limited the review and negotiation of agreements with IBM for the procurement of licenses to a new enterprise resource planning software platform and accompanying implementation consultancy services to transition Emtelle’s entire operations to the new platform
  • Advising M&S extensively on business critical IT projects. This innovative solution has helped to transform M&S legal delivery.

Scotland > Transport Tier 2

Demonstrating its in-depth rail sector expertise, Dentons‘ team continues to act as full-service supplier to Network Rail in Scotland, providing regular real estate, construction, procurement and commercial advice as well as litigation assistance. The team is jointly led by Glasgow-based construction procurement specialist Mark Macaulay and Edinburgh-based infrastructure and project finance expert Euan Wilson, and also applies its transport sector expertise to roads and ports projects in England and Northern Ireland.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Dentons have worked with us a long time and have invested the effort in really getting to know our business.’

‘They have a strong team across the board.’

‘They are prepared to be challenged and work through the issues together.’

Work highlights

  • Advised the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the c. £10bn, 11-Lot re-procurement of its maritime services contracts.
  • Carried out a land referencing exercise in respect of various sites on the railway line from Busby junction via Barrhead to Kilmarnock in advance of proposed electrification of this route, as part of Network Rail’s decarbonisation strategy.
  • Advising the Department for Infrastructure on various contractual and operational matters relating to two DBFO roads projects in Northern Ireland – Package 1 (a £120m PFI project to upgrade, operate and maintain the M1/Westlink and M2 motorways), and Package 2 (a £225m PFI project to upgrade, operate and maintain the A1 and A4 roads).

Employment > Immigration Tier 2

Headed up by Sarah Ingles-Carlyle from the London office, Dentons‘ immigration practice excels at providing business immigration advice for major corporate clients. Based in the Milton Keynes office and recently promoted to counsel, Verity Buckingham is a key contact, with significant expertise in applications for and administration of sponsor licences, including in relation to restructures, mergers and acquisitions. The firm is also active in the Home Office Business User Forum.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Ingles-Carlyle

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Verity Buckingham is very responsive and explains complex topics in a clear way.’

Key clients

Banijay UK Limited

Drax Corporate Limited

Elliptic Enterprises Limited

Field Effect Software Inc

Fortna UK Limited

Galantas Irish Gold Limited

KCSGE Holdings Limited

Ocean Partners UK Limited

The Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences

TUI UK Limited

United Artists Corporation Limited

Vectrus Mission Systems Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised a client on updates to sponsor licence and intracompany transfers following a corporate restructuring.
  • Assisted a client with securing a sponsor licence and the recruitment of migrants into key roles.
  • Acting as an extension of a client’s HR team to undertake all immigration work.

Real estate > Construction Tier 2

Dentons‘ Milton Keynes-based construction practice handles non-contentious work for clients including supermarkets and banks as well as property developers. The team provides advice from the beginnings of a project through to its completion, assisting with drafting and negotiating contracts, due diligence, and the day-to-day complexities of construction work. Since the departure of Jane Miles in May 2021, the team is led at the national level by Mark Macaulay, who splits his time between the firm’s London and Glasgow offices. Shaun Tame is a senior team member in the Thames Valley, where he handles a range of procurement and contract issues. Senior associate Tasmyn Brittlebank is also recommended, with experience in the construction aspects of broader real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Mark Macaulay

Other key lawyers:

Shaun Tame; Tasmyn Brittlebank

Key clients

Realstar Group

Sports Direct

Verdion

Karlin Property

Kier Property Developments Limited

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited

Marks and Spencer Plc

OB Capital Limited

John Lewis

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets PLC

Work highlights

  • Advising Marks & Spencer PLC in relation to their Asset Management Programme.
  • Advised Kier Trade City LLP in relation to their portfolio of trade city site, which include a mixture of retail parks, industrial units and logistics units.
  • Advised OB Capital Limited on the redevelopment of 15 Old Bailey, which is to be converted from office space to hotel and leisure.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

Dentons‘ Milton Keynes-based property litigation practice handles the full spectrum of contentious property matters for clients including landlords, tenants and developers, as well as well-known retailers and financial institutions. Bryan Johnston, based in London, leads the team, and has particular experience in handling complex right of light disputes. Also in London, David Payton covers the range of matters, including applications for consent and easements and property insolvencies. Senior associates Gemma Hunter-Barnes and Thomas Nolan are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Bryan Johnston

Testimonials

‘The team provide pragmatic and commercial advice.’

‘The team are approachable, personable and driven. I am treated in every way as if I were their only client and the service and contact I receive from the team is exceptional. It is a true collaborative work environment and I have never encountered an individual within the team that I am not able to get along with.’

‘Very responsive and pragmatic.’

‘High quality lawyers and breadth of expertise. They give commercial and practical advice to clients with a focus on strategies and roadmaps through problems.’

‘The team generally provide pragmatic and commercial advice.’

‘David Payton and his team – very able and committed team able to handle national matters.’

‘David Payton and Tom Nolan . Practical and give direct advice. Give confidence.’

‘Bryan Johnson – incredibly experienced. He has seen it all before. He never gets distracted from client’s commercial objective and is cost conscious. Thomas Nolan – handles matters with confidence and assurance way beyond his years. His legal analysis is second to none.’

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Dentons assists household names such as Royal Mail, Sainsburys, and John Lewis on their IT procurement and relevant contractual agreements. The team is led by Nick Harrison, renowned for his legal-IT know-how in the retail and sports sectors Harrison works closely with associate Rukia Khatun, who primarily handles cloud-based solutions, software development and procurement, and focuses on advising emerging companies.

Practice head(s):

Nick Harrison

Other key lawyers:

Kimberley Langford; Rukia Khatun; Esther Rusling

Work highlights

  • Advised Royal Mail Group on its procurement of critical communication services (core communication services and handheld devices).
  • Advised Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited (Sainsbury’s) on its agreement with NCR for the licence of operating software for its self-service checkouts.
  • Advised Sharjah Islamic Bank on its agreement with Netlink for the licence of OutSystems’ low code platform to enhance its digital banking services.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3

Combining expertise in equity fundraisings and other stock exchange transactions, Dentons can draw from an extensive global network to advise on complex cross-border matters. The firm is experienced in IPOs, secondary fundraisings and M&A transactions for issuers and sponsors, nominated advisers, brokers, underwriters and lead managers. The group also has a particular forte in aviation sector deals. Nikolas Colbridge focuses on international financing transactions within capital markets across a range of stock exchanges. He co-leads the practice with head of corporate Neil Nicholson, who advises on share sales, business sales, joint ventures, fund establishments and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Nikolas Colbridge; Neil Nicholson

Key clients

airBaltic

Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)

Avia Solutions Group

PRS REIT plc

Air Astana

VGP NV

D P Eurasia NV

O’Key Group S.A.

Frasers Group

Work highlights

  • 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.
  • Advising VGP N.V. on an €300m Rule 144A/Regulation S accelerated bookbuilt offering.
  • Advising a shareholder on the company’s IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 3

Specialising in small-mid market IPOs and secondary fundraising work, Dentons’ experience spans a range of sectors, notably the technology and healthcare industries. The firm is particularly active in the AIM market, as well as advising US companies coming to the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Neil Nicholson leads the team and handles matters related to UKLA listing rules, the AIM rules of the LSE and the UK Takeover Code. Other key names in the practice include Darren Acres, who advises on UK and cross-border corporate finance transactions; and associate Verity Kent, whose forte is AIM market transactions.

Practice head(s):

Neil Nicholson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Neil Nicholson consistently provides excellent strategic advice and has depth of experience across both equity capital markets and public M&A.’

‘Dentons benefits from a significant global business that we find particularly useful for managing cross-border ECM deals. We benefit from being able to receive coordinated advice across multiple jurisdictions.’

‘Team is very knowledgeable and pragmatic. They are keen to focus on getting deals done in the simplest way possible.’

‘Neil Nicholson is a very experienced and approachable lawyer.’

Key clients

Science in Sport plc

RA International plc

Cenkos Securities plc

Informa plc

Kinovo plc

Quiz plc

PRS REIT plc

Hurricane Energy plc

Menzies (John) plc

Stifel Nicolaus Europe

Canaccord Genuity

Ondine Biomedical

Work highlights

  • Advising Stifel Nicolaus Europe, as nomad and joint broker, and Liberum Capital, as joint broker, on a share placing for Science Group plc.
  • Advising Stifel Nicolaus Europe, as nomad and sole bookrunner, on a share placing for Seeing Machines Limited.
  • Advising Ondine Biomedical on its IPO and share placing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 3

Underpinned by its considerable global network, Dentons‘impressive’ international trade team is a strong choice for a myriad of public and private sector entities, including some of the leading names from the worlds of retail, logistics, sports, and entertainment. Clients seek out ‘unbelievably good’ practice head Roger Matthews for his ‘unparalleled‘ expertise in export control instruments and sanctions regimes, particularly in the financial services, transport and energy sectors. Emerging technologies specialist Daniel Lund is praised for his knowledge of UK national security and foreign direct investment compliance, advising semiconductor manufacturers, contractors and software developers. Associate Kate Poppitt focuses on sanctions, free trade agreements, and the GATS.

Practice head(s):

Roger Matthews

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Diversified with excellent practitioners around the world.’

‘Roger Matthews and Dan Lund are both standout practitioners. Exceptionally knowledgeable and sensible with fees.’

‘They are an impressive team. Client-focused, pragmatic, and keen to deliver the best for their client.’

‘Roger Matthews is unbelievably good. He is rock solid on the law, commercial and thinks around a problem.’

‘They have unique experience, based on time spent working at the European Commission and the Bank of England, particularly on sanctions issues.’

‘Roger Matthews is exceptional for his unparalleled expertise in sanctions regulations and clear, practical advice on ensuring compliance in a proportionate, risk-based way.’

Key clients

Avis Budget Group

DHL

Royal Mail Group

HM Treasury

BP

Thinx

Gorenje

Work highlights

  • Appointed as a lead sanctions adviser to BP.
  • Acting as lead trade counsel to Royal Mail, advising on a wide range of trade mandates – most notably customs and indirect taxation.
  • Working with HM Treasury to establish how certain terms in the UK/EU Trade & Cooperation Agreement were applied by other key jurisdictions.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3

The practice at Dentons was recently bolstered by the January 2022 arrival of Chris Brennan, former practice head of White & Case LLP, who arrives with significant exposure to misconduct affairs, particularly in the retail and wholesale markets. Katharine Harle leads the practice and is especially well-versed in s166 reviews, internal investigations, conduct and culture issues, and governance and remediation affairs. At the more junior end, counsel Zeena Saleh, a specialist in cross-border matters, is hailed as a ‘star asset for any team‘.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Harle

Other key lawyers:

Chris Brennan; Richard Caird; Zeena Saleh; Natalia Fludra

Testimonials

‘An excellent firm who are great at putting together diverse teams where collaboration is encouraged.’

‘Katharine Harle is very knowledgeable financial services lawyer who ably deploys her many years of experience within the regulator. Christopher Brennan is a very experienced litigator, at home working both for and against the regulators, with a portfolio of very impressive outcomes for his clients. Zeena Saleh is a star asset for any team and works brilliantly with Chris Brennan.’

‘Katharine Harle is a remarkably knowledgeable financial services practitioner; she’s enormously hard-working; she gets on brilliantly with clients, including the most sophisticated and demanding ones; she produces superb letters and advice; she’s an astute tactician; and a nightmare for the other side when she needs to be. Quite superb.’

‘Richard Caird is excellent is every respect – he is able to draw on a wealth of experience in financial services and regulatory law to instinctively navigate through the maze of technical issues to get to the crux of the issue.’

‘An outstanding international litigation department with a specialism in maximum complexity banking cases and handling HNW and demanding clients.’

‘Chris Brennan is a great recent signing who brings excellent judgment and legal understanding to all of his cases.’

‘A well-established team of outstanding reputation particularly in the banking space.’

‘Zeena Saleh is hard-working, savvy and unflappable: a star of the future.’

Key clients

FCA

FSCS

PwC

Currency Index Limited

Lek Securities UK Limited

Arion Global Limited

Orchestra Finance LLP

Standish Management (UK) Ltd and Standish Management and OTH

LL Funds, LLC

John Lewis

Marks & Spencer

Work highlights

  • Acting for FSCS in relation to judicial review arising out of high profile collapse of mini-bond provider London Capital & Finance (LCF).
  • Successfully defending a high-profile, high-value misfeasance claim against the FCA and enforcing the non-party costs order made against former Keydata CEO. The proceedings relate to the FCA’s imposition of the highest ever fine against an individual of £76m.
  • Currently acting for the FCA in defending a judicial review brought by a cross-party group (APPG) in relation to the FCA’s recent decision not to re-open redress following the report of John Swift KC into its previous redress scheme for miss-sold IRHPs.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 3

Under the expert guidance of the ‘outstanding and technically excellent’ Joseph Altendorff, Dentons‘ venture capital continues to gain traction in the market for a varied mix of clients, including investees, funds, family offices and corporate venturers. With a ‘good understanding of what’s important and a keen eye for detail’, as well as the firm’s core venture capital strength throughout the funding continuum, the team is also effectively able to leverage firmwide sector strengths in energy and financial services (among others), ensuring that it is well-positioned to provide guidance on specific regulatory issues, for example. The ability to draw upon the expertise of lawyers throughout the firm’s vast international network is also a strong selling point and has been utilised to good effect for investors, including Octopus Ventures, on its European investment strategies. ‘Trustworthy, responsive and pragmatic’ senior associate Joseph Collingwood is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Altendorff

Other key lawyers:

David McGrory; Iain Sutherland; Derek McCombe;James Davison; Joseph Collingwood; Nick Westoll; Annabel Mockridge; Danni Hofmeyr

Testimonials

‘The client friendly and experienced team provides pragmatic advice.’

They are a safe pair of hands on any VC deal.’

‘They have a good understanding of what’s important to us as their client and a keen eye for detail.’

Joe Altendorff is excellent to work with and always happy to talk through/propose creative solutions to specific issues.’

‘Joe Altendorff is knowledgeable about venture, and willing to go the extra mile for his clients.’

‘Joe Altendorff is outstanding. He is technically excellent, cool under pressure and could go toe-to-toe with any VC lawyer in the City.’ 

Joe Collingwood is trustworthy, responsive and pragmatic.’

Key clients

Octopus Ventures

Evolution Equity

Britishvolt

Atomico

Trevipay

Canmart

M&S Ventures

Apeiron

Outward VC

Scottish Equity Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised Octopus’ Titan and Apollo funds on more than 22 seed, Series A and Series B investments, including being “go-to” counsel for cross-border and international investments.
  • Advised Evolution Equity Partners as lead investor on Elliptic’s $60m Series C funding.
  • Advising unicorn Britishvolt on its Series B and C fundraisings from various institutional and strategic investors, including Glencore.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3

Dentons  is particularly noted for its work in retail banking disputes, where it acts for a number of major banks in group actions. The group is also instructed by financial institutions to handle breach of trust claims, and has recently acted for the FCA and the FSCS in judicial review proceedings. Felicity Ewing leads the team and is ‘extremely knowledgeable in what can be a very technical area’, while Natalia Fludra has broad experience in cross-jurisdictional disputes. Daren Allen departed the firm in September 2021.

Other key lawyers:

Felicity Ewing; Richard Caird; Natalie Fludra; Thomas Leyland; Tom Hanson

Testimonials

‘Top rate banking litigation team. Particularly good in relation to retail banking disputes, particularly those with wider client impact and group litigation disputes.’

‘Richard Caird – highly experienced, excellent judgment and calm and unflappable.’

‘Felicity Ewing – developing her reputation as a go-to lawyer for retail banking disputes, very hardworking with excellent litigation instincts.’

‘Tom Hanson – an up and coming associate who is exceptionally bright and industrious.’

‘Felicity Ewing – a delight to work with; very good at managing client expectations and workload; always adds value in substantive discussions. Tom Hanson – senior associate: very clever and, like Felicity, really engages with the issues and tests counsels’ opinion.’

‘The team is very commercially minded and very familiar with the law in this area.’

‘Felicity Ewing is a pleasure to work with and extremely knowledgeable in what can be a very technical area.’

‘Rightly recognised as one of the strongest banking litigation teams in the City.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS in relation to judicial review arising out of high profile collapse of mini-bond provider London Capital & Finance (LCF).
  • Advised TSX-listed Dye & Durham, a leading provider of cloud-based software and technology solutions to the legal industry, on its proposed c. US$2.5 billion acquisition of the Link Group (ASX listed) and its foreign subsidiaries located in various jurisdictions. The acquisition included a UK based financial services subsidiary which is subject to class action proceedings and regulatory investigation arising from a high profile fund collapse.
  • Acting for a major retail bank and a number of its subsidiaries in its defence of a claim by 150 + mortgage customers who are challenging the fairness of a mortgage product under the unfair relationships provisions of the Consumer Credit Act.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

With ‘strength in depth when it comes to international arbitration‘, Dentons‘ London practice has considerable energy and construction disputes expertise. It is also active in post-M&A and shareholder disputes, as well as major investment treaty claims. Leading the international arbitration practice in the UK,  Liz Tout is particularly expert in large energy-related commercial arbitrations; Dan Bodle has ‘a first-rate legal brain‘; James Langley regularly acts in disputes involving parties from the Middle East or Africa; and Dominic Pellew is a CIS-related arbitration specialist. Counsel Matthew Vinall is ‘hugely experienced‘, while Catherine Gilfedder is ‘among the London market’s strongest senior associates‘.

Practice head(s):

Liz Tout

Testimonials

‘Hugely knowledgeable, practical and effective. Dentons has strength in depth when it comes to international arbitration cases, and is very user friendly, with approachable and engaged partners leading from the front in disputes.’

‘Liz Tout – decades of industry knowledge coupled with a nose for the points that will turn the case.’

‘Liz Tout is a great practice leader and very good with clients – committed to their cause.

Dan Bodle is a partner with a first-rate legal brain – very good with clients and user friendly.

‘James Langley – a sharp legal mind and superbly well organised.’

James Langley is an outstanding partner – very user friendly, very good with clients, commercial, adopts a holistic approach involving all stakeholders, and happy to roll up his sleeves.

‘Counsel Matthew Vinall is hugely experienced, very clever and with an unfussy way of expressing himself.’

‘Catherine Gilfedder is among the London market’s strongest senior associates.’

Key clients

HM Government

Newcastle United Football Club

TotalEnergies

Eni

Equinor

Perenco Energies International

Perenco

Sony Corporation

Avis Budget Group

Government of India

National Bank of Canada

Crossbridge Energy

West Indian Ocean Cable Company

Gulf Energy

CJSC Patriot

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation

Rubis

Network Rail Infrastructure

Nigeria LNG

Statkraft

Work highlights

  • Acting for Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC) in high-profile arbitration proceedings brought against The Football Association Premier League (the EPL), in relation to the well-publicised decision of the EPL concerning the acquisition of NUFC by a consortium.
  • Acting for the Government of India in a challenge/appeal to an arbitral award, arising out of a high-profile UNCITRAL arbitration against Reliance Industries and BG Group that concerns an upstream oil and gas project in India.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 3

The health and safety team at Dentons works a balance of transaction, advisory and regulatory defence work with an integrated cross-border perspective. At the core of the practice is deep knowledge in the energy, rail, transportation, food and manufacturing sectors, with instructions coming from major clients across these sectors like National Rail. Stephen Shergold  leads the London team, as well as being chair of the firm's global ESG steering committee. His practice covers all areas of environmental and health and safety law, particularly within the oil and gas, waste and contaminated land sectors. He leads alongside the Scotland-based Malcolm Gunnyeon, an expert in the rail and energy sectors. Helen Bowdren is another key name.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Shergold; Malcolm Gunnyeon

Other key lawyers:

Helen Bowdren; Sam Boileau

Testimonials

‘This is an extremely polished and dedicated team, led by the brilliant Malcolm Gunnyeon’

‘Malcolm Gunnyeon is a tremendous lawyer: calm, highly intelligent and has a great manner with clients; always putting them at their ease and striving to get the best result possible.’

Key clients

The Erdington Group Limited

John Lewis & Partners

Baxter Food Group Limited

Avis Budget Group

HC-One Limited

Stork Technical Services (RBG) Limited

Menzies Distribution Limited

Nichol McKay Limited

Auria

Work highlights

  • Advising Network Rail on the ongoing Police, Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail and Road investigations into the tragic derailment near Stonehaven on 12 August 2020.
  • Provide ongoing multijurisdictional advice to ACCO Brands, Inc. in relation to product and labelling claims promoting and marketing a number of different office products, including any claims that may carry a risk of “greenwashing”.
  • Advise on six connected disputes relating to three of the UK solar farms. The disputes relate to allegations of breaches of the health & safety provisions in the various agreements, with those breaches being alleged against both our client and our client’s sub-contractor.

Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 3

‘Punching above its weight’, the pensions dispute group at Dentons handles contentious issues for employers and trustees, concerning both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. Lawyers bring to bear experience as non-contentious pensions practitioners, giving them a well-rounded view of the area. The team is situated in the people, reward and mobility department, under the leadership of Virginia Allen. Eleanor Hart is the UK head of the rewards sub-group, and is the key contact for pensions disputes, often representing trustee clients. The ‘refreshingly upbeat and candidElmer Doonan is a seasoned contentious pensions specialist, with particular expertise in the intersection between insolvency and pensions law.

Practice head(s):

Virginia Allen; Eleanor Hart

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The Dentons pensions team is relatively small but punches above its weight. The pensions non-contentious team is led by Eleanor Hart who has a wealth of experience in restructuring and similar issues. On the disputes side, the firm has been involved in a mix of high-profile matters and (unusually) also ones of national importance.’

‘Consultant Elmer Doonan seems as busy as ever. He is refreshingly upbeat, candid and fun to work with and brings an unusual tax and other technical expertise with the instincts of a litigator. It is rare that he needs to call on the non-litigious experience of Eleanor Hart and her team, but it is a useful resource when required.’

‘Elmer Doonan is a wise and experienced elder statesman.’

Key clients

Government Legal Department / Ministry of Justice

Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Ministry of Defence

Cognita Schools Limited

Arriva Rail North Limited

NHS Business Services Authority

Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited

3M

Habib Bank

WL Gore

Voestalpine Turnout Technology UK Limited

Trustees of the Basil E Leeder & Sons Limited Pension Scheme

Grant Thornton UK LLP

That Bournemouth Company 3 Limited

BCA Pension Trustees Ltd

Work highlights

  • Successfully agreed a compromise on behalf of the Trustees of the BCA Pension Scheme in order to compromise a section 75 debt claim against the employers.
  • Successfully advised a client on a scheme sanction charge imposed by HMRC in respect of a registered pension scheme which included detailed analysis and advice of the relevant complex statutory and regulatory provisions, along with the limited case law on the area connected to permitted investments.
  • Advising a company in administration on an investigation from the Pensions Regulator that the restructuring of the company’s business was detrimental to its pension scheme.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3

The team at Dentons houses pensions veterans with experience in advising on all issues pertaining to defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, in addition to life assurance agreements and healthcare trusts. The group has expertise in transactional work related to pensions and regularly supports the corporate team on multi-jurisdictional deals. Taking the lead is Eleanor Hart, commended for having 'a wealth of experience and is accomplished in a range of complex restructuring, financing and related issues of crucial importance to pension schemes'. A former practice head who became a consultant in 2020, Elmer Doonan  is a well-respected expert in insolvency-related pensions matters, and continues to advise trustees and employers on pension restructurings, acquisitions and disposals.

Practice head(s):

Eleanor Hart

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very responsive and approachable. Advice always provided to time and provides both legal and practical advice of great benefit to clients. Clear commitment to diversity and inclusion, sharing workshops and talks with clients which is much appreciated.’

‘Consistent provision of clear legal advice, including advice on operational/practical issue. As an in-house lawyer, relatively new to the area, this has been of huge benefit to the business team.’

‘The Dentons pensions team is relatively small but punches above its weight. The pensions non-contentious team is led by Eleanor Hart who has a wealth of experience in restructuring and similar issues. The members of the disputes team all have considerable technical expertise and are involved in a mix of high profile matters and (unusually) also ones of national importance which are anonymised in the interests of national security and other concern.’

‘Eleanor Hart has a wealth of experience and is accomplished in a range of complex restructuring, financing and related issues of crucial importance to pension schemes. Elmer Doonan is refreshingly upbeat, candid and fun to work with and brings an unusual tax and other technical expertise with the instincts of a litigator and deals with matters which are ordinarily matters for the non-litigious team such as applications for clearance to HMRC.’

‘Eleanor Hart, as successor to Elmer Doonan, is technically very sound and a very pleasant person.’

Key clients

Edrington Group

Total

Capita

CBRE

Trustees of the Delta Air Lines UK Staff Pension Scheme

Howden

Pirelli & C. S.p.A.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Ministry of Defence

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Sita Information Networking Computing UK Limited

Government Legal Department

The Cabinet Office

Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy

Diamond Power Speciality Limited

Pelion S.A.

KKR

J Sainsbury plc

Work highlights

  • Advised Capita on the strategic sale of its master trust business, including navigating the implications of the new master trust regulatory regime.
  • Advising CBRE on the cross-border pensions aspects of its acquisition of a 60% majority interest and strategic partnership with Turner & Townsend Partners Limited.
  • Advising Howden on the cross-border pensions aspects of its purchase of CPI Group.

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 3

Dentons provides 'timely deliverables and good visibility of the process', with one client remarking that the firm 'always comes up with required solutions and is very professional in dealing with other parties'. The firm is best known for its emerging markets debt practice, and lead partner David Cohen assisted Republic of Kenya with its offering of $1bn in amortising notes to institutional investors in the US. Nick Hayday, who is 'very client-oriented and has excellent relationship skills', has a diverse practice that sees him act for underwriters and issuers in connection with eurobonds, private placements, MTN programmes, and loan participation notes, as well as Islamic finance securities. Hayday and Cameron Half, who leads the US Securities practice in EMEA, acted for Georgian telecommunications company JSC Silknet in its $300m debut Rule 144A/Reg S bond issue. Catriona ’Kitty’ Lloyd is a key adviser to corporate trustees and security agents. Senior associate Victoria Wyer is 'great at coordinating different work flows'.

Practice head(s):

David Cohen

Other key lawyers:

Nick Hayday; Cameron Half; Catriona ‘Kitty’ Lloyd; Victoria Wyer

Testimonials

‘As a client you get a dedicated team and we have never had complaints about reaction time or inability to provide advice. Eager to help, ready to offer assistance and take control where needed.’

‘Nick Hayday (partner) is very client-oriented, excellent relationship skills. Victoria Wyer (senior associate) is great at coordinating different work flows.’

‘Very close and no-nonsense cooperation with clients. Availability of senior partners, together with the competence and expertise of associates. Timely deliverables and good visibility of the process. Always came up with required solutions and were very professional in dealing with other parties, even when disagreements arose. It is a joy to work with them.’

‘Nick Hayday is a wonderful lawyer that instils confidence in a client. When you discuss an issue with him, a clear way towards a solution is almost immediately charted. it is also very pleasant to work with Nick on a personal level.’

‘Cameron Half  is highly competent and his involvement in an issue is always welcome, contributing from his vast expertise and driving towards pragmatic solutions. Niharika Khimji’s work ethic, attention to detail and general competence are exemplary. Victoria Wyer is super knowledgeable yet pragmatic She’s also very good at dealing with other law firms and driving towards sensible agreements.’

Work highlights

  • Advising JSC Silknet on its debut Rule 144A/Reg S bond issue of US$300 million 8.375% bonds due in 2027, together with a concurrent consent solicitation and tender offer in relation to its senior unsecured notes maturing in 2024.
  • Advising the lead managers, including HSBC and Santander, on the £400 million sustainability bond issued by the Isle of Man Treasury.
  • Advising on the Republic of Uzbekistan’s Rule 144A/Reg S issuance of US$635 million 3.90% notes due 2031 and UZS2.5 trillion (approximately US$235 million) 14.00% sustainable notes due 2024.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Dentons is ‘able to efficiently bring its various experts to the table for complex matters whether they involve regulation, disputes or more recently sanctions work‘ and it ‘punches well above its weight in terms of the service provided and expertise across products‘. The firm is greatly experienced in structured finance transactions in emerging markets, including Islamic derivatives, and his also present in emerging market niches, cryptocurrencies. Head of derivatives Matthew Sapte acted for Leonteq Securities in the structuring, documenting and negotiating of a sharia-compliant Trust Certificate Issuance programme. Key partner Luke Whitmore is ‘thoughtful and knowledgable, and is always ready to get on the phone and discuss issues‘. Yusuf Battiwala  moved to Norton Rose Fulbright and CLO specialist Martin Sharkey moved to Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Sapte

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The Dentons team have been assisting with our global netting project. Their global coverage and number of industry opinions already produced within the Dentons network has been particularly helpful.’

‘We’re using Dentons to assist with diligence on Private Equity Fund structures and then documenting the related trading agreement. This is working particularly well.’

‘Luke Whitmore is the partner responsible for the matters noted above. He is excellent. He is always ready to get on the phone and discuss issues. He is thoughtful and knowledgable.’

‘Dentons is a large global firm with offices not only in the major global financial markets, but also the regional and developing markets. This is a real benefit for global financial institutions engaging in cross border work, particularly in the Middle East and beyond.’

‘The firm is able to efficiently bring its various experts to the table for complex matters whether they involve regulation, disputes or more recently sanctions work.’

‘Although not extraordinarily deep in terms of derivatives resource headcount, they punch well above their weight in terms of the service provided and their expertise across products.’

Key clients

Goldman Sachs

Citibank

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Emirates NBD

MUFG

Société Générale

JP Morgan

Gulf International Bank

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

National Bank of Bahrain

Deutsche Bank

SMBC

Bank of Montreal

Benteler Training

Macquarie Bank Limited

Leonteq Securities AG

Ebury

Frasers Group

Sev.en Energy

Northern Trust

ABSA Bank Limited

NBC Global Finance Limited

Invesco Asset Management Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised IIFM on IBOR fallbacks for the Islamic derivatives market.
  • Advising Leonteq Securities in relation to the structuring, documenting and negotiating of a Sharia compliant (Swiss cleared) Trust Certificate Issuance programme.
  • Advised Coventry Building Society in relation to documenting and negotiating the interest rate swap in connection with the issue of £350mln Class A Series 2021-1 Floating Rate Notes by Economic Master Issuer PLC off its Master Trust RMBS programme.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 3

Dentons' sizeable TMT team focuses on technology transactions and software licensing issues, which it handles for both vendors and users. As of October 2021, Martin Fanning and Henrietta Baker co-lead the offering, with former practice head Andy Lucas a key contact for public sector clients in particular. Baker and Fanning both specialise in major corporate advisory work, including financing, outsourcing, and business-critical technology projects. Also noted is Sarah Lima, who was promoted to partner in May 2021.

Practice head(s):

Martin Fanning; Henrietta Baker

Other key lawyers:

Andy Lucas; Simon Elliott; Sarah Lima; Rachael Morris

Testimonials

‘Very high quality legal work that is practical in that it considers the legal and business risks. I find many lawyers only work to mitigate or manage legal risk without regard for business considerations. Dentons is head and shoulders above any firm I have worked with in respect of accounting for the business considerations.’

‘Responsiveness. Ability to balance legal and business drivers (where different). Dedication, knowledge, and practical as well as legal experience.’

‘The team are approachable and demonstrate great client service. There is an expectation that a legal team will be highly knowledgeable. It is the way their knowledge is delivered in a commercially focused manner that sets them apart.’

‘I found them to be approachable and responsive. Henrietta Baker uses her extensive experience to provide practical and commercial solutions and legal strategy support. Henrietta and her team became an extension of our team and were easy to work with.’

‘Martin Fanning is one of the most personable, commercially focused partners I have had the fortune to work with. He and his team are approachable and have the best attitude towards partnering with clients rather than seeing them as a way of making money. He answers the phone when I call for help and if he can’t help, he quickly finds someone who can or gives me a clear timeframe in which to get back to me. I have worked with Dentons for nearly 10 years and it is because of Martin Fanning.’

‘Martin Fanning is a solid sounding board, knowledgeable and personable. Simon Elliott is a great data protection expert without losing commercial awareness.’

Key clients

BGL Group, CompareTheMarket

Capita

TikTok

ArQit

Optopus Ventures

Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA)

Vodafone Italia

TechnologyOne

UiPath

Evolution Equity Partners

Work highlights

  • Advising TechnologyOne on its acquisition of Scientia, a UK based higher education software provider.
  • Advising Capita plc, a London-based outsourcing and professional services company, on the sale of its IT services and solutions business Trustmarque to One Equity Partners.
  • Advising BGL Group, CompareTheMarket owner, on the sale of BGL Insurance, a digital distributor of insurance and household financial services, to Markerstudy, a portfolio company of private equity house Pollen Street Capital, for £400 million.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3

Multinational firm Dentons advises a host of international investors from as far afield as South Korea, India, the US, and Luxembourg, drawing on its large, cross-border real estate network. The firm is active in the alternative assets and BTR sectors, as well as the senior living market and student accomodation, all of which national real estate practice head Deepa Deb has a particular focus in. Rob Thompson is head of the national and Middle East real estate practice and uses his 'deep knowledge' to advise banks, private equity funds, and listed and non-listed property companies, in addition to large corporates which operate in the office, hotels, logistics, retail, and high-end residential sectors. Alex Coulter  focuses on investment, development, and lease negotiations in the logistics, retail, and office sectors, while associate Carla Revelo has 'excellent attention to detail' and extensive expertise in high-value development projects and investment portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Deepa Deb

Other key lawyers:

Rob Thompson; Alex Coulter; Carla Revelo

Testimonials

‘High level service across various disciplines and effectively incorporated into one transaction seamlessly. Excellent attention to detail at junior level and partners are able to think ‘commercially’ whilst defending client’s interests and advising on what key issues are red lines from a legal perspective and reasons why.’

‘Rob Thompson – excellent advice and deep knowledge of the sector. Able to summarise and raise key issues with clarity and make commercial recommendations with client’s priorities in mind without getting bogged down in legal minutiae. Good level of service even on transactions of smaller scale.

‘Carla Revelo – excellent attention to detail and able to provide information in a prompt and clear manner.’

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

  • Acted for Kier Property on their logistics development joint venture with PGIM. The partnership provides for the investment of up to £133m equity funding to develop a porfolio of industrial and last-mile logistics warehouses.
  • Advised the Singapore based investors Woh Hup, Lee Kim Tah Holdings, Metro Holdings, and Way Capital on their purchase of the newly constructed, purpose built student accommodation.
  • Acted for Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP in the £40m development load to Lifestory, who are developing various residential sites across the UK.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3

Multinational firm Dentons advises a host of international investors from as far afield as South Korea, India, the US, and Luxembourg, drawing on its large, cross-border real estate network. The firm is active in the alternative assets and BTR sectors, as well as the senior living market and student accomodation, all of which national real estate practice head Deepa Deb has a particular focus in. Rob Thompson is head of the national and Middle East real estate practice and uses his 'deep knowledge' to advise banks, private equity funds, and listed and non-listed property companies, in addition to large corporates which operate in the office, hotels, logistics, retail, and high-end residential sectors. Alex Coulter  focuses on investment, development, and lease negotiations in the logistics, retail, and office sectors, while associate Carla Revelo has 'excellent attention to detail' and extensive expertise in high-value development projects and investment portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Deepa Deb; Rob Thompson

Other key lawyers:

Alex Coulter; Andrew Henderson; Simon Masri; Carla Revelo

Testimonials

‘Extensive experience across the real estate market.’

‘Rupert Dowdell is exceptionally hard working.’

‘Ability to see and interpret the commercial aspects of a deal from the persective of the client’s business needs.’

‘Rob Thompson and Carla Revelo provide an in-depth knowledge of our portfolio that comes from a long-standing business relationship. They act as an extension to our own business. They provide astute analysis of the most complex arrangements.’

‘Partner egagement exceptional from start to finish. Very commercially minded, understand what is important in a transaction and act accordingly.’

‘Very commercially minded. Take responsibility for the project and understand/know the detail even when handing work down to others in the team.’

Key clients

RTP Global

Brydell Capital

Harrison Street

Realstar

Heitman

Frasers Group Plc (Sports Direct)

Redevco

Castleforge

Aprirose

KSL

Work highlights

  • Advised KKR and Global Infrastructure Partners on the all-cash transaction valued at approximately $15 billion to acquire data center operator CyrusOne.
  • Acted for Kier Property on the £400m logistics development joint venture with PGIM.
  • Advised Mike Ashley’s St James Holdings Limited on the sale of Newcastle United for £305 million.

Real estate > Planning Tier 3

Dentons‘ advises its varied client base on mixed-use regeneration and large-scale housing projects, and infrastructure and CPO funding mandates. ‘Extremely strong strategist’ Roy Pinnock heads up the team and advises the Government on development consents; developers and planning authorities on strategies for large-scale development; and acts on strategic land promotion and major regeneration projects. Newly promoted partner Michele Vas advises on energy and transport infrastructure and the completion of strategic residential urban extensions, while senior associate Katie Scuoler specialises in infrastructure planning work, CPO and large section 106 agreements, and senior associate Rachael Herbert is noted for her expertise in residential projects.

Practice head(s):

Roy Pinnock

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is not only technically very strong but they are a pleasure to work with. They are highly committed but have created a supportive, family-like environment.’

‘Roy Pinnock is an extremely strong strategist, a clear and independent thinker who looks beyond the conventional to offer new insights that advance and unlock cases – a highly effective and experienced partner.’

‘Reach – the ability to cover all aspect of planning and other permitting in the UK and internationally.’

‘The team consistently meet deadlines and offer sound advice on a complex planning application. They have been instrumental in ongoing s106 negotiations to secure a deliverable agreement.’

‘Roy Pinnock’s legal negotiations have been very valuable on a s106 agreement.’

Key clients

Anschutz Sports Holdings Limited

Bedford Borough Council

Peabody Development Limited

Places for People Developments Limited

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd

South Cambridgeshire District Council

Southend on Sea Borough Council

SSE

Taylor Wimpey UK Limited

Telereal Trillium

Tide Construction

Britishvolt UK

Orwell (Basildon) Limited

David Wilson Homes

Capreon

Regal London

Royal Borough of Greenwich

Work highlights

  • Acting for SSE/ Keadby Generation Limited on the Keadby 3 Low Carbon CCGT Power Station project for a new gas fired power station adding to the facilities existing at Keadby through the Development Consent Order regime.
  • Advising Bedford Borough Council on the 1,000-home development plan allocation for the redevelopment of the historic 53-hectare Stewartby brickworks site.
  • Supporting Peabody on the masterplan and application for the 980-home redevelopment of Islington’s largest housing site at the former Holloway Women’s Prison.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 3

Dentons advises major financial institutions, private banks, and borrowers on domestic and cross-border real estate finance transactions; it therefore benefits from the firm’s global presence. The team is co-led by Simon Tweedle, who advises funders and borrowers on investment and development finance mandates across office, retail, residential, hotel, care home, student accommodation and shopping centres asset classes, and James Irvine, who is strong in restructuring mandates and the hotel sector. Similarly, Simon Masri also has expertise in hotel investments, and Marc Gilston joined the team from TLT in May 2021.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Strong collaboration with Finance colleagues ensures a joined up and efficient approach to negotiations. Team is joined up, easy to deal with and attentive when required.’

‘They provide solid advice at all levels and have an ability to pull in the experts from across the firm.’

‘The real estate finance team is strong with good partner level advice always available.’

‘Simon Tweedle has long been a go-to source of advice on any real estate finance matter; he is clear, commercial and responsive, as well as fun to work with.’

‘Simon Masri and team always deliver great advice, take a commercial approach, and offer innovative solutions where required. They can work to tight deadlines and deliver excellent value for money.’

‘Simon Masri is always available. He gave great support during all negotiations.’

‘Catherine Astruc is a calm pair of hands and has good sector knowledge.’

‘Simon Masri and James Irvine work closely together and joined up from a client perspective and it always feels like they have your back. They come up with practical, sensible advice.’

Key clients

Lloyds Bank

HSBC Bank

Metro Bank

Royal Bank of Scotland/ NatWest/ Lombard

DBS Bank

Societe Generale

Chenavari Investment Managers and its funding entity (AREO Sarl)

Ho Be 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

Lloyds Bank

Heitman

Work highlights

  • Advising Vengrove on a new up to £100m financing to be provided by ICG to various Vengrove SPVs for the purposes of financing or refinancing the acquisition and certain development works of three initial industrial properties in England.
  • Advising Scottish Widows on the provisions of a £61.7m sustainability linked investment financing for the purposes of refinancing the acquisitions of numerous office properties.
  • Advising NatWest on the provisions of a £100m investment loan to the Primary Health Properties group to refinance existing borrowings.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 3

Dentons acts for banks, non-traditional lenders and fintech businesses operating in the UK, advising on high-value payments and electronic money, crypto, digital banking and IT outsourcing transactions. Practice head Jonathan Garforth has expertise in the emerging and fertile regulatory landscapes of open banking, digital payments, crypto and buy now pay later products. Alison Bryce jointly leads the practice from the Glasgow office and has a particular emphasis on software development agreements as well as escrow and hosted service arrangements. Tristan Jonckheer and Sarah Lima both focus on payment services within fintech. Martin Fanning is another important name to note.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Garforth; Alison Bryce

Testimonials

‘The team has broad capabilities in fintech and an enviable client list. Dentons has exceptional expertise in financial regulation and specifically payments, but importantly more broadly in banking technology.’

‘Tristan Jonckheer is highly responsive, intelligent and pragmatic. He is the definition of a trusted adviser.’

Key clients

PayPal

TreviPay

Ripple Labs

John Lewis Partnership

M&S

ING Bank

SMBC Bank International

Santander London Branch

Work highlights

  • Advised John Lewis Partnership on an agreement with BNP Paribas to offer point of sale credit and Buy Now, Pay Later services to customers of John Lewis, Waitrose and Opun, to enable them to purchase products in-store and online.
  • Advised one of the pre-eminent multinational fintech businesses on a strategic acquisition in order to build its cryptoasset business.
  • Advised a leading payment company on a strategic investment to help build its cross-border payments business.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 3

One of the largest firms globally, Dentons operates across a wealth of domestic and international M&A, venture capital, private equity, corporate recovery, restructuring and equity capital markets mandates. Brian Moore fronts the UK and Ireland corporate division from Edinburgh, having transacted deals in Brazil, Australia, China and the US, among other locations, throughout his illustrious 25-year career. Iain Sutherland serves as head of corporate for Scotland while Derek McCombe spearheads the national retail practice, often acting for household high street retailers in the process. The team is also particularly proficient in the food and drink, financial service, industrial, government and energy sectors and includes senior associate Owen McLennan, a rising star in the field of private equity.

Practice head(s):

Brian Moore

Testimonials

‘Good cross-border collaboration with the lawyers in other offices in which Dentons’ has an office. Practical advice, efficient and effective.’

‘The corporate team at Dentons Glasgow has advised us for a number of years and delivers excellent, appropriately resourced and value for money advice. The corporate team has access to a full range of specialist advisers across the world allowing us access to the right advice in a way that works best for our business.’

‘Iain Sutherland and Derek McCombe are the principal UK partners we deal with. Both are excellent communicators and deal doers.’

‘Their range of specialist skills is exceptional; from M&A and deal structuring, to employment, contracts and IP, they have a strength and depth which is excellent. Global reach is also a big positive. My company has operations in the UK, the US and continental Europe and what makes the Dentons corporate and commercial practice in Glasgow easy to deal with is that they act as an interface between their colleagues in other countries, knowing when not to get in the way, but also when things need chivvying along.’

‘The whole team is extremely personable and professional and will always go the extra mile to get a job over the line. Our client partner is Iain Sutherland. Iain has taken the time to obtain a detailed understanding of my company and the nuances of our business model and the sector we operate in. In this respect we regard Iain as a true business partner, and not just a reactive provider of legal services, and we value his strategic input and judgement highly. Whilst I have an excellent client partner, in Iain, I have multiple contact points in the firm, meaning that I can always reach a qualified specialist very quickly.’

Work highlights

  • Advising on the £188m recommended offer by PineBridge for Sigma Capital Group plc.
  • Advising on the sale of Roslin Cell Therapies Limited to GHO Capital, which we believe this was one of the highest value M&A or private equity transactions in Scotland during 2021.
  • Advising the shareholders of Axle Group Holdings Ltd (trading as National) on the sale of National to Halfords Group plc for circa £62m.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 3

At Dentons, the litigation practice has a track record handling public enquiries, cross-border disputes and insolvency-related work, and is led by Douglas Blyth from Glasgow. The team is active in the energy, transport and financial services sectors and advises on a range of complex disputes, including contracts and shareholder disputes – Malcolm Gunnyeon is recommended here. Other key contacts include Fiona MacGregor, who joined as Counsel from Pinsent Masons LLP, adding to the groups complex property litigation offering. Solicitor advocate Craig Neilson, who is based in the firm's London office, will now work between London and Scotland. Elsewhere, Gareth Hale left to join Brodies LLP.

Practice head(s):

Douglas Blyth

Testimonials

‘Strong team with a good depth of knowledge throughout.’

‘Fiona MacGregor is a very good new hire from Pinsent Masons – super organised, highly responsive and always provides very clear instructions.’

As Dentons has a large, capable team it is always possible to source an individual with deep sector knowledge.’

‘Their staff are available 24/7.’

‘Douglas Blyth is an exceptional litigation partner. He thinks through matters strategically and is always one step ahead of his adversaries. Douglas is a lawyer who I would always want on my side.

Key clients

Agile Energy Recovery (Inverurie) Limited

CSignum Ltd

Design LED Products Limited

DHL Information Services (Europe) s.r.o.

Eagle Couriers (Holdings) Limited N

Eden Springs UK Ltd

Edinburgh International Festival Society

Emtelle UK Ltd

Equorium, part of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group

Expresso Property Limited

Faimly Limited t/a Cash Generator

FrogBikes Limited

FSCom Limited

Funding Circle Limited

L.S. Smellie & Sons, Limited

Laboratoires Théa SAS

Manolete Partners PLC

Muller UK & Ireland Group LLP trading as Muller Wiseman Dairies and OTHER

Murgitroyd & Company Limited

MW Encap Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Glasgow Prestwick Airport Limited in relation to two separate public inquiries relative to windfarm developments in the proximity of the airport.
  • Acting for ProQuip in connection with invoice arrears accrued by its US distributor.
  • Advising Rajinder Bains, OMI Management Limited & OMI Facilities Limited in four complex actions with a combined value of £8m raised in the Commercial Court of the Court of Session.

Employment Tier 3

With three offices across Scotland, Dentons is led by the Glasgow-based Alison Weatherhead, who regularly handles transactional, TUPE and compliance matters, while the wider team also advises on industrial actions and employment disputes; Claire Maclean (Edinburgh), counsel since May 2021, is among the key contacts for the latter. With Elouisa Crichton, who joined the Glasgow team in May 2021 from Shepherd and Wedderburn, the team also has a specialist in maternity and shared parental leave, gender pay gap reporting, equal pay and gender equality matters.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘I have only recently started using Dentons but so far I have been very impressed with their transparency with fees; their excellent communication and client care’.

‘The uniqueness of the employment team at Dentons is derived from its people. All law firms can offer the same legal advice but not all law firms have individuals who are personable and relatable and strive to deliver their advice in a down-to-earth way that offers a solution and who genuinely seems to care aboutt resolving their clients’ problems.’

The team is always highly professional and couples this with an ability to give practical advice highlighting the risks that the business needs to take into account.’

‘We found Elouisa Crichton to be hugely impressive and would not hesitate to instruct her should the opportunity arise.’

‘Sarah Jackman goes beyond advising us of the black letter law or the most recent case, and always seeks to offer a proposed solution to our problems/queries at the forefront of her advice – this is how all commercial legal advice should be delivered across business today.’

‘Alison Weatherhead has built a team that displays the same pragmatic, client-centered, approachable and responsive attitude that she herself demonstrates.’

‘Claire Maclean is one of the most down-to-earth people I know and I am confident in her guidance. Claire is open and honest throughout her support with the business.’

‘Mark Hamilton is amazingly calm and considered in his support. This can often help cut through a lot of uninformed opinions and discussion at our end and help crystalise plans for next steps. His knowledge and experience are hugely reassuring and great to have him on our side!’

Key clients

Amazon UK Services Limited

William Grant & Sons

John Lewis Plc

Aggreko Plc

Ascensos Limited

The Edrington Group (Famous Grouse, Macallan & others)

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited

Howco Group plc

Halfords plc (Employment work)

MND Scotland

Work highlights

  • Advised Ascensos on a bid and the negotiation of a contract to provide COVID-19 call centre services to the public.
  • Advised a UK bank on bonus arrangements in an FCA-regulated business, to include clawback arrangements, changes to contractual entitlements and financial regulatory compliance.
  • Advised an oil and gas company on imposing the continuation of furlough on reduced pay but fully funded by the Company, for multiple employees after the government scheme ended. This unusual approach was taken to provide further time to consider possible restructures and minimise the impact of a potential collective redundancy exercise, and find volunteers for redundancy. This was novel and an untested area of law.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy (excluding oil and gas) Tier 3

Acclaimed for its ‘knowledge and connections within the energy industry’, Dentons supports on a wealth of domestic and international energy projects and transactions. The team, which is adept in conventional renewables, energy efficiency, energy transition and ESG, is led by David Cruickshank, an expert in respect of decarbonisation programs, hybrid PPA projects and renewable-related M&A.

Practice head(s):

David Cruickshank

Other key lawyers:

Carolyn Burns; Bill Fowler

Testimonials

‘Strong sector knowledge in partner David Cruikshank.’

‘Depth of knowledge and connections within the energy industry.’

‘Carolyn Burns – Knowledgeable, clear, approachable – I happily use her as effectively part of the in house team when engaging with policy clients.’

Work highlights

  • Acting as project counsel for Pale Blue Dot on the c.£4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
  • Advising Britishvolt on the development of its UK “gigafactory” – the manufacturing of lithium ion (and successor technology) batteries targeting electric vehicle production.
  • Providing advice and assistance to energy regulator Ofgem in relation to issues arising from the significant volatility/disruption in the GB energy markets.

Real estate > Construction Tier 3

Dentons has a strong profile for contentious work in the transport sector, including ports and ferries, which is typically led by the Edinburgh-based Kirsti Olson, but the team also acts across other sectors. In the non-contentious sphere, team head Mark Macaulay (specialises in construction procurement) provides assistance with Scottish, UK-wide and international office, mixed-use, infrastructure and energy sector projects and routinely works in close cooperation with other offices across the network. Its non-contentious offering was underlined with Paul Young's promotion to partner in summer 2021.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at Dentons are sticklers for detail – important in their job, but they have a knack of getting the information out of you that they need without too much pain.’

‘I’m impressed at their ability to give you answers to technical questions on the spot – not needing to go away and research.’

‘The team at Dentons are predominantly young and female which is refreshing.’

‘Mark Macaulay has been excellent in supporting us with a number of international projects. We highly recommend him.’

Work highlights

  • Advising PACL on all construction aspects of the mixed-use development at Haymarket, Edinburgh.
  • Advising Capita Property & Infrastructure Limited in an action raised in the Court of Session against them by Greater Glasgow Health Board (GGHB).
  • Advised the London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG) on a number of office refurbishment projects throughout the world in 2021.

Real estate > Environment Tier 3

Embedded in the firm's UK-wide environment practice, Glasgow-based senior associate Pamela Coulthard is Dentons' main contact in Scotland, handling the full spectrum of environmental law. Most of its recent work took place at the property and transactional intersecion but also included regulatory and ESG matters. Its clients are typically drawn from the retail, energy, manufacturing, financial and food and drink sectors.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Good specialist knowledge of regulatory and environmental compliance.’

‘Practical advice and solutions driven.’

Work highlights

  • Advising Lidl Stiftung & Co on the incoming mandatory Scottish Deposit Return Scheme.
  • Managing environmental aspects of a large scale multi-jurisdictional acquisition for Granite Holdings Global Limited, which will see its addressable markets increase by $1bn.
  • Advising the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on all environmental aspects of its £10bn re-procurement of its maritime services contracts.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 4

Dentons is active in the tax risk and W&I insurance space. Global tax co-chair Alex Thomas leads the group, and covers a broad range of matters, with a particular aptitude for those with international elements. Alex Tostevin has expertise in private equity.

Practice head(s):

Alex Thomas

Other key lawyers:

Alex Tostevin; Alastair MacLeod

Testimonials

‘The service provided by Dentons is exceptional, as their professional approach towards delivering appropriate and timely advice, sound knowledge of the industry, competent team members, and dedication towards meeting our requirements make them unique. The team members have always made sure that we experience value added in all our corporate tax practices.’

‘The hard work and commitment of the individuals make the services of Dentons unique.’

‘Alex Tostevin is an acknowledged expert in the VAT field, particularly in the area of investment funds.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Swiss Life on its acquisition of Baring’s European logistic portfolio.
  • Advised long standing client, AM FRESH Group, in relation to its continued investment in the Special New Fruit Licensing Group (SNFL Group) with Paine Schwartz Partners.
  • Advised CompareTheMarket owner BGL Group on the sale of BGL Insurance, a digital distributor of insurance and household financial services, to Markerstudy.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4

Dentons is geared to support on regulatory capital, licensing and conduct of business requirements, among others, leveraging its far-reaching international platform to support on both domestic and cross-border matters. Practice head Greg McEneny is distinctly well-placed to support on derivatives, securities and market infrastructure affairs.

Practice head(s):

Greg McEneny

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Garforth

Testimonials

‘The team are well resourced and highly skilled. They take the time to understand our industry and requirements.’

Key clients

HSBC

ING Bank, N.V.

Multi Service Technology Solutions, Inc doing business as TreviPay

PCF Bank

PayPal, Inc

Work highlights

  • Advised TreviPay and its owners on a highly strategic and complex sale of TreviPay’s European Toll Card business to Shell.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4

Following her arrival from Addleshaw Goddard in November 2021, and his return from a short spell at Walkers in March 2021, Louisa Caswell and Thomas Leyland now occupy the key leadership positions at Dentons in London; the former oversees the UK-wide disputes offering, while the latter heads up the London-based commercial litigation team. The firm is highly valued for its ‘fantastic international reach with excellence across all fields‘. Recommended practitioners range from seasoned litigator Liz Tout to ‘standout‘ senior associate Tom Hanson.

Practice head(s):

Louisa Caswell; Thomas Leyland

Other key lawyers:

Liz Tout; Craig Neilson; Adrian Giles; Dan Bodle; Tim Constable; Felicity Ewing; Tom Hanson

Testimonials

‘Tim Constable: a fantastic partner with bounds of energy and good tactical nous. An excellent negotiator in settlement meetings.’

‘Ability to put together large, sometimes multilingual/multi-jurisdictional teams at short notice to deal with international fraud matters.’

‘Craig Neilson is a stand-out partner. Very bright, personable and energetic, and always looking for new angles in a case.’

‘Fantastic international reach with excellence across all fields.’

‘Adrian Giles – really shrewd and astute commercial litigator. Louisa Caswell – impressive lawyer and popular with clients.’

‘Thomas Leyland and Tom Hanson are standout individuals. Great strategic thinkers.’

‘Dentons provides a first class service litigation service, with is provided without any ‘over-resourcing’. They exhibit real experience and practical good sense and understand where clients are coming from. It is also the sort of firm where it is obvious to those who deal with it that the ‘atmosphere’ internally is a positive one, with colleagues genuinely enjoying working there, something which feeds into the client’s experience too. They are good at fostering younger talent, enjoy a strong relationship with the Bar and have a strong track record of forming cohesive teams with counsel to produce the best litigation results for they clients.’

‘Thomas Leyland is a very impressive individual who combines calm strategic thinking with attention to detail and provides hands-on guidance to the team he leads. To lure him back is a coup for Dentons and a credit to the litigation team.’

Key clients

Newcastle United Football Club Limited

DHL Information Services (Europe) s.r.o.

Vodafone Italia S.P.A.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Nord Naptha

Pathfinder Mozambique SA and JV Consultores Internacionais Limitada

Circumference Investments (Europe) Limited, Circumference (Luxembourg) SARL and Circumference Holdings Ltd.

Petro Trade

American Eagle Outfitters

Emtelle UK Limited

BP

Sainsbury’s

EDF Energy

Work highlights

  • Defending PricewaterhouseCoopers against a £63m claim for alleged breach of confidence.
  • Defending Vodafone in a termination dispute related to an important contract for the Italian Serie A football broadcast rights.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 4

Employment > Immigration Tier 4

Dentons‘ immigration practice is now led by Sarah Ingles-Carlyle, who took over as head following Jessica Pattinson’s December 2021 departure to an in-house role. The team provides comprehensive support to clients looking to establish or expand into the UK market, with notable experience in sectors including the pharmaceuticals, energy, and media and entertainment industries. Associate Vaida Lukaite is a key contact, with a growing practice advising on the points-based system and the prevention of illegal working.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Ingles Carlyle

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at Dentons are very professional and helpful. Any responses are clear and precise. They also respond very quickly.’

‘Vaida Lukaite – is my main point of contact and is very good.’

‘In my experience of working with other providers, the Dentons team stands out for its people. The team supporting our business is knowledgeable and experienced. We have a good working relationship with collaboration at the heart. They understand our people and the way we work, and consistently receive excellent feedback from the client group.’

Key clients

NBC Universal International Limited

Mitie

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Hunter Boot Limited

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Acro Aircraft Seating Limited

Ceridian Europe Limited

Altus Intervention

TC BioPharm Limited

Upfield UK Services Limited

HiFix (XE)

Clearglass Limited

Senning (UK) Limited

Solinq Holding Limited

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 4

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 4

Dentons provides ‘innovative solutions in a collegiate and professional manner’ for banks, IPs and debtors across everything from consensual restructuring to formal insolvency. Team head Neil Griffiths  is ‘one of the most experienced practitioners in the London market’. He has a particularly strong reputation in relation to contentious matters, as was evidenced by his recent work for Hurricane Energy Plc on its hotly contested use of the new restructuring plan to to cram-down shareholders as a dissenting class. Tessa Blank is ‘extremely bright and able to communicate difficult concepts in easy to understand language’ and is a key member of the team that includes counsel Luci-Mitchell Fry, who is noted for her ‘very commercial advice’, particularly in a contentious context.

Practice head(s):

Neil Griffiths

Other key lawyers:

Ian Fox; Catherine Astruc; Celia Hayward; Richard Pallot-Cook; Jason Sheard; Tessa Blank; Luci Mitchell-Fry; Mark Price; Helen Anderson; Robert Spedding; Jonathan Sears

Testimonials

‘Pragmatic and commercial – they find solutions not just identify problems.’

Dentons provides innovative solutions in a collegiate and professional manner.’

Tessa Blank is great – she is extremely bright and able to communicate difficult concepts in easy to understand language.’

‘Ian Fox is very commercial and approachable.’

Neil Griffiths is one of the most experienced practitioners in the London market, a very calm style during difficult cases.’

‘Richard Pallot-Cook is technically very good and highly commercial with a great sense of humour even when under pressure.’

Celia Hayward – gives clarity to the process and helps lead lenders to a solution.’

Luci Mitchell-Fry provides very commercial advice, looking to solve problems and drive solutions rather than just present (legal) analysis.’

Key clients

Hurricane Energy Plc

Ofgem

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Knight Frank LLP

Beal Bank

Sainsbury’s

Smartwings A.S.

Ernst & Young

KPMG

BDO

Work highlights

  • Acting for Hurricane Energy plc on its groundbreaking and hotly contested restructuring plan, one of the earliest plans to be proposed; the first to involve a debt for equity swap; and the first to propose a cross class cram down of shareholders.
  • Providing advice and assistance to energy regulator Ofgem in 2021 and 2022 on issues arising from the significant volatility/disruption in the GB energy markets.
  • Continuing to advise the joint administrators of LBHI2 in respect of all aspects of their directions application in relation to the relative ranking of subordinated debt and subordinated notes in the LBHI2 estate and in connection with LBHI2’s Wentworth group interests and the Lehman scheme of arrangement.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 4

Dentons advises on a range of domestic and international projects. In the UK, it is active in build and development disputes, and offers TCC litigation, adjudication and ADR methods. Internationally, it offers arbitration advice on major energy and infrastructure projects. Esther McDermott leads the team, specialising in PFI and payment disputes, as well as professional negligence claims. Meanwhile, Akin Akinbode  focuses on engineering and construction dispute resolution.

Practice head(s):

Esther McDermott

Other key lawyers:

Akin Akinbode; Michael Wright

Testimonials

‘The joined-up cross-border nature of the team is something special. It is seamless. They are an impressive outfit.’

‘Esther McDermott is brilliant. She gets absolutely everything done and well on time. She really is a remarkable project leader.’

‘The contentious team benefits from real genuine specialist knowledge. The lawyers live and breathe construction work and have great market connections.’

‘Akin Akinbode is calm under pressure and always delivers first-class advice. He makes important calls on strategy and his clients really love him.’

‘Michael Wright is a talented senior associate who is clearly future partner material. Diligent and dedicated, with great specialist construction sector knowledge.’

‘The Dentons team has real strength in depth. They have high quality people at all levels of seniority. They have a firm focus on the client’s commercial objectives and always keep this front and centre of their advice and decision making.’

‘Esther McDermott is absolutely top-drawer. She is very tenacious and easy to work with and always keeps a laser-like focus on the bigger commercial picture.’

‘The practice understands the needs of their clients and the industry and can provide strong commercial advice with recommendations in addition to providing black letter law.’

Key clients

Mellitah Oil & Gas B.V.

JD Euroway Finance Inc

Uzmetkombinat JSC

Taylor Wimpey

Transport for London

Helical plc

M&G Real Estate

London Luton Airport Operations Limited

Galliford Try

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited

Hammerson plc

Virgin Media

Nightingale Architects Limited and IBI Group (UK) Limited

Elemento (Seven Sisters) Ltd

The Nederlander Group

Sankofa Corporation Limited

Salvesen Insulated Frames Limited

GTH Construction Limited

Group 1 Automotive UK Limited

General Electric Company

Work highlights

  • Acting for Taylor Wimpey on a high-profile cladding dispute on a 174-apartment development.
  • Acting for Network Rail on a multi-party TCC litigation relating to the construction of a multi-storey car park at Grand Central Station in Birmingham.
  • Acting for Morgan Sindall on a high value claim in relation to defects at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 4

Dentons‘ patents practice offers its clients comprehensive litigation, advisory, transactional, and prosecution assistance, with a strong bench of litigators who are trusted by companies in the technology, retail, media, finance and public sectors. Justin Hill leads the team, which is praised for its ‘excellent service’ and ‘pragmatic approach’. Recent highlights for the team include advising high-profile clients on their UK and European patent portfolios, as well as acting for generic pharmaceutical companies in patent infringement and validity proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Justin Hill

Testimonials

‘Justin Hill and his team consistently provide an excellent service. They are extremely strategic, but also pragmatic in managing our IP portfolio.’

Work highlights

  • Supporting Dexcom on UK, German and US patent litigation against Abbott diabetes care.
  • Advising Arqit on its technology patenting and commercialisation strategy.
  • Advising Raytheon Technologies on its large and complex European patent portfolio comprising hundreds of different patent matters and involving a wide range of cutting edge technologies.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4

The London IP offering at Dentons leverages the firm’s global footprint to advise on complex cross-border transactions, particularly in IP-rich sectors such as the media and entertainment industries. Practice co-head Anna Copeman maintains a balanced transactional and contentious practice, with recent highlights including acting for Marks and Spencer in the highly publicised High Court proceedings regarding trade mark infringement claims in relation to its product Colin the Caterpillar. Senior associate Jennifer Cass is also a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Anna Copeman

Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Cass; James Marsden

Testimonials

‘Really excellent team: strong technical knowledge, cohesive, engaged and a delight to work with.’

‘Anna Copeman is a standout partner. Exceptional engagement and client service. Jennifer Cass – fully on top of the detail.’

‘The team is highly technically competent, they are able to balance commercial practicalities with legally complex approaches. They do not scrimp on time or expertise, whilst also being very pragmatic with costs. I highly recommend them.’

‘Anna Copeman is excellent, and is very good at managing a team and dealing with clients. Jennifer Cass is a very competent senior associate who gets on with tasks and really grapples with difficult subject matter.’

Key clients

American Eagle

Argex

Edinburgh Woollen Mill

ArQit

Lottoland Holdings Ltd

M&S

Seraphim Spacecamp / AWS Spacecamp

Supreme Committee for Qatar (World Cup 2022)

Virgin

Work highlights

  • Advising M&S in respect of High Court proceedings commenced against Aldi UK Limited in relation to its iconic product, Colin the Caterpillar.
  • Advising American Eagle Outfitters Inc in High Court proceedings commenced by Lyle & Scott Limited alleging breach of a co-existence agreement and passing off.
  • Advising Primarp DMCC, Purepay Retail Limited, Anglo Global Property Limited, Kings Landing Limited, and Border I.P. Limited (the current owners of the Edinburgh Woollen Mills business) as claimants in High Court proceedings alleging trade mark infringement, passing off and breach of employment contract.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 4

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4

Dentons’ ‘cohesive’ team focuses on the strategic management of trade mark portfolios for international brands and UK-based companies across the technology, food and beverage, energy, consumer products and retail sectors. The team is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint to advise on multi-jurisdictional mandates, ranging from licensing agreements and opposition and cancellation proceedings before the UKIPO to enforcement matters and high-profile trade mark disputes. ‘Stand-out’ solicitor Anna Copeman leads the practice and senior trade mark attorney Anna Brown advises on all aspects of trade mark and design prosecution work.

Practice head(s):

Anna Copeman

Other key lawyers:

Anna Brown; James Marsden

Testimonials

‘Anna Copeman is a stand-out partner. Exceptional engagement and client service.’ 

‘The team is technically competent and they are able to balance commercial practicalities with legally complex approaches.’ 

‘Anna Brown is a senior trade mark attorney with excellent knowledge of the law and first-rate client handling skills.’ 

‘Anna Copeman is excellent and very good at managing a team, whilst dealing with clients.’ 

‘Their global market knowledge makes their ability to support my company very strong.’ 

‘Anna Copeman and James Marsden have advised us in several actions and concluded our cases successfully, because of their appreciation and understanding of our values and way of working.’ 

‘Really excellent team. Strong technical knowledge, cohesive, engaged and a delight to work with.’ 

Key clients

American Eagle

Argex

Edinburgh Woollen Mill

ArQit

Lottoland Holdings Ltd

M&S

Seraphim Spacecamp / AWS Spacecamp

Supreme Committee for Qatar (World Cup 2022)

Virgin

Work highlights

  • Advising Cavour Limited, European Lotto and Betting Limited and Lottoland Holdings Ltd in relation to numerous IP matters.
  • Advising ArQit on the clearance and protection of its new brands, used to further differentiate and identify its technologies in the UK.
  • Appointed to FIFA’s new panel of legal advisers to assist in the organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and providing specialist branding advice.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 5

Dentons offers an international practice covering both contentious and non-contentious competition law issues. The group has particular expertise in merger control and Foreign Direct Investment matters. The team has expanded under the leadership of the ‘exceptionalAdrian Magnus, supported by Christopher Graf, who is regularly instructed on merger control matters.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Magnus

Other key lawyers:

Christopher Graf; Adele Behles

Testimonials

‘Adrian Magnus, is exceptional. He is one of the most impressive competition lawyers I have met, striking the right balance of technical knowledge with commercial sense. As an in-house lawyer in a FTSE-company, it is important that advisers take the time to understand our business, risks and concerns, and know how to protect our wider organisation. We have many competition law challenges and Dentons has been there, highly responsive, every step of the way to assist. All of the team are excellent commercial and technical lawyers, respond quickly, and work well together. Highly recommend the team.’

‘Christopher Graf – Excellent attorney, great at maintaining relationships, and always quick to get back to us.’

‘Did the basics much better and quicker than peer law firms. Only law firm I used last year that came in ahead of time and (significantly) lower than budget, everyone else miraculously came back with bills at the fee cap. By that measure Dentons were the exception/exceptional.’

‘Knowledgeable, responsive and good to work with’

‘The team from Dentons understands our company very well and gives us exactly the advice we need. They are able to find compromises in results within legal framework. Communication is very good and effective.’

‘They are very attentive to detail, great at communication, and good at maintaining relationships with clients.’

Key clients

Yamaha Music Europe

KPS Capital Partners

TotalEnergies

John Lewis/Waitrose

Marshall Motor Group

Marks&Spencer

Avis Budget Group

Stagecoach South Western Trains (SSWT)

Work highlights

  • Advising on global merger approvals, including unconditional EC merger clearance, for KPS Capital Partners’ €2.25 billion acquisition of Crown Holdings, Inc.’s European Tinplate business, comprising 44 manufacturing facilities in 17 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
  • Representing SSWT in ongoing collective proceedings in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) brought by Justin Gutmann against SSWT and two other rail operators in relation to alleged abuse of dominance regarding boundary fares.
  • Coordinating Yamaha Music’s representation in RPM investigations by various European competition authorities.

Employment > Employers Tier 5

Dentons‘ employment department utilises its global network to bring in complementary expertise across multiple jurisdictions. Focusing on contentious, transactional and advisory matters, the firm advises financial institutions and multinationals on cross-border TUPE matters and employment issues arising from corporate transactions. Global chair of the employment practice, Purvis Ghani is a key figure. Former practice head Virginia Allen left the firm in 2022 to join EY Law.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

What I particularly like, especially with respect to the senior partner, is that they do not give their advice in a vaccum. They make it their business to understand our business and to give thoughtful and measured advice based on the circumstances.’

‘The Dentons Employment practice provides high quality and on point commercial legal advice.’

‘The engagement is very client-focused, friendly and down-to-earth.’

‘Purvis Ghani is a stand-out member of the Dentons team. Personable, smart and engaging, Purvis provides a holistic approach to legal support, showing deep consideration for client needs and the relevant legal and commercial environment.’

Key clients

Mitie Group Plc

Standard Chartered Bank

Apple Inc.

CBRE

Yamaha Music Europe

MUFG Bank

Trammell Crow Company

Yondr Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Mitie Group Plc on multiple claims for breach of working time, health and safety and sex discrimination raised by employees on overseas assignments.
  • Advised Global Chartered Bank in relation to the business’s new flexible working policy, which was to be introduced in over 50 countries in response to the new post-pandemic working environment.
  • Advised CBRE on the employment aspects of its $1.3 billion acquisition of a 60% stake in Turner & Townsend (T&T), a multinational consultancy and project management firm.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 5

The practice at Dentons is primarily dedicated to government work, with the team’s expertise spanning judicial review; competitive tendering; public procurement; environmental issues; and non-contentious advice on the powers, administrative functions, and duties of central and local bodies. The firm recently leveraged its in-depth knowledge of the financial services sector to ensure its recent successful reappointment to the Crown Commercial Service legal panel. Catherine Bingham and Christopher McGee-Osborne are the senior contacts to note.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Bingham; Christopher McGee-Osborne

Other key lawyers:

Richard Caird; Katharine Harle

Testimonials

‘The Dentons team differentiates itself with a greater use of technology than other firms, and has the capacity to take on the biggest projects.’

‘The team are very responsive, particularly when deadlines are tight.’

‘Richard Caird is able to draw on a wealth of financial services and regulatory law experience when defending public bodies. He has a natural feel for what is reasonable when such bodies are exercising their discretions.’

Key clients

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (legacy Department for International Development (DFID))

Cabinet Office

Ministry of Defence

Ofgem

Ofwat

Network Rail

DEFRA

Low Carbon Contracts Company

Diagnostics.ai Ltd

Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Scottish National Investment Bank

Department for Education

FCDO

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

Transport for London

Acorn CCS (joint venture among Shell UK, Storegga, Harbour Energy and NSMP)

UK National Infrastructure Bank

Glasgow Prestwick Airport Limited

Work highlights

  • Representing the National House-Building Council in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
  • Advising energy regulator Ofgem in 2021 and 2022 on issues arising from the significant volatility of the GB energy markets.
  • Representing the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in a judicial review arising out of the collapse of mini-bond provider London Capital & Finance.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 5

Dentons uses its international reach to act for clients on a global basis, with team members offering multi-jurisdictional expertise in business crime, regulatory law and investigations. The practice was bolstered by the November 2021 arrival of co-head Louisa Caswell from Addleshaw Goddard, an international disputes specialist with a strong record in SFO investigations, and the January 2022 arrival of Chris Brennan, who has deep experience in contentious financial services work. Additionally, counsel Dan Lund joined from Akin in December 2021, bringing significant international sanctions, trade, and AML experience. The team is co-led by Katharine Harle, who advises on financial markets and regulatory investigations, including acting for brokers in FCA proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Louisa Caswell; Katharine Harle

Other key lawyers:

Chris Brennan; Dan Lund; Craig Neilson

Testimonials

‘An outstanding international litigation department with a specialism in maximum complexity banking cases and handling HNW and demanding clients.’

‘Chris Brennan is a great recent signing who brings excellent judgment and legal understanding to all of his cases.’

‘Dentons is a reliable law firm, both in terms of the quality of the advice and the quick turnaround for providing it. Its international capacities are a big bonus as we can receive advice in all the jurisdictions in which we operate.’

‘Craig Neilson is our client partner and is an absolute pleasure to work with. He is excellent and very personable.’

Work highlights

    TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 5

    Dentons supports its sports-based clients across an array of matters, including the establishment of major events, setting up/reorganising leagues, M&A as well as financings and insolvencies. The practice is also recommended for dealing with sporting commercial agreements, litigation and stadium construction issues. Richard Barham leads the practice alongside Milton Keynes-based Nick Harrison.

    Practice head(s):

    Richard Barham; Nick Harrison

    Key clients

    St James Holdings (owner of Newcastle United)

    Silverstone Circuits Limited

    Saracens (Premier Team Promotions)

    Scottish Cycling

    Esports Awards Limited

    Under Armour Inc.

    Hibernian Football Club

    Southend on Sea Borough Council

    Club Brugge

    Sigma Sports

    Work highlights

    • Advised Mike Ashley’s St James Holdings Limited on the sale of Newcastle United (NUFC) to a joint venture involving the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers following settlement of NUFC’s arbitration against the English Premier League.
    • Advised Silverstone Circuits Limited in relation to staging of the 2021 Formula 1 British Grand Prix in July 2021 amidst the on-going Covid restrictions regarding large-scale events; bringing the event within the Event Research Programme’s requirements.
    • Advised Club Brugge, the leading football team in Belgium, in relation to its proposed IPO and listing on Euronext Brussels, prior to the transaction’s delay as a result of investor demand.

    Finance > Asset based lending

    Insurance > Product liability: defendant

    South East > Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

    The corporate team at Dentons is frequently involved in multi-jurisdictional acquisitions due to its international reach, with work that spans industries such as automotive and insurance. The firm has a diverse client base with high profile names such as the Royal Mail Group and the John Lewis Partnership and the team carries out specialist insurance work in the warranties and indemnity sector. The practice is headed by corporate expert Christopher Colclough and Nick Harrison who routinely leads deals in the retail and sports sectors. Senior associate Ryan Chia works on public sector matters.

    Practice head(s):

    Christopher Colclough; Nick Harrison

    Other key lawyers:

    Ryan Chia; Faye Garvey; Francesca Betterman

    Testimonials

    ‘They get the work done.’

    ‘Very responsible and knowledgable.’

    ‘What stands out about our experience with Dentons is the collaboration. It is very easy to tell theirs is a culture of delivering excellence to the client in a transparent and considered manner.’

    ‘Chris is incredibly hard working diligent and was able to summarise complex legal matters succinctly, therefore protecting us from information overload which may have distracted the sellers in their day to day work. Chris introduced Ryan Chia who acted as our Senior associate and we were delighted with his professionalism, diligence and hard work. At no point did we feel uncomfortable or uncertain in the process and this is credit to both these individuals and the heavy lifting that they provided during the transaction process. All individuals we dealt with (Chris, Ryan and associate Rebekah Hobbs) were all very personable.’

    ‘Flexible.’

    ‘Experienced in automation installation and IT contracts.’

    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

    Group 1

    Saracens Limited

    Roku Inc

    The National Crime Agency

    Strictly F/X

    Energie Fitness

    Inwido UK

    Work highlights

    • Advised Marshall Motor Holding on its acquisition of Motorline Holdings Limited.
    • Advised the shareholders of Axis Electronics limited on the sale of their shares.
    • Advised Saracens RFC on day-to-day commercial legal and contractual matters.

    South East > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport

    The Dentons team in Milton Keynes has established itself as a go-to market leader for organizations behind large sports events worldwide. In a recent highlight, the team fronted by Nick Harrison assisted the Esports Awards with hosting their event in Arlington, Texas. Harrison is a specialist in retail and sports matters particularly where they intersect with IT. In disputes clients may rely on seasoned litigator James Fairbairn who handles all forms of commercial dispute resolution. A rising star within the team is associate Rose McDowall, particularly noteworthy for her experience with commercial contracts, especially in media distribution.

    Practice head(s):

    Nick Harrison

    Other key lawyers:

    James Fairbairn; Rose McDowall

    Work highlights

    • Advised Silverstone Circuits Limited in relation to staging of the 2021 Formula 1 British Grand Prix in July 2021 amidst the on-going Covid restrictions regarding large-scale events; bringing the event within the Event Research Programme’s requirements.
    • Advised Saracens RFC on their agreement with StoneX Financial to become principal sponsor of the men’s rugby team and the naming rights holder in respect of the now StoneX Stadium.
    • Advised Silverstone Circuits Limited on its agreement with Goose Live Events for the staging of a new experimental motoring event “Switch Live”.

    South East > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms

    Dentons assists household names such as Royal Mail, Sainsburys, and John Lewis on their IT procurement and relevant contractual agreements. The team is led by Nick Harrison, renowned for his legal-IT know-how in the retail and sports sectors Harrison works closely with associate Rukia Khatun, who primarily handles cloud-based solutions, software development and procurement, and focuses on advising emerging companies.

    Practice head(s):

    Nick Harrison

    Other key lawyers:

    Kimberley Langford; Rukia Khatun; Esther Rusling

    Work highlights

    • Advised Royal Mail Group on its procurement of critical communication services (core communication services and handheld devices).
    • Advised Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited (Sainsbury’s) on its agreement with NCR for the licence of operating software for its self-service checkouts.
    • Advised Sharjah Islamic Bank on its agreement with Netlink for the licence of OutSystems’ low code platform to enhance its digital banking services.

    Scotland > Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow

    Home to a UK-wide real estate practice, Dentons’s Scottish team is spearheaded by Brian Hutcheson, a lawyer with extensive student accommodation, BTR, retail and logistics asset expertise; he is supported development, leasing and investment expert, Barry Edgar, in addition to Paul Haniford whose key fields of focus include renewables and leisure. Madeleine Smallwood rounds off the four-partner team and is often engaged on major energy developments as well as transactions pertaining to hotel and leisure assets.

    Practice head(s):

    Brian Hutcheson

    Testimonials

    ‘The team really knows our business. They have built up a very good relationship with the individuals within the business over the years and can anticipate our requirements.’

    ‘Barry Edgar – he is personable and provides clear practical advice. He is solutions orientated and is keen to find solutions to issues that crop up.’

     

    Work highlights

    • Advised Glade Capital on the acquisition of a fully let office on North Esplanade West in Aberdeen, funded by AIB. We gave real estate, tax, banking and construction advice.
    • Acting on the real estate aspects of the corporate sale of National Tyres, Autocare, Tyre Shopper and Viking Wholesale Tyres to Halfords. This involved a UK wide real estate portfolio of circa 248 properties and included the requirement to vary a number of the leases.
    • Advising FORE Partnership on the development of their ambitious speculative office development known as CadWorks, Cadogan Street, Glasgow.

    South East > Employment > Immigration

    Headed up by Sarah Ingles-Carlyle from the London office, Dentons‘ immigration practice excels at providing business immigration advice for major corporate clients. Based in the Milton Keynes office and recently promoted to counsel, Verity Buckingham is a key contact, with significant expertise in applications for and administration of sponsor licences, including in relation to restructures, mergers and acquisitions. The firm is also active in the Home Office Business User Forum.

    Practice head(s):

    Sarah Ingles-Carlyle

    Other key lawyers:

    Testimonials

    ‘Verity Buckingham is very responsive and explains complex topics in a clear way.’

    Key clients

    Banijay UK Limited

    Drax Corporate Limited

    Elliptic Enterprises Limited

    Field Effect Software Inc

    Fortna UK Limited

    Galantas Irish Gold Limited

    KCSGE Holdings Limited

    Ocean Partners UK Limited

    The Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences

    TUI UK Limited

    United Artists Corporation Limited

    Vectrus Mission Systems Ltd

    Work highlights

    • Advised a client on updates to sponsor licence and intracompany transfers following a corporate restructuring.
    • Assisted a client with securing a sponsor licence and the recruitment of migrants into key roles.
    • Acting as an extension of a client’s HR team to undertake all immigration work.

    Scotland > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation

    At Dentons, the litigation practice has a track record handling public enquiries, cross-border disputes and insolvency-related work, and is led by Douglas Blyth from Glasgow. The team is active in the energy, transport and financial services sectors and advises on a range of complex disputes, including contracts and shareholder disputes – Malcolm Gunnyeon is recommended here. Other key contacts include Fiona MacGregor, who joined as Counsel from Pinsent Masons LLP, adding to the groups complex property litigation offering. Solicitor advocate Craig Neilson, who is based in the firm's London office, will now work between London and Scotland. Elsewhere, Gareth Hale left to join Brodies LLP.

    Practice head(s):

    Douglas Blyth

    Testimonials

    ‘Strong team with a good depth of knowledge throughout.’

    ‘Fiona MacGregor is a very good new hire from Pinsent Masons – super organised, highly responsive and always provides very clear instructions.’

    As Dentons has a large, capable team it is always possible to source an individual with deep sector knowledge.’

    ‘Their staff are available 24/7.’

    ‘Douglas Blyth is an exceptional litigation partner. He thinks through matters strategically and is always one step ahead of his adversaries. Douglas is a lawyer who I would always want on my side.

    Key clients

    Agile Energy Recovery (Inverurie) Limited

    CSignum Ltd

    Design LED Products Limited

    DHL Information Services (Europe) s.r.o.

    Eagle Couriers (Holdings) Limited N

    Eden Springs UK Ltd

    Edinburgh International Festival Society

    Emtelle UK Ltd

    Equorium, part of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group

    Expresso Property Limited

    Faimly Limited t/a Cash Generator

    FrogBikes Limited

    FSCom Limited

    Funding Circle Limited

    L.S. Smellie & Sons, Limited

    Laboratoires Théa SAS

    Manolete Partners PLC

    Muller UK & Ireland Group LLP trading as Muller Wiseman Dairies and OTHER

    Murgitroyd & Company Limited

    MW Encap Limited

    Work highlights

    • Acting for Glasgow Prestwick Airport Limited in relation to two separate public inquiries relative to windfarm developments in the proximity of the airport.
    • Acting for ProQuip in connection with invoice arrears accrued by its US distributor.
    • Advising Rajinder Bains, OMI Management Limited & OMI Facilities Limited in four complex actions with a combined value of £8m raised in the Commercial Court of the Court of Session.

    Australia > Intellectual property

    The Dentons group is praised by clients for its ‘excellent knowledge of the retail industry’, driven in large part by the efforts of  practice head Joy Atacador, who also heads up the firm’s retail-focused offering. Hotel and leisure sector matters are also core areas of expertise for the team. Newly promoted to partner in July 2022, Matthew Hennessy, who joined the team from King & Wood Mallesons in January 2022, has bolstered the group’s capabilities in commercial transactions. Other key names to note include Robyn Chatwood, who acts in all area of non-contentious licensing and technology law.

    Practice head(s):

    Joy Atacador

    Other key lawyers:

    Testimonials

    ‘The level of expertise, the diversity of talent to call on and the willingness of the partners and solicitors to be available for advice on short and longer term basis.’

    ‘Excellent knowledge of the retail industry, personable communication , excellent collaboration, Always mindful of value for money.’

    ‘Always provide suggestions, easy to deal with, will advise at a moments notice – always available.’

    ‘They understand what we need; they understand our business.’

    Key clients

    Rapid Response Revival

    Dye & Durham

    Hertz

    Avis Budget Group

    Hilton

    Windsor Smith

    Argenta

    Regeneus

    Starwood Capital

    Gartner Australasia Pty Ltd

    Work highlights

    • Advised Avis Budget Group across multiple matters including drafting precedent franchise agreements, advising on competition law, advising on trade mark, advising on IP ownership and licensing arrangements, and other matters including privacy in respect of the franchised business.
    • Assisted Argenta with multiple deals, including in relation to the acquisition of Argenta by KKR.

    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.

    DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
    UK, Ireland & Middle East Chief Executive Officer Paul Jarvis
    UK, Ireland & Middle East Practice Partner Helen Simpson
    PhotoNamePositionProfile
    Akin Akinbode photo Akin AkinbodeAkin specialises in the resolution of engineering and construction disputes, as well…
    Catherine Astruc photo Catherine AstrucCatherine is a partner in the Banking and Finance practice and has…
    Henrietta Baker photo Henrietta BakerHenrietta is a partner in and Head of Dentons’ Technology Media and…
    Richard Barham photo Richard BarhamRichard is a partner in Dentons’ London Corporate department. He has particular…
    Nigel Barnett photo Nigel BarnettNigel Barnett is legacy co-head of the Global Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy…
    Miriam Best photo Miriam BestMiriam is a real estate partner specializing in property development, acting for…
    Catherine Bingham photo Catherine BinghamCatherine Bingham, partner, has specialized in advising on major technology, infrastructure and…
    Tessa Blank photo Tessa BlankTessa is a partner in the Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice. She…
    Dan Bodle photo Dan BodleDan specialises in international arbitration for clients in both the energy and…
    Sam Boileau photo Sam BoileauSam focuses on UK and EU environmental and safety law, and has…
    Helen Bowdren photo Helen BowdrenHelen is a partner in the market-leading Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)…
    Chris  Brennan photo Chris BrennanChris is a partner in Dentons’ London office. He is a member…
    Anna Brown photo Anna BrownAnna is a senior trade mark attorney in Dentons’ London office. She…
    Richard Budge photo Richard BudgeRichard chairs the Dentons global Construction and Development group and co-chairs the…
    Dan Burge photo Dan BurgeDan is a leader in the Technology and Telecoms (TMT) practice, based…
    Richard Caird photo Richard CairdRichard is a highly experienced partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution…
    Jennifer Cass photo Jennifer CassJennifer is an intellectual property specialist in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications…
    Louisa  Caswell photo Louisa CaswellLouisa heads the Disputes division for Dentons in the UK. She is…
    Nick Chandler photo Nick ChandlerNick is the Chair of Dentons’ Global Aviation group. His main areas…
    Candice Chapman photo Candice ChapmanCandice Chapman, who joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 1998,…
    Mark Cheney photo Mark CheneyMark is a partner in the Energy and Finance team of the…
    Ian Clements photo Ian ClementsPartner
    David Cohen photo David CohenDavid Cohen is a partner in Dentons’ Capital Markets practice. His practice…
    Simon Colledge photo Simon ColledgeSimon is a litigation partner who is qualified in England and Scotland…
    Anna Copeman photo Anna CopemanAnna is a partner in and Co-head of Dentons’ Intellectual Property practice…
    Alex Coulter photo Alex CoulterAlex is a Partner in the Real Estate practice and is based…
    Lucille De Silva photo Lucille De SilvaLucille De Silva is a partner in Dentons’ Energy, Transport and Infrastructure…
    Deepa Deb photo Deepa DebDeepa has considerable experience in all aspects of commercial real estate including…
    Elmer Doonan photo Elmer DoonanElmer Doonan is a partner and head of pensions group with over…
    Humphrey Douglas photo Humphrey DouglasHumphrey is an energy partner in Dentons’ London office with over 20…
    Sarah Dyke photo Sarah DykeSarah Dyke is a partner in the Banking and Finance department of…
    Simon Elliott photo Simon ElliottSimon is a partner in and Head of Dentons’ Data Privacy and…
    Felicity Ewing photo Felicity EwingFelicity is the co-head of Dentons UK Core Disputes practice which includes…
    Martin Fanning photo Martin FanningMartin is a Technology & Data Partner, based in Dentons’ London office.…
    Natalia Fludra photo Natalia FludraNatalia is a partner in Dentons’ London office, specialising in financial markets…
    Campbell Forsyth photo Campbell ForsythCampbell is Co-Head of the Europe Patent Litigation practice. He is one…
    Ian Fox photo Ian FoxIan is a partner in the Restructuring and Insolvency practice, focusing on…
    Adrian Giles photo Adrian GilesAdrian is a counsel in the Commercial Litigation practice in London. He focuses on corporate…
    Catherine Gilfedder photo Catherine GilfedderCatherine Gilfedder is a Senior Associate and Solicitor Advocate specialising in international…
    Laura Gowing photo Laura GowingLaura is a Partner in the Real Estate practice based in London.…
    Nick Graham photo Nick GrahamNick is the founding partner of Dentons’ Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Group.…
    Neil Griffiths photo Neil GriffithsNeil co-heads the Dentons UK and Middle East Restructuring and Insolvency Group,…
    Matthew Hanslip-Ward photo Matthew Hanslip-WardMatthew is a specialist in transport, and a recognised leader in the…
    Katharine Harle  photo Katharine Harle Katharine advises on all aspects of financial markets and regulatory work. She…
    Gilla Harris photo Gilla HarrisGilla has experience covering all aspects of commercial litigation and specialises in…
    Nick Harrison photo Nick HarrisonNick is a Partner at Dentons and the Head of the Technology, Media…
    Nick Hayday photo Nick HaydayNick is a partner in Dentons’ Capital Markets practice. He focuses on…
    Celia Hayward photo Celia HaywardCelia is a banking partner in Dentons’ London office. She focuses on…
    Andrew Henderson photo Andrew HendersonAndrew provides a full service real estate, corporate real estate and real…
    Rachael Herbert photo Rachael HerbertRachael acts for both public and private sector clients and advises on…
    Edward Hickman photo Edward HickmanEdward Hickman is a leading structured finance partner, with expertise in all…
    Justin Hill photo Justin HillJustin Hill is a partner and Head of the Firm’s Patent Prosecution…
    Paul Holland photo Paul HollandPaul Holland is based in London but has spent many years working…
    James Irvine photo James IrvineJames is a multi-specialist corporate finance lawyer with emphasis on real estate finance…
    Tristan Jonckheer photo Tristan JonckheerTristan is a partner in Dentons’ Tier 1-ranked Technology team, with expertise…
    Charles July photo Charles JulyCharles is a consultant in the Energy, Transport and Infrastructure department of…
    Tatiana Kruse photo Tatiana KruseTatiana is legacy head of the Intellectual Property and Technology and Communications…
    Raj Kulasingam photo Raj KulasingamRaj is a senior corporate/commercial lawyer at Dentons. His 30-year legal career…
    James Langley photo James LangleyAs a partner with Higher Rights of Audience, James focuses on international…
    Stephen Levy photo Stephen LevyStephen is a senior corporate partner and specialises in UK and international…
    Amanda Lewis photo Amanda LewisAmanda Lewis is a consultant in the Firm’s Technology, Media and Telecoms practice. She is…
    Thomas Leyland  photo Thomas Leyland Thomas is a partner in our London Disputes practice. He has particular…
    Sarah Lima photo Sarah LimaSarah is a TMT partner in Dentons’ London office. She is an…
    Catriona ’Kitty’ Lloyd photo Catriona ’Kitty’ LloydPartner
    Andy Lucas photo Andy LucasAndy Lucas is a partner in Dentons’ Technology, Media and Telecoms  (TMT)…
    Dan Lund photo Dan LundDaniel holds the position of Counsel in Dentons’ London office. He is…
    Adrian Magnus photo Adrian MagnusAdrian is Head of Dentons’ Competition practice in the UK. He has over 30…
    Simon Masri photo Simon MasriSimon, a partner in our London office, has extensive experience of all…
    Roger Matthews photo Roger MatthewsRoger leads the UK International Trade practice at Dentons, and is a…
    Esther McDermott photo Esther McDermottEsther specializes in construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes. In particular, she undertakes…
    Christopher McGee-Osborne photo Christopher McGee-OsborneChristopher has 33 years’ experience at Dentons, works right across the government,…
    Simon Middleton photo Simon MiddletonSimon is a partner in Dentons’ London office, where he is a…
    Luci Mitchell-Fry photo Luci Mitchell-FryLuci has extensive experience of managing complex and challenging domestic and international…
    Rachael Morris photo Rachael MorrisRachael is an experienced technology and outsourcing lawyer who advises on all…
    Craig Neilson photo Craig NeilsonCraig is a partner and solicitor-advocate in the Litigation and Arbitration practice…
    Neil Nicholson photo Neil NicholsonNeil is head of UK corporate and corporate partner in our London…
    Guy Norfolk photo Guy NorfolkGuy is a partner based in our London office and head of…
    Sophie Palmer photo Sophie PalmerSophie is a senior associate in Dentons’ London office, working in the…
    Antonis Patrikios photo Antonis PatrikiosAntonis is a partner and co-head of Dentons’ Global Privacy and Cybersecurity…
    Dominic Pellew  photo Dominic Pellew Dominic is an arbitration specialist with particular experience of acting in disputes…
    Roy Pinnock photo Roy PinnockRoy is a partner in the Planning and Public Law team, bringing…
    Tim Pipe photo Tim PipeTim is a partner in the Banking and Finance group. He has considerable experience…
    Nicholas Plant photo Nicholas PlantNicholas is co-leader of Dentons’ global private equity practice. He has more…
    Carla Revelo photo Carla ReveloCarla is a senior associate in the Real Estate practice based in…
    Zeena Saleh photo Zeena SalehZeena holds the role of Counsel in the Dentons London office with…
    Paul Salmon photo Paul SalmonPaul is a consultant in the Corporate practice of the firm’s London office. He…
    Matthew Sapte photo Matthew SapteMatthew Sapte is a partner in the firm’s Banking and Finance department…
    Serge Sergiou photo Serge SergiouSerge Sergiou specialises in all areas of asset finance and leasing with…
    Jason Sheard photo Jason SheardJason is a real estate specialist with extensive experience in investment, real…
    Stephen Shergold photo Stephen ShergoldStephen Shergold is a partner in the Environment and Natural Resources team…
    Helen Simpson photo Helen SimpsonHelen is Dentons’ Practice Partner for the UK and Middle East. She…
    Scott Singer photo Scott SingerScott is the Head of Dentons’ Corporate and Commercial division. He focuses…
    Madeleine Smallwood photo Madeleine SmallwoodMadeleine is a partner in the Real Estate practice with particular expertise…
    Jonathan Smith photo Jonathan SmithJonathan is a senior associate in Dentons’ Energy, Transport and Infrastructure practice,…
    Dominic Spacie photo Dominic SpacieDominic is a consultant (formerly a partner for 20 years) whose experience…
    David Tennant photo David TennantDavid is a consultant in the Dentons’ Energy and legacy Project Finance…
    Alex Thomas photo Alex ThomasAlex is the head of Dentons’ legacy Tax practice in the UK.…
    Rob Thompson photo Rob ThompsonRob is a partner in Dentons’ Real Estate group. He specialises in…
    Greg Thwaites photo Greg ThwaitesGreg Thwaites is a consultant in Dentons’ London office. He is a…
    Matthew Tinger photo Matthew TingerMatthew Tinger is a partner in the Corporate department of the firm’s…
    Liz Tout photo Liz ToutLiz is head of Dentons’ International Arbitration practice in the UK. She…
    William Turner photo William TurnerPartner
    Simon Tweedle photoMr Simon TweedlePartner
    Michele Vas photo Michele VasMichele is a member of the Planning and Public Law team. She…
    Matthew Vinall photo Matthew VinallHaving joined Dentons in 1994 as a trainee lawyer and qualified into…
    Peter Voisey photo Peter VoiseyPeter is a leading securitization and structured finance practitioner and partner in…
    Martin Watt photo Martin WattMartin works in the Energy, Transport and Infrastructure practice. He specializes in…
    Nigel Webber photoMr Nigel WebberNigel has been a partner in the Firm’s London Corporate practice for over 15…
    Nichola West photo Nichola WestNichola has been in the Dentons’ Real Estate team for over 30…
    Charles Wood photo Charles WoodCharles specializes in LNG and gas projects and sales, downstream gas and…
    Logan Wright photo Logan WrightLogan is a London-based member of the global Banking & Finance practice,…
    Jan Willem van den Bos photo Jan Willem van den BosJan Willem heads Dentons’ multiple award-winning UKME Telecoms team – which is…
    Number of UK partners : 148
    Number of other UK fee earners : 612

    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.

    Dentons advised on the global offering of €75 million 4.60 per cent. Credit Enhanced Bonds due 2026 for Gaoyou City Construction Investment Development Group

    Dentons has represented Gaoyou City Construction Investment Development Group, a leading state-owned infrastructure construction company principally engaged in the construction of municipal infrastructure, water facilities, roads, environmental governance-related facilities and shantytown redevelopment projects in Gaoyou City and Suzhou City, in its global offering under Regulation S of its English law governed €75 million 4.60 per cent. Credit Enhanced Bonds due 2026, with the benefit of an irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit issued by Bank of Jiangsu Co., Ltd., Yangzhou Branch, underwritten by China Industrial Securities International, Industrial Bank of Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Hong Kong Branch, China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, CEB International, Guotai Junan International, Guosen Securities (HK), Central Wealth Securities Investment Limited, CNCB Capital, CITIC Securities, CMBC Capital, China International Capital Corporation and Caitong International.

    Dentons Rodyk kicks off 2023 with the introduction of next generation leaders

    Singapore’s Big Five law firm Dentons Rodyk unveiled its new Executive Committee and also announced the admission of two outstanding young individuals into the senior partnership of the firm, with effect from 1 January 2023.

    Court of Appeal releases written grounds for upholding decision in US$1.48b environment related claim

    The Singapore Court of Appeal on 2 December 2022, issued its written grounds for upholding the High Court (General Division)’s decision in Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Ltd and others v Ok Tedi Mining Ltd and others [2021] SGHC 205. The appeal was successfully resisted by the Dentons Rodyk team led by Mark Seah, Co-Head of the Litigation Practice and comprised Andrea Gan, Martin See, Alexander Choo and Philip Teh. TSMP Law Corporation’s Mr Adrian Tan and Dr Tang Hang Wu acted for the Appellants.

    Mr. Phuc Le rejoined Dentons LuatViet to strengthen its offshore legal services

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Global 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 ICT

    Industrie 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 Dentons

    Dentons 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

    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

    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.com

    Dentons advises on ACS Group’s €500 million NEU-CP Program

    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.com 

    Dentons advises UniCredit on a €450 million secured sustainability-linked financing for Gunvor Gro

    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.com

    Dentons advises Qair on refinancing of the acquisition of Rzepin and Linowo wind farms in Poland

    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.com

    Dentons advises Sev.en Energy on aacquisition of US-based Blackhawk Mining

    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.com

    Dentons supports German subsidiaries of the Recylex Group in restructuring

    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.com