In Leicester, the offering at Freeths LLP is active across a broad range of areas, including the home care and retail industries, and the real estate sector. The team is well-equipped to advise on real estate and development finance matters, as well as the acquisition and disposal of corporations. Martin Smith co-leads the team and often assists clients with major investment and fundraising matters, M&A, and private equity-related mandates. Practice co-lead Phil Baigent is particularly adept at handling private healthcare focused work, regularly advising care operators and real estate investment trusts. Known for her specialism in the retail sector, Hannah Tessyman is a key contact for M&A, investment issues and corporate reorganisations, areas in which Grace Hill is also knowledgeable. Smith, Tessyman, and Hill all joined from Knights plc in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent technical knowledge, great in negotiations, broad range of experience appropriate for the various tasks required in a corporate transaction.'
‘We always felt Freeths were on our side. The team were extremely approachable and always had a well thought out approach to negotiations and were always available for advice and assistance.’
‘Martin Smith has an outstanding understanding of both the legal and commercial aspects of transactions. He excels at working with us to identify key objectives and representing and advocating for them in negotiations. Additionally, his drafting skills and overall oversight of the transaction are noteworthy.'
‘Strong focus on building meaningful and professional relationships and developing a clear understanding of the business and principal of the business.’
- 'Martin Smith is a great addition to the Corporate Team.'
- 'Knowledge, team work, relationship building, pragmatism.'
- 'There is strength and depth across the team in Freeths.'
- 'All members of the team are approachable and responsive to queries.'
- 'The team is highly personable and consistently goes above and beyond to support clients and intermediaries.'
- 'Hannah Tessyman was introduced to me by a client who commended her exceptional quality of work, attention to detail, and broad commercial acumen. Since then, she has provided outstanding support to the clients I have referred to her and excels at maintaining communication and fostering collaboration among teams.'
Key clients
- Ensek
- Accident Exchange Limited
- LNT Group
- Anchor Hanover Group
- Pressbeau Care Homes
- Optimo Care Group Limited
- Country Court Care Group (including Halesowen Care Development Limited)
- Yorkare Homes Limited
- Danforth Care Partners
- Lawrence Baker Group
- Sandstone Care Group (including AP Birkenhead Limited)
- Warwick Capital Partners
- Allegra Care
- Vista
Work highlights
Advised Nottingham headquartered ENSEK on its acquisition of home energy management platform provider Zoa Technologies Limited.
Advised Accident Exchange Limited on its sale of AX Innovation Limited to Total Specific Solutions.
Advised The Leicestershire Rutland & Wycliffe Society for the Blind (trading as Vista) on its strategic disposal of care homes at New Wycliffe House and Kathleen Rutland House.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Martin Smith; Phil Baigent
Other key lawyers
Hannah Tessyman; Grace Hill