Slaughter and May advises a broad base of FTSE and mid-cap clients on equity capital markets transactions, with a strong emphasis on issuer-side mandates. The team is actively involved in shaping UK market reforms and listing rule changes, and continues to support candidates through tailored guidance on IPO. Team head Richard Smith regularly advises listed companies, investment banks, and asset managers on intricate ECM transactions, public M&A deals, and regulatory compliance matters. Sally Wokes is active on rights issues, placings and other secondary raisings, while Christian Boney is noted for his strength in M&A and public takeovers. Simon Tysoe also comes recommended. John Papanichola retired in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team has deep knowledge and experience with transactional and regulatory matters in the UK. They represent a larger number of the FTSE 100, and this enables them to provide more than the (often insufficient) black-letter law answer. They provide meaningful guidance. The team is incredibly responsive and makes an effort to know our business. They also play well with others, working collaboratively with counsel in other jurisdictions. They are true trusted advisors.'
- 'They will be there when you need them, smiling and eager to help. They know what they are doing and people (directors, investors and third parties) trust them. The corporate team provides stellar quality service.'
Key clients
- Pennon Group plc
- Aviva plc
- SEGRO plc
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc
- Prudential plc
- International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A.
- Centrica plc
Work highlights
Advised Pennon Group plc, an infrastructure group focused on the UK regulated water sector and owner of South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and SES Water, on its rights issue to raise gross proceeds of approximately £490 million, as announced on 29 January 2025.
Advising Aviva on proposals for the tender offer and cancellation of Aviva’s preference shares.
Advised SEGRO plc on a placing of ca. 9.0% of the existing ordinary share capital to raise gross proceeds of £907 million, with the aim of enabling SEGRO to deploy capital into development and investment opportunities.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Richard Smith
Other key lawyers
Sally Wokes; Andrew Jolly; Christian Boney; Simon Tysoe