Renowned for its close ties with UK investment banks, Travers Smith LLP provides trusted advice in sponsor and underwriting roles across both IPOs and secondary fundraisings. The group, which earns praise for its ‘sensible, pragmatic and commercial’ advice, also supports a broad portfolio of AIM-listed clients from various sectors on equity transactions. Co-head Spencer Summerfield  focuses on UK and cross-border corporate finance, with experience spanning mergers, acquisitions, disposals, IPOs, underwritings, joint ventures, and general corporate advisory work. Fellow co-head Adrian West regularly advises clients on the Market Abuse Regulations and compliance with the UKLA Listing Rules and AIM Rules. Both Andrew Gillen and Tom Coulter specialise in advising clients on public and private M&A transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team at Travers Smith is excellent to work with. They are very down-to-earth and partners are accessible and highly responsive. They give very sensible, pragmatic and commercial advice that is well thought through.'
  • 'Their experience and market knowledge means they are able to see potential challenges from a mile away and head them off. They are extremely well connected in the wider ECM landscape (e.g. with investment banks, brokers, etc.) and have worked with or opposite most of the big players in the market.'
  • 'They know the characters and their foibles, and how to approach them. The team can also call upon the considerable resources of the wider firm to bring in expertise on other areas relevant to a particular deal. I have always found that whichever practice area of the firm we access, and at whatever level (partner to associate), we get the same excellent standard and quality of service. Highly recommended.'
  • 'Jon Reddington is outstanding. He is very thoughtful in his approach and proactive in heading off potential issues. He will be quick to pick up the phone to discuss matters and is always available should I need to call him. He is extremely responsive.'

Key clients

  • Volex plc
  • TruFin plc
  • Benchmark Holdings plc
  • Camellia plc
  • Cavendish Financial plc
  • Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc
  • Litigation Capital Management plc
  • Marks Electrical plc
  • MaxCyte plc
  • Redcentric plc
  • Serabi Gold plc
  • 450 plc

Work highlights

Advised Selkirk Group plc on their AIM admission, raising £7.5m and achieving a market capitalisation of £10m.
Advised Peel Hunt on genedrive plc's fundraise. This was a firm placing, conditional placing, open offer and REX offer.
Advised Investec on independent technology group Cohort plc's fundraise.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Andrew Gillen

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Adrian West

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Tom Coulter

Practice head

Spencer Summerfield, Adrian West

Other key lawyers

Tom Coulter; Andrew Gillen; Jon Reddington