Stephenson Harwood, described by clients as ‘honest, transparent, pragmatic, unflappable,’ has a comprehensive corporate finance offering which spans domestic and cross-border M&A on both the buy- and sell-side, joint ventures, and disposals, alongside takeovers, divestments, and share sales and purchases. The group receives mandates from an extensive and expanding client roster comprised of public and private companies from the financial services, energy, and technology sectors, to name a few. Heading up the department is Jonathan Bridcut who specialises in private M&A, joint ventures, and reorganisations. He is supported by transportation and trade expert Ben Mercer, UK-US transaction authority Duncan Stiles, and financial services specialist Sam Gray. Other key members of the practice include Michelle Gomes, Tom Finden, and Zoe Yuile.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team at Stephenson Harwood are brilliant to work with. We like that from the start to the completion of a transaction we are supported by the partners in each of the relevant work streams, backed by a quality team of associates. They are available at all times and are very responsive. They are very much on our side, they understand our concerns and will find a way to find pragmatic solutions while ensuring that we are properly protected. We feel that they go the extra mile for us.’

  • ‘They are not just the lawyers, but they are also focused on the commercial drivers and checking all aspects including the input from the accountants. It is very much a one-stop shop service.’

  • ‘Karima Hudson is key to the team. Very involved in all aspects and drives matters forwards. Always available and always has our back. Other key members of the team are Charmaine Yuen who did a fantastic job supporting Karima.’

  • ‘The team are commercial and have a thorough understanding of a client's business. It often feels like an extension to the in-house team. From a client perspective, this is worth its weight in gold. You feel like they are with you every step of the journey. The calibre and depth of the team is impressive.’

  • ‘Jonathan Bridcut provides an exceptional client experience and is the consummate professional. The perfect balance of being technical, hands on, commercial, and user-friendly.’

  • ‘Forensic attention to detail and tenacity, pragmatic and excellent communication both in timing and clarity.’

Key clients

  • ComfortDelGro
  • Base Resources Limited
  • Arriva plc
  • Starwood Capital
  • Oaktree Capital Management
  • Inspired Education Group
  • V Group
  • Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH
  • Nurture Landscapes Group and its shareholders, including Graphite Capital
  • Trafalgar Entertainment Group Limited
  • Denkavit Internationaal B.V.
  • Siem Industries

Work highlights

Advised ComfortDelGro on the acquisition of the Addison Lee Group.
Advised CITIC Europe Holdings on the sale of Invia Group to Wirtualna Polska.
Advised Siem Industries on the merger of Subsea 7 and Saipem.

Practice head

Jonathan Bridcut

Other key lawyers

Ben Mercer; Duncan Stiles; Sam Gray; Michelle Gomes; Tom Finden; Zoe Yuile; Karima Hudson; Charmaine Yuen