Described as having ‘the human touch of boutique with the power of enterprise’, the corporate M&A practice at Lewis Silkin strikes the balance between personalised services and strong transactional capabilities. The group is proficient in complex cross-border M&A deals, particularly in the technology, media and entertainment, and advertising and marketing sectors. Paul Rajput leads the team and has a breadth of expertise which covers both the buy and sell side of mergers and acquisitions, as well as venture and private equity capital and joint ventures. Rajput concentrates on assisting clients from the advertising and marketing and media and entertainment sectors. Chair of the firm Jo Evans is recognised for her extensive experience advising clients on M&A transactions, growth plans, and exit strategies. Evans is predominantly instructed by advertising, gaming, and communications businesses. Cross-border transaction specialist Geraint Tilsley is highly knowledgeable of the technology, IT, manufacturing, and engineering sectors, and focuses on supporting French and US companies on mergers and acquisitions. Tilsley is also adept in the private equity and venture capital spaces, leading on investments and portfolio work. The team also benefits from the expertise of Gavin McNaughton – who focuses on M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring – and Simon Entwistle – who has strengths in M&A, joint ventures, and IP matters. Other key names in the department include Sam Pennington, Sadiq Tajbhai, and Francesca Ainsworth. Chris Hallinan joined the team in July 2023 from Addleshaw Goddard.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Lewis Silkin team is extremely responsive. They will always provide the analysis we need with a recommendation. Over the years we have built a relationship based on trust. They are our go-to firm in the UK.’
‘Paul Rajput is one of the smartest lawyers I have worked with over the years. He is very precise, clear, and will always give us the advice we are looking for in the format we need.’
'LS makes it their mission to not only understand the deal inside out, but also our organisation and the factors which are influencing the acquisition and disposal. This allows them to provide pragmatic and commercial advice, which we believe leads to an efficient deal.'
‘They are the right balance between boutique and enterprise: the human touch of boutique with the power of enterprise.’
'Sam Pennington and Sadiq Tajbhai are gold dust on any transaction - they go over and beyond to ensure our in-house legal team is supported, but also our finance and corporate development teams. The level of service and advice they have given means they are trusted by our key stakeholders.'
‘The team we had on our project were concise, caring, knowledgeable, and commercial. It always felt like they were supporting us to get to the best solution at a good pace.’
'Jo Evans is smart, pragmatic, and reassuring as legal counsel.'
Key clients
- Sideshow Group Limited
- Wildstone Development Ltd
- Publicis Groupe SA
- Havas SA
- Sopra Steria SA
- Next 15 Group Plc
- Haymarket Media
- CACI Limited
- Banijay UK Productions
- Valeo SE
Work highlights
- Assisted in Next 15 Group plc’s acquisition of Williams Commerce Holdings Limited and Cloudfy Limited.
- Assisted Havas SA on its acquisition of Uncommon Creative Studio Holdings Ltd.
- Assisted in CACI’s acquisition of Cyber-Duck.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Paul Rajput
Other key lawyers
Jo Evans; Geraint Tilsley; Gavin McNaughton; Simon Entwistle; Sam Pennington; Sadiq Tajbhai; Francesca Ainsworth