Intellectual Property
United Kingdom
10 September 2025
Shoosmiths LLP has a robust offering that encompasses domestic and cross-border M&A on both the buy and sell-side, investments, and joint ventures. The group’s transactional capabilities have been bolstered by the arrival of Kurt Ma and Mark Churchman from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Trowers & Hamlins LLP in January 2025 and December 2024 respectively. Ma brings with him deep experience handling technology and insurance transactions including M&A, joint ventures, and investments, while Churchman specialises in private equity-backed acquisitions and disposals. Sanjeev Sharma co-leads the practice alongside Amit Nayyar, and is adept at advising listed companies and venture capital houses on multi-jurisdictional M&A, international joint ventures, and investments. Nayyar is sought after for his expertise in the education and edtech sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at Shoosmiths was appropriately resourced, with a good combination of skill and experience. Communication was always clear, and potential issues were dealt with in a very transparent manner.’
‘Very highly experienced team.’
‘Both Elizabeth Ward and Mark Churchman standout. Both are highly experienced and client friendly. They get deals done in a straightforward and sensible way with minimum fuss and maximum effort.’
‘Kurt Ma's team are always available, giving excellent advice.’
‘Kurt Ma is a unique partner and brilliant person to have on your side. He always has great ideas, suggestions, and is an excellent technical solicitor. He is very friendly, personable, and available.’
‘Shoosmiths consistently delivers exceptional service, combining great legal expertise with commercial pragmatism.’
Key clients
- Downing LLP
- Reliance Brands Holding UK Limited
- Shareholders of Cosegic Limited
- Norland Capital
- Five Arrows Growth Capital
- Everway
- Aglio Software Limited
- Oddlygood Oy
- Leftfield IV Logistics Limited
- Sirionlabs PTE Ltd
- Pluribus Technologies Corp
- BGF Investments LP
Work highlights
Advised Reliance Brands on their acquisition of a 51% stake creating a joint venture that owns the Mothercare brand and related intellectual property in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Advised Five Arrows Growth Capital on its acquisition of a minority stake in Schivo Medical from MML.
Advised Oddlygood Oy on its acquisition of Rude Health Foods Limited.
Practice head
Sanjeev Sharma; Amit Nayyar
Other key lawyers
Kurt Ma; Mark Churchman; Claire Checketts; Kiran Dhesi; Holly Hirst; Elizabeth Ward; Katie Yorke; Lawrence Renny