With sector strengths spanning technology, travel and tourism, and education, as well as automotive, healthcare, and retail, the corporate practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP is capable of advising a wide range of clients on complex, high-profile, multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group offers assistance with both public and private M&A, joint ventures, and rationalisations, alongside reorganisations, buy-and-build strategies, and general corporate advisory which- together with its cross-border capabilities- continue to grow its client roster. Leading the department is Joe Bedford, who specialises in public M&A, corporate structuring, and investments. On the demerger front, Keith Syson is the name to note, while Jenny Robertson is adept at handling management buy-outs. Other key practitioners in the group include cross-border M&A expert Oscar Horwich, technology and media authority Nick Atkins, and Heidi Sawtell, who focuses on regulatory.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team supported us magnificently through the sale of our company. They are knowledgable and experienced in the technology sector, explained the process and any issues clearly, and provided pragmatic solutions. Despite challenging schedule constraints they met their deadlines every time. The whole team are approachable, friendly and supportive.’
‘Jonathan Steele and his colleagues, most particularly, Ulugbek Gomes-Pessoa, were amazing. We were in excellent hands. They steered us through the process very patiently and efficiently, and they met their schedule commitments every time. They were also huge fun to work with. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’
‘I have used Stevens & Bolton on a number of M&A deals and have always found a pragmatism that's not always present in the bigger firms. One strength is having a very partner-led team and being able to exercise judgement if target companies are less sophisticated, or who have selling shareholders that can be overwhelmed with standard DD requests.’
‘Jenny Robertson has been an exceptional partner - displaying excellent knowledge of similar deals but also extraordinary patience when explaining the mechanics of a transaction with shareholders.’
‘What sets this team apart is their deep understanding of our business and ability to deliver clear, practical advice tailored to our needs. From the outset, they’ve demonstrated a client-first approach—responsive, thoughtful, and genuinely committed to helping us navigate complex challenges. They bring together a range of expertise that gives us confidence we’re seeing every angle—whether legal, financial, or strategic. Communication is a strength. They’re not just technically sharp—they’re collaborative, clear, and easy to work with, making a real difference when timelines are tight. They consistently add value, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.’
‘From the outset, what has truly set the team apart is their deep understanding of our business needs, paired with their ability to deliver practical, commercial advice—not just legal theory. They don’t just respond to our queries; they anticipate our concerns and often come to us with proactive, strategic suggestions that demonstrate a strong grasp of both the legal and commercial landscape.’
Key clients
- The Ardonagh Group
- Diploma Group plc
- Specialist Risk Group
- Bright Path Sports Partners, LLC
- Bright Path Ipswich, LLC
- Guidepost Growth Equity
- Zagaleta Ltd
- Clínica Baviera S.A.
- Bright Stars Nursery Group
- Shareholders of Grove Solutions Ltd
- Shareholders of FWD View Limited
- Alzamora Group S.L.
Work highlights
Advised Clínica Baviera S.A. on its acquisition of Optimax.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Joe Bedford
Other key lawyers
Keith Syson; Jenny Robertson; Oscar Horwich; Nick Atkins; Heidi Sawtell; James Floyd; Krishna Patel