Specialising in the media, technology, and entertainment sectors, Wiggin LLP is sought after by video game, production, and gambling companies to advise on domestic and cross-border M&A, investments, and joint ventures. Alongside the group’s deep sector expertise and multi-jurisdictional capabilities, it has extensive experience assisting public and private businesses on corporate transactions, which continues to attract new clients to its roster. Ciaran Hickey heads the department and is praised by clients for his negotiation prowess. He concentrates on M&A, disposals, and investments, while Ben Whitelock is the key contact for joint ventures, cross-border M&A, and shareholder arrangements. On the venture capital and technology investments front, Tom Gastrell– who was promoted to partner in April 2024– is the name to note. Clemency Barrett is another central member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Exceptionally well-read in film and TV market practices, responsive to client needs, hardworking, and excellent technical lawyers.’
‘Ben Whitelock is one of the best all round corporate partners I have ever worked with. He provided excellent advice throughout a massive and extremely complicated transatlantic merger, as well as leading the line on a very tricky pre-completion re-organisation of our business units.'
- 'Clemency Barrett is an excellent associate who managed the due diligence and disclosure process on a complex deal to an exceptional standard. Very responsive, organised, and bright.’
‘Wiggin are world-class experts in the video games industry which is a huge advantage that they have when working with companies like us. Together with their very strong foundation in general M&A deals, they are able to cover all aspects of these transactions.’
‘Ciaran Hickey was the partner handling the deal and several things stood out about him. Firstly, despite him being the partner on the deal, we actually felt like he was our main contact in the firm. He spent a great deal of time with us, advising us and actively working on the deal. He understood the deal deeply, and we never felt like he was spread too thin with other deals. Secondly, Ciaran was a huge support to us during negotiations. We are a young founder team and Ciaran helped provide an authoritative voice to our side during talks with the buyer - and was a huge part of us getting strong commercial deal terms. Finally, Ciaran fully understood all the idiosyncrasies of our industry and so we were able to speak the same language throughout the process. This specific video games expertise was essential.’
‘Incredibly responsive to deal/client needs and always senior-led. Excellent for media and IP.’
‘Tom Gastrell was the team leader and we were able to converse directly with all members of the team in the various specialities, ensuring strong communication and delivery on a set time.’
Key clients
- Beach House Productions
- Clairvest
- DAZN
- Entain Plc
- evoke (888 William Hill )
- Evolution Gaming
- Facepunch Studios
- Flutter Entertainment Plc
- Fulwell 73
- Hartswood Films
- Hot Sauce Pictures
- Love Productions
- Playtech Plc
- Racecourse Media Group
- Stats Perform
- Sustainable Energy Company
- Tripledot Studios
- UKTV
- U.S. News & World Report
- Clarivate
Work highlights
Advised Fulwell 73 on its merger with The SpringHill Company.
Advised the founder shareholders of Hartswood Films on the sale of a majority stake to ITV Studios.
Advised U.S. News & World Report on the acquisition of TheCultureTrip.com.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Ciaran Hickey
Other key lawyers
Ben Whitelock; Tom Gastrell; Clemency Barrett