Investing In
United Kingdom
20 August 2025
Specialising in employee ownership trusts, Fieldfisher is well equipped to handle transactional and advisory matters in relation to equity incentives, tax, and share option issues. Co-leading the team, Mark Gearing is highly experienced in advising on tax and equity incentives issues, with his client roster including technology, financial services, and listed companies. Alongside advisory work, practice co-head Neil Palmer specialises in employment ownership trust transactions and transfers. Jessica Kilkelly frequently assists with a range of national and international advisory and transactional matters, while Josef Korchinsky focuses on acquisitions for technology and software clients. Francesca Lo's broad client roster consists of energy, recruitment, and listed companies, while Igor Stermsek has recently advised clients within the engineering and financial services industries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Mark Gearing and the team at Fieldfisher have a wealth of experience in dealing with sales to Employee Ownership Trusts. That experience came to the fore when assisting us with our transaction which was complex and required support across multiple regions.'
- 'Fieldfisher's guidance ensured that, despite the complexity, the transaction progressed smoothly.'
- 'Our main contacts were Mark Gearing and Jessica Kilkelly supported by the wider team. They are both excellent at providing an overview while keeping sight of all the details and nuances that need to be addressed.'
Key clients
- Gilroy Limited
- Third Way Recruitment Limited
- Ultra Building Products Limited
- Wolfgang Digital Limited
- Yodel Delivery Network Limited
- ARB Brokers Holdings Limited
- Board Intelligence Limited
- Public Policy Holding Company, Inc.
- Sunda Energy plc
- Pulsar Group plc
- Signal Media
- Ziprecruiter, Inc.
Work highlights
Advised AI powered board management software platform, Board Intelligence, on the strategic growth investment received from K1 Investment Management.
Acted for ARB International, a Lloyd's insurance broker, in its acquisition by DR & P Group Limited.
Advised Wolfgang Digital Limited on becoming the first Irish-owned company to begin their transition to employee ownership via an employee ownership trust, Wolfgang Talent Trust.
Practice head
Mark Gearing; Neil Palmer
Other key lawyers
Jessica Kilkelly; Josef Korchinsky; Francesca Lo; Igor Stermsek