Stephenson Harwood’s listed funds operation runs the full gamut of mandates, and has been active in some of the IPOs and the hostile takeover defences seen in the market recently. Practice leader Alex Haynes is experienced in the establishment of funds, fundraisings, and reorganisations and reconstructions, as well as handling corporate transactions for investment managers. He is joined by William Saunders, who acts for investment trusts, offshore funds and investment managers; Carolyn Hall, who handles corporate matters for clients in the investment space, advising issuers and investment banks on IPOs; and Nick Horton, whose remit spans launches and regulatory, management and reconstruction work, advising funds and their managers. Alexa Whitehead is a key name for corporate transactions and actions, and Kate Longman’s caseload spans IPOs, secondary issuings, reconstructions, and more.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘William Saunders really understands how to build strong long-term client relationships. He's readily accessible by clients and very responsive to their needs, but does not shy away from speaking his mind when required. The quality of the team around him, including Kate Longman and Victoria Silver, is outstanding.’
‘Extremely experienced team with strong individuals covering all aspects of the listed fund regime.’
‘Alex Haynes - deep industry knowledge, creative solutions. Victoria Silver - extremely hardworking, task-focused, and excellent drafting skills.'
‘Deep experience of investment funds combined with excellent corporate finance capability which is not always the case. William Saunders is very responsive and highly knowledgeable in terms of the industry and technical issues but is very pragmatic, expresses clear views and doesn't sit on the fence. Alexa Whitehead and Kate Longman are also impressive.'
‘William Saunders and Nick Horton are very knowledgeable, practical, always available, and a pleasure to deal with.’
'We work with Carolyn and her team who are very knowledgeable, efficient, and always ready to provide well-considered and pragmatic advice. They are an excellent partner for us and we enjoy working with them.'
Key clients
- Akur Limited
- Allianz Global Investors GmbH
- Allianz Technology Trust PLC
- Alternative Liquidity Fund Limited
- Alti RE Limited
- APQ Global Limited
- Artemis UK Future Leaders plc
- Aseana Properties Limited
- Ashoka India Equity Investment Trust plc
- Ashoka WhiteOak Emerging Markets Trust plc
- Asian Energy Impact Trust plc
- Augmentum Capital LLP
Work highlights
Advised Baillie Gifford UK Growth Trust plc, Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund plc, The European Smaller Companies Trust plc, and Henderson Opportunities Trust plc in connection with their defences against the requisitions by Saba.
Advised Henderson EuroTrust plc and Henderson European Focus Trust plc on their proposed merger to create an enlarged flagship European investment trust to be managed by the European equities team at Janus Henderson.
Advised Digital 9 Infrastructure plc in relation to its managed wind-down including changes to the composition of the board and the appointment of a new manager on strategy and tactics in relation to shareholder communications.
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.
Alex Haynes
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Carolyn Hall
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Kate Longman
Practice head
Alex Haynes
Other key lawyers
William Saunders; Carolyn Hall; Nick Horton; Alexa Whitehead; Kate Longman; Victoria Silver