England - North West • Corporate and commercial
3

Corporate and commercial: Liverpool

Weightmans LLP

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Weightmans LLP acts for a host of blue-chip corporate clients, who turn to the team for its experience in competition, data protection and information technology matters. Beyond these noted areas of expertise, the group’s broad offering encompasses private equity, M&A, and venture capital deals. Transactional lawyer Seray Kitchingman specialises in share and asset acquisitions. She co-heads the practice with Tom Trowhill, who handles data protection and intellectual property issues. Laurence Pritchard draws praise from clients for his commercial expertise, particularly in competition law. Corporate partner Gary Jones is also recommended. Michael Murphy made partner in May 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Gary Jones has a very fine brain and good commercial awareness.'
  • 'What stood out was their ability to keep things incredibly simple. As well their response was quick and timely. And they were able to cover off the most important issues, showing an instant and smart understanding.'
  • 'Laurence Pritchard made working with Weightmans so pleasant and seamless.'

Key clients

  • S. Norton & Co. Limited
  • TuffX Processed Glass Limited
  • George Roberts (North West) Limited
  • MD Insurance Group
  • Ventcroft Limited
  • River Capital
  • Foresight Group LLP
  • Edge Hill Health Centre
  • Bridge Road Medical Centre
  • Edge Hill Health Centre
  • Shawton
  • Goonhilly
  • NHS Blood and Transplant
  • George Roberts UK
  • Recruitment People
  • Marpol Security
  • Gravity Smart Campus
  • Meade King Robinson
  • Sonoco
  • Side UK Limited
  • Lotus Bakeries
  • Melitta
  • Peel Ports
  • Silverbean
  • HSS Hire Services Group
  • APCER Life Services
  • Northside Truck & Van Hire
  • Acromas Insurance Company Limited
  • Parlingo

Work highlights

  • Advised the Shareholders of MD Insurance Group in their sale to HSB Engineering Insurance Limited.
  • Advised the Shareholders of Ventcroft Limited in their sale to NKT.
  • Advised Side UK on a variety of voice talent and motion capture agreements with various actors in relation to a number of titles.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Laurence Pritchard
Weightmans LLP
Laurence is a commercial partner and head of competition law. Laurence advises clients on competition law, including merger control and the control of anti-competitive agreements and practices. Laurence has successfully handled many high profile investigations and inquiries by the European Commission and the Competition and Markets Authority in relation to a wide range of sectors as well as appearing before the specialist competition law court, the Competition Appeal Tribunal, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on competition law matters. Laurence also advises on the new National Security & Investment Act regime and its impact on different types of transaction, obtaining clearances where appropriate from the UK Government Investment Security Unit. Laurence is rated by the Legal 500 as a “leading individual” for competition law.
John Schorah
Weightmans LLP
 John became Weightmans' Managing Partner in 2013 and was re-elected for the second time in 2018 until 2021. Prior to that, he was Weightmans' Commercial Director for 6 years, overseeing the 300% growth in that part of the business during that time. John joined Weightmans having been a CEO of a listed public company in the entertainment industry. During his time on Weightmans' board, John has overseen the firm's acquisitions, opening of new offices, overhauled the partnership remuneration structure and seen the firm's overall revenues rise from £43.8m in 2007 to £100m. Consistently accredited both in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK as a leading individual in corporate work, clients have recognised John as having a "pragmatic and commercially realistic approach", and noted his "extensive experience of corporate transactional, corporate structures and commercial contract work". John's clients range from technology companies and IT suppliers to a variety of private and public sector concerns who outsource the supply of technology and provision of IT services. John has extensive experience in preparing and negotiating innovative contracting arrangements which best fit the specific needs of our clients. He spent 3 years in industry as managing director of a plc technology company so has an authentic perspective of clients’ commercial needs.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Michael Murphy
Weightmans LLP
  Michael is a Partner in the corporate and commercial team and leads the Owner Managed Business Sector in Liverpool, having joined the firm in November 2019.   Michael advises on a range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and general corporate governance matters. He has particular expertise in acting for owner managed businesses, from inception through to receipt of investment, buy and build strategies and exit. Michael’s experience includes advising listed companies, private companies, private equity houses, management teams and entrepreneurs.   Michael is ranked as a Rising Star in The Legal 500, Corporate and Commercial: Liverpool.   Michael’s recent work highlights include: Advising the shareholders of Ventcroft Limited in their sale to NKT Group. Acting on behalf of the Management Team of Vivify Venues Limited on their receipt of investment from Arete Capital Partners. Advising the shareholders of MD Insurance Services Limited in their sale to HSB Engineering Insurance Limited, a subsidiary of Munich Re. Acting on behalf of Orange Property Services (Liverpool) Limited in its acquisition of Fit Property Lettings and Management Limited. Advising the shareholders of Tuffx Processed Glass Limited on their sale to and receipt of investment from Alcuin Capital Partners. Advising the shareholders of Design Reality Limited on their sale to Full Support Healthcare Limited. Advising the shareholders of EDP Engineering on their sale to RSK Group. Advising the shareholders of Online Legal Limited in their sale to Blume Acting on behalf of River Capital in their investment in Baron’s (Fylde Coast) Supplies Limited

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Seray Kitchingman, Tom Trowhill

Other key lawyers

Laurence Pritchard, Gary Jones, Michael Murphy

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