Muckle LLP’s corporate team is a trusted adviser on significant transactions, acting for repeat acquirers, private equity investors, and international businesses investing in the UK. The commercial team supports regional, national, and global clients across IT, IP, procurement, sports, education, and public sectors; it provides full-service project and commercial contract advice, including due diligence on M&A deals. Head of corporate Anthony Evans leads on corporate finance work, while Alex Craig, head of commercial, specialises in IP and technology issues. Key lawyers include Philip Clare, Adam Rayner, Sarah Forster, Matthew Walsh, Tom Justice, and Stephanie Brown, who was promoted to partner in 2024; all offer expertise across corporate, private equity, and commercial matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Their depth of knowledge is a great benefit.'
- 'The team are attentive and helpful.'
- 'The Corporate and Commercial team stands out due to its deep industry knowledge, responsiveness, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. The team combines technical excellence with a strong commercial understanding, ensuring that advice is not only legally sound but also aligned with business objectives.'
- 'Philip Clare provides clear, strategic advice that simplifies complex issues.'
- 'I must say, the team works seamlessly with its clients, showcasing evident collaboration in their approach. The team members possess the required expertise and are always ready to help.'
Key clients
- Vertu Motors plc
- Kitwave Group plc
- Fairstone Group Limited
- Hays Travel Limited
- iamproperty group
- Banks Group
- OnPath Energy Limited
- The University of Newcastle upon Tyne
- Express Engineering Group
- Aspire Technology Solutions Limited
- Hadrian Healthcare
- Cleveland Containers
Work highlights
Advising Connect Health Group and its shareholders on its merger with Healthshare Limited, by way of the sale of the share capital of each company to a newly incorporated group backed by LDC private equity and BGF.
Advising The Lakes Distillery Company plc on a £71m recommended cash offer takeover by Nyetimber Wines and Spirits Group Limited effected by way of Court sanctioned scheme of arrangement and in accordance with the Takeover Code.
Advising Kitwave Group plc on its £71m acquisition of Creed Catering Services Limited including a placing and retail offer and debt funding.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Anthony Evans
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Stephanie Brown
Sarah Forster
Adam Rayner
Matthew Walsh
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Tom Justice
Practice head
Anthony Evans; Alex Craig
Other key lawyers
Philip Clare; Adam Rayner; Matthew Walsh; Sarah Forster; Stephanie Brown; Tom Justice