Thorntons Law LLP advises on a steady stream of M&A transactions alongside a growing volume of investment work, employee ownership transitions, and healthcare sector deals. The team’s investor-side client base and start-up credentials also continue to strengthen. Team head Chris Allan is active on deals across a variety of sectors, including the sports, financial services and retail spaces. Chris Byrne has an extensive transactional background, with experience across both buy-side and sell-side M&A and private equity mandates. Based in St Andrews, Alistair Lang focuses on early-stage and venture capital work, while Michael Royden is a key driver behind the firm’s healthcare offering. Kim Campbell advises on corporate and commercial transactions for a broad client base that includes multinationals, SMEs, and financial institutions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Chris Byrne, is a very reliable, 'no fuss' counsel to our business. We know that he will get things done and we appreciate this approach.’
‘Strong team with a focus on detail. The service provided is efficient and professional.’
‘The knowledge and expertise of the team is exceptional. Michael Royden is our key contact and is always available when needed. The level of detail he gives us is just right and his knowledge and expertise is second to none.’
‘The corporate & commercial team at Thorntons manage their process by ensuring the client is not lost in the legal world. Too often lawyers get drawn into the back and forth of legal jargon, leaving the client unaware as to the position of the deal or what the important risks/opportunities are.'
‘Chris Byrne, the partner, epitomises the strength of the team. All preconceptions of lawyers are left at the door with Chris. He is readily available and gets to the crux of what is important to the client, quickly and without fuss.'
‘The practice stands out due to the fact that they recognise the sectors within the industry and have its specific specialisms, meaning they are knowledgeable in their area. The team members are very approachable and show empathy towards clients with their solutions attitude.’
Key clients
- EOS Advisory LLP
- Carbon Capture Scotland Limited
- Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited
- Cabot Highlands LLP
- D.C. Thomson & Company Limited
- Don & Low Limited (part of Thrace Group)
- Walter Davidson & Sons Limited
- Harry Lawson Limited
- Amiqus Resolution Limited
- Shepherd Chartered Surveyors
- Lake Merritt Hospitality Holdings Limited
- East of Scotland Growers Group
Work highlights
Advised lead investor EOS Advisory LLP on multiple investment rounds - including a £7.8m Series A in Naturbeads, a £2.5m seed round in Nami Surgical Limited and a £2.5m supplemental investment in ILC Therapeutics.
Acted for the shareholders of JTC in the sale of the entire issued share capital to Woodland Kitchens (NI) Limited.
Acted for Shepherd Chartered Surveyors in relation to the acquisition of the business and assets of Whyte & Barrie surveyors.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Kim Campbell
Practice head
Chris Allan
Other key lawyers
Chris Byrne; Alistair Lang; Michael Royden; Kim Campbell