Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's team is well-known for its specialism in M&A work, assisting large corporations, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), tech entrepreneurs, owner-managed enterprises and investors. Led by Matthew Martin, the team handles a broad range of mandates, from investments and fundraising to restructuring and financing. In Guildford, David Kendall and Hannah McIlwraith advise on group restructurings involving limited companies. Simon Bickerdike routinely handles novation agreements. Oliver Kidd is noted for his expertise in retender processes under the Crown Commercial Service Framework.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are able to cover all disciplines from within the team - and the response times and communication is unmatched in our experience.’
‘The M&A/corporate team headed by partner Simon Bickerdike offers high-quality legal assistance, both in terms of the legal quality of the advice and the service-oriented and sensitive manner in which it is conveyed.
‘Simon Bickerdike masters to penetrates complex legal issues of the clients and to present practical solutions with a good eye for the business purpose of the client.’
‘We have a direct communication link with our project lead, who is responsive, engaged and provides clear, factual insight when required. We have not needed to chase at any stage, which in my experience is genuinely unique.’
‘As a practice they have excellent sector experience and take the time to understand how my business works and the the key people. Overall, they do seem to be far more commercial in their outlook than other firms.’
‘As ever, David Kendall stands head and shoulders above others in the industry that I have worked with. David is a pleasure to work with, not shy in setting the legal strategy to a transaction and going into to battle with the other side when required. I once described David as having a frighteningly intellectual legal mind and that has not changed over the years.’
Key clients
- Elixirr plc
- Energy Solutions (UK) Limited
- Multithread Consultants Limited
- Eurobio Scientific (UK) Limited
- Worthing Football Club Limited
- Thatcham Research
- Katte & Co
- Mollis Group
- Mayfair We Care
- Wavex Technology
- Ubisense
- OxTwo Ltd
Work highlights
Advised the shareholders of Katte & Co Ltd on its acquisition by Swedish firm Precis.
Acted for Lapland UK on the reorganisation of their corporate structure.
Advised Sommer Holdings Ltd on the sale of ChannelPorts and digital platform CustomsPro to GetLink SE. ChannelPorts carries out the customs formalities that have become compulsory since Brexit.
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.
Oliver Kidd
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hannah McIlwraith
Practice head
Matthew Martin
Other key lawyers
Simon Bickerdike; Hannah McIlwraith; David Kendall; Philip Walton; Oliver Kidd; Danielle Broadhead