Fielding dedicated corporate and commercial teams, the Guildford-based practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP is ‘approachable and extremely professional’. Offering expertise across M&A, for both public and private companies, and mid-market private equity, the corporate team is led by Joe Bedford, who is active on cross-border deals and assisting repeat acquirers with build and buy strategy. Beverley Flynn spearheads the commercial side of the practice, focusing on complex contract negotiation, competition and regulatory work, and commercial transaction matters, with a particular niche in the insurance and technology sectors. Jonathan Steele recently joined the firm from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Nick Atkins has a strong reputation in M&A and growth capital work.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Super helpful and experienced M&A team.’
‘Keith Syson - very experienced and measured approach to ensure the deal went ahead.’
‘The communication within the firm is very good and the client does not have to repeat the issue or if using several specialists in the firm, they all update one another on the interaction with the client. They have excellent relationships with the top legal firms in the City who themselves all respect and value the work provided by Stevens and Bolton.’
‘The firm is very approachable and extremely professional. It provides top decile advice and availability from a bunch of people you enjoy doing business with. Keith Syson is a calm, collected and extremely experienced corporate lawyer - someone I would always want on my side of the negotiating table!’
‘Excellent engagement with the client and full understanding of the business that they are advising on. Not just the legal aspects but commercial considerations as well. Attending meetings with the client and effectively becoming part of the client's team.’
‘Guy Cartwright. He has excellent commercial awareness and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels within my organisation. Always responsive and highly regarded. Beverley Flynn is outstanding in the depth of her knowledge on issues in IT contracts.’
‘Knowledgeable regarding our business, responsive to requests, provide clear responses.’
‘Great people - commercial, responsive and ultimately good people to work with.’
Key clients
- The Ardonagh Group
- Asahi UK Ltd
- Aspects Beauty Company
- AUCTUS Capital Partners AG
- Blue Bear Systems Ltd
- Corus Dent UK Ltd
- DER Touristik UK Ltd (Kuoni Travel)
- Diploma Holdings plc
- Fuller Smith & Turner plc
- Future Biogas Group Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting on a range of transactions for Diploma plc, including the acquisitions of Shrinktek Polymers International and Eurobond Adhesives and the disposal of Hawco Ltd.
- Advising Silent Pool Distillers (Spiritmen Ltd) on its acquisition by William Grant & Sons, to support the brand’s further expansion internationally.
- Advising Kia UK’s legal teams on a myriad of strategic commercial matters, including contractual arrangements with significant commercial partners.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Leading partners
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Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Joe Bedford; Beverly Flynn
Other key lawyers
Keith Syson; Guy Cartwright; James Waddell; Nick Atkins; Richard Baxter; Jenny Robertson; Jonathan Steele