Stevens & Bolton LLP, situated in Guildford, advises both public and private companies based in the UK and internationally, on the full range of issues relating to M&A. Active on both the buy and sale sides, the firm assists major corporations and high-growth business owners with private equity-backed buy-and-build plans. On the corporate side, the team is led by Joe Bedford, who regularly acts for high-profile UK and European banks and owner managed businesses. Beverley Flynn heads the firm’s commercial and tech teams and is very experienced in advising on e-commerce related matters. Keith Syson is an expert in the exercise of historical share options and the incorporation of a purchasing vehicle, and Jenny Robertson has experience advising on acquisitions requiring pre-completion restructurings. Nick Atkins is a key name for earn-out arrangements and transactions with real estate elements. Jonathan Steele and James Waddel are also recommended. Richard Baxter retired in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Huge spread of capabilities. Always deliver an excellent service.’
‘Joe Bedford is simply magnificent. A more professional, knowledgeable and helpful legal professional it would be hard to find.’
‘Many firms claim this, but I think Stevens & Bolton really do manage to give a larger London firm premium experience from its regional home. Various challenging and unusual deal related obstacles were dealt with seamlessly by being able to call on expertise within the firm and work as a team very well.’
‘Good commercial knowledge and sense as well as excellent legal advice. They know our business well and are really an extension of our company’
‘Stevens & Bolton provides a level of expertise and service that would be expected from a top central London firm of private client lawyers.’
‘Hard work and dedication to delivering high-quality client service. Sound advice throughout all projects we have collaborated on. No request is too big or small - always happy to assist. Proactively making commercial suggestions that protect our interests whilst maintaining deal momentum.'
Key clients
- The Ardonagh Group
- Diploma Group plc
- Specialist Risk Group
- Bright Path Sports Partners, LLC and Bright Path Ipswich, LLC
- Guidepost Growth Equity
- Clínica Baviera S.A.
Work highlights
Advised The Ardonagh Group on a range of strategically important acquisitions as it continues to acquire businesses.
Assisted Aspects Beauty with advising and negotiating key distribution and supply contracts between household name global luxury brands.
Advised distribution group Diploma plc on strategic acquisitions and disposals.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Practice head
Joe Bedford; Beverley Flynn
Other key lawyers
Richard Baxter; Keith Syson; Jenny Robertson; James Waddell; Nick Atkins; Jonathan Steele