Described as ‘knowledgeable, practical, professional and helpful’, Cripps’ handles the full gamut of corporate commercial issues, with a particular focus on M&A. The team’s workload consists of international deals, handling these and collaborating with lawyers from around the globe. The practice is led by Julie Hughes, who has extensive expertise in corporate transactions involving education and childcare institutions. Additionally, Katie Haylock, who is experienced in corporate restructuring, was promoted to partner in May 2024. James Beatton is the firm’s managing partner, Rebecca Glazebrook is skilled at private equity, while Noel Ruddy is well-versed in receivables finance. Sian Webber is noted for her expertise in asset-based lending. Salim Somjee and Helen Garner left the firm in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- "The entire Cripps team consistently infuses a project with a blend of professionalism and pragmatism. We have worked with them now on a number of projects, and their rapport with the clients means that there is an immediate level of trust, which makes implementation of the project much smoother, as the client understands the advice being given and trusts the team's judgement."
- "No-nonsense advice. Unlike some firms who merely give the pros and cons and leave the client to make a legally complex decision, they will offer their advice and opinion on the best course of action. In the past we have worked closely with Julie Hughes, Katie Haylock and Meg Harrold, who have all provided excellent, timely advice and have managed to explain legally complex transactions to clients in a way that they understand and trust."
- 'The M&A team are very proactive, helping us through the due diligence process with constant advice and guidance throughout. This enabled a smooth completion without any issues and in a far faster time than anticipated. The management of the data room was exceptional, and the third party even commented on how it was the best they had seen'.
- 'Julie Hughes has been a massive support in deals in the Childcare and Education space, a nothing-is-too-much-trouble attitude is why she and her team are so successful.'
- 'Cripps is easy to work with and understands the business needs of their clients.'
- 'They really seemed to care about our situation and showed a high level of professionalism throughout - all of this was done with great empathy towards us.'
Key clients
- Manutan International SAS
- Holiday Extras
- Paydens
- Darren Ovenden and Kevin Smith
- Margaret Mason OBE and Hugh Mason
- Registrar Corp
- B.P. Marsh & Partners PLC
- Shareholders of Active Management Solutions (6) Limited
- Getlink SE
- Ortho Dev UK / Eqwal
- The shareholders of Gunning Transmission & Distribution Services Limited
- Iprism Underwriting
Work highlights
Advised Manutan International on its £90m acquisition of Findel Education, its largest to date.
Supported Holiday Extras’ growth strategy acting on a number of key acquisitions (including cross border) and on a substantial share buyback from the company’s founders, a portion of those shares were transferred to the Holiday Extras employee benefit trust.
Acted on multiple pharmacy disposals for Paydens as part of a major sale project for this client, a process which required speed, efficiency and a large coordinated and collaborative team working together with many stakeholders and other advisors.
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.
Practice head
Julie Hughes
Other key lawyers
Rebecca Glazebrook; Noel Ruddy; John Kirkwood; Sian Webber; Beth Barns-Graham; Laura Wilson; Katie Haylock