Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a track record in cross-border transactions with a particular focus on M&A deals with US buyers and a strong presence in the life sciences and technology sectors. The team is equipped to handle the full spectrum of corporate work, ranging from advising start-ups on funding rounds to supporting clients with business sales and IPOs. The department is chaired by London-based Matthew Martin, who also acts as the firm’s Global Head of Corporate. Important team members in Oxford include Will Axtell, whose specialisms extend to advising entrepreneurs exiting to private equity, and James Went, one of the firm’s key contacts for high-volume corporate transactions, including spin-outs and venture capital financing. Both are well-supported by Dominique Sabatini.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Through a series of prominent transactions, the team has extensive (and probably unrivalled) experience in Health Economics. They are practical, thorough, and their advice is excellent.'
‘Will Axtell is the standout individual. It is often hard to get advice or a view from a lawyer, whereas Will is willing to interpret and give you the balance of probabilities on which to make your choice.'
‘Readily available. Good quality output. Very quickly brought in specialists as needed.’
‘Will Axtell - did everything that was asked to a high standard and was always availiable.
- 'Kathy Potter - tax specialist with awesome grasp of detail, but good pragmatic approach to resolve impasses.’
‘The team at Penningtons communicates with each other very well, covering all aspects of each transaction that we ask them to deal with. This gives us confidence that they are considering all areas of the transaction.'
Key clients
- Cibus Fund
- Elis UK
- Tibbetts Group
- The shareholders of Delta Hat
- The shareholders of Viking Systems
- The shareholders of Global Design Innovations
- The Smithers Group Inc.
- Evotec
- Oxford University Press
- OrganOx
- Solena Material
- Mintneuro
Work highlights
Advised the shareholders of Delta Hat on its acquisition by Petauri, a UK-USA cross-border transaction in the life sciences/healthcare sector.
Advised the shareholders of Global Design Innovation Limited (GDi), a provider of digital and software services, on its acquisition by US-based Oceaneering International, a NY-listed global technology company.
Advising Oxford Flow on its $25m Series C funding round led by bp Ventures and Energy Impact Partners.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Dominique Sabatini
Practice head
Matthew Martin
Other key lawyers
James Went; Will Axtell; Kathy Potter; Dominique Sabatini