Renowned for providing ‘fast, accurate, and pragmatic advice’, DLA Piper has extensive expertise in complex multi-jurisdictional M&A and disposals, with a special focus on pharma and tech sector work. The practice is well-versed in mandates concerning strategic partnerships and investments on behalf of listed companies and is experienced in managing all elements of regulatory compliance. Heading the Birmingham-based team, Tim Lake routinely acts for founder shareholders and large corporate vendors on cross-border transactions. Charles Cook primarily concentrates on the automotive and energy spheres, while Noel Haywood is a specialist in the food and retail sectors. Robert Newman and Ryan Harrison routinely handle commercial contracts and capital markets issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is experienced, commercial and responsive.’
- ‘Noel Haywood understands what matters in a deal and cuts to the chase. He is well able to deal with complex situations and difficult counterparties.’
- ‘Unlike many firms, all layers of the DLA corporate team at whatever level provide an excellent service. They are easy to do business with (a delight to work with, in fact) and they deliver a high-level service. They are experts in their field, giving fast, accurate, and pragmatic advice whilst also understanding budget restraints. Value adds services such as translation tools have been very helpful, and their global footprint matches the needs of our business.’
- ‘M&A deals require intense close working, and their ability to build rapport, share workloa,d and ensure we aren't left unsupported when someone is away or ill creates a seamless service for us. Simon Wright is a standout partner who can oversee a deal with just the right amount of involvement. Peter McHugh and Ronny Jenner are consistent, hard-working professionals that we are always pleased to work with. For the tax side of deals, Nick Hinton delivers great support in a timely manner too.’
Key clients
- 2 Sisters Food Group Adenia Partners Alstom Altrad Aston Martin Lagonda Axiom Hospitality Barclays Bank BorgWarner Brewdog Bridgestone Bromford Industries Butlin's Chamberlin Clinigen Group CommVault Systems Compass Group CoreLogic CVS Group Darwin Group Dechra Pharmaceuticals Dignity Dowlais Group DPDgroup DS Smith East End Foods Group Ecolab Elan Homes Fetim ForFarmers Fuel 10K GKN H&M Hennes & Mauritz Hill & Smith Huber + Suhner Iberia Industry Capital IMI Jaguar Land Rover James Fisher & Sons Janssen Group of Companies John Menzies Kelda Group Knights Group Kucher & Partners Strategy Lioncraft Lloyds Development Capital Lotus Bakeries Lotus Cars Medica Group Merlin Entertainments Mettis Aerospace Mitsubishi Logisnext Mondelez N+1 Singer Noble Foods Group Norton Motorcycles Ocean Outdoor Omnico Group Perfect Redd Permira QMD (Q Medical Devices) Renesola Rolls Royce Rotom Plastics RPS Group Samworth Brothers Sany Heavy Machinery Sertec Corporation SmileDirectClub Smiths Group Sovereign Capital Partners Stantec Starstone Insurance Services Starwood Capital Superdry Swissport Traeger Pellet Grills University of Sheffield Watkin Jones Welsh Government Wipro
Work highlights
Advised the shareholders of Utopia Tableware, a supplier to the hospitality & branded tableware industries, on its disposal to Steelite International, a supplier and manufacturer of tabletop, buffet, and lighting solutions to the global hospitality industry.
Acted for longstanding client 2 Sisters Food Group on its disposal of its European poultry business, known as 2 Sisters Storteboom, to Boparan Private Office.
Acted for longstanding client, Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, on its acquisition of Hydrock, a UK-based integrated engineering design firm.
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
Tim Lake
Other key lawyers
Charles Cook; Noel Haywood; Gareth Stokes; Ryan Harrison; Robert Newman; Simon Wright; Jonathan Clarke; Tom Amarnani; Peter McHugh; Kurt Davies; Dan Cowley