Highly regarded for its handling of multi-jurisdictional strategic M&A and complex disposals of share capital, DLA Piper displays extensive expertise across the industrial, engineering and consumer goods sectors. The practice is also renowned for advising on commercial agreements, IP arrangements and employment law implications. Tim Lake spearheads the group, bringing expertise to representing corporate vendors and private equity clients, whilst the ‘pragmatic’ Charles Cook and Noel Haywood are cross-border acquisition specialists. Gareth Stokes primarily focuses on information tech and strategic outsourcing, and Ryan Harrison is knowledgeable in the retail and life sciences spheres. Both Robert Newman and Simon Wright stand out for their corporate and regulatory compliance advice, while Kirsty Underhill is also a name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Simon Wright is easy to get along with, responsive and always makes himself available. Special shout out for his associate Kirsty Underhill who is organised, thorough and definitely one to watch.’
‘Our partner was Tim Lake, who we have worked with for over 10 years. He set out his strategy clearly, both at a global level and before and during each work-stream, and then achieved all key points through the negotiations. I cannot speak highly enough of Tim.'
- 'Other members of the team included Simon Wright, Kirsty Underhill and Peter McHugh. All three were excellent and we wouldn't have achieved in the timescales without their efforts.’
‘Charles Cook: pragmatic, knowledgeable and available to provide counsel when needed Kirsty Underhill: helpful and knowledge for day-to-day company advice and listing rules.’
‘DLA Piper has advised the business for more than 25 years and supported our growth, including internationally. We find the quality of their people, their responsiveness and commerciality very good. They are not cheap and so would not use them for some types of work and we look to different providers of legal services. We haven't experience of any particular service innovations.’
‘We get a good reliable service across the piste. Several individuals with whom we work closely with in the CoCo area in the UK are Robert Newman, Kirsty Underhill, Ryan Harrison and Kurt Davies.’
‘Ryan Harrison provides brilliant commercial advice with a quick turnaround and has really got to know the business well.’
‘Ryan Harrison gets to know the business and what is needed. Provides brilliant commercial advice quickly and always on point.’
Key clients
- 2 Sisters Food Group
- Adenia Partners
- Alstom
- Altrad
- Barclays Bank
- BorgWarner
- Brewdog
- Bridgestone
- Bromford Industries
- Brookfield Properties
Work highlights
Advised FTSE100 global veterinary pharmaceuticals business Dechra Pharmaceuticals on the GBP 4.46bn recommended cash acquisition by Freya Bidco Limited, a newly formed vehicle indirectly owned by Swedish private equity firm EQT and Luxinva S.A., a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
Advised Medica Group, a leading provider of high-quality telemedicine and imaging diagnostics, on the GBP 269m recommended cash acquisition by Moonlight Bidco (indirectly owned by funds advised by IK Partners).
Advised Tata Group/Jaguar Land Rover on the acquisition of the Gravity Business Park site, a 616 acre site near the M5 motorway, Bridgewater in Somerset, upon which it will build a GBP 4bn electric vehicle battery factory.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Tim Lake
Other key lawyers
Charles Cook; Noel Haywood; Gareth Stokes; Ryan Harrison; Robert Newman; Simon Wright; Jonathan Clarke; Victoria Hughes; Tom Amarnani; Peter McHugh; Kurt Davies; Kirsty Underhill; Dan Cowley