Offering a market-leading corporate and commercial presence in Aberdeen, Brodies LLP advises private and public companies and institutions, high-net-worth individuals and third sector entities across a broad range of sectors including energy, technology, renewables and healthcare. Neil Burgess oversees the firm’s corporate offering throughout Scotland, while Douglas Crawford is a key contact and regularly handles acquisitions and sales, management buy-outs, equity release deals, and venture capital transactions. Tom Boulton-Jones brings specialist knowledge of the food and drink, real estate and manufacturing sectors, while Martin Ewan is highly experienced in complex private company M&A, disposals and restructurings. David Millar is particularly well regarded for oil and gas transactions, and senior associate Greg Costello’s practice focuses on the energy and technology sectors.
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in Scotland in Scotland
Brodies LLP
Practice head(s):
Neil Burgess
Other key lawyers:
Douglas Crawford; Tom Boulton-Jones; Martin Ewan; David Millar; Greg Costello
Testimonials
‘The team have a real compelling drive to balance the risks of the contracts while bringing a strong foothold for the client, which is shown through many years of experience in dealing with these matters.’
‘Brodies is a modern law firm offering a collaborative practice with professionals from other industries.’
‘Martin Ewan offers a high level of creativity in dealing with the dynamics of the parties.’
‘Martin Ewan takes the time to understand not only the issues at hand, but what may play out, and offers sage advice as part of the solution.’
‘Brodies work is excellent and of the highest standard. They take the time to walk clients through Share Purchase Agreements (SPA), ensuring that they understand every aspect.’
‘The approachable human-face of law is really appreciated. They “get” business.’
‘Brodies offers expertise in the energy industry have made them an invaluable asset for clients.’
‘Tom Boulton-Jones is an excellent partner, with strong negotiating skills and always calm under pressure.’
Key clients
Abu-Dhabi National Oil Company
Three60 Energy Limited
Indaver
Swire Energy Services Limited
Chardon Hotel Group
Romar International
Palisade Real Assets
Balhousie Care Group
John Lawrie Tubulars
Aratellus Group
Ramco Group
ThinkAnalytics Limited
Offshore Energies UK
Maxwell Oil Tools Limited
Rockrose Energy Limited
Aquatera Group Limited
Onboard Global Solutions Limited
Clear Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in relation to the corporate structuring and governance of its subsidiary and joint venture company interests.
- Advised Three60 Energy Group on the acquisition of Fraser Energy Ventures Limited and BJRE (Holdings) Limited.
- Acted for the shareholder of Balhousie Care Group (owner and operator of 26 care facilities across Scotland) on the sale to Acalis Care.
Burness Paull LLP
With a longstanding and established presence in Aberdeen and throughout the North East, the corporate finance team at Burness Paull LLP is highly active across a wide range of key sectors including energy and renewables, textiles, healthcare, and technology. Following the retirement of team head Jamie Stark in July 2022, the team is now jointly led from Abderdeen by Alasdair Freeman and Helen Dickson. Freeman offers vast expertise in domestic and international M&A transactions, especially in the oil and gas and IT sectors, while Dickson’s practice has a particular focus on the energy sector and has built a solid reputation in the energy transition space and shift towards net-zero. Director Arran McKenzie departed in November 2022 to join Addleshaw Goddard.
Practice head(s):
Alasdair Freeman; Helen Dickson
Testimonials
‘There are a wide variety of specialist within the team, which allows individuals to be brought in on areas like property, when specific issues arise. However, clients always felt that they are in the care of one core team who ensures things progress through every single stage.’
‘Alasdair Freeman is diligent and patient and takes time to explain issues which clients do not understand. He creatively looks for solutions when problems arise.’
‘Excellent team ethic – always able to take over from each other depending on the needs of the client.’
‘Helen Dickson is good to work with and brings colleagues in as required’
‘Helen Dickson is hugely experienced and insightful in novel finance arrangements. Her approach to unusual structures is valued by the client, as is her experience when applying these to the oil and gas sector.
‘Helen Dickson has a deep understanding of corporate areas and is often much more bullish than those in magic circle firms.’
Key clients
Weatherford International
Fabric Scotland Limited
Incremental Group
Starn Energy Services Group Limited
Subsea Technology
Zi-Lift A/S
National Oilwell Varco, Inc
Stena Drilling
OPEX Group
Westerton Access
RSK Group
Horizon Energy Infrastructure Limited
PCO Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of digital technology services provider Incremental Group on the sale of its entire share capital to Telefonica Tech.
- Advised Horizon Energy Infrastructure Limited on its acquisition of Heat RHIght Limited.
- Advised global oil services company Archer on its acquisition of Romar-Abrado.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard has continued to strengthen its corporate and commercial presence in Aberdeen, with Fiona Kindness joining from Pinsent Masons LLP in September 2022, bringing extensive experience in domestic and international M&A and PE transactions, especially in the energy sector. Arran Mackenzie arrived from Burness Paull LLP in November of the same year, offering considerable expertise advising sponsors, management teams and portfolios on complex PE transactions. David McEwing leads the corporate side and regularly handles cross-border energy and oil and gas transactions, while data protection expert Ross McKenzie leads the commercial offering and focuses on commercial contracts, intellectual property and IT matters. Gemma Hills also joined as legal director in June 2022 from Brodies LLP, and is active across the spectrum of corporate areas including acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
David McEwing; Ross McKenzie
Other key lawyers:
Fiona Kindness; Arran McKenzie; Gemma Hills
Testimonials
We really appreciate the added value we get from the Addleshaw Goddard team.’
‘The team provide excellent training sessions for the in-house legal community, which are engaging and provide a good overview of topics in an engaging format (not just another webinar).’
‘Ross McKenzie’s unrivalled knowledge on his subject matter coupled with his commercial and realistic approach to advice make him someone to recommend. He provides “real world” solutions where his clients have little room to negotiate.’
‘All members of the Addleshaw Goddard team are great to work with – they are an exceptionally client-focused firm and provide a hands-on service at every level.’
‘AG’s sector and industry knowledge is second to none, making them reliable and trustworthy advisors to a client’s business.’
‘Particular stand out individuals are Fiona Kindness, David McEwing and Ross McKenzie.’
‘Fiona Kindness is a stand-out partner with an excellent work ethic.’
‘Fiona Kindness’s advice is always excellent, clear and concise, and she takes a pragmatic approach to transactions. She consistently goes above and beyond for clients, and always makes herself available when necessary at short notice.’
Key clients
Waldorf
Titan Torque Services
Stacey Oil Services
Trojan Energy
J&S Subsea
bp
TotalEnergies
SGN
Boohoo Group
Dana Petroleum
Voluntary Services Aberdeen
Tymor Marine
eserv
MCL Medics
Prodrill Energy
Ineos FPS
Aberdeen City Council
Drilltools
Razor Oiltools
Blue GentToo
Vysus Group
Wickes Building Supplies
Work highlights
- Assisted on two major acquisitions for Waldorf Production during 2022: The first, which closed on 4 November 2022, saw Waldorf acquire Alpha Petroleum Resources Limited, along with their offshore North Sea interests; Then, on 10 November 2022, the acquisition of subsidiaries of MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc comprising all of MOL’s UK continental shelf assets.
- Acting for Trojan Energy Limited on two separate loan note investment rounds. First in respect of the investment of £1.4m convertible A Loan Notes to Equity Gap, Grampian Alba, Scottish Enterprise, Shancastle Investments and Ebico which completed on the 19th of May and the second investment for £6m convertible B Loan Notes to Scottish Investment Bank (SNIB) which completed on the 26th of August.
- Advised Aberdeen City Council on the procurement of a joint venture partner to deliver its vision of an Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub. The Council are procuring a strategic joint venture partner to work with the Council over the next 20 years to stimulate the supply and demand for green hydrogen in the region.
Blackwood Partners LLP
Blackwood Partners LLP offers a niche corporate practice based in Aberdeen which focuses heavily on M&A, private equity, general corporate and finance transactions, primarily centred around the energy services sector. Team head and energy specialist Alastair Wyper is a trusted advisor to the region’s major companies, venture capitalists and private equity providers. Judith Quinn brings extensive experience in domestic and international M&A, while Ross Fair is highly regarded by significant sponsors, corporate and institutions.
Practice head(s):
Alastair Wyper
Other key lawyers:
Judith Quinn; Ross Fair
Testimonials
‘Personable and very quick to respond.’
‘Differentiates between strict legal advice, and just good business advice – which is very much appreciated.’
‘Strong sector knowledge and commitment to understanding individual requirements of a client.’
Key clients
Front Row
Stats (UK) Limited
TWMA Group
SCF Partners
Centurion Group
Buckthorn Partners
Bluewater Energy
Maven Capital Partners
Ashtead Technology Holdings plc
Coretrax Technology
Motive Offshore Group
Simmons Private Equity
Glacier Energy Services
Balmoral Group
ROVOP
Coaching.com
Seanamic Group
Score Group
Hydrasun Group
Pipeline Technique Ltd
LDC
Amazing.com
Pragma Well Technology
Work highlights
- Acted for SCF Partners, a Houston based PE firm specialising in energy services, in relation to its acquisition of Global (Engineering & Construction) Limited, an integrated EPC contractor focussed on the UK North Sea Brownfield Market.
- Acted for Hydrasun, an international energy services group backed by US private equity investor, SCF Partners, in relation to its acquisition of shares and investment in Fuel Cell Systems, a leading provider of a range of hydrogen systems and applications including fuel cells, modular electrolyser systems, compression and storage, and mobile and static refuelling systems, along with a range of complimentary design consultancy services.
- Acted for SafeLane Global in relation to the acquisition of the Raeburn Drilling group of companies.
Harper Macleod LLP
Heavily integrated in the Scottish corporate market, Harper Macleod LLP is most prominently known for advising on complex M&A and equity investment transactions for a broad range of clients, spanning large national and international corporates and investors, high-growth businesses, entrepreneurs and scale-ups. Bringing almost two decades of corporate experience, team head Christopher Kerr is well known for delivering on significant transactions across a wide array of sectors from marine economy and transport to healthcare and construction. Craig McKerracher heads up the firm’s healthcare group and is adept at handling private company corporate and M&A matters.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Kerr
Other key lawyers:
Craig McKerracher
Testimonials
‘For us, what makes Harper Macleod unique is that fact they offer a personal service, understanding our needs and requirements, but with the depth and support of a large firm.’
Key clients
Ardersier Port (Scotland) Limited
G & A Barnie Group Limited
Portman Healthcare Limited
Wester Ross Fisheries Limited
Gael Force Group Limited
MacDonald Group
Giglets Limited
Forsyths Limited
Caley Timber & Building Supplies Limited
Dron & Dickson Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the MacDonald Group, one of Scotland’s largest independent insurance brokers, on its sale to the private equity-backed Partners & Group.
- Advise Portman Healthcare and the Clyde Munro Dental Group on their respective Scotland-wide acquisition programmes, including on 17 successful acquisitions throughout 2022.
- Advised Dron & Dickson Group Limited on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Cable Solutions (Worldwide) Limited.
Stronachs LLP
The corporate team at Stronachs LLP has a strong reputation for M&A, private equity and other corporate transactions, with specialist expertise in the energy sector, both oil and gas and renewables, as well as other key sectors such as transport, technology, and food and drink. Ross Gardner heads the team and brings more than two decades of experience across all aspects of corporate and commercial law, with particular expertise in acting for owner managed businesses in sales, acquisitions and MBOs, while Neil Forbes is renowned for his expertise in M&A and general corporate matters. Malcolm Donald left the firm in November 2022 to join Burges Salmon LLP.
Practice head(s):
Ross Gardner
Other key lawyers:
Neil Forbes
Key clients
Global Energy Group
Envoy & Partners Limited
Dingbro Limited
Enquest PLC
Xodus Group Limited
Peterson (UK) Limited
Omega Well Intervention Limited
Sulmara Subsea International Limited
Verlume Engineering Limited
ESWL Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Andrew and Marion Buchan on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Hiretech Limited to Ashtead Technology Limited.
- Acting on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of WGC (Holdings) Limited.
- Acting for Enquest PLC on all Scots law aspects of their retail bonds issue and high yields bonds issue, including providing Scots law legal opinions, drafting disclosures, reviewing transaction documents including Trust Deed, advising on Scots law security documents.
Aberdein Considine
Having established a solid mid-market corporate practice in the North East of Scotland, Aberdein Considine is notable for its expertise in general and sell-side M&A, MBOs, and start-up and young company equity fund-raising. The team is led from Aberdeen by Ritchie Whyte, overseeing a practice which services major clients across key sectors in Scotland including energy, food and drink, financial services, and healthcare.
Practice head(s):
Ritchie Whyte
Testimonials
‘Developed the team from within, resulting in superb continuity of service and understanding of a client’s business.’
‘Ritchie Whyte shows excellent understanding of a client’s business; deals with complexity well, and always delivers work on a timely basis.’
‘Ritchie and his team have been great with us through our transitions over the past year. His personal approach along with the team has helped in this interesting period.’
Key clients
STATS Group
Brimmond Group
Texo Group
Right Medicine Group
Vulcan Completion Products
AVC Immedia
Porter Pharmacy Group
LFH Engineering
Elevator
Utility ROV Services
Work highlights
- Advising Vulcan Completion Products on its equity investment from Sawafi.
- Advising the shareholders of Cable Solutions (Worldwide) on the disposal of the entire issued share capital to Dron & Dickson.
- Advising Management Team on MBO of AVC Immedia from Immedia Group PLC.
Blackadders LLP
Blackadders LLP maintains an influential presence in the Scottish corporate and commercial space, offering solid experience of the M&A and investment deals market and a burgeoning reputation across key sectors including technology, life sciences, healthcare and energy. Kirk Dailly took over as head of the firm’s corporate and commercial team in August 2022, spearheading the firm’s drive to become Scotland’s leader in the video games industry. Campbell Clark is also a key presence in Dundee, bringing over 20 years of high-value transactional experience.
Practice head(s):
Kirk Dailly
Other key lawyers:
Campbell Clark
Testimonials
‘Very experienced employee buyout team.’
‘Campbell Clark has extensive experience of advising on employee buyouts.’
‘They are energetic, interested, highly knowledgeable and dedicated.’
‘They always go above and beyond and keep clients updated with progress and timescales for completion of work, as well as costs.’
‘They are genuinely passionate and interested in helping your business, which comes across in spades.’
‘The team are extremely responsive to client’s needs.’
‘Kirk Dailly is a stand out individual for his responsiveness and efficiency. During complex M&A processes he is able to simplify issues and support clients to make key decisions, understanding all the risks and issues.’
‘This is a well established practice with a team that understands a client’s business. They are very clear in their advice with a minimum need for back and forth explanation.’
Work highlights
Ledingham Chalmers LLP
Ledingham Chalmers LLP is a recognised Aberdeen-based practice with significant experience in the oil and gas sector, routinely advising major oil service companies on international supply and joint venture contracts. The practice, which is increasingly receiving decommissioning and energy transition work, is headed by Peter Murray who brings 25 years of corporate experience. Jody Mitchell is also a key contact, regularly handling acquisitions, disposals and restructurings, as well as general commercial advisory work.
Practice head(s):
Peter Murray
Other key lawyers:
Jody Mitchell
Testimonials
‘The team at Ledingham Chalmers are really friendly and approachable.’
‘They seek to understand a client’s business and have been excellent in helping us to navigate complex legal matters in a straightforward, practical manner.’
‘They certainly go the extra mile to achieve a result and know their stuff.’
Work highlights
Pinsent Masons LLP
Overseen by corporate head Barry McCaig, Pinsent Masons LLP handles a steady stream of corporate energy mandates including cross-border M&A and private equity transactions. Brian Thumath was promoted to partner in May 2022 and is the main contact in Aberdeen, regularly advising on fundraisings, joint ventures and investments, particularly concerning onshore and offshore wind and solar. Legal director Fiona Kindness left the firm in September 2022 to join Addleshaw Goddard.
Practice head(s):
Barry McCaig
Other key lawyers:
Brian Thumath
Testimonials
‘Availability and flexibility. Practical approach and wider knowledge of the sector, not strictly limited to legal matters.’
‘They have extensive experience, knowledge and kindness.’
‘The team is business oriented and always available regardless the time of the day.’
Key clients
Eni S.p.A.
Ithaca Energy plc
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies Offshore Wind Holdings UK
Scirocco Energy plc
The Buccleuch Estates Limited
BayWa UK
Vantage RE/Tenaga
Savannah Energy plc
EDF
Aker Solutions
Work highlights
- Advised TotalEnergies Offshore Wind Holdings UK in relation to their acquisition of 80% of the issued share capital of Simply Blue Energy (Aurora) Limited, a special purpose vehicle established for the development of the 1GW Aurora floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea, from Simply Blue Energy Limited.
- Advised Scirocco Energy plc on the sale of a 25% stake in the Ruvuma gas field, Tanzania to ARA Petroleum for consideration of up to $16m.
- Advised The Buccleuch Estates Limited on the sale of the Glenmuckloch pumped storage hydro and windfarm project in Dumfries and Galloway to Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners, Foresight Group’s flagship energy transition fund.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
The corporate and commercial practice at Shepherd and Wedderburn is best known for advising private limited companies on complex acquisitions and disposals, shareholders and directors on shareholder agreements and articles of association, as well as start-up businesses on general matters such as commercial contract advice. Keir Willox leads the team from Aberdeen and primarily caters to SMEs, bringing particular expertise in the technology, renewables and oil and gas sectors.
Practice head(s):
Keir Willox
Key clients
TDC (Aberdeen) Limited
R T McEwan Limited
Hydrovolve Holdings Limited
The Financial Planning Group Limited
Energy Transition Zone Limited
University of Aberdeen
Wellpro Group Limited
Glenmoir Construction Limited
JMF Healthcare Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Caledonia Homes (Scotland) Limited, timber kit manufacturer, on its sale to Scotia Homes.
- Advising on the management buyout of Murray Machinery Limited.
Thorntons Law LLP
Thorntons Law LLP has a proven track record across complex M&A, equity investments, transitions to employee ownership and corporate recovery and insolvency transactions. Chris Allan leads the team from Dundee, offering considerable experience in acquisitions, disposals and corporate restructurings. Michael Royden is also a key figure, his practice recently focusing on corporate sales and acquisitions within the healthcare sector.
Practice head(s):
Chris Allan
Other key lawyers:
Michael Roydon
Testimonials
‘Thorntons Law is an easy firm to deal with. They take time to understand client requirements and have an expert understanding of employee ownership trusts and corporate transactions, which makes for a smooth process.’
‘Great expertise in the field of employee ownership trusts and has quickly established a reputation as one of the leaders in this growing sector.’
‘A very dedicated and knowledgeable team capable of handling significant detailed due diligence material and corporate share transactions in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited
D.C. Thomson & Company Limited
EOS Advisory LLP
Whisky Auctioneer Limited
Big Yellow Group plc
Green Bioactives Limited
Walter Davidson & Sons
Don & Low Limited (part of Thrace Group)
BW Offshore (Oslo stock exchange listed multi-national offshore production group)
St Andrews Links Trust
Castle Stuart Golf LLP
Carnoustie Golf Links Management Company Limited
Agricarbon UK Limited
A.I. Exploration Limited
Chromacity Limited
Pneumagen (Holdings) Limited
Chromacity Limited
Dyneval Limited
Quantuma
Opus Restructuring & Insolvency
Work highlights
- Advised EOS Advisory on all investments made by the EOS fund/syndicate over the course of 2022 – with a combined deal value of £37.5m.
- Advised the Whisky Auctioneer Group on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Dormant Distillery Company Limited.
- Advised the selling shareholders in relation to the sale of the entire issued share capital of Playfair Limited to Wirefox (an Irish private investment firm).