Based in Cheltenham, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s corporate practice acts for an enviable roster of clients including those hailing from the aviation, renewables and technology sectors. The firm is well known for its strong offering in M&A, particularly pertaining to the Middle East and Africa. Practice head Richard Norton focuses on corporate finance and banking transactions, with banks, borrowers and international companies among his client base. Jonathan Morley ‘delivers complex legal advice in a clear manner’ and is particularly active within the private equity space. Legal director Edward Robinson has built a niche specialism in corporate transactions involving the sub-Saharan region.
Corporate and commercial: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire in South West
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Practice head(s):
Richard Norton
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Mayer; Jonathan Morley; Edward Robinson; Matthew Hobbs
Testimonials
‘Our engagement is with the corporate department for M&A transactions; in an economic environment where “costs matter”, the team delivers sound legal advice provided by ex-City partners.’
‘Jonathan Morley is a knowledgeable individual, who delivers complex legal advice in a clear manner, and whom makes himself available where in other circumstances one might be passed off to a non-partner. Edward Robinson also stands out in terms of corporate/M&A advice.’
Key clients
Trifast plc
Pennant International Group
A Tsokkos Public Limited
Gulf Air
Actis LLP and related Africa and emerging market funds
Argo Group
Bank of Cyprus
Battery Ventures
Robert Hitchins
Material Technologies Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of Sourcebreaker on its sale to Invenias (a subsidiary of Bullhorn Inc.)
- Advised Battery Ventures on the sale of Forterro to Partners Group.
- Advised the shareholders of Plumbworld on the sale of the Company to Highbourne Group.
Gardner Leader LLP
Gardner Leader LLP, based in Swindon, provides advice to a wide range of both domestic and multinational corporations on their transactions in the South West. Praised for its ‘specific and detailed experience’, corporate and commercial mandates are handled by two distinct teams, which work closely together on transactions. Philip Humphreys oversees both teams and is regularly engaged to act on share and asset deals on behalf of vendors. The corporate department is headed by Joe Lewis, while Peter James leads on commercial work. Jeff Jenkins retired in June 2022 and Belinda Walters left for Moore Barlow in October of the same year.
Practice head(s):
Philip Humphreys
Other key lawyers:
Joe Lewis; Peter James; Gail Vallis
Testimonials
‘The part of the practice which we deal with has specific and detailed experience in our area of business interest. This means that the advice and support provided is directly relevant.’
‘The practice is proactive and issues valuable and relevant information on legal issues affecting our environment on a regular basis.’
‘Relevant members of the team take the time to know our business in detail and so are able to provide tailored and specific advice rather than simply being generic in their responses.’
‘Peter James provides excellent and timely support for our requirements and requests.’
‘Widely experienced. Able to explain issues clearly. Calm and communicative.’
‘Gail Vallis and Joe Lewis are both excellent. Experienced, calm and professional.’
Key clients
KAM Project Consultants
Argentum Apothecary Limited
Cordell Health Limited
Clearwater Hampers Limited
Team Technologies Limited
Medical Supplies Direct Limited
Wynne Jones IP Limited
All Medical Professionals Limited
Jonas Software
Juice Moving Images
Shareholders of iTrinergy Limited
Workbuzz Analytics Limited
Shareholders of Berry Marketing Services Limited (Trading as Venue Directory)
Shareholder of Sonnox Limited
Prepay Technologies Limited
Orgvue Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholder of Sonnox Limited on the sale of the company to AIM-listed Focusrite plc.
- Advised the shareholders of iTrinergy Limited on the sale of the company to Calnex Solutions PLC, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
- Advising Medical Supplies Direct on its agency agreement with an outsourcing provider to store and distribute Covid tests to a supermarket chain for consumer purchase.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
The corporate practice at Harrison Clark Rickerbys has wide-ranging expertise, with the team regularly advising on management buyouts, joint ventures, and private equity deals. Clients hail from sectors spanning the healthcare, technology, education, and retail industries, where the group is also able to leverage its expertise across IP and IT matters. Tim Ward, who is particularly experienced in succession planning work, leads the practice together with IT and outsourcing expert Steve Thomas. ‘Strong negotiator and easy communicator’ Rachael Reeves is a go-to contact for venture capitalists, SMEs, and startups.
Practice head(s):
Tim Ward; Steve Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Rachael Reeves
Testimonials
‘The practice is local but has regional and national reach.’
‘Tim Ward and his team are professional while still friendly and accommodating to clients needs.’
‘The culture of the firm feels like it runs through each of the team members. While being very competent and experienced lawyers, they are great at ‘customer service’; readily available and able to ‘translate’ legal issues into easy to understand lay language.’
‘Rachael Reeves is our principal partner contact. Rachael is confident and knowledgeable; a strong negotiator and easy communicator.’
Key clients
Azets Holdings
Gloucestershire College
Safran Landing Systems
Spirax Sarco
University of Gloucestershire
Digital theatre group limited
Ethos capital
Miro forestry
LRG Online Ltd (t/a secret sales)
The commercial group limited
Amcomri Limited
Mitsubishi Motors (The Colt Car Company Limited)
Off-Piste Wines Limited
24-7 Motorsport Limited
Horizon Capital LLP
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of transport systems expert Graffica Limited in respect of the sale to Spanish technology solutions business, Sopra Steria.
- Advised Ethos on its acquisition of Partnering Health Limited and its subsidiary groups, which operate a wide range of integrated urgent care and wait list management services
RWK Goodman
Having merged with Goodman Derrick in May 2022 and formerly known as Royds Withy King, RWK Goodman continues its strong corporate and commercial offering based in Bath. Mid-market transactions form the core of the practice, which advises regional, domestic and international businesses. Katharine Mortimer is particularly knowledgeable in deals within the financial services space; practice head James Worrall is also active in this sector and also handles technology-related mandates.
Practice head(s):
James Worrall
Other key lawyers:
Katharine Mortimer; Hazel Phillips; Janetta White
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable, responsive, people who seem to always understand what I need and then deliver it with a minimum of fuss.’
‘James Worrall co-ordinates things and works with the other teams to deliver the results we need.’
‘Very professional team.’
Key clients
Fidelius
MJ Church
Lancer Scott
Orega
Socomec
Abbott Lyon
Portobello Starboard
The Jolly Hog Group
Designworks Collective
Fareva
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of Grove Care Limited on the sale of the company to a joint venture between Allegra Care and Moorfield Group.
- Advised the existing shareholders of Rygor Holdings Limited on the terms of a debt-backed management buyout, with funding provided by Shawbrook Bank.
- Advised the shareholders of Powerful Allies Limited on its acquisition by private equity backed energy sustainability provider Zenergi Group Limited.
Mogers Drewett LLP
Based in Bath, Mogers Drewett LLP‘s corporate and commercial practice handles M&A deals across a range of sectors, including the hotel and leisure, technology, food and drinks, and professional services industries. Advising both sellers and buyers, the group is headed up by Tom Webb, whose experience extends to investment rounds in addition to sale and purchase mandates.
Practice head(s):
Tom Webb
Other key lawyers:
Emily Eccles; Victoria Darvall
Key clients
Lloyd & Whyte Group Limited
The Kaleidoscope Collection Limited
Ascend Learning UK Limited
OD Fire Limited
Stotts Transport Group
Opium Power Limited
A H Warren Trust
Coombe Castle International Limited
MTA John Anthony Limited
Chapple & Jenkins Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Lloyd & Whyte Group Limited and its group companies on the group’s purchase of Naturesave Policies Limited, a green and ethical insurance provider based in Devon.
Porter Dodson
Porter Dodson is a go-to outfit for family owned and owner-managed businesses as well as SMEs, which turn to the firm’s corporate and commercial practice for matters such as acquisitions, reorganisations, disposals, and succession planning work. Evelyn Adfield, who is frequently sought after for her experience in joint ventures, shareholder agreements, and demergers, leads the practice. The manufacturing and the food and drinks industries are two key sectors for David Culshaw.
Practice head(s):
Evelyn Adfield
Other key lawyers:
David Culshaw
Testimonials
‘Prompt and professional service, backed by excellent communication and ability to set the legal advice in a commercial context.’
‘Supportive but challenging approach, backed by good technical knowledge and excellent communication skills. Evelyn Adfield is exceptional.’
‘Fantastic commercially minded advice, the business is of a size where you are given a personal service, and not bounced from one person to the next. I felt they were acting in my and the company’s best interest at all times.’
‘I dealt with the same person throughout, David Culshaw, who was excellent. Very friendly, level-headed, and professional.’
Key clients
Cooper Associates Wealth Management Limited
Minehead Surgery
Toolstream Limited (subsidiary of Group Silverline plc)
Barton Law
Ashridge Capital
Complete Aircraft Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised Cooper Associates (SJP Partner) on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Pengilly Cox Financial Associates.
- Advised the partners of Minehead Surgery on the transfer of the business to an Employee Ownership Trust.
Thrings LLP
Thrings LLP advises on a steady stream of mid-marked transactions, where the firm supplements its corporate and commercial offering with expertise in other practice areas such as banking and finance, technology, and real estate. Practice head John Davies has ‘excellent commercial knowledge’ and is experienced in acting on buy-outs, investments, and joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
John Davies
Other key lawyers:
Simon Hore; John Richardson
Testimonials
‘Commercial mindset. Well-informed partners who are close to the issues themselves.’
‘John Richardson: Very thoughtful, business oriented.’
‘The practice is easy to speak with and always helpful.’
‘The team has broad capabilities but is able to work together easily. I found their ability to work together highly constructive.’
‘They are easily approachable, great at explaining and all the individuals have been willing to go the extra mile.’
‘They have such a personal touch with every area of the business.’
‘The team we have dealt with have been very strong and are all very approachable. They obviously enjoy working together as a team and bring a high level of enthusiasm to all that they do.’
‘John Davies is our main contact, he is a pleasure to work with and always makes time to talk things through. He quickly establishes a good rapport with our clients and has excellent commercial knowledge.’
Key clients
The Wasdell Group
Rockley Transport Group
GS Yuasa Europe
Ross Farm Machinery
Superhog
Arkells Brewery
The Wishford Group
HSBC
Whim Hospitality UK
Work highlights
- Advised the management team of shareholder/directors of the Easby Group on its PE backed £24m investment by NVM.
Wansbroughs
Praised as a ‘good regional player with London expertise’, Wansbroughs‘ corporate and commercial team enjoys a strong reputation in the market for its experience advising landed estates and associated businesses on a range of matters including transactions and restructurings. The ‘pragmatic and incisive’ William Ingram Hill leads the practice and is well versed in shareholder agreements, fundraisings, and corporate governance work. Emma Jewell often advises clients on commercial contracts, M&A, shareholders’ agreements, and TUPE arrangements.
Practice head(s):
William Ingram Hill
Other key lawyers:
Philip Wigg; Emma Jewell
Testimonials
‘Wansbroughs offer no nonsense legal and professional advice on various subjects.’
‘Their ability to understand the required balance between commercial objects and legal protection is invaluable.’
‘A mid-sized team with various partners and a variety of different specialisms – all offering a personal and attentive service.’
‘Very good regional player with London expertise, high quality commercial advice.’
‘William Ingram Hill – excellent commercial advice, pragmatic and incisive, delivered in a very cheerful and thoughtful manner.’
‘Philip Wigg is professional and very approachable. He has always been pragmatic and understands what our business is trying to achieve. He will offer clear, concise advice.’
‘Wansbroughs have managed to successfully incorporate the feel of a local practice with the capabilities of a national firm.’
‘Will Ingram Hill delivers a highly personable service.’
Willans LLP
Fielding a ‘strong team with a breadth of experience’, Willans LLP advises clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters and counts the technology, renewable energy, healthcare and sport industries among its key sectors. Practice head Chris Wills is hailed as ‘exemplary to work with in an M&A capacity’, while Rishi Ladwa is well versed in advising owner-managed and family businesses.
Practice head(s):
Chris Wills
Other key lawyers:
Rishi Ladwa
Testimonials
‘The Willans team works exceptionally well together so that if anyone is unavailable, answers can still be given. It feels as though they know their clients well and take the time to understand their specific business.’
‘Chris Wills has provided an exceptional service. He takes a good overall managing interest in our account to ensure all of his colleagues support us.’
‘Willans are always friendly and helpful.’
Key clients
Sanderson Solutions Group plc
MA020 Limited
Excelerate Technology Limited
HAE Investments Limited
Mosaique Creative & Marketing Limited
Randall & Payne LLP
Work highlights
- Advised the executor of the estate of a minority shareholder on a sale of shares in DV8 Technology Ltd to an Australian-listed mining and infrastructure solutions provider.
- Advised the shareholders on the sale of Paish Tooth Limited to Griffiths Marshall Business Advisory Limited.
- Advising a high-net-worth and serial entrepreneur in the clean technology industry on an equity investment deal worth up to £2m.
Wilsons
Wilsons is a popular choice from clients in the health and social care sectors for corporate and commercial advice, although the practice’s expertise covers a variety of sectors, acting for owner-managed businesses, SMEs and international companies. James Johnson acts as practice head and is experienced with PE transactions, restructurings and shareholder agreements. Private company investments, demergers and secondary fundraisings form part of Mark Cook‘s portfolio of work.
Practice head(s):
James Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Mark Cook
Testimonials
‘Accessibility and in-depth knowledge. The ability to present clear and easy to understand solutions to a complex matter.’
‘Mark Cook was key in facilitating a satisfactory execution of an investment agreement. His experience in the fields of mergers and acquisitions, investments and fundraisings was highly appreciated not only by his client but as well as the counterparty.’
Key clients
Toby Blackwell Limited
Expotech Holdings Limited
Moore Kingston Smith LLP
Greensleeves Homes Trust
Property Solutions Group (South East) Limited
Robert Brett & Sons Limited
Per Ardua Associates Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the principal shareholders of Blackwell Limited on the sale of the company to Waterstones.