Charles Russell Speechlys LLP excels in navigating high-value corporate and commercial matters with a focus on cross-border transactions, particularly those involving the Middle East and Africa. The team handles M&A deals as well as large-scale investments and is a popular point of contact for clients active in the aviation and renewable energy sectors. Practice head Richard Norton is well-versed across the spectrum of corporate and commercial work, including restructuring and transactional work. Private equity matters are a key area of focus for Edward Robinson, who acts on behalf of a number of aviation clients.
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
‘Richard Norton and Edward Robinson make a formidable team – they are responsive, innovative and deeply commercial whilst also able to think laterally. Few lawyers show such ability to deliver and problem-solve as they do.’
‘Richard Norton is in a league of his own, with a versatility born of deep intelligence, great experience and a commercial mindset. He grasps complex issues quickly and delivers results equally quickly. Edward Robinson is taking after him.’
‘Good commercial understanding and the ability to cut through the noise of a deal and focus on the few issues that really matter.’
‘Richard Norton is in a class of his own. I have worked with him on two company sales and one purchase and I would not use anyone else. The perfect balance between legal expertise and commercial acumen.’
‘Charles Russel Speechleys were recommended to me for personal legal help and a massive support in selling my business. Nothing was too much trouble, and they were professional in every aspect. ’
‘The one name that stands out in every aspect is Richard Norton! Without him I would not be in the exceptional position I am now. He has been truly amazing! I am privileged to know him and cannot praise him enough. A true jewel in the professional world!’
‘The team has advised on the successful sale of a number of companies with whom I have been associated over this time. Their expertise, speedy responses and knowledge of the sectors in which we operate has been invaluable.’
‘Outstanding and practical on all levels, Richard Norton is able to advise on a range of matters, all of which have been worked through excellently either by him or his team.’
Key clients
PAT Holding Limited
Pennant International Group Plc
A Tsokkos Public Limited
Gulf Air
Actis LLP
Argo Group
Bank of Cyprus
Battery Ventures
Robert Hitchins Group Limited
Microba Life Sciences Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on cross-jurisdictional business investments.
- Advised shareholders on the sale of a company.
BPE Solicitors LLP
BPE Solicitors LLP‘s corporate and commercial team is valued by a host of blue-chip corporates and covers the full spectrum of transactional matters, from investments to IPOs and M&A deals. The firm’s offering also includes private equity as well as venture capital work, and is led by Kathryn King who took over as practice head in 2024 following her promotion to partner in October 2023. Christine Jackson heads up the commercial offering and specialises in advising clients in the tech sector.
Practice head(s):
Kathryn King; Christine Jackson
Other key lawyers:
John Workman; Anthony Rudge
Testimonials
‘A legal firm with a friendly face – direct contact with all the legal team at any time has made the experience of our recent business acquisition process a lot more streamlined than it could have been anywhere else.’
‘The whole team has been approachable and helpful in every way but particular thanks to Kathryn King.’
Key clients
Revolution beauty Group plc
Agria Pet Insurance Limited
Neal’s Yard (Natural Remedies) Limited
Partners Group Limited
DeepVerge plc
Partway Group PLC
CB Chemie und Biotechnologie AG
Selling shareholders of XLCR Vehicle Management Limited
Sureserve Group Plc
Sosandar plc
Software Circle plc
Work highlights
- Advised Partners Group on a multi-million pound series of acquisitions in the insurance sector.
- Advised a nominated adviser in relation to Grafenia plc’s placing, subscription and open offer to raise approximately £27.9m.
- Acted for CB Chemie and Biotechnologie AG on its multi-million pound all-share acquisition of Rozone Limited from Rubery Owen (Holdings) Limited.
Gardner Leader LLP
Based in Swindon, Gardner Leader LLP advises diverse domestic and multinational corporations on transactions within the South West region and beyond, in addition to assisting with matters such as drafting agreements and handling restructurings. Philip Humphreys acts as practice head and is particularly active on the transactional side of the business, as is M&A-focused Joe Lewis. On the corporate end, Gail Vallis is a key name to note and fields noted sector expertise relating to life sciences.
Practice head(s):
Philip Humphreys
Other key lawyers:
Joe Lewis; Peter James; Gail Vallis
Testimonials
‘The Swindon office has a wide breadth of expertise and the partners are responsive and very reactive to client needs.’
‘The practice ensures it specifically understands our business with a close knowledge of our products, services and key people. This ensures the advice provided precisely matches our particular and unusual operational environment.’
‘Friendly and approachable people.’
‘Philip Humphreys and Gail Vallis are both collegiate, commercial, constructive problem solvers, professional and lacking in egos. They work incredibly well together.’
‘Peter James we trust implicitly. Peter responds to our varied requests for assistance promptly and succinctly and he always adds significant value in these responses.’
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
Shareholder of Sonnox Limited
Prepay Technologies Limited
Orgvue Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a shareholder on the sale of a company.
- Advised Medical Supplies Direct on its agency agreement with an integrated outsourcing provider to store and distribute covid tests to a major supermarket chain for consumer purchase.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Harrison Clark Rickerbys fields extensive proficiency in corporate and commercial law, particularly in navigating intricate cross-border transactions, frequently advising on private equity deals, and representing shareholders in various investment scenarios. Steve Thomas leads commercial endeavours, focusing on IT and outsourcing matters; he heads up the practice jointly with Tim Ward, whose capabilities encompass private equity work and employee ownership trusts. Rachael Reeves stands out for her specialism in the equine sector.
Practice head(s):
Tim Ward; Steve Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Rachael Reeves
Testimonials
‘HCR is adept at quickly understanding client requirements. They work out an action plan and then execute, all in a no-nonsense, cost effective manner.’
‘Tim Ward and his team are specialists in their chosen area. They are approachable and provide clear and pragmatic advice.’
‘The commercial team makes itself available to its clients and provides professional advice and action. Timescales are adhered to and advice is sound.’
‘The individuals are enjoyable to work with and are wholly committed to the success of the engagement.’
‘Great blend of technical proficiency, responsiveness and empathetic relationships.’
‘Rachael Reeves was accessible, provided highly commercial and pragmatic advice, with a relaxed communication style.’
‘Amazing company. Always willing to go the extra mile. Super fast at responding and acting. Very commercial.’
‘Tim Ward is amazing. He gets the job done with solid commercial advice.’
Key clients
Safran Landing Systems
Spirax Sarco PLC
Renishaw PLC
Gloucestershire University
Plexal (City) Limited
Azets Holdings Limited
Workshop Group Limited
Viadex Ltd
Beam Connectivity Limited
Infinitum Trustee Limited
Miro Forestry Developments Limited
Ethos Partners LLP
Horizon Capital LLP
Scaleup Capital Limited
Macaulay Management Limited
Amcomri Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Infinitum Group team on the transition to an employee ownership trust.
- Advised Miro Forestry on and drafting a subscription agreement, shareholders’ agreement and accompanying legal documentation.
- Acted for Ethos Partners LLP on an equity share investment into IP Integration, advising on and implementing a complex investment group structure.
RWK Goodman
RWK Goodman sports a robust corporate practice focused on mid-market transactions that is popular with both regional and international businesses. Katharine Mortimer specialises in financial services transactions, complementing the expertise of practice head James Worrall, who is active in the financial services and tech sectors. Further key sectors for the group are health and social care as well as retail. Janetta White centres her advisory offering around corporate restructurings and refinancing.
Practice head(s):
James Worrall
Other key lawyers:
Katharine Mortimer; Hazel Phillips; Janetta White
Testimonials
‘Highly experienced, knowledgeable, strategic, pleasant to interact with and an easy-to-use data room.’
‘Katharine Mortimer kept the momentum when needed during the process of the sale of the company, adapted her own schedule to ensure work was done when required even in the case of unexpected and unplanned timelines, she managed to keep me on track despite the emotional circumstances around the sale.’
‘I have worked with RWK for many years and have always found the team there to be highly responsive to issues which need addressing, always prompt and concise, and providing excellent pragmatic solutions.’
‘I have worked with this firm for many years on mutual clients and they provide exceptional service with wide expertise and at a reasonable price.’
‘They are a firm proudly routed in the locations they serve. They are all approachable and down-to-earth, which is well-suited to the owner-managed businesses they work with and makes working with them very enjoyable.’
‘James Worrall and Katherine Mortimer are both partners I’ve worked with. They both bring a highly commercial approach – focusing on the issues which matter to clients, without getting hung up on point-scoring.’
‘RWK stands out by being very knowledgeable and working hard to enact solutions to achieve the client’s objectives. The team is more than capable of executing complex transactions, share schemes and reorganisations with a personalised approach that puts the client first.’
‘James Worrall and Janetta White are our two principle contacts and they are both very fast and efficient and quickly grasp what we need in any given situation.’
Key clients
Lancer Scott
Socomec
MJ Church
STERIMED
Orega
Abbott Lyon
Portobello Starboard
The Jolly Hog Group
Designworks Collective
Fareva
Work highlights
- Advised Lancer Scott Holdings Limited on a major restructuring of its group which saw some of its business divisions transferred to newly incorporated subsidiaries and to the parent company.
- Advised on the sale of a company and its UK subsidiaries as well as overseas subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia and the USA.
- Advised a company on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Sonnet Care Homes Holdco Limited from August Equity.
Porter Dodson
SMEs as well as family or owner-managed businesses turn to Porter Dodson for assistance with a range of corporate and commercial matters including acquisitions, reorganisations, management buyouts, or disposals. Evelyn Adfield is hailed as ‘exceptional in her work ethic’ and leads the team, in which David Culshaw also plays a key role as advisor for the tech, manufacturing, as well as food and drink sectors.
Practice head(s):
Evelyn Adfield
Other key lawyers:
David Culshaw
Testimonials
‘A team that delivers on everything you’d expect from a legal firm – professional, credible, knowledgeable and value for money. But all of this with the added benefit of partners who are accessible and who talk both business and legal.’
‘Lucky enough to have worked with David Culshaw across two of our private equity investment rounds. David is a fantastic legal partner. I particularly admire his ability to take complex topics and convert them into easily understandable language – he makes the tricky simple.’
‘Work as part of our business, integrating seamlessly into our business units and teams.’
‘Evelyn Adfield is exceptional in her work ethic, has a broad understanding of our needs and has become a vital member of our team.’
Key clients
Driving Success Ltd
Bullet Lift Group Limited
Emmat Norton Limited
Framptons Group Holdings Limited
IAM Compliant Ltd
Unison Triumph Investments (UK) Limited
Ashridge Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Driving Success Ltd on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Splink Industries Ltd.
- Advised Bullet Lift Group Limited on the sale of its two wholly owned subsidiaries, Bullet Lift Services Limited and Bullet Training Solutions Limited to Classic Lifts.
- Instructed by iAMCompliant Ltd in connection with equity investment by Maven Capital.
Thrings LLP
Active across both corporate and commercial work, Thrings LLP also draws on its banking and finance expertise to advise lenders and investors across a diverse set of transactions and agreements. John Davies heads up the corporate offering with experience that includes acting on PE-backed transactions, while Kate Westbrook oversees the commercial arm of the practice and focuses on tech and FMCG clients.
Practice head(s):
John Davies; Kate Westbrook
Other key lawyers:
Simon Hore; John Richardson
Testimonials
‘John Davies has the patience to guide clients through challenging and complex legal processes and negotiations in a calm and collected manner. Demonstrating consistent knowledge and wisdom throughout. He is also highly diligent and time efficient.’
‘We have no hesitation in recommending the corporate team at Thrings most highly. Indeed today we wouldn’t dream of using and/or recommending anyone else to our clients.’
‘They are incredibly responsive, flexible in meeting deadlines and collaborative in their approach.’
‘Kate Westbrook is the standout individual within Thrings. Worked with her for many years and never been anything other than impressed.’
‘Really strong team – incredibly responsive, fair, reasonably priced and commercially minded so explaining things is really straightforward. Found them a breath of fresh air compared to some other firms used in the past.’
‘Kate Westbrook is fantastic. She always says yes, is prompt, professional, and explains things in a way that we understand. She really understands commercial contracts which saves a lot of time. When we’ve had an urgent request she has always accommodated. Top job!’
‘Thrings are a no-nonsense, results-driven practice which has consistently delivered excellence to us for over eight years. They would be an asset to any organisation.’
‘Kate Westbrook cannot be rated highly enough. Her ability to analyse complex situations and provide simplified, practical solutions makes her stand out from the crowd.’
Key clients
GS Yuasa Europe
Wasdell Group
Jumella Limited
The Wishford Schools Group
Rockley Transport Group
Signet Jewelers
Compass Energy
Arkells Brewery
Donnington Brewery
Acoustic Polymers Ltd
Wansbroughs
Wansbroughs‘ corporate and commercial team continues to diversify its portfolio, supplementing the firm’s historically strong focus on landed estates and agriculture with a broad-range of clients including those active in tech, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Practice head William Ingram-Hill has noted experience across matters such as cross-border M&A, corporate restructuring, and commercial contracts.
Practice head(s):
William Ingram-Hill
Other key lawyers:
Philip Wigg; Emma Jewell; Katen Patel
Testimonials
‘We have used Wansbroughs for many years on different commercial services and you can always rely on them to be very pragmatic and professional and always listen to our business needs.’
‘I have worked with Philip Wigg on various matters and he is always professional and friendly but also tries to find the best outcome for our business. I would highly recommend Wansbroughs for all business-related legal services.’
‘The team seems to punch above its weight, its ambition is palpable and my key contact, Emma Jewell, is an extremely likable, commercial and highly motivated person.’
‘They take a keen interest in understanding our business and as a result our requirements and tailoring their offering to suit. They are personable and always proactive and operate as an effective resource to the business.’
‘They are helpful and local, yet specialist and informed. I have always been able to get through to a person who can assist.’
‘Philip Wigg was well informed, gave good advice, but also allowed us to make our own decisions. I have been impressed with the service.’
‘The team at Wansbroughs have really made an impact in the local professional market, proactively building their network and engaging on both a firm and personal level.’
‘Wansbroughs have been fantastic to work with on several deals now. Their internal departments work seamlessly together and they show great flexibility in their work practices.’
Willans LLP
With broad sector coverage, Willans LLP stands out for a diverse practice that assists clients with investments, mergers, and contractual matters, amongst others. Chris Wills, who is ‘excellent at cutting through the legal complexities to deliver clear advice’, leads the team and handles work such as restructurings and joint ventures. Owner-managed and family businesses regularly turn to Rishi Ladwa for his corporate and commercial expertise.
Practice head(s):
Chris Wills
Other key lawyers:
Rishi Ladwa
Testimonials
‘The team is the most motivated and dynamic I have ever encountered. They are quick to respond to queries, always incredibly helpful, concise, clear and friendly. They are an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Chris Wills is outstanding with his attention-to-detail, clear communication and friendly manner. I feel that I can rely on his sound advice and judgement and my business is in safe hands with him.’
‘This is a friendly and approachable team who deliver in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Sanderson Solutions Group plc
MA020 Limited
Excelerate Technology Limited
HAE Investments Limited
Mosaique Creative & Marketing Limited
Sue Ryder
Randall & Payne LLP
St Botolph Without Bishopsgate Church
The Cheltenham Trust
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of a 125-year-old family company on a transfer to the next generation.
- Advised a serial entrepreneur on a seven-figure further investment in a high-growth clean tech company.
- Advised the shareholders of a company offering supported care services on their sale to a national care services provider.
Wilsons
At Wilsons, the corporate and commercial team is praised for its ‘excellent technical knowledge and the ability to negotiate practical solutions to commercial issues‘. Under the leadership of James Johnson, the firm has a diverse client roster but is particularly popular with those stemming from the health and social care sectors. Mark Cook fields a varied practice, dealing with IPOs, mergers, and restructurings, amongst others.
Practice head(s):
James Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Mark Cook
Testimonials
‘Mark Cook worked with us to build and eventually sell our company over the course of eight years. He worked with passion and genuine interest with our goals and aspirations.’
‘I was very pleased with the support and work completed by the Wilson’s team. I did not feel like another client on a conveyor belt as I have with many other practices. They had my best interests at the forefront of their approach.’
‘Mark Cook was a great support during a recent commercial transaction and I couldn’t have asked for or expected better support. He was always available, understood what I was trying to achieve and gave effective and realistic advice.’
Key clients
VesselsValue Limited
Daily Dose Ltd
Moore Kingston Smith LLP
Greensleeves Homes Trust
Property Solutions Group (South East) Limited
Robert Brett & Sons Limited
Tecniq Ltd
Southey & Co Limited
Wallgate Limited
Verve Partners Limited
Arthur John Capital Limited
Aviation Values Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of VesselsValue Limited on the sale of the company to Veson Nautical, LLC.
- Advised Daily Dose Ltd on the terms of a £5m private equity investment.
- Advised Moore Kingston Smith Financial Advisers Limited on its acquisition of the Pilot Financial Group.