Acquisition financing, corporate banking matters, as well as real estate developments are cornerstones of practice at Howes Percival LLP. In Northampton, Matthew Thompson leads on mid-market M&A transactions and is a strong choice for large and SME owner-managed businesses. Paula Dumbill is knowledgeable of commercial trading agreements and is lauded as ‘exceptionally patient and highly organised.’ Haydon Simmonds leads the East Midlands banking and finance team, while Miles Barnes is praised by clients as an ’excellent, deal-orientated solicitor’, and is knowledgeable of distribution, licensing, and manufacturing. Gerald Couldrake is another key team member and Gareth John joined the practice in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'We have received a good service from the team who always acted in an efficient and professional manner, providing advice and guidance often to very tight deadlines.'
- ‘Howes Percival boasts a formidable presence with multiple offices strategically positioned across the East Midlands. Each location houses high-caliber legal professionals with a breadth of experience across various disciplines.’
- ‘The team has a strong bench of talent. They're consistently one of the top performing corporate teams in the East Midlands and work on their fair share of deals in the region. Within the team they have experience of EOTs as well as mainstream disposals, restructurings, de-mergers and acquisitions.’
- ‘Paula Dumbill has been exceptionally patient and highly organised in dealing with our contract negotiations. She always responded in a timely fashion.’
- ‘Paula Dumbill is easy to contact and quick to respond to queries, and overall it was very pleasant to call and speak to her directly.'
- ‘Miles Barnes is our main point of contact and we have successfully worked together on many transactions over the years. Miles is an excellent, deal orientated solicitor. ’
- ‘Matthew Thompson is an exceptional young partner with a very bright future ahead of him. He offered intelligent and measured advice at all stages of the deal whilst remaining completely calm under pressure. He is extremely hard working and always easy to contact and available at all hours, I could not recommend Matthew's services more highly.'
- ‘Matthew Thompson, Jeremy Hyde and Haydon Simmonds are all well-known in the East Midlands marketplace and known for expert advice which is clear and concise. They are also very commercially minded and provide an efficient service to clients such that costs are kept within budget.'
Key clients
- Medigold Health Consultancy
- Connells Limited
- E-Bate Limited
- Cinch Cars
- BCA Automotive
- Brewers Decorating Centres
- Euro Food Brands
- Foresight Capital
- SPAR (UK)
- BGF
- FA Simms
- The DX Group
- Arne Clothing
Work highlights
- Advised Medigold on a transformational acquisition of Health Management Limited for US based Maximus Group.
- Advised Brewers Decorating Centres on its acquisition growth strategy.
- Advised E-Bate Limited on a number of equity fundraisers from a number of investors, including Mercia.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matt Thompson, Paula Dumbill, Haydon Simmonds