Goodwin‘s M&A practice has a strong corporate offering and cross-border capabilities which continues to attract new clients, particularly from the life sciences and technology sectors. The team is jointly led by life sciences expert Graham Defries; technology and life sciences authorities David Mardle and Andrew Davis; and real estate specialist James Spence. Defries has extensive experience advising biotech and pharmaceutical companies on private equity and venture capital investments and exits, as well as M&A, corporate financing, and licensing deals – both domestic and cross-border in nature. Davis is praised for his ’business acumen, attention to detail, and common sense‘, while Spence’s real estate-focused practice encompasses investments in Europe, structured sales and acquisitions, and real estate funds work. Andrew Harrow concentrates on UK and international transactions including joint ventures, M&A, reorganisations, IPOs, and fundraising. Other key names in the team include Adam Thatcher, Lucy Thomas, and Richard Bloomfield.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are thoughtful, pragmatic, and careful when navigating complex conversations. They ensure the requisite level of trust between attorney and client.’
‘Andrew Harrow is a stand-out. He is an exceptional professional and exhibits exemplary behaviour. He is always available and always pleasant.’
‘Highly knowledgeable, thorough, and commercial.’
‘The Goodwin team is incredibly business focused, making sure to align themselves with their client's business goals. This leads to excellent communication and billing efficiency.’
‘Andrew Davis and Lucy Thomas show business acumen, attention to detail, and common sense.’
‘They are excellent, knowledgeable and hard-working. Despite the fact we had very unusual geography combinations to deal with, they were able to source local expertise and navigate very tricky cross-jurisdiction negotiations.’
‘Adam Thatcher is incredible - probably the best tech transaction lawyer in Europe.’
Key clients
- Emergence Therapeutics AG
- 30 Technology
- Adrestia Therapeutics Ltd
- Synaffix B.V.
- London Square
- Tessian Limited
- Citymapper Ltd
- Pento ApS
- ZQ Capital Limited
- Ophelos Ltd
- Monotype Limited
- Pulsic Limited
- SuperSeed II LP
- Verifly Holdings Limited
- Calypso Biotech B.V.
- Clarion Partners Europe
- TLC Marketing Worldwide Group Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Emergence Therapeutics AG and its selling shareholders on its conditional sale to Eli Lilly & Company.
- Advised on the sale of LSQ Management Limited and London Square Developments to Aldar Development (LSQ) Limited for an enterprise value of £230 million.
- Advised the shareholders of Tessian Limited on its acquisition by Proofpoint Inc.
Lawyers
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.
Graham Defries, David Mardle, James Spence, Andrew Davis