England - London • Corporate and commercial

Burges Salmon LLP

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The ‘extremely proactive’ and ’competent’ practitioners at the Bristol-based corporate practice at Burges Salmon LLP are noted for their capabilities in energy and technology M&A. Beyond these sectors, the team is experienced in cross-border work in the hotels and leisure, education, healthcare and food and drink arenas. Practice co-chair Nick Graves – a key contact for the firm’s hotels and leisure work – is experienced in M&A, joint ventures, and corporate and regulatory advice pertaining to listing rules and takeover code. Fellow co-chair Rupert Weston is recommended for assistance with M&A, joint ventures, equity market transactions and regulatory issues. Richard Spink is highly praised for his ‘exceptional advice’ and ’balanced and pragmatic advice.’ Other key figures include Dominic Davis, who specialises in corporate finance work; Mark Shepherd, who heads the private equity team and also advises public and private companies on various transactions; and Camilla Usher-Clark, who specialises in energy, power and utilities work. Chris Godfrey has now adopted a consultant role.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Richard Spink and his team are really responsive and competent. They act as deal makers and are very good at negotiation.’

  • ‘A large team with a detailed understanding in dealing with complex elements of projects. They are extremely proactive and willing to go the extra mile to make transactions happen.’

  • ‘All members of the team support our business like it's their own. Honestly couldn't mention a specific team member as they all contribute equally to supporting us.’

  • ‘Their level of understanding, legal capabilities, communication and in particular, attention to the file, was unparalleled. Communication with all parties involved was also exceptional. I am happy to name Dominic Davis and Julie Book as extremely dedicated, bright, knowledgeable and trustworthy.’

  • ‘The team have completed many deals in our industry and have great knowledge of the challenges of these transactions, hence they make sure things don't get missed that would cause any delays to the deal. All colleagues that I have worked with are also exceptional at protecting their clients whilst being pragmatic where appropriate to ensure the deal gets completed without risk to the client.’

  • ‘Richard Spink has worked on a number of deals for me over the last 15 years. He has provided exceptional advice, ensured my interests are protected whilst ensuring every single transaction reached a successful conclusion and did not fall over.'

Key clients

  • Octopus
  • Virgin Group
  • Zetland Capital LLP
  • Bluefield Solar
  • FirstGroup plc
  • Darwin Alternatives
  • Phillips 66
  • Atrato Partners
  • ITM Power plc
  • Trivela Group LLC
  • Progressive Energy

Work highlights

  • Advised Saltus on its acquisition by Preservation Capital Partners, a significant transaction in the wealth management sector.
  • Advised leading green hydrogen player, ITM Power PLC on a strategic partnership and joint venture with Vitol Holdings SARL in relation to Motive Fuels Limited.
  • Advised Bluefield Solar Income Fund on its innovative £112.4 million acquisition of a 93.2MWp UK-based solar and wind portfolio.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rupert Weston, Nick Graves

Other key lawyers

Richard Spink, Mark Shepherd, Camilla Usher-Clark, Dominic Davis, Jonathan Eves, Chris Godfrey, Julie Book