Bryan Bletso leads the corporate team at Irwin Mitchell. The group has expertise in private wealth and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Bletso in particular is adept in private company transactions including disposals, refinancing transactions, acquisitions, and reorganisations. Debbie Serota is noted for advising ultra-high net worth individuals, families, and family offices on M&A deals, joint ventures, equity fundraisings, and shareholder agreements. The strength of the practice has been bolstered by the arrival of Geraint Lloyd, who joined the firm from Bird & Bird LLP in June 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Huge diversity of knowledge. Every partner is excellent in their field, but more importantly knows their own strengths and those of their peers.’

  • ‘Many partners have been there a considerable time, and really get to understand your business. Bryan Bletso is exceptional in this. He really has made it a priority in our dealings so he can make informed and relevant advice.’

  • ‘Irwin Mitchell’s strength of business in the UK alongside a fantastic overseas network form a really good combination of local advice with international reach.’

  • ‘Bryan Bletso is a very collaborative, commercial lawyer, whom I am confident in referring work to.’

  • 'The team is remarkable, possessing extensive knowledge in highly specialised and nuanced fields, which ensures seamless collaboration among advisors and outstanding service delivery to the client.'

  • 'Debbie Serota, Ben Jones, and Ben Gale are an incredibly friendly and talented group of individuals, dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes.'

Key clients

  • ManyPets Limited
  • 2 Excel (Holdings) Limited
  • The individual shareholders of 2 Excel (Holdings) Limited
  • The shareholders of 2 Excel Engineering Limited
  • The shareholders of Fleet and Commercial Limited
  • Hambledon Vineyard plc
  • PE487 Limited
  • TH Geyer Ingredients GmbH
  • Culuru Consulting Ltd
  • International Broadcasting Convention

Work highlights

  • Advised 2 Excel (Holdings) Ltd, 2 Excel Engineering Limited, and the individual shareholders on a refinancing transaction and disposal of minority interest to Crestline Inc.
  • Advised the board of Hambledon Vineyard plc on a £25m offer under the Takeover Code made by a consortium of Berry Bros and Symington Family Estates.
  • Advised the selling shareholders on the disposal of the entire issued share capital of Fleet and Commercial Limited to Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions Limited.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Bryan Bletso

Other key lawyers

Debbie Serota, Geraint Lloyd, Ben Gale, Richard Collis, Christian Vale, Ben Jones