England - London • Corporate and commercial

Payne Hicks Beach LLP

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Noted for its broad M&A capabilities, Payne Hicks Beach LLP possesses considerable strength across the financial services, technology, publishing, chemicals and automotive sectors. The practice is steered by Jonathan Gatward, a seasoned practitioner who has a wealth of experience advising privately owned and managed businesses across a range of different transactions. Gatward has a particular interest in businesses with an intellectual property angle. Practice co-chair Howard Taylor specialises in M&A transactions, and is also experienced in joint ventures and private equity-driven deals. Recent arrivals include Max Baird-Smith, who joined the team from Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP in July 2022.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Highly competent at a technical level. Very much a partner-led practice.'

Key clients

  • Bonnier Books UK Group Holdings Limited
  • Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (owned by Stellantis)
  • Elite Hotels (Rotherwick) Limited
  • Pineapple Dance Studios
  • IIAA Limited
  • Bonnier Books UK Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising luxury hotel chain, Elite Hotels (Rotherwick) Limited, on the sale of 5 star and 228 bedroom Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa to the Arora Hotel Group.
  • Advising the shareholders of Syntec Holdings Limited on their sale of the company to AIM-listed Eckoh plc.
  • Acting for Bonnier Books UK Limited on its acquisition of the assets of The Salariya Book Company Limited.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jonathan Gatward, Howard Taylor

Other key lawyers

Max Baird-Smith, Isobel Symonds