With a breadth of expertise which includes domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity, growth capital fundraising, joint ventures, and reorganisations, Stevens & Bolton LLP‘s corporate team handles complex transactions for an expanding client base. The group covers a wide range of industry sectors such as technology, financial services, and life sciences, among others. Heading up the team is Joe Bedford who acts for banks, public and private corporates, and shareholders on mergers and acquisitions, structuring, and investment finance. Travel and life sciences expert Keith Syson has extensive experience leading on M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and demergers, while Richard Baxter is adept in M&A, restructuring, private equity transactions, joint ventures, and corporate governance. The practice also benefits from the aptitude of Jenny Robertson, who frequently leads on sales and acquisitions, equity investments, and MBOs, as well as joint ventures, reorganisations, and share incentives. On the cross-border front, Nick Atkins takes the lead due to his international relationships with Iberian, German, US, Singaporean, and Belgian companies. He advises businesses on M&A, private equity, and growth capital matters, often involving cross-border jurisdictions. Providing ’consistently excellent service’ is Oscar Horwich who concentrates on M&A, venture and growth funding, and national and international private equity. Heidi Sawtell is a financial services specialist, advising clients on acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, and reorganisations, while Krishna Patel focuses on transactions in the technology, sports, and insurance sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Perfect for mid-market work; small enough so you will get experienced and high-quality individuals on your project, and large enough so you are getting tier-one quality lawyers.’

  • ‘Oscar Horwich is my go-to legal adviser for commercial legal work. Consistently excellent service; a calm and reliable voice when it is needed.’

  • ‘Very good balance between utmost professionalism and expertise on the one hand, and a very personal and supportive approach.’

  • 'Reliable, straightforward, honest and very pleasant people to deal with. Keith Syson has an enormous back catalogue of experience.'

Key clients

  • The Ardonagh Group
  • AUCTUS Capital Partners AG
  • Blue Bear Systems Ltd
  • Corus Dent UK Ltd
  • Diploma Holdings plc
  • Future Biogas Group Ltd
  • Future Energy Ventures
  • Rock Rail Holdings Ltd
  • Specialist Risk Group
  • Spiritmen Ltd/Silent Pool distillery

Work highlights

  • Assisting Diploma plc on the acquisitions of Shrinktek Polymers International and Eurobond Adhesives, and the disposal of Hawco Ltd.
  • Advising Silent Pool Distillers on its acquisition by William Grant & Sons.
  • Advising The Ardonagh Group on a range of strategically important acquisitions to support its continued growth ambitions.

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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joe Bedford

Other key lawyers

Keith Syson, Richard Baxter, Jenny Robertson, Nick Atkins, Oscar Horwich, Heidi Sawtell, Krishna Patel, James Waddell