Simkins LLP has strengths in M&A, disposals, and IPOs, with a particular focus on the media and entertainment sector. The corporate practice is led by Giao Pacey, whose expertise covers debt financing, joint ventures, and M&A deals, among other corporate transactions. Both Ben Gisbey and Stuart Smith specialise in music business acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Giao Pacey is an excellent lawyer. Having worked on the other side to her on a deal, she is commercial, very strong technically, and works collaboratively to get the deal done in the most efficient way, ignoring unnecessary point scoring and focusing on the details that matter to the respective parties.’

  • ‘Collaborative, pragmatic, and good people to deal with’

  • ‘Giao Pacey is first-rate. Collaborative, sensible, and on top of her brief.’

  • ‘Giao Pacey listens and quickly understand the client's business and its needs. She is a brilliant negotiator, extremely able, and fantastic at explaining complicated legalese to a non-legal person.’

  • ‘The two individuals I dealt with at Simkins were exceptional. They had specific industry knowledge and skills and were prepared to work cross-border. Their approach was collaborative while still protecting their clients' interests.’

  • ‘Stuart Smith and Giao Pacey not only employed their undeniable skills to getting the job done, they also engaged with good grace and humour.’

  • ‘ The team is responsive, only requiring short notice when crises arise. They are technical experts and knowledgeable, but also commercial and pragmatic, as well as personable and easy to work with.’

Key clients

  • Universal Music Group
  • Virgin Music Group
  • Faber Music
  • Bella Figura Music
  • BMG Rights Management
  • Premier Public Relations Limited
  • Iron Maiden Holdings
  • Coutts & Co
  • The Run To
  • Ladywell Films
  • Quiddity Films
  • Stampede Productions
  • Lumina Studios Group
  • Maple Manor Parking Limited
  • Bankuet

Work highlights

  • Acting for the founders of Bella Figura Music in relation to the investment in the business by Freshstream Investment Partners
  • Acting for Universal Music Group International on the highly prestigious acquisition of the Oriental Star Agencies’ eminent South Asian music catalogue spanning over 50 years and multiple genres.
  • Acting for Faber Music in the acquisition of Manners McDade.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Giao Pacey

Other key lawyers

Ben Gisbey, Stuart Smith, Louise Jordan