Bristows LLP is a tour de force in the London M&A market. The practice is particularly adept in the life sciences and technology sectors, alongside other IP-rich industries. With extensive experience assisting both public and private companies on domestic and cross-border transactions, the group continues to widen its client roster with impressive names. Leading the team is Iain Redford, whose areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, financings, and joint ventures. Redford regularly advises multinational technology and life sciences businesses on high-value multijurisdictional deals. Venture capital and private equity investment specialist Matt Dennis is frequently instructed by clients from the TMT and life sciences sectors on mergers and acquisitions. Other notable names are Louise Eldridge, who concentrates on M&A, venture capital investment transactions, and joint ventures, and Marek Petecki, who specialises in debt and equity financing, M&A, spin-outs, joint ventures, and restructuring. They act for private equity funds, start-ups, and healthcare companies. David Horner stands out for his experience handling cross-border M&A deals, while Richard Swaine is capable of advising on private acquisitions and disposals, distressed M&A transactions, and management buy-outs. Nick Cross and Sophie Rees are also key contacts in the group for their aptitude in international mergers and acquisitions.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An extremely pragmatic team with a willingness to understand the key elements of the transaction for and adjust the way of working to make sure we could close the deal in the tight timing that we had available.’
‘Great partner time and easy to work with.’
‘I was particularly impressed by Matt Dennis' ability to go straight to the crucial points, which were sometimes outside of the corporate area. He anticipates the potential difficulties, is very hands-on, and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Bristows have executed all of our recent transactions flawlessly and provided impeccable advice.’
‘They are commercial, organised and flexible. All team members are pleasant to work with.’
‘Excellent service with qualified staff who are always available. They are friendly and far superior to other law firms, always remaining focused on practical solutions rather than lengthy legal advice.’
‘David Horner and Nick Cross stand out for their ability to understand the unique aspects of each case makes them indispensable and truly unique.’
Key clients
- AstraZeneca plc
- WPP plc
- Canon
- Smith & Nephew PLC
- Bekaert
- Telix Pharmaceuticals
- Oxford Sciences Enterprises PLC
- Waterland Private Equity
- Motion Equity Partners
- UCL Business
- Olyos Group
- Veryon
- CityFibre
- Freeline Threrapeutics
- Blue Diamond
- Flokk AS
- Lumera AB
- Smollan
- Shoprite
- Maritech
Work highlights
- Advising WPP on the acquisition of Goat.
- Acting for CityFibre on its acquisition of Lit Fibre from Newlight Partners.
- Advising Telix Pharmaceuticals on the acquisition of Lightpoint Surgical.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Iain Redford