The ‘collaborative, approachable, and easy to deal with’ corporate practice at DWF maintains a strong reputation in the London M&A market. The group is highly experienced in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, as well as matters relating to private equity, venture capital, equity capital markets, and joint ventures. With a breadth of expertise, the team has amassed an impressive client roster – which continues to expand – consisting of businesses from a range of industry sectors including consumer, real estate, and financial services, alongside technology, insurance, and energy. Co-leading the department are global head of corporate Frank Shephard, London head of corporate Paddy Eaton, head of venture capital and India group Dhruv Chhatralia BEM – who joined the group from Bird & Bird LLP in September 2023 – and head of legal due diligence Richard Wood – who joined in January 2024 from PwC LLP. Eaton is noted for his extensive capabilities which cover private M&A, equity finance, joint ventures, and corporate structuring, with particular strengths in the retail sector. He is also adept in advising on AIM IPOs and secondary financings. On the cross-border front, Chhatralia is well regarded for his aptitude in assisting Indian companies, high net worth individuals, family offices, and financial institutions on M&A, disposals, and investments. Laurence Applegate specialises in real estate private equity, while Justin Edgar concentrates on private M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions for clients from the technology and financial services sectors. Insurance and financial services authority Raeesa Chowdhury made partner in January 2024 and Jayne McGlynn, recognised for her experience leading on cross-border transactions, joined the team in February 2024 from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The individuals were very available and worked fast. They were ready to listen and advise on commercial decisions that needed to be made.’
‘The DWF corporate team were agile and responsible when our deal continually evolved and changed direction. They quickly got a handle on the complexities of the project and worked hard to achieve the set objectives.’
Key clients
- Pepco Group/Poundland
- Leprino Foods Company
Work highlights
- Acted for Leprino Foods Company on its acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in joint venture entities Glanbia Cheese Limited and Glanbia Cheese EU Limited.
- Acted for Pepco Group, and its subsidiary Poundland, on taking control of up to 71 Wilko store leases.