Possessing a ‘full-service team that is able to call on experts, both locally and internationally’, Stephenson Harwood advises private equity houses, management teams and investee companies, handling both primary and secondary market transactions. Singled out as an ’exceptional problem-solver who combines extensive legal experience with impressive commercial acumen’, Jonathan Pittal has recently showcased his capabilities in the tech, edtech and telecoms arenas. Malcolm MacDougall ‘brings charisma and energy to every transaction’, acting on both mid-market sponsor-side and upper-mid market management-side instructions, while Adam Crossley is well-regarded for both his PE and equity growth skill set. Other key figures include Richard Coleman, who is noted for his energy and infrastructure focus, and Chris Manning, who has a solid track record in management buyouts. Emily Davies also comes recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Malcolm MacDougall brings charisma and energy to every transaction.'

  • ‘I have dealt with Stephenson Harwood for many years. They provide an excellent legal M&A service and are very detailed and particular in the work they do.'

  • ‘Very approachable and experienced team. They are experts in their field and a pleasure to deal with.’

  • 'I have worked with Richard Coleman on many PE transactions and his expert guidance, calm nature and professionalism is why I would work with him and his team again.’

  • ‘Significant transactional experience and understanding of complex legal, commercial and financial issues. An excellent team under Jonathan Pittal.’

  • ‘Jonathan Pittal is an exceptional problem-solver who combines extensive legal experience with impressive commercial acumen. He will always go the extra mile for the client and deliver the optimal solution, whatever it takes. An outstanding lawyer and a leader in his field.’

  • ‘Malcolm MacDougall, Chris Manning and their associates are fantastic. Very commercial, practical and always available. Open and long standing relationship.’

  • ‘Stephenson Harwood have a full service team that is able to call on experts both locally and internationally, providing a prompt and reliable service.’

Key clients

  • Bowmark Capital
  • Elysian Capital
  • FPE Capital
  • bd-capital
  • Apposite Capital
  • BGF
  • Agathos Management
  • Rockpool Investments
  • Bain Capital
  • Star Capital
  • Pelican Capital
  • Verdane Advisors
  • Bestport Ventures
  • Coniston Capital
  • Blandford Capital
  • Alcuin Capital Partners
  • PSG Equity
  • Osprey Investors
  • TruArc Partners
  • Quad-C Management, Inc.
  • Civica Group (backed by Blackstone)
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Five Arrows
  • ESO Capital
  • Macquarie
  • Standard Life Aberdeen
  • Schroders
  • Bestport Private Equity
  • Unigestion SA
  • Capvis
  • Capiton
  • EMERAM Capital Partners
  • Horizon Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Bowmark Capital on the sale of ASK4 to GI Partners, an investor in critical data infrastructure businesses.
  • Advised Inspired Education on the acquisition of the Alpha Plus Group.
  • Advised bd-capital, the pan-European, operator-led investment firm, on its partnership with TLC Worldwide.

Lawyers

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.

Jonathan Pittal

Other key lawyers

Malcolm MacDougall, Adam Crossley, Richard Coleman, Chris Manning, Emily Davies