Employee share schemes

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

The practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a strong reputation for handling the full remit of complex and high-value remuneration and incentives work, which includes acting on the scheme elements of major corporate transactions such as high-stakes M&A deals, and advising on the arrangement of strategic partnerships. Corporate and financial services clients form the group's client roster, which the team also advises on corporate governance issues. ‘Wonderful remuneration expert’ Paul Ellerman specialises in advising listed and private companies on share plan and corporate governance issues, while the ’exceptional’ Mark Ife has experience handling work for global banks and asset managers; the pair jointly lead the practice. Executive recruitment and termination cases form part of Kiran Khetia‘s workload. Niall Crean is also a key name to note, as is Chris White, who is well equipped to advise on cash and share-based incentive arrangements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The standout partner is Paul Ellerman and his associate Chris White. They are responsive and meet client requirements.’
‘The team has an in-depth knowledge of incentive remuneration and IFPR implications impacting the financial services sector. They clearly understand the challenges of being compliant with regulatory requirements but are also commercial in approach. They partner with the client.’
‘Clear and concise communication style. Unflappable. Capable of balancing multiple demands. Goal-orientated also.’
‘Paul Ellerman not only provides excellent advice and service but he is also very pleasant to work with.’
‘They are strong in three key pillars: employment, remuneration and pensions and are able to work efficiently in large projects.’
‘Paul Ellerman is a wonderful remuneration expert who is highly responsive and great to work with in complex remuneration matters. Mark Ife is also excellent in his field of remuneration expertise.’
'Mark Ife is exceptional.’
‘All the team are extremely knowledgeable, experienced, practical, quick to respond and friendly.’

Key clients

Wickes
easyJet
Spirax-Sarco
Moneysupermarket.com
Shaftesbury Capital
The Ardonagh Group
Associated British Foods
Air France-KLM
Comcast
British Land
BHP
WH Smith
Jet2.com
BAT
Page Group
Genus
Kin + Carta
Inchcape

Work highlights

Advised a low earth orbit broadband satellite communications company on the share plan aspects of its all-share combination with a listed French satellite and telecoms company.
Advised Kin + Carta on the share plan aspects of its takeover process.
Advised a client on all incentives and remuneration aspects of its recommended acquisition and on the treatment of multiple all-employee share offers that had been made.

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