Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies as well as leading venture capital and investment firms turn to Goodwin for assistance with work spanning early stage financings, capital markets, M&A, dispute resolution and licensing transactions. Four partners lead the team: David Mardle, who divides his time between Cambridge and London, has a focus on assisting emerging companies with corporate and capital markets transactions. Graham Defries is a key contact for private equity and venture capital investments and exits. Sophie McGrath‘s corporate practice encompasses private and public financings, public offerings, and restructurings. Arvin Abraham, completing the leadership team, is frequently sought out by private equity sponsors for transactional assistance. Malcolm Bates’ wide-ranging practice spans outsourcing and R&D projects, M&A transactions and IPOs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Specifically to investments and medtech - as the depth of the roster crosses all side of transactions, they are confident in their advice and are sure that one of their team will have been through the specific situation being faced. Everyone on the team is an A* player.'
‘Sophie McGrath stands out as she is calming and well-experienced. Her skill is in assembling a group of the right people for each case and remaining in the detail to be sure there is nothing missed.'
‘Professional, great attention to detail, commerical acumen and busines practiciality. Take time to get a deep understanding of our business and requirements over the next few years.’
‘The team has a wide knowledge of the space and can provide reasonable benchmarks for start-up companies to help guide to positive outcomes. Their services provide great range - corporate matters, HR/ equity issues, in/out licensing which means the advice is quite coordinated and efficient.’
‘The lawyers at Goodwin seem to listen to the questions, ask clarifying questions and then provide advice. I feel like I get a tailored answer to the question instead of giving advice that doesn't quite fit or is off the shelf. ’
‘Detailed and pragmatic experience in the industry bring details and pragmatic advice on how to tackle issues within licensing globally including a good understanding of what is 'market'.'
‘Some of the best lawyers across the US, UK and FR for life sciences and healthcare deals.’
‘Sophie McGrath is a trusted legal advisor with vast deal-making experience across therapeutics and healthtech companies with an international perspective and the right level of advice both on commercial and business aspects of the deal.’
Key clients
- Emergence Therapeutics AG
- COMPASS Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS)
- Calypso Biotech B.V.
- Gimv, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Panakes Partners, Seroba Life Sciences, Hadean Ventures
- Closed Loop Medicine
- Synaffix
- Jeito
- Sofinnova
- Novo Holdings
- Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc. (“Fulcrum”)
- Adrestia Therapeutics Ltd
- MiNA Therapeutics
- Tay Therapeutics
- Dawn Biopharma, a platform controlled by KKR
- 30 Technology
- Astex Therapeutics Limited
- CMR Surgical
- Novartis Bioventures Limited
- Okra Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised COMPASS on the completion of the closing of a private investment in public equity (PIPE) financing.
- Advised Calypso Biotech B.V. and its selling shareholders on its sale to Novartis Pharma AG for US$250 million upfront payment with the potential for shareholders to receive additional contingent payments of up to US$175 million based on the achievement of certain predetermined milestones.
- Advised Gimv, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Panakes Partners, Seroba Life Sciences and Hadean Ventures on their investment into Complement Therapeutics (“CTx”) as part of its EUR 72 million Series A financing. Existing investors Forbion and BioGeneration Ventures also participated in the round.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Mardle, Graham Defries, Sophie McGrath, Arvin Abraham