Weightmans LLP

Laurence is a commercial partner and head of competition law. Laurence advises clients on competition law, including merger control and the control of anti-competitive agreements and practices. Laurence has successfully handled many high profile investigations and inquiries by the European Commission and the Competition and Markets Authority in relation to a wide range of sectors as well as appearing before the specialist competition law court, the Competition Appeal Tribunal, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on competition law matters. Laurence also advises on the new National Security & Investment Act regime and its impact on different types of transaction, obtaining clearances where appropriate from the UK Government Investment Security Unit. Laurence is rated by the Legal 500 as a “leading individual” for competition law.

 John became Weightmans' Managing Partner in 2013 and was re-elected for the second time in 2018 until 2021. Prior to that, he was Weightmans' Commercial Director for 6 years, overseeing the 300% growth in that part of the business during that time. John joined Weightmans having been a CEO of a listed public company in the entertainment industry. During his time on Weightmans' board, John has overseen the firm's acquisitions, opening of new offices, overhauled the partnership remuneration structure and seen the firm's overall revenues rise from £43.8m in 2007 to £100m. Consistently accredited both in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK as a leading individual in corporate work, clients have recognised John as having a "pragmatic and commercially realistic approach", and noted his "extensive experience of corporate transactional, corporate structures and commercial contract work". John's clients range from technology companies and IT suppliers to a variety of private and public sector concerns who outsource the supply of technology and provision of IT services. John has extensive experience in preparing and negotiating innovative contracting arrangements which best fit the specific needs of our clients. He spent 3 years in industry as managing director of a plc technology company so has an authentic perspective of clients’ commercial needs.

  Michael is a Partner in the corporate and commercial team and leads the Owner Managed Business Sector in Liverpool, having joined the firm in November 2019.   Michael advises on a range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and general corporate governance matters. He has particular expertise in acting for owner managed businesses, from inception through to receipt of investment, buy and build strategies and exit. Michael’s experience includes advising listed companies, private companies, private equity houses, management teams and entrepreneurs.   Michael is ranked as a Rising Star in The Legal 500, Corporate and Commercial: Liverpool.   Michael’s recent work highlights include: Advising the shareholders of Ventcroft Limited in their sale to NKT Group. Acting on behalf of the Management Team of Vivify Venues Limited on their receipt of investment from Arete Capital Partners. Advising the shareholders of MD Insurance Services Limited in their sale to HSB Engineering Insurance Limited, a subsidiary of Munich Re. Acting on behalf of Orange Property Services (Liverpool) Limited in its acquisition of Fit Property Lettings and Management Limited. Advising the shareholders of Tuffx Processed Glass Limited on their sale to and receipt of investment from Alcuin Capital Partners. Advising the shareholders of Design Reality Limited on their sale to Full Support Healthcare Limited. Advising the shareholders of EDP Engineering on their sale to RSK Group. Advising the shareholders of Online Legal Limited in their sale to Blume Acting on behalf of River Capital in their investment in Baron’s (Fylde Coast) Supplies Limited