Counting multiple private companies, PE houses, public companies and entrepreneurs among its clients, DLA Piper maintains its leading position in the Manchester market. The team is well-versed in the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, advising clients across the tech, insurance and healthcare sectors. James Kerrigan and Lee Brierley jointly lead the team and are both noted for their ability to advise clients on complex commercial projects. Elsewhere in the team, Jonathan Watkins continues to lead on acquisitions, disposals and group reorganisations, while Yunus Maka is a key port of call for a number of international clients. Andrew Phillips is lauded for his work in the PE space, and David Booth is recommended for his expertise in the industrials sector.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA Piper delivers on what you would expect in terms of flexibility, accuracy, timely delivery etc but what sets them apart is their interest in understanding our business, how we operate, our ambitions and drivers.'
‘Exceptionally responsive, incredibly supportive and technically excellent.'
'The team's approach was pragmatic and dealt with issues and risks with a clear objective eye. Overall the team gave us great confidence that we were well supported and would achieve our objectives.’
‘Chris Wilson was the lead partner and worked with us on all aspects of the transaction. Chris very quickly built trust and confidence and approached the challenge making it easy for those without a legal background. I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris.’
'I have found them to have excellent quality throughout and to be commercially focused and approachable. I have always been impressed by the service, speed of response, and pragmatic approach. They do not overcomplicate matters.’
‘I have worked with Lee Brierley for many years. I always value Lee’s opinion and advice, drawing upon his broad-ranging experience and consiglieri skills. He is highly regarded in the market, technically astute, and commercially focused.'
‘The team is very knowledgeable and experienced in NPL acquisitions. For a foreign client like us it is helpful to receive pragmatic, pedagogical and clear advice. We believe DLA ticks all these boxes.'
‘Yunus Maka is a true professional with extensive experience and strong knowledge not only within his own legal field, but also within the wider business perspective. He always delivers crystal-clear advice and does not hesitate to challenge the client's vision where he sees a better solution.'
Key clients
- Aerocloud Systems
- ABM Industries Inc
- Aon Solutions
- Bajaj
- BASF
- Beech Tree Private Equity
- Biffa Group Limited
- Bolt
- Calisen
- Clariant
- Cawingredients
- Colloids Limited
- Dynamic Code
- Elavon
- Equistone Partners Europe
- Experian
- Flowtech Fluidpower plc
- Inflexion
- Key Retirement Group
- Lloyds Development Capital
- Molson Coors
- MS3 Networks
- NCC Group plc
- Orcha Health
- Nichols plc
- Payvision (part of ING Bank)
- Promethean
- PJH Group Ltd
- Simply Asset Finance
- Snowdonia Cheese
- Talk Talk Telecom Group
- The Co-operative Bank
- The Hut Group plc
- Trio Healthcare
- Verna Group
- Warburtons
- Wheatsheaf
Work highlights
- Advising Lloyds Development Capital on its investment in Uinsure Holdings Limited, a Manchester based insurance business.
- Acting for Beech Tree Private Equity on its acquisition of Arc UK Systems Limited.
- Advising the shareholders of Snowfox Topco Limited on the USD 621m sale of the company, including all worldwide subsidiaries, to the Zensho group based in Japan.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
James Kerrigan, Lee Brierley