Harper Macleod LLP ‘has a tight knit team that works closely together to give a first-rate service’ to a broad range of large and listed businesses seeking counsel on domestic and cross-border M&A and other corporate transactions. The firm receives a steady stream of instructions from the public sector and has also seen an uptick of work in the tech, health, life sciences and finance sectors. Team lead Donnie Munro advises across M&A, PE, joint ventures and group reorganisations, while Paula Skinner is a leading figure in the firm’s early stage growth offering. Chris Kerr has wide sector breadth and is reputed for his family office work, while James MacGregor has recently been active on M&A, exits and reorganisations. Jo Nisbet provides corporate and commercial capabilities to high-growth companies, and Stephen Chan handles corporate and corporate finance instructions, while Scott Kerr acts on both M&A and IP mandates. Ross Hampsey, Rachel Miele and Paul MacDonald are also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The HM team come across as a tight-knit team that work closely together to give a first-rate service. Swift to respond/act and practical down to earth legal advice.’

  • ‘Paula Skinner provides honest, open advice from a bright, experienced individual.’

  • ‘The practice has outstanding technical knowledge in relation to partnerships and LLPs.’

  • ‘Donnie Munro is authoritative. Stephen Chan is a technical expert. Paul MacDonald is a rising star.’

Key clients

  • Webhelp Group + Concentrix
  • Ardersier Port Limited
  • Optical Express
  • Halfords Autocentres Limited
  • Kent Foods Limited
  • Morrison Community Care Holdco Limited
  • Fred Olsen Renewables Limited
  • LaBella Associates, D.P.C
  • MacDonald Group
  • Clyde Dental Practice Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Ardersier Port Limited on Scots law matters relating to a £300m private-equity investment by Quantum Energy Partners.
  • Advised on the disposal of the business and assets relating to the Gartbreck distillery project on Islay to Chivas Brothers, part of the Pernod Ricard group.
  • Advised on the reverse takeover of GL Membership by Semper Fortis eSports plc (now renamed Good Life Plus plc).

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Donnie Munro

Other key lawyers

Paula Skinner, Chris Kerr, James MacGregor, Jo Nisbet, Stephen Chan, Scott Kerr, Ross Hampsey, Rachel Miele, Paul MacDonald