Debenhams Ottaway is known for its M&A expertise, specifically private company asset and share acquisitions, as well as disposals. Andrew Yates  leads the St Albans-based team and is recognised in the marketplace for his knowledge when it comes to acquisitions, disposals and transaction finance, garnering praise for his 'commercial understanding'. James Brawn is equally adept on both non-contentious and contentious corporate mandates, with a specialist focus on matters involving an insolvency element.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Debenhams Ottaway team is always readily available and active in the Home Counties networking scene.’

  • ‘Always approachable to discuss any aspect prior to formal instructions being issued.’

  • ‘Pragmatic advice that concentrates on the right solution for the client.’

  • ‘Andrew Yates and James Brawn are both highly knowledgeable and personable.’

  • ‘Debenhams Ottaway has a team of practical, commercial lawyers who provide their corporate clients with advice in the context of the transaction - not picking legal points for the sake of it, but working collaboratively with the team on the other side of the transaction to achieve the transaction completion.’

  • ‘James Brawn is approachable to clients (feedback given to me after making referrals to him) and has been very constructive to work with when we are working on other sides of a transaction.’

  • ‘A very broad range of legal expertise which offer London quality but at a home counties price.’

  • ‘Andrew Yates has a really good commercial understanding and is always a pleasure to deal with.'

Key clients

  • Veruth Holdings Limited
  • Europa Components & Equipment PLC
  • Luxottica North Europe Limited
  • MEP Capital Holdings III LP

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew Yates

Other key lawyers

James Brawn