Shoosmiths LLP advises clients on matters relating to venture capital, private equity, M&A issues. The ‘reliable, dependable, and well-resourced’ team is led by Stephen Porter in Solent, who has significant experience advising on corporate transactions and joint ventures. Lisa Sigalet and Sean Wright are further standout lawyers; Wright regularly acts for financial sponsors and equity providers, and Sigalet, who is praised for being ’extremely knowledgeable’, advises on acquisitions, disposals and corporate governance. Laura Austin and Emma Livesey are also noted for their experience assisting with private equity investments. Mark Shepherd retired from the practice in May 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The local Shoosmiths team has deep expertise across a broad range of corporate transactions, particularly deals involving private equity. They are trusted to advise clients through complex M&A processes, providing valuable support and clear guidance.’
‘Lisa Sigalet stands out as lawyer who provides great support to clients throughout the transaction process. She works very well with other deal advisers and builds rapport with counterparties, all of which can be critical in managing complex negotiations through to a successful conclusion.’
‘The Shoosmiths team have the ability to call upon technical experts from a huge range of disciplines such as cryptocurrency, maritime law, litigation, or cross border issues. They will have a member in the team that knows the problem and can advise on how to solve it. This depth of experience is a unique selling point of the firm.’
‘Without fail, Shoosmiths has impressed us. The team has demonstrated their skills and dedication to client outcomes. Their soft skills in managing clients alongside managing processes is a credit to the firm.’
'The Shoosmiths Hampshire team are extremely reliable, dependable, and well resourced. Whilst the Hampshire team have a regional focus, they truly provide a City service to their clients. Shoosmiths size also enables them to commit time and resources to bring a transaction to a successful completion.'
'Lisa Sigalet is extremely knowledgeable and is very supported by her team of solicitors. Lisa has great interpersonal skills and manages expectations very well. She's always a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Emma Livesey is an excellent senior solicitor. Her ability to break down and explain very difficult legal concepts is unmatched.'
‘Sean Wright was exceptional to deal with. He found and delivered solutions, and he went the extra mile. Special mention should also go to Laura Austin, who was extremely diligent and timely in her communications. She was a star with coordinating the transaction through the inevitable twists and turns.'
Key clients
- Shareholders of CLC Group
- Nobody’s Child
- Charles Taylor
- BGF
- Ten Entertainment group plc
- Dukes Education
- Rotala Group Limited
- KBC Advanced Technologies Limited
- LDC Limited
- Honda
- Peugeot Citroen Vauxhall
Work highlights
- Acted for LDC on the acquisition of the parent company of Message Direct Limited.
- Acted for a company on its £287m takeover by the US private equity firm Trive Capital Partners LP.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.
Stephen Porter