England - South East • Corporate and commercial
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Led by London-based Matthew Martin, the Guildford team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, also a member of the Multilaw network, regularly advises corporates, high-net-worth entrepreneurs and investors on start-ups, investments, restructurings and acquisitions. Its client base spans the technology, manufacturing and healthcare industries. Technology and private wealth expert David Kendall leads on joint ventures and transactions such as management buyouts, private equity work and reorganisations. Another key player in the team is Simon Bickerdike who often advises business owners and management on ownership structures and best practice as well as cross-border sales and purchases. Senior associate Hannah McIlwraith offers experience in assisting on cross-border M&A, reorganisations and corporate governance issues. Also noted is Philip Walton who has specialist knowledge across a range of areas including aviation, pharmacy, retail and real estate, while commercial lawyer Oliver Kidd focuses on IT, technology and procurement work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm and team has a longstanding relationship with our company and also with me as an individual. They offer high level advice and heavyweight partners with good value compared to some other firms.’
‘David Kendall and Hannah McIlwraith stand out as two individuals we have worked with who stand out. Their positive and professional approach helps to break down complex or difficult situations into manageable pieces that a layman like me can understand. They have long working knowledge with key individuals in our company and the company itself.’
‘The team offers friendliness, a willingness to help with anything and great legal knowledge.’
‘David Kendall is my go-to person, not just for corporate advice but every time I need a sounding board for anything. He's incredibly supportive and shows a genuine interest in our business and our future plans. When he's working with us, he acts and feels as though he's part of our company.’
'Penningtons is local and also has an international reach. They have had a presence in Surrey where we are headquartered and those local roots are important to us as we care about the local business environment, and also value the ability to meet face-to-face where necessary. The reach they have both within the firm, with presence in London and across the UK, has allowed them to tap into other expertise elsewhere in the firm if that hasn't been immediately available. We have likewise benefited from the international connections for help with specific matters in other countries including employment and contracts with teams overseas.'
'Our principal point of contact in the company has always been Simon Bickerdike and his involvement with our company since founding has been incredibly useful to maintain continuity and allow for a speedy and accurate response to matters. Over the last few years, our day to day involvement has been with Oliver Kidd. He had shown understanding of our sector and an ability to learn quickly.'
Key clients
- RazorSecure Limited
- The Shareholders of Alemba Topco Limited
- The Shareholders of E C Electronics Limited
- The Shareholders of The BCS Consulting Group Ltd
- The Shareholders of The Hub Community Healthcare Holdco
- Connected Innovations Limited
- CottonConnect Limited
- Infosec K2K Limited
- Accelerate Group Limited
- Polymax Holdings Limited
- U1st Sports, S.A.
- Elixiir International PLC
- Barfoot Farms Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for shareholders on the disposal of the Alemba group to Volaris PLC.
- Advised the shareholders of EC Electronics on its recent funding from Rockpool Investments.
- Provided M&A support and assisted the shareholders of The Hub Community Healthcare Holdco Limited which following the investment by Bridges Fund Management expanded to include 16 pharmacies.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Partner in the corporate team specialising in cross-border and domestic transactions including sales and purchases, joint ventures, management buy outs, reorganisations, fund-raisings, shareholders’ arrangements and general corporate advice. Simon has a particular focus on the impact of sustainability on business transactions and is one of the firm’s contact partners for Multilaw which is one of the world’s leading associations of independent law firms.
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Martin