Stevens & Bolton LLP

Fielding dedicated corporate and commercial teams, the Guildford-based practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP is ‘approachable and extremely professional’. Offering expertise across M&A, for both public and private companies, and mid-market private equity, the corporate team is led by Joe Bedford, who is active on cross-border deals and assisting repeat acquirers with build and buy strategy. Beverley Flynn spearheads the commercial side of the practice, focusing on complex contract negotiation, competition and regulatory work, and commercial transaction matters, with a particular niche in the insurance and technology sectors. Jonathan Steele recently joined the firm from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Nick Atkins has a strong reputation in M&A and growth capital work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Super helpful and experienced M&A team.’
‘Keith Syson - very experienced and measured approach to ensure the deal went ahead.’
‘The communication within the firm is very good and the client does not have to repeat the issue or if using several specialists in the firm, they all update one another on the interaction with the client. They have excellent relationships with the top legal firms in the City who themselves all respect and value the work provided by Stevens and Bolton.’
‘The firm is very approachable and extremely professional. It provides top decile advice and availability from a bunch of people you enjoy doing business with. Keith Syson is a calm, collected and extremely experienced corporate lawyer - someone I would always want on my side of the negotiating table!’
‘Excellent engagement with the client and full understanding of the business that they are advising on. Not just the legal aspects but commercial considerations as well. Attending meetings with the client and effectively becoming part of the client's team.’
‘Guy Cartwright. He has excellent commercial awareness and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels within my organisation. Always responsive and highly regarded. Beverley Flynn - Partner - whilst I don't have day to day contact with Beverley, I know she is there for us as and when required.’
‘Knowledgeable regarding our business, responsive to requests, provide clear responses.’
‘Great people - commercial, responsive and ultimately good people to work with.’

Key clients

The Ardonagh Group
Asahi UK Ltd
Aspects Beauty Company
AUCTUS Capital Partners AG
Blue Bear Systems Ltd
Corus Dent UK Ltd
DER Touristik UK Ltd (Kuoni Travel)
Diploma Holdings plc
Fuller Smith & Turner plc
Future Biogas Group Ltd
Future Energy Ventures
Helly Hansen (U.K.) Ltd and Musto Ltd
Kia UK Ltd
Papa John's (GB) Ltd
ParentPay
Penhaligon’s
Rock Rail Holdings Ltd
Specialist Risk Group
Spiritmen Ltd/Silent Pool distillery

Work highlights

Acting on a range of transactions for Diploma plc, including the acquisitions of Shrinktek Polymers International and Eurobond Adhesives and the disposal of Hawco Ltd.
Advising Silent Pool Distillers (Spiritmen Ltd) on its acquisition by William Grant & Sons, to support the brand’s further expansion internationally.
Advising Kia UK’s legal teams on a myriad of strategic commercial matters, including contractual arrangements with significant commercial partners.

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