Based out of Cardiff but by no means limited to work in the immediate geographical vicinity, Acuity Law provides 'pragmatic and sensible advice' to regional, national and international businesses across a wide range of transactional and commercial contractual matters. Drawing upon an 'innate commercial instinct of when to push and when to keep things in reserve', Christian Farrrow is a popular choice among financial services and energy-based clients, in particular, which are appreciative not only of his 'impressive knowledge of the relevant law and the sector' but also his very effective use of innovative technology to streamline the process. The healthcare sector also remains a fertile source of work for the team, with Beverley Jones, Jon Lawley and Phillip Pugh all regularly engaged in transactions in the space, including advice to care home operators on their M&A activity. Promoted to partner in June 2023, the 'very able' Tom Saunderson is 'totally pragmatic' and continues to gain traction among start-ups, in particular, as they grow their businesses through venture capital funding. Paul Lowe has developed a strong reputation advising on M&A transactions across a range of sectors, including on cross-border matters, and along with firm chair Stephen Berry brings a large measure of institutional knowledge to bear as a result of their many years in private practice. Jones and Farrow co-head the corporate team, while Declan Goodwin  takes the lead on the commercial front.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They provide pragmatic and sensible advice.'
  • 'Prompt, clear and concise advice given. Cuts through all the noise to help you focus on the key issues at hand.'
  • 'Christian Farrow has an understated manner backed by an impressive knowledge of the relevant law, the sector, and underpinned by an innate commercial instinct of when to push and when to keep things in reserve.'
  • 'Stephen Berry provides high-quality advice to the main board of the company. He builds strong relationships and is always accessible.'
  • 'The very able Tom Saunderson is totally pragmatic and not afraid to push back against the other party.'
  • 'Chiara Howfield is an exceptionally talented lawyer that manages to explain things to a non-lawyer with ease and she therefore makes you feel like have a partner.'

Key clients

  • Bluestone Resorts Wales Limited
  • Swansea.com Holdings Limited
  • CHOICE Holdings Limited
  • Astutis Limited
  • Tourhub Ltd
  • Polestar Cooling Limited
  • Verdion Group
  • AU Vodka
  • Wales Environmental Holdings Limited
  • BSN Social Care
  • Owens (Road Services) Limited
  • Premier Forest Products
  • Licentia Group Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised the sellers of Astutis Limited on the £21.5m sale of Astutis Limited, a leading player in the field of workforce health and safety training, to Wilmington plc.
  • Advised Licentia Group Ltd, the owner of Mypinpad, a Cardiff-based innovator in mobile card payments acceptance and identity authentication software services on a substantial investment round of $13m led by Crossfin Holdings.
  • Advised on a trio of acquisitions for long-standing client, Premier Forest Products.

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 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.

Christian Farrow, Beverley Jones, Declan Goodwin

Other key lawyers

Stephen Berry, Paul Lowe, Phil Pugh, Rachelle Sellek, Jon Lawley, Tom Saunderson, Chiara Howfield, Madeleine Chapman James