Displaying ‘attention to detail’ and ’expertise’ when handling cross-border M&A, complex management buyouts and joint ventures, the Harrison Clark Rickerbys practice consistently advises businesses within the healthcare, manufacturing and tech sectors. The team provides tailored assistance on all aspects of corporate transactions, from employment-related legal issues to intellectual property matters. Heading the Worcester office, Charlotte Thornton-Smith is an expert in acting for social care providers and healthcare suppliers on disposals and acquisitions. Rebecca Leask heads the Birmingham office and handles complex corporate restructurings. Spearheading the Wye Valley offering, Arpinder Dhillon primarily focuses on representing sellers in major transactions. Worcester-based Robert Capper and Alison Scott each stand out for their work in disposals and commercial deals, and the ‘knowledgeable’ Clare Emery is a dental specialist lawyer.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'HCR has an impressive depth of expertise that we can readily draw upon. The corporate team are always knowledgeable, innovative and positive to deal with. We find their advice to be very clear, sector appropriate, commercially orientated and timely. Importantly, they are well-known in our sector, and having them alongside is a key asset for us. Time after time, HCR delivers solutions for us when we need them.'
  • 'Advice is clear, they keep us informed on developments and they are always positive and proactive in their approach. Charlotte Thornton-Smith has worked alongside us for years, bringing her extensive knowledge, commercial orientation, wisdom,  calm and professional approach to our side when it is most needed. It has been immensely valuable having her as a key advisor. Her colleague Rebecca Leask has worked with us on many projects and has upheld the same fine standards of HCR throughout. Their colleagues Joe Mulrenan and Helen Higginbotham have all been key contributors over the years, putting in the long hours and solving problems when most needed: their support and input is much appreciated.'

  • ‘Nothing seems too much trouble and you don't feel that you are on the clock. They just make the whole experience effortless. Genuine, kind, clever people who make you feel like the only client. A very safe pair of hands.’

  • ‘In undertaking a complex disposal, it was reassuring to find team members that were experts in their field. Their advice and direction has been great.'

  • ‘Rebecca Leask personifies calmness and reassurance and is the key reason for directing our questions to the right team member. Nothing has been too trivial for her, which helps. They are all very good.’

  • ‘Led by the senior partner, HCR provides a whole team approach. HCR clearly cares about its clients and puts them firmly at the centre, providing excellent communication throughout. They are knowledgeable, and whilst being experts in their field, are warm, friendly and very easy to talk to.’

  • ‘My experience working with HCR filled me with confidence from day one that I made the correct choice. Charlotte Thornton Smith combines professionalism and experience with a warm and approachable demeanour, so you instantly know you are in good hands. Victoria Dorman was also simply brilliant. Friendly, caring, professional and driven to succeed for her clients, Victoria is someone you feel glad to have in your corner. She took the time to explain at each stage and ensured clear communication throughout. Their knowledge of my business sector was very reassuring and extremely important. HCR combines high quality legal advice with a personal touch that makes them so wonderful to work with.’

Key clients

  • Fluidone Limited
  • HSL Compliance Limited
  • Tavistock Investments Plc
  • National Care Group Limited
  • Alina Homecare
  • Rodericks Dental Partners
  • Precious Homes Limited
  • CBW Group Holdings Limited
  • Egbert Taylor Holdings Limited and Impact Environmental Group
  • Bramblecrest (BDP Imports Ltd)
  • Morgan Motor Company
  • Safran UK Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised National Care Group Limited on its acquisition of Nexus-Support Ltd, a provider of support and services to enable people with learning disabilities to live independently.
  • Advised CBW Group Holdings Limited in respect of its majority sale to SG International Holdings Limited – part of the Super Group.
  • Advised Fluidone Limited on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Highlander Computing Solutions Ltd.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Charlotte Thornton-Smith, Alison Scott, Rebecca Leask, Arpinder Dhillon, Robert Capper

Other key lawyers

Clare Emery, Jennifer Staples, Stephenie Malone, Daniel De Saulles, Joe Mulrenan, Helen Higginbotham, Victoria Dorman, Gurinder Hayer