Next Generation Lawyers

Firms To Watch: Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby

Rothera Bray added notable corporate expertise in 2024 following the recruitment of David Kaplan from Nelsons Solicitors Limited, and Liz Mills from Nelsons Solicitors Limited.

Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby in East Midlands

Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP’s recent caseload encompasses acquisitions, disposals, investments, joint ventures, and private equity transactions. Practice head Richard Cox is adept at corporate finance, and often handles shareholder agreements, while Gavin Cummings is noted for his strength in management buy-outs. Nigel Blackwell is well-versed in insolvency disposals and acquisitions, and Mark Hughes is a strong choice for management teams and sponsors. Sandra Wong and Sam Sharp are private equity experts, and other key members of the team include Sian Rose and Matt Bolton.

Praxisleiter:

Richard Cox


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gavin Cummings; Nigel Blackwell; Mark Hughes; Sandra Wong; Sam Sharp; Sian Rose; Matt Bolton


Kernmandanten

Aprolis UK Ltd


Bspoke Insurance Group Ltd


Belvoir Group


The shareholders of Fiscal Engineers Limited


BGF Investments LP


Shareholders of Meursault II Topco Limited


KeTech Group


Lloyds Development Capital


The shareholders of Nowcomm Group Limited


Apiary Capital LLP


BGF Investments LP and BGF UK Enterprise Fund 2 LP


Rcapital Partners LLP


The shareholders of Buttress Holdings Limited


IB Group Ltd


Hopwells Limited


MSQ Partners


Cubo Holdings Limited and the shareholders of Cubo Holdings


Connect


Highlight-Mandate


Freeths LLP

Often working in conjunction with the firm’s banking department, the Nottingham-based practice at Freeths LLP enjoys a strong reputation in financial services matters. John Heaphy oversees the practice and is vastly experienced in M&A as well as buy-out and buy-in transactions. Maddy Scott is knowledgeable of a breadth of corporate finance work including corporate governance, investments, and reorganisations. Karl Jansen is another key member.

Praxisleiter:

John Heaphy


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Maddy Scott; Karl Jansen


Referenzen

‘The time and effort put in before an assignment is started makes them standout.’

‘John Heaphy approaches each project in the same methodical, practical, and enthusiastic way. He is a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Excellent support from a very professional team, especially when faced with challenging opposition from the other side.’

Kernmandanten

Flowmax Limited


TRFS Group Limited


HW Martin Holdings Limited


Solmar Villas Limited


Navitas Digital Safety Limited


Smart Medical Clinics Limited


The Reflex Group Limited


The Beckett Investment Management Group Limited (BIMG)


The Way Ahead Group Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for TRFS Group Limited on its sale of the entire issued share capital of Thompson and Richardson (Financial Services) Lincoln Limited to Wisteria Bidco Limited.
  • Acted for the shareholders of Solmar Villas Limited on the sale of its entire issued share capital to DER Touristik UK Limited.
  • Acted for Smart Medical Clinics Limited on the sale of private GP and medical clinics to Bupa Occupational Health Limited.

Shoosmiths LLP

Counting global corporates, private equity houses, and venture capital investors on its client roster, the Nottingham-based practice at Shoosmiths LLP is commended as ‘pragmatic’. With extensive transactional experience, Crispin Bridges Webb co-leads the practice and often assists private and public companies on capital fundraising and reductions, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, and M&A. Co-head Michelle Craven-Faulkner is knowledgeable of commercial contracts and specialises in the rail sector. Ania Vernon’s broad practice encompasses private equity investments and exits, while Marcus-Adam Tuck is another key team member.

Praxisleiter:

Crispin Bridges Webb; Michelle Craven-Faulkner


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ania Vernon; Marcus-Adam Tuck


Referenzen

‘The team is very responsive and has a good understanding of our legal needs, they strive for solutions.’

‘Very user-friendly and pragmatic.’

‘Crispin Bridges Webb is an approachable partner with very good expertise and a practical approach. We appreciate that he often coordinates his team in the background.’

Kernmandanten

Shareholders of Datapath Group


DMB


Northwood Investors


Note AB


Jensten Group


Addtech AB


Poetics AI


FINTOP Capital


Kanalservice Holding AG


Heimerle + Meule GmbH


Foresight


BGF


Ufenau Capital


L. Possehl


Downing


Triple Point


Freightliner Group Limited


Hitachi Rail Limited


Honda Finance Europe plc


Ikano Insight Ltd


INIT Innovations in Transportation Limited


Alan Dick Communications Limited


World Duty Free Limited


GXO Logistics UK Limited


Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd


Jaguar Land Rover Limited


Deliveroo European Limited


Sperry Rail (International) Limited


WH Davis Limited


Richard Whitehead Foundation


Hoover Limited


Davis Wagon Services Limited


Cushman & Wakefield Debenham Tie Leug Ltd


Daventry Metal Products Limited


Story Contracting Limited


Commify UK Limited


Attic Self Storage London


Mid-Counties Co-Op


Henkel Limited


Spamhaus EU Limited


TotalEnergies Charging Solutions UK Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Foresight Group and existing shareholders on the disposal of Datapath (a Derby-based digital screen solutions technology business) to an overseas buyer.
  • Acting for Northwood Investors in connection with multiple leveraged acquisitions and subsequent off-shorings of high-value UK commercial real estate assets.
  • Acting for a global automotive OEM on the launch of a new e-bike.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Noted for its strength in financial services, healthcare, and technology transactions, the ‘highly commercial’ Nottingham-based practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is steered by Jon Cox-Brown. Praised by clients for his ‘measured, commercial advice, and assistance’, Cox-Brown is a key contact for sizeable corporates, entrepreneurs, as well as investors.

Praxisleiter:

Jon Cox-Brown


Referenzen

‘This is a highly valuable and highly commercial team. They are incredibly responsive and collaborative, they work hard at developing a relationship with us, and we see them as an extension of our internal legal function. In all of our transactions, they distil key information to us.’

‘I always felt they were close to the details, they viewed transactions from a holistic level, and planned ahead to keep things on track.’

‘I always feel we are in safe hands when we instruct Eversheds on our deals – they know our business inside out. They are approachable, have excellent technical and commercial expertise, and they take a very proactive and responsive approach to their work.’

Kernmandanten

Sygnature Discovery


Albumedix


IRIS Software


ENSEK


Ideagen


Capita


Acacium


International Logistics Group


Jardine Motors


Real Carbon Strategies


Highlight-Mandate


Flint Bishop Limited

Corporate restructuring transactions, funding transactions, and property joint ventures are cornerstones of the Derby-based practice at Flint Bishop Limited. The team is also geared to handle banking and finance, commercial arrangements, data protection compliance, as well as M&A transactions. Described as ‘quick to assimilate complex issues in a transaction,’ Martyn Brierley leads the firm’s corporate and finance team and is well-equipped to advise institutional banks on lending and security arrangements. Haroon Younis oversees the commercial practice and is noted for his capabilities in commercial contracts, most notably IT and software. Mark Wilcock is informed in management buy-ins and buyouts, restructuring, as well as shareholder agreements.

Praxisleiter:

Martyn Brierley; Haroon Younis


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mark Wilcock


Referenzen

‘I always found the corporate team at Flint Bishop very easy to deal with. They are pragmatic and commercial in their approach, maintaining excellent communication with both the clients and the other professional services involved in a transaction.’

‘A strong local focus with national capabilities. They provide a highly responsive, excellent partner-led service.’

‘They are tough in negotiating points to a successful and satisfactory conclusion.’

Kernmandanten

Gunn JCB Limited


Bowmer + Kirkland Limited


Peveril Securities Limited


Gray Care Group Ltd


Brisant Secure Limited


4D Medicine Limited


Wilshees Waste & Recycling Limited


PKF Smith Cooper


Hentons


Home Instead


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Bowmer + Kirland Limited on the acquisition of Innovare Systems Limited.
  • Advised Home Instead on their franchise disposals and acquisitions.
  • Advised the UK arm of a multi-billion-euro global corporate group on a key master agreement to deliver temporary spectator stands and other structures across 6 key sites.

Gateley Legal

Lauded by clients for its ‘real breadth and depth of experience’, the Nottingham-based practice at Gateley Legal is knowledgeable of M&A and private equity matters across the financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors. Practice head Victoria Elliot is well-versed in management buy-outs and is a key port of call for corporates, management teams, and SMEs. Mark Rutherford is lauded as ‘an outstanding lawyer in respect of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and the sale of businesses.’ Beth Mather is regarded in the corporate finance sector, while Rachael Mitchison handles joint ventures and reorganisations.

Praxisleiter:

Victoria Elliott


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mark Rutherford; Beth Mather; Rachael Mitchison


Referenzen

‘A real breadth and depth of experience and specialisms. They deliver practical and commercial advice in a clear straightforward way, they have a rare mix of detailed knowledge, clear delivery, and pragmatic application. There is a good and diverse mix of individuals.’

‘They have supported us over many years and different transactions. With a can-do-will-deliver mentality, their support and advice is always first-class. From acquisitions, business disposal, and restructures, we have been delighted to use Gateleys and have no hesitation in recommending them to other potential clients.’

‘The team is very strong on corporate mergers and acquisitions. They are also very good on trusts and employment.’

Kernmandanten

Patchworks Media Group


Watches of Switzerland


Palatine Private Equity


Lloyds Development Capital


Qualifi Solutions


Connection Capital


Business Growth Fund


Ardonagh Advisory Holdings Limited


Premier Paper Group


Highlight-Mandate


Geldards LLP

Recently handling corporate governance M&A, refinancing, and restructuring, Geldards LLP is knowledgeable of bespoke IT supply and resale arrangements, framework manufacturing agreements, as well as outsourcing agreements. Leading the firm’s corporate practice, Debra Martin splits her time between Derby and Nottingham and specialises in employee ownership trusts, private equity, and venture capital matters. In Derby, Jamie Goldberg oversees the firm’s commercial and sports team, he is a key port of call for high-profile athletes on image rights licenses, as well as sponsorship and endorsement agreements. In Nottingham, Jenny Chatten spearheads the firm’s banking department and is knowledgeable of the franchising and healthcare sectors, while Derby-based Manjot Shokar is another key team member.

Praxisleiter:

Debra Martin; Jamie Goldberg


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jenny Chatten; Manjot Shokar; Paul Feenan; Peter Seary; Peter Ward; Saima Shabir


Referenzen

‘The team is very good at responding to queries about any contracts or commercial matters.’

‘A personal and professional service, they are capable of meeting the needs of international clients.’

‘Extremely knowledgeable and adaptable.’

Kernmandanten

The Bama Companies, Inc


Sunridge Partners


EMB-Group Limited


Woodberry Packaging Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the shareholders of JDM Food Group on its merger with US ingredients company Henry Broch Foods through new parent company Jardins and Broch.
  • Advising the trustees of the Rocketmill EOT on their duties and responsibilities following share sales.
  • Advising a consortium of US investors on the sale of their minority interest in Plymouth Argyle Football Club to its controlling shareholder.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited

A key port of call for owner-managed businesses and SMEs, Nelsons Solicitors Limited is jointly led by Alice Rees and Emma Toes. Commended for her ‘experience and knowledge’, Toes is proficient in distribution and framework agreements, while Taylor is noted for his strength in corporate finance. Alice Rees advises on acquisitions, disposals, as well as restructuring, and counts various accountancy firms on her client roster. Sara Gregory is a key team member. David Kaplan has departed the practice. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Nottingham, unless stated otherwise.

Praxisleiter:

Alice Rees; Emma Toes


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sara Gregory


Referenzen

‘My reason for working with Nelsons is the people. No query or task is considered too small, and no individual is seen as better than someone else. They have an understanding of the customer’s business model to help offer guidance, and ensure the right direction is taken.’

‘Their regular communication, ability to discuss areas practically, and adapt to changing circumstances make them stand out.’

‘Emma Toes has been the standout within the organisation. Her work ethic, experience, knowledge, and understanding that all clients are customers sets her above.’

Kernmandanten

200 Degrees


Beauty Temple


Giant UK Limited


Rumenco Limited


Symrise Limited


Hormann UK Limited


Prime Life Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for Beauty Temple (Nottingham) Limited on its purchase of the ‘NKD Waxing.’

Actons

Praised by clients for its ‘professionalism, expert knowledge, and pragmatism’, the Nottingham-based practice at Actons is led by Peter Flowerday. Flowerday’s recent caseload encompasses corporate acquisitions, disposals, and reorganisations, as well as joint venture agreements; he is also commended as ‘knowledgeable, clear, and efficient.’ Simon Dakin and Thomas Butcher are labelled as ‘personable’ by clients.

Praxisleiter:

Peter Flowerday


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Simon Dakin; Thomas Butcher


Referenzen

‘Actons’ commercial team were superb. They had extensive experience, and I felt they were pragmatic and had our backs at all times. The results were better than we had hoped to achieve due to their blend of professionalism, expert knowledge, and pragmatism.’

‘The team is excellent in collaboration, having assisted with several matters successfully to completion. The billing is always transparent from the start and the team is always available for queries.’

‘The team goes above and beyond in carefully ensuring the client is comfortable with each step of the process, whilst being respectful of the existing relationship we hold.’

Kernmandanten

EIDO Healthcare Ltd


Bruton Knowles LLP


Zeel Solutions Ltd


Peter Cook Ltd


Nest Management Ltd


The Palfreymans Ltd


Holden Copley Ltd


Prestige Aggregates Group Ltd


Riva Pearl Holdings Ltd


PLM Global Ltd


Nexa Finance Ltd


Wynbrook Limited


HSKSG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the shareholders of HSKSG Accountants on their sale to Dains Group.
  • Advised the MBO team on the buy-out of a building services company.
  • Acting for business founders on an external venture capital investment.

Austin Moore & Partners LLP

Commended as ‘extremely diligent, highly skilled, and experienced’, the Nottingham-based team at Austin Moore & Partners LLP is overseen by Austin Moore. Moore has over three decades of experience in corporate transactions, including joint ventures, and start-up funding. Splitting her time between Nottingham and Derby, Dav Jaspal is often engaged in financing and secured lending mandates and enjoys a strong reputation in the engineering, healthcare, and technology sectors. Laura de Banke is noted for her strength in private equity matters across the bio-fuel, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Austin Moore


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dav Jaspal; Laura de Banke; Rebecca Del Grosso


Referenzen

‘Austin Moore & Partners are extremely diligent, highly skilled, and experienced with an incredible ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude. They are a collection of professionals that I cannot recommend highly enough. ’

‘We have come to Austin Moore with a range of projects requiring some considerable legal input (quality and quantity), and they have risen to the challenge, and dealt with the issues in every case.’

‘They have a breadth of knowledge and experience. Particular thanks to the eponymous Austin and Davinder Jaspal.’

Kernmandanten

AW Lymn


Thrive Learning Limited


Clifton Packaging Group Limited


Smartway


Pharmaseal International Limited


Morvern Group


Durable Brands Limited


Lifeboat Capital Ltd


Embrace Steel Group


Stat Holdings Limited


Gerard Poly Mouldings Ltd


Hydroscand Ltd


Warlord Games


Rock Compliance Holdings Limited


Mornington Partners Limited


GEV Holdings Limited


MA Group Limited


Buster & Punch Holdings Limited


Primis Capital Limited


Clifton Packaging Limited


Foresight Independent Financial Planning Limited


Cloud Orca Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised exiting shareholder on the cross-border acquisition of Gerard Poly Mouldings Limited by US aerospace sector specialists, AE Industrial Partners.
  • Acted for the founding shareholders of SalamanderSoft on their exit to private equity backed Education Technology Services.
  • Advising Stat Holdings Limited on a series of share and business asset acquisitions as part of the group’s growth strategy.

Smith Partnership

With in-depth expertise in EOT transactions, Smith Partnership is well-equipped to advise charities on M&A, incorporations, and restructuring. Fraser Cunningham leads the practice and often handles a breadth of commercial contracts and corporate transactions. Gemma Brown is adept at disposals, employee ownership trusts, and MBO transactions. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Derby.

Praxisleiter:

Fraser Cunningham


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gemma Brown


Referenzen

‘They are practical with a can-do attitude. They have good attention to detail and a goal-driven approach which seeks to get the job done.’

‘The service we receive from the team at Smith Partnership is second to none. They gave us a personal, tailored service which I think is so important.’

Kernmandanten

Ascott Transport Limited


TBAT Innovation


Silver X Group


YMCA Derbyshire


Foster Industrial Holdings


Magi GJJ


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised YMCA Derbyshire on its merger with Padley Group.
  • Advised the sellers on the sale of Yellow Rail Limited to Portchester Equity.
  • Advised Uptonsteel Holdings Limited on their acquisition of C.J. Upton (Demergeco) Limited via Management Buy Out.