Praised for its ability to go ‘go above and beyond’, and for its ‘outstanding industry knowledge’, Brabners LLP advises a diverse roster of clients across the healthcare, technology, logistics, renewables, and not-for-profit sectors. The team is adept at handling the full scope of corporate and commercial matters ranging from M&A and group restructurings to private equity transactions, commercial contracts, e-commerce, and data protection compliance. Co-head Mark Rathbone is noted for advising on funding for private companies, including private equity and business angel investments. Fellow co-head Richard Hough stands out for his expertise in healthcare and complex contractual work, assisting clients with terms of business, outsourcing, distribution, agency, franchising and joint venture agreements. Andrew O’Mahony leads on banking and finance mandates, with a strong focus on private equity and acquisition finance, while Colin Bell advises on IP strategy, tech licensing, and digital compliance. Other notable individuals include: Rupert Gill, who guides corporates and listed entities through M&A deals and restructurings; David Maples, who advises non-profits and social enterprises on governance and regulatory frameworks; John Spofforth handles both UK-based and cross-border corporate matters; managing partner Nik White; dental sector specialist Nicola Lomas; and corporate advisor Victoria Trigwell. Michael Brabner is recommended for his longstanding expertise.

Well-regarded for its ‘client centred approach’ and ‘strong understanding of the industry’, DLA Piper UK LLP advises a broad range of clients across the life sciences, manufacturing, public, tech, and infrastructure sectors on complex corporate and commercial mandates. The practice is jointly steered by James Kerrigan and Sarah Bell. Kerrigan is noted for his strong focus on private equity transactions, while Bell’s expertise spans high-value outsourcing projects and joint venture arrangements. Elsewhere in the team, Peter Brook is a key figure for commercial advisory work, particularly on matters involving supply chains, distribution networks, and collaboration agreements, while Gemma Cowap handles all aspects of commercial work with a particular focus on structuring and documenting all forms of both private and public sector partnerships, joint ventures and other forms of commercial collaboration.

Hill Dickinson LLP advises on a broad range of corporate matters, with its experience spanning mid-market private equity deals and cross-border transactions for both domestic and international clients. Leading the team is Matt Noon, who regularly works with public and private companies, institutional investors, and entrepreneurs on M&A activity. Noon is supported by Mike Jones who has particular expertise in the retail, logistics, leisure, and property sectors, and Jonathan Brown, who regularly acts for listed companies. Sue Russell handles a mix of public and private M&A work, and Craig Scott advises large corporates and private equity funds. Elan Iorwerth is a key port of call for a number of large corporates, family-owned businesses and PE clients. Paddy Dwyer joined the team from DLA Piper UK LLP in January 2025.

DWF advises a wide mix of clients in the retail space and beyond, handling matters across the corporate and commercial spectrum. Additionally, the team is active on acquisitions, exits, and shareholder arrangements, with energy specialist Darren Walsh frequently involved in projects relating to renewables, including solar, hydrogen and tidal technologies. Rachael Burke handles a broad range of contractual matters, while Liz Clark focuses on corporate deals. Paul Rimmer also plays a central role in the firm’s transactional offering.

Highlighted for its ‘warm’ and ‘solution-focused’ approach, the team at CG Professional Limited is well-versed in the full scope of corporate and commercial matters, advising clients across a range of sectors, including sports and media, healthcare, construction, retail, and tech. A mix of local and national clients turn to the ‘exceptional’ Thomas Prince for his expertise in contract-related matters. Prince leads the team alongside Benjamin Dredge, whose practice encompasses acquisitions and disposals, restructuring and re-organisations, joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements, investments and private equity. Former co-head Jennifer Gallagher has left the firm.

Praised for its ability to provide a ‘high-quality’ service, DTM Legal LLP handles a range of matters including corporate restructuring, IP, and M&A matters, acting for a broad client base that includes banks, wealth management firms, and corporates. Practice head Edward Barnes is noted for his expertise in domestic and international joint ventures, advising UK owner-managed businesses, large corporates, and overseas companies. Philip Whitehurst is also highlighted for his strength in private equity and venture capital investments.

Praised for its ‘strong client focus’, the team at Napthens LLP remains a key port of call for owner-managed businesses, family companies, and large corporates on the full range of corporate transactions, including M&A, buy-and-build strategies, business and share disposals, and succession planning. Practice head Kieran Donovan is singled out by clients for being ‘responsive, engaged and very commercial in his approach.’

Weightmans LLP fields a ‘really helpful, pragmatic and commercial’ team, recognised for its expertise across private equity, M&A, data protection, and IT matters. The practice is regularly instructed by a wide range of blue-chip clients. Seray Kitchingman and Tom Trowhill jointly lead the team, offering expertise across a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial work. Gary Jones  is also a key figure with experience spanning shareholder agreements, mergers and acquisitions, MBOs, joint ventures, private equity, fundraising, and AIM flotations. Managing partner John Schorah and private equity specialist Michael Murphy are also recommended.