Praised for its ‘deep industry knowledge, creative thinking, continuous support for clients and a strong track record in delivering results’, Burges Salmon LLP continues to showcase its capability in handling high-value transactions, with notable expertise in the energy, education, food and drink, transport and healthcare sectors. Nick Graves, who specialises in M&A and corporate governance mandates, jointly leads the team alongside Rupert Weston, who provides ‘commercially pragmatic and clear advice’ on corporate finance matters, with demonstrable experience in the transport sector. Commended for his ‘extensive experience in cross-border deals’, Richard Spink is another key contact in the group, alongside private equity expert Mark Shepherd and Camilla Usher-Clark, who advises on renewable energy and energy transition M&A. Alex Lloyd was promoted to partner and Andrew Mills joined from MJ Hudson in May 2023.

Osborne Clarke LLP showcases ‘strength in depth’ in high-value, cross-border corporate transactions, private equity and venture capital deals, in addition to corporate real estate mandates. Alisdair Livingstone maintains a standout track record in M&A and private equity transactions, while David Ferris focuses on high-stakes renewable energy, clean-tech and technology deals. Practice leader Mark Wesker advises on M&A, takeovers, joint ventures and corporate governance mandates, with demonstrable experience in the financial services and fintech sectors. Noted for his expertise in the technology arena, James Taylor, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, handles venture and growth capital transactions, private equity buy-outs, buy-and-build projects and exits. Simon Jones is another key contact in the group.

Counting retailers, financial institutions and government departments among its key roster of clients, TLT handles a broad range of high-value mandates, from financial services corporate transactions and energy-related M&A to investments in the digital sector, and joint ventures and franchising agreements in the leisure, food and drink industries. Andrew Webber, who specialises in M&A, equity investments, corporate governance and joint ventures, jointly leads the team alongside retail expert Perran Jervis, who spearheads the firm’s commercial offering. Alice Gardner acts for public and private corporates, company entrepreneurs and founders, with demonstrable expertise in cross-border corporate transactions. Nina Searle, who leads the firm’s digital practice, is another key contact in the group.

With demonstrable experience in the technology, energy, healthcare and financial services sectors, the ‘pragmatic and practical’ team at Ashfords LLP advises on cross-border M&A, management buy-outs and buy-ins, and corporate restructuring mandates. Rory Suggett leads the team and specialises in venture and growth capital fundraisings, in addition to private equity transactions, while Jocelyn Ormond focuses on M&A in the healthcare and life sciences, and financial services sectors. Chris Dyson, who spearheads the firm’s technology sector practice, is another key contact in the group.

‘Providing a unique blend of expertise, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to client success’, Clarke Willmott LLP advises on mid-market, often cross-border transactions, with additional experience in acting for management teams and investors on venture capital and private-equity-backed deals. For practice leader Simon Thomas, ‘going the extra mile is not just a mantra, but a fundamental part of his professional ethos’. Thomas advises on M&A, buyouts and private equity fundraisings, while Simon Smith focuses on cross-border acquisitions and Rob Ridd is praised for his ‘strong experience in corporate finance’.

Roxburgh Milkins Limited specialises in mid-market private M&A and investments, with demonstrable experience in the technology, telecoms, and food and drink sectors. Jason Milkins leads the team and advises on acquisitions and exits for companies in the telecoms industry, while ‘outstanding lawyer’ Charles van der Lande acts for high growth companies and entrepreneurs on equity fundraisings, from start-up to funding rounds and exits. Other key contacts in the group include Richard Hopkins, who handles matters ‘promptly, concisely, and thoroughly’, Philip Edmonds and Bruce Roxburgh.

‘Consistently strong with excellent technical abilities combined with a pragmatic and superb commercial approach’, VWV stands out for its expertise in the education, technology and life sciences sectors, advising on a range of transactional corporate mandates and commercial matters. Boasting ‘deep expertise in the education sector’, Robert Collier leads the corporate practice and acts for proprietors, corporate owners and private equity funds on M&A, refinancing and corporate restructuring mandates. Doug Locke spearheads the commercial offering, while Nathan Guest leads the national technology practice and is praised as ‘an exceptional lawyer with a friendly, commercially-minded approach’.

The team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP advises on M&A and private equity transactions, with demonstrable experience in the insurance, energy and real estate sectors. Counting investors, companies seeking investment, sellers to private equity backed buyers and management teams among his key roster of clients, Tom Fitzpatrick leads the practice and advises on insurance and financial services-related deals. Promoted to partner in July 2023, Alex Fergus acts for mid-market private equity houses and advises on a broad range of corporate finance mandates, with a strong focus on M&A and private equity transactions. Joanna Norris is another key member of the team.

Housing a ‘diverse team with exceptional knowledge’, Bevan Brittan LLP advises on M&A, joint ventures for regeneration, housing and school projects, and corporate restructurings, with demonstrable experience in the energy, health, government, housing and charity arenas. Chris Harper leads the team and handles acquisitions and joint ventures, with a strong focus on long-term regeneration and property development partnerships. Andrew Spicer, who is noted for his expertise in the health and social care sectors, is another key contact in the group.

The team at Foot Anstey handles M&A, private equity mandates and investments, and is supported by a robust commercial practice, advising on the contractual, technology, data and IP aspects of transactions. Alexandra Hammond, who is noted for her expertise in the consumer and retails sectors, jointly spearheads the practice’s commercial offering alongside Ashley Avery, who clients trust ‘implicitly’ to handle a broad range of commercial matters. Splitting his time between the firm’s Bristol and Plymouth offices, Ken Lewins leads the corporate practice, and Karl Bradford advises on joint ventures and structured corporate transactions.

The team at Freeths LLP handles distressed M&A and start-up and early-stage investments, in addition to advising private equity portfolio companies on capital structuring and corporate governance mandates. ‘Excellent’ practice leader Emily Settle acts for founders in M&A and fundraising transactions, as well as advising international portfolio companies backed by private equity sponsors. Lottie Hugo acts for national and international clients, and private equity portfolio companies, in private corporate deals.

Counting entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses and investors among its key roster of clients Shakespeare Martineau LLP handles a range of mandates, including share and asset sales and purchases, management buy-outs and demergers. Commended for its ‘expertise and quality of service’, the team is led by Paul Hardman, who advises on corporate finance matters covering M&A, management buy-outs and buy-ins, joint venture arrangements and shareholder agreements. With experience in the development finance, owner-managed businesses and healthcare arenas, Nic Barker is another key contact in the group.

Advising on mid-market corporate transactions, including sales, acquisitions, management buy-outs, investments and restructurings, ‘the breadth and depth of experience across the team is simply exceptional’ at Thrings LLP, according to clients. Key contacts in the firm’s Bristol office include Elaine Meyrick, who has experience in company M&A and commercial contracts, and John Richardson, who specialises in corporate and corporate finance mandates.