CMS‘ far-reaching corporate practice is active across work such as strategic cross-border transactions,  procurement and strategic investments. ‘Standout‘ lawyer Ben Hendry is the key contact in Sheffield and is active across areas such as chemicals, hospitality and real estate. In the same office, the ‘invaluable’ Gareth Saynor is versed in the intricacies of series funding mandates and is a key driver behind the unit’s strength in M&A. Leisure, retail and energy are all sectors in which Luke Chapman is active. Caroline Walker’s practice extends to private equity and venture capital investments.

Rob McKie and Amanda Pilkington co-head the offering at DLA Piper.  Corporate head McKie has a broad corporate practice taking in M&A, takeovers and secondary fundraisers, while Pilkington, who leads the commercial team, has specialist expertise in international supply arrangements, complex transitional services deals and facilities management arrangements. David Beech is a key contact for cross-border transactional work and joint ventures, while Daniel Lavender frequently advises on energy contracts and brand licensing arrangements. The unit is active across sectors such as energy, telecoms and life sciences, and counts an array of domestic and international private and public companies among its client roster.

Described as ‘a pleasure to work with’, Freeths LLP's broad client base includes regional manufacturing and engineering businesses and high-growth technology businesses. Peter Crawford heads up the corporate team and is praised for providing ‘a consistently pragmatic and calm approach to dealmaking’. Roger Gough spearheads the commercial unit and is geared to assist clients with commercial contracts for the supply of goods and services. Lisa Wallis has experience in share sales, partnership arrangements and company restructurings. Rajinder Singh is a further key contact.

Funding arrangements, general corporate M&A and EMI schemes and share incentives are among the core pillars of the ‘knowledgeable’ corporate and commercial team at Hemingways Solicitors Limited. The ‘commercial and helpful’ Chris King and the ‘pragmatic, yet legally robust’ Laurence Gavin jointly spearhead the Sheffield team’s offer. King’s varied practice extends to logistics, distribution, and outsourcing, while Gavin’s expertise is frequently leaned upon by financial services-regulated and third-sector clients.

 

Wake Smith Solicitors Limited is a particularly popular address for clients from the healthcare sector and regional manufacturing clients. Praised for being ‘proactive within the South Yorkshire business community’, the team is geared to handle work encompassing M&A, equity investments and the implementation of new corporate structures.  The ‘client-focused’ John Baddeley, who chairs the practice, is praised for his ‘vast experience and knowledge’. Rebecca Robinson has developed a niche focus on corporate and commercial work for charities and charitable incorporated organisations. Tom Haywood, who joined from Taylor Emmet in January 2023, is a further name to note.