Bristows LLP draws considerable praise from clients for its ‘proactive and pragmatic’ approach. The team is particularly well regarded for its expertise in the life sciences and technology sectors where they are regularly sought out by some of the world’s largest companies, including a number of FTSE 100-listed entities. The practice is steered by Iain Redford who has extensive experience in M&A, IPOs, financing, and joint ventures, particularly in the technology and life sciences sectors. A litany of private equity funds and large global corporations turn to the ‘excellent’ Louise Eldridge for representation in the full scope of corporate transactions, from M&A to venture capital (VC) investment transactions and joint ventures. Richard Swaine specialises in advising charity and not-for-profit clients on corporate transactions and governance matters. Matt Dennis is noted for his focus in the technology and IP-rich industries.

Drawing considerable praise from clients, the ‘partner-led, highly pragmatic and commercial’ team at Brown Rudnick LLP is well regarded for its work in innovative fields such as technology, advanced life-sciences and climate tech. With a distinct emphasis on venture capital, the team adeptly handles complex cross-border matters for a diverse roster of clients. The team is jointly led by international corporate practice head Tom Braiden and the ‘pragmatic’ Mark Dorff, who specialisises in early-stage investments in deep tech. Steering the equity capital markets (ECM) team is the accomplished Lena Hodge, whose vast experience encompasses advising public and private companies on IPOs, M&A and public company takeovers. The team’s strength has been fortified by a number of arrivals in 2022, which include Paul Doris from Dentons, David Knight from Fieldfisher, James Douglass from K&L Gates LLP and associate Stephen Wallace from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP.

Operating across a myriad of sectors and industries, including but not limited to TMT, healthcare, real estate and professional services, the corporate team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP manages a steady stream of deals for a diverse portfolio of clients. With the wider firm’s emphasis on private capital, the team’s expertise is notably pronounced in the private wealth, financial services, and private equity sectors, where it has experienced an uptick in cross-border activity. Practice head David Coates specialises in corporate finance advisory and transactional work for both public and private companies. The business advisory and transactions services division is led by David Collins, who has extensive experience in both domestic and cross-border M&A transactions across a range of sectors. Hamish Perry is noted for his strong focus on private company M&A, joint ventures and private equity work.

By leveraging the comprehensive capabilities of the Big Four firm, Deloitte Legal draws on a wide range of services -  including legal, tax, financial, consulting and corporate finance advisory - as it advises clients. The group works with various corporates on the complete M&A lifecycle, covering pre-sale structuring, due diligence, market mapping and post-merger integration. London corporate head Charles Claisse focuses on mid-market M&A for global and fast-growth businesses as well as private equity funds and their portfolio companies. Glafkos Tombolis – a specialist in corporate governance and compliance matters – is a trusted adviser for clients in the health tech and TMT sectors. Rachel Hossack is recommended for her extensive experience of advising corporates on all aspects of their legal structure and internal arrangements; divestment-related corporate activities and post-M&A integration, entity rationalisation and structuring are particular strengths. Partners Deborah Angel and Andy Moseby left the firm for in-house roles in February 2022 and May 2023, respectively.

Noted for its technical proficiency and commercial acumen, DWF is lauded for its capabilities in a broad range of corporate law matters across the consumer, real estate, financial services and technology sectors – both on a domestic and international scale. Under the leadership of retail expert Paddy Eaton, the firm has continued to grow its London team with a number of key hires in the last year, including James Wilson, an ECM specialist, who bring valuable expertise from his previous role at Howard Kennedy LLP in October 2022. Other notable additions include Alan Barnett, a hotel and leisure sector specialist who joined the firm Ince & Co in January 2023. Advising on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, associate Raeesa Chowdhury has played a pivotal role in advising on various transactions over the past 12 months.

Fladgate LLP attracts considerable praise from clients for its ‘extremely pragmatic’ approach and ‘remarkable’ quality of work. The team earns further praise for its strong international offering and capabilities advising clients across the technology, real estate, hotel and leisure, and recruitment sectors. Practice head and ECM specialist David Robinson has particular experience in the publishing sector. The ‘efficient’ and ‘talented’ Anthony Shatz is noted for his expertise in M&A, joint ventures and investment funds. Jamie Hamilton, praised for his ‘excellent communication’ and ‘pragmatic’ approach, specialises in venture capital, private equity and M&A, routinely advising high-growth, early-stage companies and investors on capital raises, acquisitions, exits and joint ventures.

Lauded by clients for its depth of expertise and cross-border capabilities, the ‘excellent’ corporate team at Fox Williams LLP is well positioned to advise clients across the technology, financial services, media, travel and professional services sectors. Practice head Richie Clark focuses on private and public M&A, principally in the technology, financial services and natural resources sectors, and has continued to deepen relationships with the firm's international client base. Mary Elliott, praised for her ‘practical solutions’, leads the firm’s publishing and digital media offering where she focuses on publishing and edtech M&A. Andrew Woolf is a key port of all for listed companies, private companies and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, particularly in the financial services and technology sectors. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of VC and financial services expert Bryan Shaw, a dual-qualified (England and Australia) practitioner, who joined from MBM Commercial in December 2022.

By capitalising on the expertise of the firm’s accomplished financial services and restructuring teams, the ‘sophisticated and friendly’ corporate practice at Katten integrates its knowledge to offer clients comprehensive guidance on regulatory, restructuring and distressed M&A matters. Possessing the capabilities to assist clients on the full spectrum of corporate matters, the team has a particular focus on the, financial, healthcare, real estate, technology and consumer business sectors. The team is jointly led by Oliver Williams , Edward Tran  and Christopher Harrison. Williams, who joined the firm from PwC LLP, has a practice that spans private equity, corporate M&A, investments and shareholder agreements, while Tran is is regularly engaged by a broad range of clients on the full suite of corporate transactions. Harrison is noted for his vast experience working with investment funds and advising on effective implementation of capital and activist strategies. Paul Rosen departed for Mayer Brown International LLP.

Lewis Silkin‘s combination of ‘business acumen’ and ‘unrivalled knowledge of the communications and tech industries’ makes it a strong choice for a range of top clients in the advertising and marketing and tech sectors. In recent years, the team has broadened its cross-border capabilities and experienced considerable growth in fintech and start-up opportunities. The practice is headed up by Paul Rajput whose advertising and marketing expertise makes him a key contact for some of the world’s largest marketing communications networks, among other clients. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Jo Evans regularly assists private businesses with the implementation of their growth plans and exit strategies.

Rated for its ‘practical and hands-on’ approach, the Guilford-based corporate team at Stevens & Bolton LLP provides guidance to public and private companies across all facets of their M&A work, acting on both the buy and sell sides. Praised as a strong alternative to City firms, the team has deepened its international footprint in the last year, advising on a number of complex cross-border deals. Newly appointed practice head Joe Bedford specialises in M&A, sponsor backed transactions, fundraisings and corporate restructurings. Keith Syson's broad experience spans M&A, corporate restructuring, fundraisings, private equity-backed transactions, joint ventures and corporate governance. Focused on the technology and insurance sectors, Jenny Robertson is described as an ‘outstanding’ and ‘really knowledgable’ lawyer. Partner Sarah Cardew joined the firm from Irwin Mitchell in October 2022.

The ‘strong’ corporate team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP focus primarily on private company M&A, with particular expertise across the healthcare, real estate and leisure sectors. The team earn further praise for its ability to provide this expertise with a ‘personal touch’. Practice head Tim Nye advises widely on private equity matters and is noted for his ability to find ‘creative solutions to often very complex problems and structures’. Alison Chivers, a health and social care M&A specialist, is a key port of call for private equity and family office investors. The ‘consistently reliable, communicative and knowledgeable’ Nick Harrisingh leads the firm’s corporate real estate team, and is routinely engaged by entrepreneurs and owner managers in the TMT sector on exits and fundraisings. The national team has been strengthened by the arrival of Manchester based Paul Ellaby who joined the firm from DAC Beachcroft LLP in April 2022. All other named lawyers are based in London.

With expertise spanning the real estate, marine, energy and financial services sectors, Clyde & Co draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘well resourced and proactive’ approach in a range of corporate transactions. The team is further lauded for its ability to ‘seamlessly’ handle multi-jurisdictional transactions, leveraging its global network to assist on matters. The practice is steered by Simon Vere Nicoll, who is recommended for his experience of advising on the structuring and financing of joint ventures and fund structuring advice, often with a cross-border element. Nick Purnell‘s wide-ranging expertise in the marine, shipping and payments systems sectors ensures that he is routinely engaged by a diverse roster of clients. Associate Paul Hardling is noted for his ‘meticulous’ technical ability.

DAC Beachcroft LLP is lauded by clients for its ‘wealth of experience’ and ‘coordinated approach’ across the health, real estate, technology and financial services sectors. Notably, the team is handling an increasing volume of international work, fielding a number of cross-border instructions in recent months. With a particular focus on the technology sector, the team continues to be sought after by a significant number of AIM-listed technology businesses on their acquisition work. London corporate and tax practice head Jonathan Deverill is recommended for his expertise in the medical cannabis, fashion and beauty sectors. Matthew Darling anchors the French desk, focusing predominately on high value transitions for both private and public companies. Nick Garland is noted for his experience providing transaction advice on public and private M&A, joint ventures and equities issues.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘broad knowledge and experience’, the team at Farrer & Co is equipped to navigate a wide spectrum of high-value corporate transactions. With a strong foothold in the financial services, media and entertainment, and property sectors, the firm is well positioned to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. The team is led by the ‘knowledgable’ and ‘highly commercial’ Jonathan Haley, a specialist in private company transactions with extensive experience acting for entrepreneurial clients on the sale of regulated businesses to both trade and private equity purchasers. Richard Lane, head of the firm’s international corporate offering, continues to lead on a number of major transactions, acting for a growing number of US and Middle East-based clients. David Fletcher  is noted for his focus on founders, entrepreneurs and investors, particularly in the technology sector.

Noted for its strong sense of interoffice collaboration, Harbottle & Lewis LLP possesses a wealth of experience across the technology, retail, leisure, media and entertainment, and private client services sectors, handling a considerable volume of transactions for a diverse roster of clients. The corporate team is chaired by managing partner Charles Lévêque, whose recent engagements include high-profile acquisitions in the technology, media and retail sectors. Colin Howes provides specialist corporate finance and strategic advice on buying and selling businesses, joint ventures and commercial agreements. Tim Parker advises on a wide range of corporate and finance transactions, typically for entrepreneurial and talent-led businesses.

Praised for its ‘client-centric approach’, Hill Dickinson LLP enjoys a strong reputation in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sectors, regularly working across biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and IVF and embryo research. The team’s expertise also extends to medical cannabis and CBD/wellness ventures. Capital markets and M&A specialist Michael Bennett, who heads the practice, is noted for his work on energy, life sciences and medical cannabis matters.  'Skilled team leader’ Shantanu Sinha has extensive experience in fundraisings, advising both issuers and corporate finance houses on the London Stock Exchange. Roderick Palmer, who heads the firm’s commercial shipping practice, is a trusted adviser to a number of banks, leasing companies, ship-owners and investors.

Howard Kennedy LLP works with a diverse roster of domestic and international corporates active across a range of sectors, who turn to the team for assistance in all manner of corporate transactions. Under the leadership of ‘friendly, commercial‘ Ashley Reeback and Gillian White, a private M&A expert, the London team has continued to grow; James Meakin, a specialist in the tax aspects of corporate and real estate transactions, joined from Dentons in March 2022. Other key figures include Stephanie Brigg and Jane Brassington, both of whom are noted for their ability to assist clients on a range of corporate transactions.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ability to grasp ‘commercial objectives’ in great depth, as well as for its cross-border capabilities, the corporate team at McGuireWoods London LLP is regularly engaged by clients in the hotel and leisure, food and beverage and retail sectors. The practice is jointly led by Mehboob Dossa, who is routinely instructed by multinationals, capital providers and independent spenders on a range of transactions, and Patrick De Ridder, whose recent highlights include acquisitions in the US and Europe as well as joint ventures in Asia and Africa.

Praised for its capabilities in cross-border deals, Memery Crystal‘s corporate team advise on all aspects of M&A, debt and private equity transactions for a diverse roster of clients. The team is steered by Nick Alfillé, a highly experienced M&A lawyer who anchors the team's cross-border offering. Lesley Gregory specialises in capital markets work, including flotations and secondary capital raisings. Andrew Titmas is noted for his ability to act on a broad range of transactional and advisory work, including M&A, equity issues, corporate restructuring and insolvency advice.

Noted for its broad M&A capabilities, Payne Hicks Beach LLP possesses considerable strength across the financial services, technology, publishing, chemicals and automotive sectors. The practice is steered by Jonathan Gatward, a seasoned practitioner who has a wealth of experience advising privately owned and managed businesses across a range of different transactions. Gatward has a particular interest in businesses with an intellectual property angle. Practice co-chair Howard Taylor specialises in M&A transactions, and is also experienced in joint ventures and private equity-driven deals. Recent arrivals include Max Baird-Smith, who joined the team from Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP in July 2022.

The ‘experienced’ team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP focuses on the technology, real estate, private wealth and retail sectors. Praised by clients for its ‘great technical knowledge’, the team has a strong international focus, regularly advising on cross-border deals. Practice head Matthew Martin provides corporate and finance expertise to a range of clients; Martin also co-heads the firm’s fashion, luxury and lifestyle sector group. Michaela Britton, praised for her ability to 'tackle complex matters with ease’, advises on a wide range of corporate transactions and is regularly instructed by entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of partner Mona Patel, who joined the firm from Ince & Co in January 2023, as well as Adam Carling, who joined from Bird & Bird LLP in October 2022. Jose Millan Martin left for Pinsent Masons LLP that same month.

Noted for its ‘exceptionally thorough’ approach, the fast-growing team at Wallace LLP works closely with consultancies, digital agencies, technology providers, and professional services businesses on a range of corporate transactions. The practice is led by John Woodhouse, who has extensive experience in supporting owner-managed companies through their growth cycles and advising shareholders on eventual sale. Andrew Cooke – noted for his focus on the fintech sector – is rated by clients for his ‘clarity and thoroughness.’ Managing partner Rex Newman has decades of experience of M&A transactions, regularly working with high-profile corporate clients and investment companies.

Variously praised as ‘efficient, collaborative’ and ‘pragmatic’, the corporate team at Wedlake Bell LLP for its capabilities across the gamut of corporate transactions, particularly in the technology, financial services, insurance and leisure sectors. The team has most recently been bolstered by the arrival of Mark Tasker and Stephen Callender in May 2022; Tasker draws on over 30 years of experience advising clients on on corporate transactional work, while Callender is noted for his focus on M&A and UK capital markets matters. The wider practice is led by Adam Lynch, who regularly handles corporate finance and M&A transactions - both domestic and cross-border. Nigel Taylor is recommended for his expertise in advising on downstream private equity and private equity-backed transactions. Janice Wall retired from the firm in February 2023.

Boasting a ‘true partner-led service’ and ‘pragmatic and commercial approach’, Wiggin LLP is regularly sought out by a range of top clients from the media, entertainment and technology sectors. The team is well placed to advise public and private companies on domestic and cross-border matters, including joint ventures, M&A and private equity deals. The team is led by the ‘commercially-minded’ Ben Whitelock, who has particular experience advising on corporate deals in the betting and gaming, technology, and publishing sectors. Ciaran Hickey advises clients across the technology and media sectors on a broad range of cross-border and domestic corporate transactions, acting for leading businesses, investors and entrepreneurs. Jason Fisher, lauded for his ‘first-class client service’, is instrumental in managing the firm’s relationships with key clients.

Withers LLP‘s growing London team draws praise from a range of clients for its ‘expertise’ and ‘knowledge’ across the pharmaceutical and life sciences, technology, hospitality, sport and luxury brands sectors. The practice is spearheaded by Paul McGrath, who has a particular focus on closely-held businesses and their owners, including entrepreneurs and families. Sarah Melaney is a tech specialist who has extensive experience advising high-growth companies and investors on investment rounds, scale-ups, exits and general corporate governance. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of Phil Robinson, who joined from Ignition Law Services Limited in September 2022.

Founded in 2019, KPMG Law leverages the comprehensive capabilities of the Big Four firm to advise clients on a host of corporate matters. The team has a track record of advising on complex cross-border deals, regularly drawing on the resources of its in-house team of legal technologists. The practice is steered by Kate Eades, who has extensive experience in M&A transactions, business structuring and corporate advisory. Both Richard Woods and Tanvir Dhanoa were promoted to the partnership in 2022.

Armstrong Teasdale‘s corporate team is noted for its growing presence in the IT, medical technology, advanced manufacturing and branded businesses sectors. The practice is noted for its proficiency in cross-border transactions where practice head Peter Kohl – a dual-qualified practitioner in the UK and US – is an active figure. Joan Yu, who leads the firm’s capital markets group, specialises in public M&A and cross-border transactions. Una Deretic is recommended for her expertise in retail and natural resources M&A, particularly on deals with an international aspect.

With experience of handling both public and private M&A transactions, the corporate team at BDB Pitmans is routinely instructed by a diverse client base, including private individuals, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Practice head Philip Lamb has over 30 years’ experience advising companies on acquisitions and disposals and has particular expertise advising entrepreneurs in the technology and biotech sectors. Robert Chidley went to Freeths in November 2022, while Nick McCarthy left to join Shoosmiths in December. Tessa Trevelyan Thomas left the firm to join Fladgate LLP in April 2023.

 

Primarily focused on private acquisitions and disposals, the ‘ highly skilled’ corporate team at Blake Morgan LLP acts for international companies, SMEs, founder-managed businesses and start-ups across the technology, media, engineering and financial services sectors. Practice head Martin Kay - praised for his ‘attention to detail’ - is highly experienced in both on and off-market M&A. Michelle Davenport is noted for her expertise on a range of corporate matters, including exit strategies, M&A and joint ventures.

Noted for its ability to blend private client advice with corporate and commercial expertise, Boodle Hatfield LLP handles a broad range of M&A transactions for business owners, international entrepreneurs and family businesses. Practice head Richard Beavan - who also heads up the entrepreneurs team - routinely advises family businesses and UHNW individuals on the set-up, structuring and ongoing management of their enterprises and investments. Clients turn to Rahul Thakrar for banking and financial advice, having undertaken all of his Chartered Financial Analyst examinations. Partner Richard Elliott joined the team from Ince & Co in October 2022.

Praised for its ‘wide range of capabilities’, the corporate team at Browne Jacobson LLP is well placed to advise clients across the financial services, insurance, energy, automotive and leisure sectors. In recent years, the firm has been especially dedicated to expanding its presence in the technology sector. Practice head Jon Snade who has particular expertise in the technology space, specialising in fintech and insurtech deals. Harry Pearson is also noted for his experience in a range of transactional mandates.

Praised by clients for its ‘pragmatic, commercial approach’, the corporate team at Dorsey & Whitney is well positioned to advise clients across the technology, healthcare and financial services sectors. In recent years, the practice has developed a specialism advising sports media companies on M&A activity. The practice is steered by Kate Francis, who focuses on M&A – both domestic and cross-border – and capital market transactions. Fabrizio Carpanini, described as a ‘master of detail’, covers the entire spectrum of transactional work, including corporate finance and international joint ventures. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Jamie Crawford from Gateley Legal in March 2023.

Praised for both its ‘pragmatism and commercial acumen’, the corporate team at Druces LLP works on a host of complex M&A transactions for clients operating in the healthcare, infrastructure and Sharia compliant finance sectors. Practice head Christopher Axford continues to advise leading players in health and social care, with a particular interest in regulated businesses and Sharia compliant structuring. The ‘terrific’ Antony Cotton is a key port of call for early-stage companies operating in the fintech sector. Caroline Cropley – who heads up the corporate restructuring practice – was promoted to partner in May 2023.

Bolstered by its membership of international legal network, Ally Law, Edwin Coe LLP is noted for the depth of its cross-border capabilities, regularly acting for overseas companies investing in the UK. The practice is steered by Russel Shear, who is regularly engaged by public and private companies on complex M&A matters. Alexandre Terrasse, described by clients as ‘pragmatic’ and ‘proactive’, advises French companies, entrepreneurs and individuals on all aspects of corporate and commercial transactions. Jamal Saleh joined the team from Withers LLP in October 2022.

Fielding a ‘true partner-led service’, Freeths LLP regularly assists clients on M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions. Practice head Tom Rowley acts for clients across a range of sectors on the full gamut of transactional and commercial matters. The ‘gifted’ Francis Dalton  has particular expertise in funding rounds and M&A, notably acting for regulated tech and IP-focused companies. The team has recently been strengthened by a number of new recruits from BDB Pitmans, including Angelina Mikelove Szentpali and Robert Chidley, who joined in October 2022 and November 2022, respectively. Peter Hill retired in March 2022.

Marriott Harrison LLP fields a ‘commercially agile’ corporate team, well regarded for its capabilities in advising progressive private corporate and leading investors on the full scope of M&A transactions. The team has been increasingly active on cross-border M&A transactions aimed at venture capital backed businesses in the last year. Practice head Jonathan Leigh-Hunt acts for a diverse roster of clients – including management teams, owners and investee companies – on a host of corporate transactions. Ben Devons has experience across the media, technology, retail and professional services sectors, and has been described as a practitioner who is ‘calm, composed but robustly defends clients on key issues.’

With an expansive global legal network, PwC LLP handles a considerable number of cross-border deals for a diverse roster of clients hailing from the financial services, technology, media, sports, real estate and natural resources sectors. John Clegg, who leads the private business and deals team, is noted for his focus on domestic and international business reorganisations, corporate restructuring and both domestic and cross-border M&A. Director Rebecca Boyers heads the structuring side of the team, acting on numerous corporate reorganisation projects for privately owned business groups. With over 15 years of transactional experience, Michael Brunnock‘s client base ranges from international corporate groups, private equity firms, and VC-backed companies, through to owner managed businesses, HNW individuals and entrepreneurs.

Praised by one client for possessing ‘a level of technical knowledge unrivalled by any other’, the corporate team at Teacher Stern LLP  handles the full gamut of corporate transactions for a client base spanning from international corporates to entrepreneur-led companies. The practice is jointly headed up by David Ponsford and Kelly Whitfield, whose expertise includes limited liability partnership agreements. Other key figures include David Salisbury, who is particularly experienced in sports-based work, and Claire Rollo, who advises various SMEs across a range of sectors, spanning hospitality, real estate and security services.

Well-regarded for its ability find ‘solutions to complex situations or dilemmas’, the corporate team at Forsters LLP advises clients across a range of sectors, including financial services, technology, biotech, real estate, employment and leisure. The practice is headed up by Stuart Hatcher, who possesses the capabilities to advise across the full range of domestic and international corporate law issues, including M&A, venture capital, private equity and other shareholder investments.

Particularly noted for its capabilities in real estate-driven transactions, GSC Solicitors LLP is regularly engaged on multi-million-pound deals across the care, tech, manufacturing and professional services sectors, to name a few. Practice head Clive Halperin is praised by clients for his ‘star quality, profound knowledge and legal talent.’ David Nathan – who specialises in hospitality and care sector matters – is also recommended.

Steered by corporate finance expert Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood, the team at Hamlins LLP is regularly engaged by entrepreneurs, SMEs and large corporates across a range of sectors. The practice is well regarded for its expertise in the technology and media arenas, in particular. Roger Pointon - who joined the team as a consultant from Hill Dickinson LLP - brings more than 20 years of experience acting on acquisitions, management buy-ins and mergers. Richard Britain left the firm for an in-house role in October 2022.

Roundly praised by clients for its ‘national coverage’ and ‘international reach’, Irwin Mitchell‘s corporate team is well positioned to assist clients across the technology, insurance, real estate and fintech sectors. As an exclusive UK member of the First Law International, a global network of independent international law firms, the practice boasts a considerable international platform. ‘Commercial’ practice head Bryan Bletso focuses primarily on private company work on an international scale. Technology and real estate expert Ben Gale - who works closely with Blesto - is praised by clients for his ‘very knowledgable insights’. The team was recently strengthened by the arrival of Kate Featherstone and James Arnold, who both joined from Knights plc in February 2023.

Noted for its depth of experience and commercial acumen, the corporate team at Keystone Law is regularly engaged by SMEs, entrepreneurs and larger corporates, with a notable focus on the TMT and healthcare sectors. The practice boasts an experienced bench of partners which include Nadim Zaman, Edward Dawes, Andrew Stilton and Geoffrey Davies. Dee Sian continues to undertake a broad range of M&A and venture capital transactions, while Stuart Mathews joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in spring 2023.

The ‘knowledgable’ M&A team at Kingsley Napley LLP is lauded by clients for its ‘wide range of skills’ and ‘superb’ work ethic. Counting entrepreneurs and early stage, high-growth, owner-managed businesses among its key roster of clients, the practice benefits from a specialist technology sub-team, working with clients through their investment rounds to an eventual exit. The practice is steered by James Fulforth who is noted for his specialism advising entrepreneurs and high-net worth individuals on their business interests.

Noted for its strong focus on start-ups and the technology sector, Russell-Cooke LLP is lauded by clients for its ‘breadth of knowledge’ and ‘speed of engagement’. Practice head Jonathan Thornton - who draws praise for his 'eye for detail' - specialises in high-value share and business sales and joint ventures. Emma Shipp is rated for her ‘incredible attention to detail’ and ‘calm’ manner.

Widely praised by clients for its ‘commercial mindset’ and ‘breadth of knowledge’, the corporate team at RWK Goodman is a strong choice for a diverse roster of clients, advising on M&A, investments, joint ventures and disposals, among other matters. The team is spearheaded by John North, who has over 20 years of experience in a broad range of corporate and commercial transactions. Other notable individuals include Dominic Prentis, who is noted for his ‘razor sharp mind’ and ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law’, and Remy Ormesher, who is described as ‘incredibly knowledgeable, remarkably intelligent, clear and concise’. 

Simons Muirhead Burton is consistently sought out by start-ups and growth companies, multinationals and private equity funds, who turn to the ‘highly skilled’ team for its capabilities in private company M&A and investment transactions. The practice is jointly steered by Natalie Wright  and Peter Weiss; Wright is a key port of call for clients operating in the retail and beauty sectors, while Weiss is noted for his expertise in advising on corporate finance transactions. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of Ben Klinger, who joined from Seddons in March 2022, and Alon Domb, who joined from Ince & Co in January 2023. Rosalyn Breedy left the firm in July 2022.