Our corporate team is recognised for its expertise in all aspects of mergers & acquisitions, ranging from complex cross-border acquisitions and disposals to smaller UK private company transactions.
We advise buyers, sellers and financial advisers on both public and private mergers & acquisitions and are supported by an excellent tax team. Our clients range from large multinational corporates and independently owned entrepreneurial businesses to investors (whether private equity and venture capital funds or high net worth individuals and family offices).
We provide a hands-on, practical, partner led service and our strong teamwork and efficient working practices enable us to manage transactions effectively and achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
Advised TSX-listed Constellation Software and its Volaris, Vela, Jonas, Harris, Perseus and TSS operating groups on numerous UK acquisitions of vertical market software companies.
Advised the shareholders of payments business, Infinity International, on its sale to Pollen Street Capital backed, Currency Holdings Limited.
Advised the main shareholders of the cinema and film distribution group, Curzon, on the sale to USA based, Cohen Media Group.
Advised NYSE-listed Rollins Inc on its acquisitions of Van Vynck Environmental Services and Albany Environmental Services.
Advised Realty Invest Holding LLP (RIH), a limited liability partnership incorporated in Kazakhstan, on its US$46 million unrecommended takeover of main market listed Chagala Group limited.
Advised Trustbridge Global Media, owned by international private equity firm Trustbridge Partners, on its landmark acquisition of the children’s book publisher Walker Books Limited. The complex transaction involved the acquisition of the majority shareholding in Walker Books from two discretionary trusts which held the shares for the benefit of employees and authors, and the acquisition of the remaining shares from over 300 employees and authors who held shares either directly or through the Walker Books’ share incentive plan.
Advised the shareholders and management of regulatory infrastructure provider Lawson Conner on the £48 million sale of the business to Astorg private equity.
Advised the management team of fintech business, Risk First Group, on its sale to USA-based Moody’s Analytics.
Advised the shareholders of Adam Phones on the sale of the company’s entire issued share capital to Radius Payment Solutions, a leading independent service provider to the fleet and logistics market.
Advised Jim Lewcock and various other founders on the sale of their shareholdings in The Specialist Works Limited by virtue of a management buyout.
I would like to sell my company or business, can you help?
Yes. We have a strong team that is recommended by the legal directories for its mergers and acquisitions capability. We can also call in the expertise of several other specialist departments including tax and employment to deal with the legal issues which come up during the sale process.
I would like to a buy a company or business, can you help?
Yes, we have a strong and experienced team that will help you achieve a successful acquisition. We will work with you to run a structured and efficient process and we will provide pragmatic advice and solutions when issues arise.
Are you a partner-led service?
Yes, our partners are involved throughout the transaction. They are supported by a strong team of associates and we ensure that the work is done by the right lawyer to achieve a cost-effective result.
What are the main stages of selling your business in the UK?
To start with you may be sent a “subject to contract offer”. If this is agreed you would typically then agree “heads of terms” or a “term sheet” to set out the proposed main terms. The seller would then typically populate a data room and respond to due diligence questions. Finally you move onto the negotiation of the main sale documents including disclosure against the sought warranties.
Can you advise on cross border mergers and acquisitions?
Yes, with the world so international most of our transactions involve an element of cross border work, whether an overseas buyer or the seller having operations overseas. We have excellent relationships with a range of international law firms with whom we work closely to ensure that your transaction is handled in a “joined up” manner.