Praised for its ‘high quality business-focused advice’, Clifford Chance LLP's team is particularly active across high profile advisory work, such as the implementation of broad-based employee share plans across multiple jurisdictions, and corporate transactions involving remuneration issues. The group is also well placed to advise on ESG remuneration matters and technical issues raised by the switch to a more hybrid workforce. Sonia Gilbert leads the team; her broad practice includes advising on board level hires and terminations and employee retention in the context of corporate transactions. Andrew Patterson, who is praised for his ‘industry knowledge and insight’, is well versed in corporate governance and global share plans, while David Baxter frequently guides public and private companies through the design and implementation of share incentive plans.
Employee share schemes in London
Clifford Chance LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Sonia Gilbert
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Patterson; David Baxter
Les références
‘The incentives and share schemes practice are the best available. Very responsive, expert in our industry sector and pro-active in advising us.’
‘Andrew Patterson is exceptional. He is always available, advice is robust and client friendly, industry knowledge and insight is excellent.’
‘Clifford Chance provides high quality, pragmatic, business focused advice and service. They manage complexity very well and truly partner with you to find solutions’
Principaux clients
Solvay
Optiver
Permira
Diageo
Airtel Africa
Jupiter
CVC
Harbour Energy
MetLife
Wizz Air
Informa
Adecco
Allegro
Itau
easyJet
Enstar
Monzo
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Devro as part of its takeover by SARIA, a German food and agriculture company that is part of the family run Rethmann group.
- Advised a major tech start-up on creating a crypto-token backed long-term incentive plan for senior employees.
- Advised Solvay on the implementation of an all-employee share purchase plan.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Praised for its ‘concise, relevant and commercial‘ advice, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s practice is active across the remunerations spectrum, with key areas of focus being share plan and incentives related issues, including on major corporate transactions such as the recent reverse takeover of Shaftesbury plc, and corporate governance advice. Clients include blue chip listed and private companies, with the team advising a number of clients within the financial services sector. 'Stand-out employee' Paul Ellerman and Mark Ife, who is praised for his 'exceptional depth and breadth of knowledge', lead the team. Kiran Khetia is an expert on cash and share-based incentive arrangements, while Niall Crean has a notable focus on financial services remuneration mandates.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Ellerman; Mark Ife
Autres avocats clés:
Kiran Khetia; Niall Crean; Chris White; Scott Miller
Les références
‘Very focused on understanding the client, and building relationships with the client, so that advice is concise, relevant and commercial.’
‘Mark Ife is exceptional – whip smart, pragmatic and gives quick, commercially aware advice. He is a pleasure to partner with.’
‘Team is proactive. They keep abreast of market trends and suggest changes to executive incentive arrangements rather than having to be asked.’
Principaux clients
Made.com Group Plc
easyJet Plc
Spirax-Sarco Plc
Moneysupermarket.com Plc
Suez
The Ardonagh Group Ltd
Associated British Foods Plc
Remy-Cointreau
Comcast
Hammerson Plc
BHP
WH Smith Plc
Jet2.com Plc
BAT Plc
Page Group Plc
Genus Plc
Kin + Carta Plc
Inchcape Plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Made.com on matters including the employee share schemes, remuneration and corporate governance aspects of its first annual report as a listed company.
- Advised Capital and Counties Properties on the share plan aspects of its £1.96 billion reverse takeover of Shaftesbury.
- Advised Stagecoach on the impact of a £595m public to private cash offer on its share plans, including its all-employee Share Incentive Plan.
Linklaters LLP
Praised for its ‘faultless technical detail’ Linklaters LLP 's broad incentives practice is well placed to advise public and private companies on major corporate transactions, global compliance and the design and implementation of executive and all-employee incentive arrangements. Known for its expertise in the financial services sector, the group assists clients from a range of sectors including retail and transport infrastructure. Alexandra Beidas leads the team, with her varied case load including advising on major corporate transactions and senior management hires and terminations. Cara Hegarty is noted for her expertise in advising boards and senior executives on remuneration strategy. ‘Commercial player’ Bradley Richardson has deep experience of advising on the establishment and operation of employee and executive remuneration programmes, while Nancy Price frequently assists major companies with assessing and managing the risks involved with international share plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alexandra Beidas
Autres avocats clés:
Cara Hegarty; Bradley Richardson; Ben McCarthy; Nancy Price
Les références
‘All of the Linklaters team are technically excellent, very responsive and good to deal with.’
‘Cara Hegarty is technically excellent but at the same time very good at distilling complex concepts into simple language for stakeholders.’
‘The team provide a consistently high level of advice and I appreciate both the technical expertise and the practical lens.’
Principaux clients
Montagu
Vistry Group Plc
Investec plc
Unilever
Phoenix Group Holdings plc
AUB Group Limited
Equiniti Group Limited
Hg Pooled Management Limited
Biffa Plc
Globalvía Inversiones S.A.
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Brookfield on its £4bn acquisition of Homeserve.
- Advising Vistry on its £1.25bn acquisition of Countryside Properties.
- Advising Montagu on the acquisition of Emerging Portfolio Funds Research.
Slaughter and May
Led by Charles Cameron, the ‘technically excellent’ team at Slaughter and May advises major public and private companies from a broad range of sectors on issues, such as directors’ renumeration policies, employee share-based incentive plans and the granting of share incentives to non-executive directors. The firm also frequently advises on the incentives aspects of major corporate transactions. Philip Linnard‘s broad practice extends to the operation of malus and clawback provisions. Padraig Cronin has in-depth knowledge of executive plans. ‘Share plans guru’, Ian Brown is equipped to assist with the design and implementation of discretionary and all-employee incentive arrangements, while the ‘outstanding’ Philippa O’Malley handles a broad range of contentious, advisory and transactional incentives matters. Rosemary Nelson and Richard Surtees are further names to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Charles Cameron
Autres avocats clés:
Philip Linnard; Ian Brown; Philippa O’Malley; Rosemary Nelson; Richard Surtees
Les références
‘Great commercial awareness, always able to present advice on highly complex issues in a clear and persuasive manner.’
‘Philippa O’Malley – first class lawyer. Very client focused, good commercial and practical solutions to complex problems.’
‘Availability, excellent interpersonal and listening skills and good balance of the technical, commercial and pragmatic.’
Principaux clients
Cineworld Group plc
GSK plc
Ocado plc
Intermediate Capital Group plc
M&G plc
Micro Focus International plc
Prudential plc
Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc
Vodafone plc
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advising GSK on its demerger of its consumer healthcare business to form a separate FTSE 100 company, Haleon.
- Acting for Prudential on the implementation of a suite of employee and agent share plans complying with UK regulatory requirements and the new Hong Kong Listing Rules.
- Acting for Hikma on the renewal of its executive incentive arrangements and directors’ remuneration policy to reflect the company’s operations in multiple jurisdictions.
Tapestry Compliance
Described by clients as a team that ‘lives and breathes share plans’, Tapestry Compliance assists a ream of blue chip clients, including Volvo, Unilever and Trip Advisor with ‘everything from day-to-day operational queries right through to complex transactional queries’. The team is co-led Hannah Needle, who is an authority on the design and implementation of new employee share plans, and Chris Fallon, whose expertise extends to employee benefit trusts. Bob Grayson is well placed to advise on matters concerning the Japanese market. Suzannah Crookes has recently leveraged her broad knowledge of share plans to assist with lobbying the government on the use of tax-advantaged plans in the context of the cost of living crisis. Lorna Parkin, Sally Blanchflower and Matthew Hunter are further names to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hannah Needle; Chris Fallon
Autres avocats clés:
Bob Grayson; Lorna Parkin; Sally Blanchflower; Matthew Hunter
Les références
‘The Tapestry team is well organised and each member has professional knowledge and skills in dealing with long-term incentive matters.’
‘The team at Tapestry provide pragmatic, commercial advice in a timely. They are also great fun to work with!’
‘Chris Fallon is technically excellent but has the ability to distill that knowledge into layman’s terms and provide pragmatic solutions.’
Principaux clients
The Coca-Cola Company
Dell
Aviva
Trip Advisor
HSBC
Sony
Tesco
Unilever
Rolls-Royce
Dr. Martens
Principaux dossiers
- Advise Unilever on its discretionary and all-employee awards, as well as a number of their corporate spin-offs and the impact on incentive awards.
- Advising Volvo in relation to new executive and all-employee share plans and their global implementation.
- Advising Morgan Stanley on their global executive incentive arrangements and assisting with the roll-out of a new all-employee plan across 33 jurisdictions.
Travers Smith LLP
Described by clients as a ‘team at the top of its game’, Travers Smith LLP excels at advising on the tax aspects of incentive arrangements, and is also well placed to advise on corporate, governance and corporate law considerations. The practice has additionally seen an increase in instructions in relation to advising on corporate governance matters for companies. ‘Thought leader’ Mahesh Varia heads the practice, and is active on the incentives arrangements of complex transactions and secondary buyouts. Elissavet Grout is instructed by a wide range of public and private company client and is praised for her ability to advise on the ‘intricacies of share plans‘. Employee benefit trusts and executive remuneration are among Claire Prentice‘s areas of expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mahesh Varia
Autres avocats clés:
Ellisavet Grout; Claire Prentice; Hugo Twigg
Les références
‘Mahesh Varia is a thought leader. He strikes the proper balance between commercial needs of clients and subject matter expertise.’
‘A brilliant employee share schemes team with an enviable breadth of knowledge and experience. Trusted for their technical capability but also their user friendly, commercial approach.’
‘We have worked closely with Mahesh Varia and his team for many years. As well as Mahesh, his colleagues Elissavet Grout, Claire Prentice and Hugo Twigg stand out.’
Principaux clients
Noble Corporation plc
Access Group
O.C.S Group
Autotrader Group
Brewin Dolphin
Ideagen plc
EMIS Group plc
Lifezone Metals
Crestchic plc
Equistone
Bridgepoint
Linde
Saria Nederland BV
S4
Alexander Mann
Mysale
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Brewin Dolphin on its recommended £1.6bn takeover by RSC Wealth Management.
- Advised AIM listed healthcare software solutions company EMIS Group on its £1.24bn takeover by United Health Group.
- Advised Noble Corporation on its $3.4bn merger with fellow drilling company, Maersk.
Baker McKenzie
The ‘very experienced’ team at Baker McKenzie maintains a strong employee benefits offering, which regularly handles senior executive renumeration work, the incentives aspects of cross-border transactions and the global implementation of share schemes sweet spots for the unit. Practice head Jeremy Edwards is well placed to advise listed companies on the structure and disclosure of remuneration for directors, while Gillian Parnell assists clients with the design and implementation of their UK and international share plans. Assisting clients to prepare for the April 2023 changes to IR35 stands out as a recent area of activity for Victoria Kirsch.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeremy Edwards
Autres avocats clés:
Gillian Parnell; Victoria Kirsch
Les références
‘Excellent knowledge with great response times to issues or questions.’
‘Gill Parnell is an excellent resource. She has a great knowledge of the market.’
‘The team are all very experienced, and work together well – both within the London office, and with their colleagues globally.’
Principaux clients
Smith & Nephew plc
Prudential plc
DS Smith Plc
Daily Mail & General Trust plc
Haleon plc
Coats
Kofax
Becton Dickinson
SThree plc
TBC
Pheon
Principaux dossiers
- Acting as the lead share plan adviser for Smith & Nephew.
- Assisting Prudential as their principal share plan adviser, with global compliance for their executive share plans and all employee share purchase plans.
- Assisting DS Smith with all aspects of their executive and all-employee share plan design, implementation and operation.
DLA Piper
The ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic team’ at DLA Piper is well regarded for its work advising multinational companies on the design and implementation of large-scale employee incentive plans across multiple jurisdictions. The group is well-placed to advise on the employee incentives and renumeration aspects of major corporate transactions. Practice head Nick Hipwell is praised by clients for being an ‘innovative and open partner who builds strong relationships and facilitates peer discussions’. The ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Sarah Ferguson is well-placed to advise companies on executive renumeration, while Martin MacLeod has a strong track record of advising on bespoke executive arrangements in incentive plans. Jordan Levy is noted for his expertise pertaining to the international operation of employee share plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nick Hipwell
Autres avocats clés:
Sarah Ferguson; Martin Macleod; Jordan Levy
Les références
‘Compelling, efficient and strong work from the team.’
‘Sarah Ferguson is the stand-out lawyer.’
‘Knowledgeable and pragmatic team.’
Principaux clients
Anglo American plc
NatWest Group plc
RPS Group plc
Belron Group SA
BrewDog
Halma plc
Hugo Boss
Enable Global Inc
PureTech Health plc
Wabtec Corporation
Guidewire Software Inc
SIG Group plc
NCC Group plc
Cellulant Corporation
Medica Group plc
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Anglo American with the designing and planning of documentation for a new all-employee share plan across 15 countries.
- Advising NatWest Group plc in relation to the tax treatment of its employee share plans in 20 countries.
- Advising RPS Group plc in relation to the employee share plan aspects of its £636m acquisition by Tetra Tech.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher's 'technically very strong' team handles share schemes advisory work, corporate support and employee ownership mandates. The team is particularly well regarded for its employee ownership expertise, and is praised for its ‘pioneering’ work relating to EOT transactions. The practice is co-led between Mark Gearing and Neil Palmer, with both praised for being ‘extremely knowledgable, accessible and pragmatic’ in their approach to EOT matters. Graeme Nuttall frequently advises the likes of HM Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs on employee ownership policy, while Jennifer Martin assists start-ups with the implementation of tax efficient share option plans for senior employees.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Gearing; Neil Palmer
Autres avocats clés:
Graeme Nuttall, Jennifer Martin
Les références
‘A very experienced team who have pioneered EOT transactions so all issues were well thought through and nothing came as a surprise.’
‘Great Team. Strong on incentives for UK quoted growth companies.’
‘Mark Gearing is first rate.’
Principaux clients
Global Law Talent Limited (trades as Shilton Sharpe Quarry)
Employee Ownership Foundation
The Center on Business and Poverty
Mick George Limited
Ocorian Trustees (Jersey) Limited
FEL Trustee Ltd
EnSilica plc
Gusbourne plc
Cleantech Lithium plc
CT Automotive Group plc
BBC Studios Distribution Limited
Blue Sky Financial Planning Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Global Law Talent on the transfer of 100% of the shares to an employee ownership trust.
- Advised Mick George Group on critical employee incentives matters relating to its sale to Hanson UK.
- Advised Cleantech Lithium plc on a new management incentive plan, to include equity awards to UK and overseas based management.
Macfarlanes LLP
Praised for its ‘wide range of relevant experience’, Macfarlanes LLP is engaged by a broad spectrum of clients, including international listed companies, private equity houses and family offices. The practice is well regarded for its experience related to the implementation and operation of share schemes and management incentive plans, and is handling an increasing amount of internationally mobile employment work. Robert Collard is praised for combining his ‘business experience with tax knowledge’ when assisting clients with management incentive issues. Rasmus Berglund‘s practice extends to advising banks and investment firms on compliance with UK and EU financial services remuneration regulation, and Mark Petch has an in-depth understanding of bespoke private company remuneration structures.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Collard
Autres avocats clés:
Rasmus Berglund; Mark Petch
Les références
‘Ras Berglund is a consummate professional and very knowledgeable about UK employee share schemes.’
‘Macfarlanes has a calm, reassuring approach with the right balance of professionalism and approachability without being old school legal.’
‘Rob Collard is able to combine business experience with tax knowledge in advising on management incentives.’
Pinsent Masons LLP
Venture capital-backed firms, and listed and unlisted companies make up the diverse client base which the 'excellent collaborative team' at Pinsent Masons LLP assists. The team regularly dispenses advice concerning share plan design, governance and remuneration policy. The practice also works closely with the firm’s employment team, notably in the financial services, energy, and technology sectors. Practice head Lynette Jacobs is well versed in the international operation of incentives plans and the use of employee trusts. James Sullivan-Tailyour primarily focuses on financial services remuneration regulation mandates, while Kate Dodsworth is apt at advising on overseas due diligence work.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lynette Jacobs
Autres avocats clés:
James Sullivan-Tailyour; Kate Dodsworth
Les références
‘Team is very strong with very good knowledge and ability to respond to queries in a comprehensive and timely manner.’
‘Very professional, responsive and provide good clear advice.’
‘Excellent collaborative team, enthusiastic and engaged in our share schemes.’
Principaux clients
Imperial Brands PLC
Wincanton PLC
Ithaca Energy plc
Carrs Group plc
TClarke Group plc
Buildots Ltd
Portmeirion Group plc
ANGLE plc
Halfords Group PLC
Mabey Hire Limited
Coca Cola
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Imperial Brands on the operation of its share plans globally. This covers six executive and all-employee plans operated across multiple jurisdictions.
- Advised Ithaca Energy plc in relation to its Main Market IPO which occurred in December 2022, and supporting Ithaca with its share incentive arrangements.
- Advising Halfords Group plc on day-to-day matters which arise in connection with the operation of its various share incentive arrangements.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard is noted for its capabilities in advising on the impact of corporate transactions on employee incentives and renumeration, encompassing corporate governance and employment taxes. Jonathan Fletcher Rogers leads the team, often assisting multinational clients with the implementation of global share plans. Leeds-based Martin Griffiths has extensive experience in agreeing share valuations with HMRC for Enterprise Management Incentive purposes. Ann Mosely is praised for providing advice that is 'fully aligned' to the strategy and existing constraints of her clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Fletcher Rogers
Autres avocats clés:
Martin Griffiths; Ann Mosely
Les références
‘Very capable team, strong in constructing employee share schemes. Able to form EBTs and facilitate introductions to EBT trustees.’
‘Martin Griffiths is bright, responsive, capable and innovative in driving solutions. Stand out individual.’
‘Ann Moseley provides tailored advice that is fully aligned to our strategy and within existing constraints. ’
Principaux clients
Britvic plc
Appreciate Group plc
Rathbones Group plc
K3 Capital Group plc
MusicMagpie plc
Associated British Food plc
Sanne Group plc
Curtis Banks plc
BNP Paribas SA
ECI Partners
Principaux dossiers
- Advised K3 Capital Group plc on the employee incentives aspsects of its £272m takeover by Sun Capital.
- Advised Sanne Group on the employee incentives aspects of its £1.5bn takeover by Apex.
- Advised Appreciate Group on the employee incentives aspects of its £83m takeover by PayPoint.
CMS
Praised by clients for being ‘highly adept at covering global corporates while still able to support early stage growth businesses’, CMS‘ broad offering encompasses advice on all-employee plans, employee ownership trusts (EOTs), global share plans and non-employee issues, such as share awards for consultants. Andrew Quayle leads the team and is well regarded for his expertise in advising private companies on management incentive plan. Graham Muir is praised for providing ‘pragmatic advice that stands the test of time’. Jaspal Pachu, who joined from Freeths LLP in May 2022, is a key contact for complex EOT mandates, while Catherine Merry is apt at advising financial institutions on incentives issues. Sarah McMaster and Cathy Wears are key names to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Quayle
Autres avocats clés:
Graham Muir; Catherine Merry; Sarah McMaster; Cathy Wears; Kate Haywood
Les références
‘Highly effective, efficient team.’
‘This team is highly adept at covering global corporates while still able to support early stage growth businesses.’
‘Andrew Quayle is a thoroughly decent human with a bright, capable mind. Exactly what you need in a lawyer.’
Principaux clients
InstaDeep Ltd
Evli Alexander Incentives Oy
Shareholders of Mobius
Principaux dossiers
- Advised InstaDeep on all of the share incentives aspects of its sale to BioNTech for up to £562m.
- Provided legal and tax compliance advice to Evli Alexander, assisting with securities laws filings and tax filings in over thirteen jurisdictions to date.
- Advised a large specialist construction company on the tax and incentives aspects of a move to partial employee ownership.
Cooley (UK) LLP
Praised by clients for the ability to ‘cover a wide range of countries and situations’, Cooley (UK) LLP frequently advises on the employee schemes aspects of large M&A transactions, and establishes new share plans for tech and life science companies. Additionally, the team frequently advises the boards of public and private companies on directors’ pay and hirings. Practice head Paula Holland sports extensive transactional expertise extending to UK and US IPOs. Nicola Squire, who was promoted to partner in January 2023, has longstanding experience in advising clients on private equity transactions and M&A. Bethan Chalmers has deep knowledge of share-based and cash-based incentive arrangements for employees and executives. Jia Xie is a key name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paula Holland
Autres avocats clés:
Nicola Squire; Bethan Chalmers; Jia Xie
Les références
‘I mainly use this team for the ability to work on share schemes and rely on their knowledge and scope to cover such a wide range of countries and situations.’
‘Their ability to cover both executive and non-executive programmes has not been rivaled by any other firm I have dealt with. The service is consistently fast, accurate and the team are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Nicola Squire deserves special mention, she is always available, very responsive and gives excellent advice that is commercially grounded.’
Principaux clients
Berkeley Group Holdings plc
Amryt Pharma Plc
Chegg, Inc.
DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc
DJS Antibodies Ltd
Kpler Holding SA
Digital Shadows Ltd
UiPath, Inc.
Quantifeed
Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Zephr Ltd
Endava plc
Exscientia plc
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has an established practice advising upon the tax aspects and practical implementation of employee incentive schemes across multiple jurisdictions. Instructed by a wide array of public and private companies, the team is praised for being ‘able to source advice from overseas offices at short notice’. Leeds-based practice head Mathew Gorringe has longstanding experience in designing and drafting bespoke incentive arrangements. Danny Blum heads the London team, and regularly advises clients ranging from FTSE100 to AIM listed companies on a broad range of incentives projects. Amanda Dodsworth and Victoria Green contribute their vast incentives expertise to the group.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mathew Gorringe
Autres avocats clés:
Danny Blum; Amanda Dodsworth; Victoria Green
Les références
‘Responsive, business minded and commercial.’
‘I’ve found the team to be very knowledgeable about tax efficient share based remuneration. They were able to provide UK advice and guidance on tax authority practice and source advice from overseas offices at short notice.’
‘Danny Blum is technically excellent and is well versed in latest HMRC practice and more generally practice within the market.’
Principaux clients
Pulse Clean Energy Limited
Corre Energy B.V.
Coventry University
MicroStrategy Inc.
Sygnature Discovery
London Heathrow Airport
Tekmar Group plc
Alcumus Group Limited
Coda Payments Pte Limited
NTT
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP handles a broad range of issues, including the corporate, tax, and regulatory aspects of management and employee share incentive arrangements. The practice leverages its global reach to produce country specific share plans. Group head Fiona Bantock is an authority on the tax and structuring aspects of employee incentives. Paul Randall has in-depth knowledge of executive compensation mandates, while Callum Fowers has a notable focus on the incentives aspects of public M&A deals.
Responsables de la pratique:
Fiona Bantock
Autres avocats clés:
Paul Randall; Callum Fowers
Principaux clients
Laboratory Corporation of America
Shaftesbury PLC
Tetra Tech, Inc.
Clipper Logistics plc
Flipkart Private Limited/PhonePe Private Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Shaftesbury on its recommended £5bn all-share merger with Capital & Counties Properties PLC.
- Advised Tetra Tech, Inc. on its competing and recommended £636m takeover offer of RPS Group plc.
- Advised PhonePe on the separation of ownership of PhonePe Private Limited, India from Flipkart Private Limited.
Latham & Watkins
The ‘super smart’ team at Latham & Watkins is geared to advise on a broad range of employee share scheme and incentives matters on IPOs, acquisitions and public company takeovers. The firm also stands out for its US listing expertise and wide-ranging incentives work with emerging companies. Sarah Gadd leads the practice and is well placed to advise on executive renumeration mandates. Kendall Burnett has broad expertise in cross-border M&A.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sarah Gadd
Autres avocats clés:
Kendall Burnett
Les références
‘Nothing is too much trouble for the Latham team – super smart and very efficient’
Principaux clients
Energy Capital Partners
Ares Management Limited
Agility Public Warehousing Co
SATS Ltd
PZ Cussons International Limited
Astorg Partners
Epiris
Venator Materials plc
Darktrace PLC
BenevolentAI
Eleusis Holdings Limited
SolGold plc
Bridgepoint Advisers Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Energy Capital Partners on share incentives, including in connection with its £1.3bn UK Takeover Code governed acquisition of Biffa.
- Advised Astorg and Epiris on share incentives in connection with the £1.6 billion UK Takeover Code governed acquisition of Euromoney Institutional Investor.
- Advised SATS on global incentive plans and implementation of new cashnand share based incentive plan in connection with its €1.2bn acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services.
Mishcon de Reya LLP
The ‘great team of expert share plan lawyers’ at Mishcon de Reya LLP is well placed to advise listed companies, financial services organisations and private companies on bespoke incentive structures, personal compensation packages for senior executives and contentious incentive issues. The group regularly handles take-private transactions for private equity firms. ‘Stand out advisor’ Stephen Diosi frequently advises entrepreneurs on bespoke incentive structuring for high value and growing enterprises. Geoff Dragon, who joined the team in January 2023, is frequently sought out by start-up and scaling technology companies. Non-lawyer partner Liz Hunter joined the team in August 2023 from KPMG, she is well-regarded for her knowledge of equity reward planning. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Sakhee Ganatra who has a ‘rich background of experience working with multiple private equity houses’. Neil Sharpe departed in January 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Diosi
Autres avocats clés:
Geoff Dragon; Liz Hunter; Sakhee Ganatra
Les références
‘Good team work and commercial approach – don’t get stuck in the details’
‘Stephen Diosi is particularly strong – leads from the front and very commercial.’
‘Stephen Diosi and Sakhee Ganatra are both a pleasure to deal with. They are really pleasant and truly know their stuff.’
Principaux clients
Robert Walters plc
Freetrade Limited
Keyword Studios plc
OpenPayd Holdings Limited
GAN Limited
Kindred Group plc
ADC Therapeutics SA
IXM SA
Axomic Ltd
Leonardo DRS Inc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Robert Walters on the operation of their employee share plans and the design and implementation of a new long term incentive plan.
- Advised Kindred on the design, implementation and launch of a new Global Option Plan for its executive management in the UK and Sweden.
- Advised GAN Limited on the design and implementation of a new global share purchase plan.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright exhibits ‘great breadth of knowledge across the team’, often handling complex advisory projects and international M&A matters for both public and private clients. The team also has longstanding experience of designing incentive plans for unlisted companies, frequently advising fintech clients. Matthew Findley leads the team; his varied case load includes advising on the investor relations issues associated with executive incentives. He is frequently supported by Barbara Gaffey who is singled out for her expertise in the global roll-out of employee share plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Findley
Autres avocats clés:
Barbara Gaffey
Les références
‘I worked with Norton Rose, they are responsive, extremely knowledgeable and work well together.
‘There was a great breadth of knowledge across the team and I found the technical expertise and knowledge around share schemes impressive. ’
‘Norton Rose were very collaborative and very much contributed to feeling like we were all delivering an outcome together.’
Principaux clients
Countryside Partnerships plc
Royal Bank of Canada
Allica Bank Limited
McGill and Partners Group Ltd
IMI plc
Centamin Plc
Beamery Inc.
Siteimprove A/S
KNEIP Management S.A
MTG Gaming AB
Crest Nicholson
Altus Strategies
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Countryside on all share plan and executive remuneration matters arising in relation to the takeover by Vistry.
- Advised Allica Bank Limited on revisions to its executive incentive plan and employee benefit trust arrangements.
- Advising Crest Nicholson on all employee share plan and executive remuneration issues.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP‘s ‘first rate legal and commercial advice’ is brought to bear on a wide range of incentives work including the incentives aspects of IPOs and M&A and the establishment of employee ownership trusts (EOTs). Long term incentive plans and employee benefit trust matters stand out as areas of expertise for practice head Michael Carter. Anika Chandra has been a driver behind the practice’s growing activity in EOT advisory work. The Bristol-based Rhiannon Jones and Samuel Marriott are further key contacts at the practice, advising numerous clients from the life sciences and healthcare sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Carter
Autres avocats clés:
Anika Chandra; Rhiannon Jones; Samuel Marriott
Les références
‘Outstanding, proactive, first rate legal and commercial advice, delight to work with Anika, Michael and their team.’
‘Anika Chandra, clear and easy to work with, fast proactive, commercial advice.’
‘Michael provides expert advice and is one of the top tax lawyers in this area.’
Principaux clients
Marshall Motor Holdings plc
Capdesk Holding
Project Donna Topco Limited
Spa Worldwide Limited
Volpi Capital LLP
AB Dynamics
Robiquity Group Limited
More2 Holdings Limited
Zeus Enterprise Limited
Founders Forum Group
Saf-T-Glo Limited
Spherics
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Marshall Motor Holdings on the £325m recommended offer by CAG Vega 2 Limited.
- Acted for Capdesk Holding APS on its sale to eShares, Inc (t/a Carta).
- Acted for the sellers on the sale of Project Donna Topco Limited to Mayfair Equity Partners.
Taylor Wessing LLP
Trusted by clients ranging from early-stage companies to multinational corporations, Taylor Wessing LLP houses broad practice, spanning hirings and firings, global share plan design and compliance reviews. The team is also active on transactional mandates such as fundraisings and acquisitions, frequently assisting employee benefit trusts. Team head Ann Casey is frequently sought out by technology and life science start-ups. Claire Matthews, who joined from the Linklaters’ Singapore office in July 2022, is an authority on executive renumeration. Katie Lewis and Karen Bail further contribute to the incentives expertise at the firm.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ann Casey
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Matthews; Katie Lewis; Karen Bail
Les références
‘The team was very quick to respond and always answered in an in-depth way.’
‘Claire Matthews was incredibly knowledgeable, kind and straightforward. Her expertise meant we were able to overcome a tricky issue which could have largely altered the course of our business direction. Claire offered many realistic and practical solutions.’
‘The team at Taylor Wessing have dealt with a wide range of issues related to various option schemes.’
Principaux clients
MiroBio Limited
Eneus Energy Limited
Multiverse Limited
TodayTix Group
Five.AI
Terrascope Limited (trading as FATMAP)
Roadchef management team
Kantox Holding, Ltd
Kili Topco Limited
Bridgepoint Growth
Vehera Limited (trading as Storage Made Easy)
E-Space Inc
Bolero.net Limited
Safety Holdings, Inc. (doing business as SambaSafety)
SS8 Networks, Inc.
Principaux dossiers
- Advised MiroBio Limited on the equity incentives aspects of its acquisition by Gilead for approximately $405m.
- Advised Eneus Energy on its Investment Agreement with US private equity firm Carlyle and Singaporean sovereign wealth fund GIC.
- Advising Kantox on its sale to French banking giant BNP Paribas.
Ashurst
The practice at Ashurst exhibits broad strength in advising on management incentive plans, executive appointments and dismissals, and incentives-related issues connected to major corporate transactions. Rebecca Servian heads the department and is praised by clients for having a ‘strategic eye on the best outcomes for individuals involved’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rebecca Servian
Les références
‘Team is very integrated, both within itself and with other complementary teams working on a big M&A transaction.’
‘Rebecca Servian has both a strategic eye on the best outcomes for the individuals involved and a keen sense of what was permissible within the UK legal system and constraints.’
Principaux clients
Chesnara
Generali
Global Aerospace
Guardian
Hawthorn Life
Ing Bank N.V.
JC Flowers
JP Morgan Asset Management
Lloyds Bank Plc
MetLife
Pacific Life
Punter Southall Group
Swiss Re
UIA Insurance
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Chesnara on the acquisition of Sanlam Life & Pensions UK Limited.
- Advised UIA on all aspects of a solvent wind-down.
- Advised Napo Limited on a Series A investment round as part of its rapid growth strategy.
Postlethwaite Solicitors Ltd
Well regarded for its work with EOTs, Postlethwaite Solicitors Ltd is also active across a wide range of share scheme work including company share option plans (CSOPs) and agreeing company valuations with HMRC for share scheme purposes. Robert Postlethwaite and David Reuben jointly lead the team and are both well placed to advise on 'both the positives and negatives of setting up an EOT'.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Postlethwaite; David Reuben
Autres avocats clés:
Jo Cunningham
Les références
‘Postlethwaite’s, gave us a very comprehensive and personal service. They definitely went the extra mile to ensure we understood both the positives and negatives of setting up an EOT.’
‘We worked with David Reuben and Jo Cunningham, both of who could not have done more for us. They made the whole process a breeze, with our interest at the heart of everything.’
‘Excellent team for specialist advice regarding employee ownership options.’
Principaux clients
A Local Printer Limited
Concepto Diagnostics Limited
Crookes Walker Consulting Limited
D&R Jointing Services Ltd
Energi Cable Services Limited
Hattons of London Ltd
Just Pudding Basins Limited
Kim Software Solution Limited
Lyon Equipment Limited
Minehead Medical Limited
Wise Productions (UK) Limited
Evenlode Investment Management Limited
Information Grid Ltd
Readly International AB
Like Minds (UK) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Minehead Medical Limited with seeking approval from the South West medical boards for its transition to an employee ownership trust.
- Assisted Hattons of London with the design and implementation of an ownership succession plan involving the acquisition by an employee ownership trust.
- Assisted Readly with the establishment of a Company Share Option Plan for its UK based employees.
Shoosmiths LLP
Often assisting serial investors and private company clients, Shoosmiths LLP advises on the design and implementation equity incentive arrangements and management incentive plans. The practice is jointly led by tax expert Tom Wilde and Dan Sharman, who is praised for his 'superb practical and legal knowledge in the area of employee share schemes'. Marie Mann is well versed in matters concerning company share option plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tom Wilde; Dan Sharman
Autres avocats clés:
Marie Mann
Les références
‘Dan Sharman and the team are responsive and accessible, bringing good ideas to the fore and calmly explaining the pros and cons of different structures.’
‘Dan Sharman led from the front – he was available when I needed him and was always calm and collected.’
‘Dan Sharman and Marie Mann are superb to work with. They had a unique capacity to manage a multi-jurisdiction employee share scheme.’
Principaux clients
Equitix Investment Management Ltd
Rothschild
TFC Europe Limited and Foresight Group LLP
Foresight Group LLP
Gresham House Investment Management (Guernsey) Limited
YFM Private Equity
Kortext Limited
Big Green Smile Limited
Octopus Investments Limited
Aramark Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Equitix Investment Management Ltd on its £84m investment into Freedom Fibre Limited.
- Advised Five Arrows Principal Investments IV Investment Holding Sarl, on its acquisition of Mintec.
- Advised EV Chargers Limited on its £165m investment from Denham which will be used to deliver EV charge points across the UK by 2027.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP acts in a number of incentives and remuneration arrangements of corporate transactions, alongside a range of advisory matters which span the day-to-day operation of incentive programmes, renumeration structures and executive appointments and departures. Team head and ‘go-to adviser’ Louise Batty is an expert on mandates that concern cross-border compliance with governance and regulatory rules. Kate Crompton is equipped to advise on the establishment and operation of employee benefit trusts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Louise Batty
Autres avocats clés:
Kate Crompton
Les références
‘Able to support and scale up quickly for urgent requests.’
We couldn’t ask for more from Louise Batty – she has a deep understanding of our incentive arrangements, our needs and our remuneration strategy.’
‘Louise and team continue to be our go-to adviser for all share incentives needs.’
Principaux clients
Spotify Technology S.A.
Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.
United Talent Agency
SP Plus Corporation
Barilla Iniziative S.p.A.
Sage Group plc
Unily
The shareholders of MiQ Digital Limited
JAB Holding Company LLC
Visa, Inc.
The Travelers Companies, Inc
Duck Creek Technologies, LLC
DWF Group plc
MJ Gleeson plc
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure
Janus Henderson Group plc
Genesys
Convera
Principaux dossiers
- Advised streaming music platform Spotify Technology S.A. in relation to the incentives aspects of its acquisition of Sonantic Limited.
- Advised Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd on the incentives aspects of the $125m sale of Argo Underwriting Agency Limited and its Lloyd Syndicate 1200 to Westfield Insurance.
- Advised Genesys in connection with a global compliance review of the re-structure and operation of its equity incentive arrangements in 26 jurisdictions.
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood‘s employee share scheme and incentives team advises on numerous employments terminations and hires, cash incentive arrangements and regulatory remuneration issues. The group regularly assists an array of AIM traded clients, private equity portfolio companies and other private companies. Team head Nicholas Stretch is praised for his ability to simplify 'the complex area of share incentives'.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nicholas Stretch
Les références
‘Excellent understanding of share plans and how companies can get the most out of their use.’
‘Nicholas Stretch is very likable and his experience is exceptional. He is a joy to work with.’
‘The team at Stephenson Harwood is knowledgeable, practical and very responsive. Extremely easy to work with and proactive in getting in touch about potential changes.’
Principaux clients
Steer Davies Gleave
Liberum
Abellio
Bowmark Capital
Hotel Chocolat
Futura Medical
FPE
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Steer Davies & Gleave Limited on an internal reorganisation which had a number of complicated employee share plan and trust aspects.
- Acted for Abellio and a company which has been set up as a buy-out vehicle to acquire the operator of a number of train and bus routes to establish a new share incentive arrangement.
- Advised Hotel Chocolat on number of incentives-related matters this year.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP's tax benefits and executive compensation team advises on a wide range of share schemes, including tax-efficient employee and management incentive arrangements and support on complex cross border corporate transactions. The team is also able to advise on related issues such as tax, securities and governance laws. Oliver Walker co-heads the practice, having a proven track record of advising on corporate structuring matters and tax disputes. Co-head Kevin Donegan's practice straddles both transactional support and design and implementation of employee and management incentive schemes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Walker; Kevin Donegan
Principaux clients
Eutelsat
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Permira
EO Charging
Generation Investment Management
CIIG Capital Partners
Sumeru Equity Partners
Howden
Advent
Macquarie Asset Management
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Regularly instructed by overseas companies to handle Enterprise Management Incentive plan matters, the team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is also well versed in mandates that concern hiring and termination of senior executives. The ‘whip smart’ David Dennison heads up the department; performance share plans and employee benefit trust work stand out as recent areas of activity for the ‘experienced practitioner’.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Dennison
Les références
‘David is a very experienced practitioner, whip smart and very user friendly. No particular innovations, but the cost of the project was very competitive.’
‘David Dennison – hugely experienced. Very user friendly. Extremely clever.’
Principaux clients
SDX Energy PLC
Jadestone Energy PLC
Kape Technologies PLC
Raven Property Group Limited
Greatland Gold PLC
Playtech PLC
Pensana PLC
Industrials REIT Limited.
Trident Royalties PLC
FRP Advisory Group PLC
Principaux dossiers
- Represented SDX Energy PLC, an AIM traded company, in connection with its recommended share for share combination with Tenaz Energy Corp with a cash alternative.
- Retained by Greatland Gold PLC to prepare one off option agreements for non-executive directors.
- Advised Pensana PLC on updating its employee incentive plan to take account of its delisting from the Australian Stock Exchange.
Fox Williams LLP
Fox Williams LLP frequently advises North American clients on the share incentive aspects of acquisitions or strategic investments into UK private companies. The team also frequently assists clients within the technology and fintech arenas. Practice head Emma Bailey maintains her focus on establishing enterprise management incentive option schemes for key executives. Bailey is frequently supported by 'technically very able and experienced' tax specialist Jo Varia.
Responsables de la pratique:
Emma Bailey
Autres avocats clés:
Jo Varia
Les références
‘Emma Bailey has been knowledgeable, practical and accessible in her area.’
‘We find Fox Williams to give top-level English law advice across a number of specialised areas, including employment and share schemes.’
‘Emma Bailey is a very able and innovative lawyer who is highly experienced in advising on all types of employee share schemes and incentives.’
Principaux clients
Constellation Software Inc.
Rollins Inc
Trustbridge Globa Media
Allica Bank
Miura Systems Limited
Auckett Swanke
Quorsos Limited
Metatek Group
Bladonmore Limited
Gramafilm Limited
Management of London & Capital Group
Fund Ourselves
InvestEngine (Holdings) Limited
Blis Global Limited
Zavfit Limited
Vita Brevis Limited (t/a VIP Ski)
Adsum Technology Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a number of divisions within the Constellation Software Inc. Group in respect of employee equity incentive issues arising from their acquisitions of UK companies.
- Advised Bladonmore on appropriate equity incentive structures for its senior employees and directors.
- Advised Miura Systems Limited on the implementation of bespoke employee equity incentive arrangements.
Mayer Brown International LLP
International share plans, growth share arrangements, and fund structures stand out as areas of focus for Mayer Brown International LLP's practice. Andrew Stanger leads the team, utilising his in-depth knowledge of tax-advantaged arrangements and carried interest plans.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Stanger
Principaux clients
Tungsten West plc
Cornish Lithium plc
Mitie Group plc
Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc
Sotheby’s
Shearwater Group plc
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP's team provides 'highly relevant and timely' share schemes and incentives advice on a range of UK, European and US transactions, in addition to assisting private and public companies with the structuring and implementation of equity incentive arrangements. Practice head Anna Humphrey regularly advises clients from the technology and life sciences sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anna Humphrey
Autres avocats clés:
David Walder
Les références
‘Highly relevant and timely advice. Personable.’
‘Responsive and they understand our needs.’
‘A competent and helpful team that maintains its flexibility despite the law firm’s size.’
Principaux clients
Conjecture
Dream Games
EVRYTHNG
Fidel
Foodics
Let’s Do This
National World
Onto
Outverse Limited
Phrasee Limited
Re:infer
Rossum Ltd
Scoro Software
Shipamax
Sonantic
Uberall
Unbiased EC1
Wirex
Ziglu
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Sonantic Limited on the employee share scheme aspects of its acquisition by Spotify, a Stockholm based music streaming service provider.
- Advised Ziglu Limited, on the employee share scheme aspects of the company’s acquisition by Robinhood.
- Advised Re:Infer on the employee share scheme aspects of the company’s acquisition by UiPath.