The five-partner corporate and commercial practice at Ashtons Legal works across the firm’s office network, with Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds being key hubs of activity. In Ipswich, practice head Geoff Hazlewood handles corporate transactions and care home matters, and Paul Whittingham has a niche practice advising independent veterinary practices. Senior associate Craig Fiddaman stands out for his work on share and asset transactions, restructuring, corporate governance and commercial agreements. The team is noted as being 'extremely responsive, commercially savvy and pragmatic in its approach'.
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in East Anglia in East Anglia
Ashtons Legal
Responsables de la pratique:
Geoff Hazlewood
Autres avocats clés:
Paul Whittingham; Craig Fiddaman
Les références
‘The team is extremely responsive and able to deal with tight deadlines. They are commercially savvy and pragmatic in their approach.’
‘Craig Fiddaman is particularly good at pushing forward rapidly even when deal dynamics may change. We are extremely appreciative to him for his support.’
‘Personalised friendly, flexible and accessible service across the organisation. The team convey legal speak in a clear and easy way to ensure that as the client, we understand their advice and can discuss with clarity amendments etc with partners.’
Principaux clients
Stow Healthcare Group
Cosworth Group
Medical Management Systems
TaxAssist Group
Signs Express
Titan Motorsport & Automotive Engineering
Camgrain
xDNA Group Limited
FO Ventures Limited (Flip Out)
HTK
Sutura Group Limited
easyGym
Witnesham Ventures Limited
ServiceTick
Ubisend
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Stow Healthcare Group on the purchase of two further care homes in close succession both funded by NatWest.
- Advising a client on the restructuring of the existing group (providing general insurance and financial advice services), with the sale of the General Insurance division to GRP.
- Acting for Titan Engineering Group Limited in debt-backed MBO with funds from Shawbrook Bank.
Birketts LLP
Birketts LLP has a long-standing reputation as a leading corporate and commercial practice in Suffolk though its Ipswich office frequently handles work from beyond the region. The team is described as ‘responsive, accurate and understanding‘. It is led by Alexandra Nelson, who has particular expertise in advising manufacturers and distributors of highly engineered products; senior partner James Austin, who handles commercial contracts and transactional matters; commercial and technology specialist Mark Gipson; and finance partner Andrew Tubb. Employee incentives specialist Lisa Hayward and senior associate Emma Bysouth are also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alexandra Nelson; James Austin; Mark Gipson; Andrew Tubb; Lisa Hayward
Autres avocats clés:
Andreea Brindas; Emma Bysouth
Les références
‘I have recently completed a corporate acquisition with this team. At all times they were responsive, accurate and understanding of our requirements. All documentation was fully explained and guidance provided throughout the process. Contentious issues with the other party were handled in a highly professional manner and the end result was successfully delivered in line with the brief.’
‘With Alexandra Nelson we felt in totally safe hands at all times. Overall I would describe Alex as an exceptional lawyer and a pleasure to work with. Alex was assisted by her associate Andreea Brindas whose attention-to-detail and overall support was exceptional.’
Greene & Greene
The five-partner practice at Greene & Greene in Bury St Edmunds has a strong roster of regional and national work and ‘can punch above its weight’. ‘Knowledgeable and highly pragmatic‘ practice head Simon Ratcliffe namely handles the acquisition, disposal and reorganisation of private companies; notably, he recently worked with Andrew Cooper to advise Xenia Broking Group Limited on the acquisition of Hong Kong entity Capstone Insurance Brokers. Cooper and Neil R Walmsley ‘provide a first-class service and are great at finding commercial solutions‘. The ‘accessible and proactive‘ Mark Daly is involved in high-value and cross-border transactions for public and private companies, and Mark Whittaker frequently advises private equity and venture capital clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Ratcliffe
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Cooper; Mark Daly; Mark Whittaker; Neil R Walmsley
Les références
‘On the commercial side Simon Ratcliffe is very competent and experienced. I have used him for a number of businesses I work with and he has always delivered an excellent result.’
‘Simon Ratcliffe is very strong – knowledgeable and highly pragmatic. He is keen to understand the businesses he is working with and ask plenty of questions so that his advice is well-grounded.’
‘Andrew Cooper and Neil R Walmsley provide a first-class service – they are great at helping us find commercial solutions on deal structure and understand our business well.’
Principaux clients
Material Change Limited & Others
Xenia Broking Group Limited (part of the Kentro Capital Group)
Wonde Limited
Jordan Environmental Limited
X-on Limited
Southdowns Environmental Consultants Limited
Lawton Yarns Limited
HTG Trading Limited
Real Time Communications Limited
Treatt plc
Future Marine Services / Safe STS
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Material Change Limited & Others on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Material Change Renewable Energy Limited and on the negotiation of a suite of long-term operation and supply contracts to the sites sold.
- Advising shareholders of X-on Limited on the high-value sale of the entire issued share capital to Southern Communications Group, complicated by the existence of an Employee Benefit Trust and associated EMI option scheme.
- Acting for the shareholders of Southdowns Environmental Consultants Limited on the sale of the entire issued share capital to RWDI; the sale was to a North American/Canadian group and involved significant cross-border issues.
Greenwoods Legal
Greenwoods Legal hired new practice head Stephen Jarvis from Ince & Co in July 2022; former head Alastair Gunn departed to Buckles Solicitors LLP in the same month. Jarvis works across offices and is expanding the firm’s roster of international work, as well as its regional and national client base. He calls upon a talented team of lawyers, among them senior associates Claire Banks, who is ‘excellent in communication‘, and the ‘professional, knowledgeable‘ Victoria Robinson, who handles acquisitions, disposals, and group reorganisations. The firm is known for ‘personable client management and advice tailored to business needs‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Jarvis
Autres avocats clés:
Victoria Robinson; Claire Banks
Les références
‘Claire Banks is excellent in communication, keeping me informed along the way and translates legal copy to a form I can understand and digest.’
‘Personable client management and they work through your needs and issues in a structured way which feels very tailored to business needs.’
‘We worked closely with Victoria Robinson, who is professional, knowledgeable and also shows a real interest in our business and what we need to achieve.’
Principaux clients
Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA)
DZB Holdings Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising a Guernsey incorporated company in relation to its multi-million pound acquisition of a Jersey incorporated SPV which holds 3 large investment properties in the UK.
- Provided local advice on the English aspects of on an asset acquisition of an appliance business from a leading global manufacturing corporation as part of a large multinational deal.
- Advising a leading regional private equity investment firm on its multi-million pound investment into a Peterborough-based business specialising in the manufacture and installation of glazing products.
Buckles Solicitors LLP
Buckles Solicitors LLP's Peterborough-based corporate and commercial group was bolstered in July 2022 with the arrival of new team lead Alastair Gunn from Greenwoods Legal who notably recently advised on the sale of the entire issued share capital of John W Doubleday Limited Group. On M&A transactions, the firm ‘works at pace with flexibility where required'. Longstanding partner Nigel Moore and senior associate Katy Poole, who provides ‘quality advice and appreciates the commerciality of the situation‘, play pivotal roles in the practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alastair Gunn
Autres avocats clés:
Nigel Moore; Katy Poole
Les références
‘Buckles LLP has proved a key partner to us in delivering growth strategy through the provision of key advice and M&A services. Buckles have worked at pace, with flexibility where required and been responsive. The quality of the advice, documentation and services provided have been to a very high standard throughout.’
‘Katy Poole has adopted a proactive approach, demonstrating dedication to the task in hand, appreciation of deadlines and flexibility required to deliver whilst providing quality advice and appreciating the commerciality of the situation.’
‘Buckles has a very knowledgeable commercial team. They have the feeling of a local firm without sacrificing the expertise required to work on a complex matter. They were able to put together a billing approach that was appropriate to the deal size. They were also modern in their approach to technology.’
Principaux clients
Greeen+ Limited
Electronic Cigarettes Limited
Pajef Limited
Elton John Aids Foundation
Princebuild Holdings Limited
Hydromarque Limited
Doubleday Family
Yours Clothing Limited
Ellisons Solicitors
The Ipswich office of Ellisons Solicitors is a key hub for its firm-wide corporate and commercial practice, and clients note that the team is ‘consistently impressive in terms of legal expertise, quality of service and ability to deliver under pressure‘. M&A specialist Petra Sharp, who was promoted to partner in June 2022, notably advised AQUOS SCHOTTEL Marine Technologies on a multimillion-pound acquisition.
Autres avocats clés:
Petra Sharp
Les références
‘We have used Ellisons for a number of years and have always valued their pragmatic and helpful approach. They have assisted us with a number of complex transactions including many with cross-jurisdictional elements, and are consistently impressive in terms of both their legal expertise, quality of service and ability to deliver under pressure. They also display a real depth of expertise in relation to commercial contract issues which has been invaluable when dealing with joint venture parties and others.’
‘Ellisons are unique in my experience, with proactive teams, working quickly, communicating regularly (both by telephone and email) and readily driving through the process to bring about a successful conclusion within the timeframe specified.’
‘I have worked with Petra Sharp for many years. The quality I most value is a wonderful mix of pragmatism and an edge of steel when needed in asking for something from another party. There is not an engagement with her (and the firm she works for) when I don’t quietly say “thank God we have Petra on our side” afterwards.’
Principaux clients
AQUOS SCHOTTEL Marine Technologies GmbH
Schottel Industries GmbH
David Burr Estate Agency Co Ltd
Easee UK Ltd
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Aquos Schottel Marine Technologies GmbH in connection with their acquisition of anchoring and mooring business, Swift Anchors, from blue economy solutions provider Sustainable Marine Limited for an undisclosed sum.
- David Burr Estate Agency Co Ltd – provided general corporate and commercial advice to the company throughout the year.
- Provided extensive commercial legal support to Easee UK Ltd over the previous twelve months in relation to several key contracts between Easee and its suppliers and customers.
Gotelee Solicitors
Gotelee Solicitors, which is based primarily in Ipswich but has a network of smaller offices across Suffolk, is a key adviser to SMEs and owner-managed businesses. Its corporate and commercial team is regarded as being ‘very well put together to provide a great breadth and depth of experience'. ‘Calm and considered ‘ lead partner Max Harnden is the lynchpin of the practice. He recently advised Emirates Logistics Services Ltd on a share sale and assisted Spring Design and Advertising Limited with a management buyout transaction.
Responsables de la pratique:
Max Harnden
Autres avocats clés:
Sian Walker
Les références
‘The team we have spoken to, which includes several different departments, are a collective. They offer a comprehensive service and are adept at consulting with other areas to clarify issues or when other parties may be better placed to offer the best advice. Throughout our experience over the last year our service has been personal, insightful, helpful and collaborative. They most definitely work on your side and in protection of your interests. This has been most valued when navigating the tricky waters of corporate and commercial legalities.’
‘We have dealt with Max Harnden for the majority of our questions regarding a business share sale. While he heads up the division as a partner we are very aware that he heads up a team. Whenever we have wanted to speak to him he has either been available for us or has returned a call. His team have also been likewise supportive and engaging.’
‘It is the personal nature of the firm that has most impressed, whether that be in dealing with the purchase of a piece of land or sale of shares. It is good to have an engaging and friendly solicitor that you know is on your side from the start.’
Principaux clients
Emirates Logistics Services Ltd
Spring Design and Advertising Limited
Deben Valley Equine Veterinary Clinic
Prettys Solicitors LLP
Prettys Solicitors LLP in Ipswich continues to grow its practice and expand its client base both locally and across the region. Ian Waine, whose advice is ‘clear and concise', leads the corporate and commercial group, working closely with lead data protection services practitioner Emma Loveday-Hill. Sarah Lewis joined from Birketts LLP in October 2022; she brings niche expertise in the motor industry to the team and frequently acts for family-owned businesses. Also noteworthy is Daniel Billson who is noted as having ‘no trouble understanding matters from the client’s perspective'; he recently advised the owners of Deben Publishing Limited on its sale to Hachette UK Limited.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ian Waine; Emma Loveday-Hill
Autres avocats clés:
Sarah Lewis; Daniel Billson
Les références
‘The Prettys are experienced and knowledgeable and are large enough to provide cover and expertise in specific areas. They appear to communicate well with their clients and provide regular informative events.’
‘Ian Waine stands out in my experience. Apart from being a very interesting and engaging individual, Ian always impresses when it comes down to the matter at hand. His advice is clear and concise and yet he’s still open to hearing our opinion – this attribute, in particular, is one of the reasons we have used Prettys for many years.’
‘Daniel Billson is a great corporate and contract lawyer. I really like working with Daniel, not only is he extremely competent and experienced in his field, he is a great human being who has no trouble understanding matters from the client’s perspective.’
Principaux clients
3HA Ltd
Arthur D Little Services SAS
BTS Group Limited
Care UK
Clearsprings Ready Homes Ltd
Godolphin Management Co Ltd
Itsu (Grocery) Limited
Itsu Limited
Le Bas Group
Maritime Transport
Micro Scooters Ltd
ONE Group Construction
The Change Group Corporation Limited
The DPO Centre Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the seller on the sale of a publishing company for an undisclosed sum.
- Advised the seller on the sale of the whole of the issued share capital of its company to a US listed corporation for an undisclosed sum.
- Advised Maritime in connection with the commercial contract aspects of a multi-million pound development agreement for lease of the 6.8 hectare Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal at Segro Logistics Park.
Roythornes Solicitors
The Alconbury office of Roythornes Solicitors is the main base for the firm’s corporate and commercial practice, which is led by Martin Jinks, who frequently handles matters in the construction and engineering sectors, including those relating to the contractual issues involved in outsourcing. Notably, he recently advised shareholders of Naylor Nutrition Group on the creation of a €34m joint venture company. Mike Matthews leads the M&A sub-group and is ‘friendly, professional and thorough at every turn‘. Commercial specialist Julia Seary and ‘exceptionally well organised, clear and impressive‘ corporate restructuring practitioner Lizzie Walters also play central roles in the practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Jinks
Autres avocats clés:
Mike Matthews; Julia Seary; Lizzie Walters; Beth Wallace; Joanne Sinclaire
Les références
‘A great team who worked well together to achieve a good value and excellent result for us. Roythornes made sure that the right quality and standard of service was used at each turn to maintain sensible costs for us. Each team member was very professional and enjoyable to work with.’
‘Mike Matthews was excellent throughout, friendly, professional and thorough at every turn that gave me full confidence in the service I was being given.’
‘Mike Matthews and the team at Roythornes were great to work with throughout the whole M&A process, they adopted a responsive and practical approach which is refreshing to find in what can be a slow and cumbersome process.’
Principaux clients
Ceres Rural LLP
TC Bulley Davey Limited
BA Bush & Son Limited
FESA (UK) Limited
Peterborough Renewable Energy Limited
Frontier Agriculture Limited
Pigeon Investment Management Limited
Majestic Bingo Limited
Inivos Scientific Limited
Specialist Health Solutions Limited and group companies
Lawrence David Limited
S Holdings Limited
The shareholders of Public View
The shareholders of Euro Resin
Sakata UK Limited
Fortis Hire
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a large group of companies with a value in excess of £20m in respect of a multi stage demerger and divisionalisation of various business units.
- Advised a £60m group of companies in respect of an MBO.
- Advised S Holdings Limited in respect of the sale of shares in Opals Group Limited.
Aquabridge
Aquabridge‘s corporate and commercial team has strong relationships with its client list, which is formed in part of owner-managed businesses across the region, and it well-versed in handling SME transactions predominantly in the £1m to £10m range. The ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ Keith Vincent and Simon Letts, who is ‘able to quickly grasp the issue being address and deliver effective advice and solutions‘, split their time between Chelmsford and Felixstow; they recently acted for Outlook Care in the acquisition of the St George Nursing Care home.
Responsables de la pratique:
Keith Vincent; Simon Letts
Les références
‘The team are embracing technology, are approachable, pragmatic and skilled at getting transactions completed.’
‘Simon Letts and Keith Vincent are both very approachable and knowledgeable. Always on-hand and available.’
‘Very knowledgeable.’
Principaux clients
Maze Logistic Solutions
The Mel Group
Edison House Group
Ipswich Tyre Group
Cameron Ventures Group
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Outlook Care on the purchase of the St George Care Home from Newton Chinneck Limited.
- Advised Discovery First Ltd, the owner of the well-established group of day care nurseries on its purchase of The Haven 2000 Nursery and Preschool.
- Advised Brome Grange Hotel Limited on its sale of the Brome Grange Hotel.
Hunt & Coombs LLP
Hunt & Coombs LLP in Peterborough is described as ‘a long-standing firm in the area, with great local knowledge'. The corporate and commercial team 'provide an efficient service'. Former practice head Anna Spriggs departed in April 2023 to the Northampton office of Howes Percival LLP; April 2023-promoted partner Olivia Chalmers now leads the practice. The team is adept in acting for a diverse client base of sole traders, start-ups, regional SMEs and leading national brands, among them Anglia Home Furnishings Limited.
Responsables de la pratique:
Olivia Chalmers
Les références
‘A long-standing firm in the area, great local knowledge and strong partners.’
‘Approachable, good local knowledge and provide an efficient service.’
‘In 40 years of working with solicitor in my profession, I can say that Olivia Chalmers is one of the best.’
Principaux clients
Shareholders of Aprenda Limited
Anglia Home Furnishings Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the shareholders of Aprenda Ltd in the disposal of the entire issued share capital of the company to the international BRUSH Group.
- Providing general corporate and commercial services for Anglia Home Furnishings Limited to include group company secretarial services, corporate guidance for on-boarding of new directors and general commercial contracts advice.
Nicholsons Solicitors LLP
At Nicholsons Solicitors LLP, which has offices in Lowestoft and Norwich, ‘efficiency and effectiveness are core principles'. The firm remains the only commercially-focused law firm on the Norfolk/Suffolk coast and throughout the Waveney Valley. ‘Friendly yet professional' managing partner Joseph Long is ‘a great asset on any deal' who frequently receives referrals from both medium and large-sized local and regional accountancy firms.
Responsables de la pratique:
Joseph Long
Les références
‘An extremely talented diverse team of professionals, with efficiency and effectiveness as a core principle.’
‘Joseph Long is a great asset on any deal, moving the transaction along with skill to minimise delays.’
‘The team at Nicholsons demonstrated great communication at all times, professional and friendly, dealing with the sale of my business they gave me total confidence through out that they were navigating the difficult obstacles thrown up by due diligence in a way that was obtaining a win win scenario. No cost surprises at the end.’
Taylor Rose MW
Taylor Rose MW is led by Peterborough-based Stephanie Creasey, who ‘works tirelessly to ensure her clients are happy and provides an excellent service’. The commercial practice is best known for its provision of ‘excellent advice and a professional service’. The firm has a growing roster of clients, among them Brightfield Group Ltd, Creative Models Limited and ADNE Properties Limited.
Les références
‘Taylor Rose has always provided excellent advice, professional service and delivered on time and budget.’
‘Stephanie Creasey delivers services clearly and when promised which makes the process easy – she is very supportive.’
‘The departments within the team worked brilliantly hand-in-hand to adhere to our needs.’
Principaux clients
Brightfield Euro Limited
Brightfield Group Ltd
ADNE Properties Limited
Persuasion Jujitsu
Creative Models Limited
Patricia Hewitt t/a Tap HR
Newmafruit Farms Limited
Independence Support Ltd
Leigh & Charlotte Harris
Chorus Creative Group Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Brightfield Euro Limited on the £5.8m sale of the entire issued share capital of Postland Estates Limited.
- Advised Creative Models Limited on a share for share exchange and group restructure.
- Advised Brightfield Group Limited on its sale of the entire issued share capital in Bright PE1 Limited.