Based in Cheltenham, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP‘s corporate practice acts for an enviable roster of clients including those hailing from the aviation, renewables and technology sectors. The firm is well known for its strong offering in M&A, particularly pertaining to the Middle East and Africa. Practice head Richard Norton focuses on corporate finance and banking transactions, with banks, borrowers and international companies among his client base. Jonathan Morley ‘delivers complex legal advice in a clear manner’ and is particularly active within the private equity space. Legal director Edward Robinson has built a niche specialism in corporate transactions involving the sub-Saharan region.

Gardner Leader LLP, based in Swindon, provides advice to a wide range of both domestic and multinational corporations on their transactions in the South West. Praised for its ‘specific and detailed experience’, corporate and commercial mandates are handled by two distinct teams, which work closely together on transactions. Philip Humphreys oversees both teams and is regularly engaged to act on share and asset deals on behalf of vendors. The corporate department is headed by Joe Lewis, while Peter James leads on commercial work. Jeff Jenkins retired in June 2022 and Belinda Walters left for Moore Barlow in October of the same year.

The corporate practice at Harrison Clark Rickerbys has wide-ranging expertise, with the team regularly advising on management buyouts, joint ventures, and private equity deals. Clients hail from sectors spanning the healthcare, technology, education, and retail industries, where the group is also able to leverage its expertise across IP and IT matters. Tim Ward, who is particularly experienced in succession planning work, leads the practice together with IT and outsourcing expert Steve Thomas. ‘Strong negotiator and easy communicator’ Rachael Reeves is a go-to contact for venture capitalists, SMEs, and startups.

Having merged with Goodman Derrick in May 2022 and formerly known as Royds Withy King, RWK Goodman continues its strong corporate and commercial offering based in Bath. Mid-market transactions form the core of the practice, which advises regional, domestic and international businesses. Katharine Mortimer is particularly knowledgeable in deals within the financial services space; practice head James Worrall is also active in this sector and also handles technology-related mandates.

Based in Bath, Mogers Drewett LLP‘s corporate and commercial practice handles M&A deals across a range of sectors, including the hotel and leisure, technology, food and drinks, and professional services industries. Advising both sellers and buyers, the group is headed up by Tom Webb, whose experience extends to investment rounds in addition to sale and purchase mandates.

Porter Dodson is a go-to outfit for family owned and owner-managed businesses as well as SMEs, which turn to the firm’s corporate and commercial practice for matters such as acquisitions, reorganisations, disposals, and succession planning work. Evelyn Adfield, who is frequently sought after for her experience in joint ventures, shareholder agreements, and demergers, leads the practice. The manufacturing and the food and drinks industries are two key sectors for David Culshaw.

Thrings LLP advises on a steady stream of mid-marked transactions, where the firm supplements its corporate and commercial offering with expertise in other practice areas such as banking and finance, technology, and real estate. Practice head John Davies has ‘excellent commercial knowledge’ and is experienced in acting on buy-outs, investments, and joint ventures.

Praised as a ‘good regional player with London expertise’, Wansbroughs‘ corporate and commercial team enjoys a strong reputation in the market for its experience advising landed estates and associated businesses on a range of matters including transactions and restructurings. The ‘pragmatic and incisive’ William Ingram Hill leads the practice and is well versed in shareholder agreements, fundraisings, and corporate governance work. Emma Jewell often advises clients on commercial contracts, M&A, shareholders’ agreements, and TUPE arrangements.

Fielding a ‘strong team with a breadth of experience’, Willans LLP advises clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters and counts the technology, renewable energy, healthcare and sport industries among its key sectors. Practice head Chris Wills is hailed as ‘exemplary to work with in an M&A capacity’, while Rishi Ladwa is well versed in advising owner-managed and family businesses.

Wilsons is a popular choice from clients in the health and social care sectors for corporate and commercial advice, although the practice’s expertise covers a variety of sectors, acting for owner-managed businesses, SMEs and international companies. James Johnson acts as practice head and is experienced with PE transactions, restructurings and shareholder agreements. Private company investments, demergers and secondary fundraisings form part of Mark Cook‘s portfolio of work.