Mergers & acquisitions
Our M&A work encompasses UK and cross-border acquisitions and divestments, complex reorganisations and restructurings, management buy-outs and buy-ins, and corporate rescues (such as pre-packs) and distressed transactions. Much of our work is focused on the mid-market though we often handle larger transactions.
Our clients include UK and International quoted and private companies, financial services organisations, management teams and entrepreneurs.
We build bespoke partner-led teams for each transaction delivering integrated advice from specialists across a full service including real estate, competition, tax, pensions and employment, intellectual property and IT.
Our work often has an international dimension and we are able to call on a network of international lawyers to provide a seamless service whatever the complexities of the transaction - be it for UK companies on cross-border deals, or to assist corporates based in the US, Europe or Asia.
Experience
Rescue management buy-out
Advised MFI Group Limited on its rescue MBO from Merchant Equity Partners in October 2008 led by chief executive Gary Favell and were then appointed to advise administrators MCR on the subsequent administration.
Reverse takeover
We advised Ambrian Partners on its role as Nominated Adviser from admission, in relation to the reverse takeover of oil and gas exploration group BPC Limited by Falkland Gold and Minerals Limited and the admission of the enlarged share capital to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Demerger
Advised long-standing client PA Consulting on the demerger of its ventures business from the main consulting business. This complex and intricate transaction involved a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement, a ‘section 110’ demerger and a series of court approved reduction of capital as well as shareholder and regulatory approvals across PA’s worldwide employee shareholder base.
Sale of Anglia Ruskin University site
Acted on behalf of Countryside Properties in the sale of the vehicle that owns the site previously owned by the Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, a major urban redevelopment site. The entity was sold through an unusual sealed bid process for a significant undisclosed sum. The structure also involved intricate tax planning.
Feelgood merger
Advised on the merger of this independent media agency specialising in entertainments communication and a brand communication and designs consultancy. The merger was structured so as to release equity value to shareholders and to enable the acquisition of a third business providing integrated creative services to the media industry. The consolidation has produced a strong independent competitor in the media services industry.
Sale of Clear Capital
Advised Clear Capital (a leading research firm focused on the small to mid-cap UK equity markets) on its sale to Noble & Company, subject to FSA approval.
Sale of Forensic Accounting
Advised the founders of this independent specialist forensic accounting practice on its sale to FTI Consulting Inc.
£95 million acquisition
Acting for a consortium of investors on the £95 million purchase of two companies jointly owning the long leasehold interest in a major City office space. Advice included the structure and all finance and tax aspects relating to the transaction.