Acuity Law
Blending transactional strength with governance and commercial contracts prowess, Acuity Law provides an all-encompassing service to clients from a range of sectors, including healthcare and life sciences, technology, retail and education. Christian Farrow is well-versed at advising on domestic and cross-border transactions, including M&A and joint venture (JV) structuring in the financial services and renewables sectors. In addition, he has been pivotal to the firm's pioneering use of technology to assist clients, including the firm's long-standing Acuity Counsel subscription service and the nascent Document Assist product which enables companies to easily produce high-quality legal documents themselves. Beverley Jones co-heads the corporate side of the practice alongside Farrow, and as well as her M&A work in the healthcare sector, is also gaining traction among fund clients, including Warwick Capital for their investment activity. Jon Lawley has also developed a strong reputation within the healthcare space, most specifically as a result of his ongoing work for Portman Dental Care, the largest active acquirer of dental practices in the UK. As well as his work for university spin-out clients, Phil Pugh also handles commercial and transactional matters for technology and IT clients, an area of the practice which was strengthened at the beginning of 2022 by the arrival of Declan Goodwin from Vistra Corporate Law (he now heads up the commercial and technology sub-group). Senior associate Tom Saunderson continues to impress as a result of his private equity and early stage venture capital expertise, while at a more senior level, both Paul Lowe and firm chairman Stephen Berry are key resources for clients as a result of their vast knowledgebase which has been developed over their many years in practice.
Practice head(s):
Christian Farrow; Beverley Jones; Declan Goodwin
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Berry; Paul Lowe; Phil Pugh; Rachelle Sellek; Jon Lawley; Natalie Jones; Tom Saunderson; Chiara Howfield; Madeleine Chapman James
Testimonials
‘A very solid and reliable team that offers sound advice and is good at flagging up all issues and potential future issues.’
‘The team works to understand the needs of its clients in order to provide relevant options.’
Key clients
Achieve Together Limited
Admiral Group Plc
Avantis Marine Limited
BGF
Brickability Group plc
Cadastra Digital Marketing Ltd
Cardiff International Airport
Computerworld Group
Creditsafe Group
Choice Care Group
Divergent Technologies Ltd
Dulas Limited
Facilities by ADF Plc
Guru Systems Limited
Licentia Group
MSS Group (UK) Limited
NorthRow
OBConnect Limited
Owens Group
Political Lobbying and Media Relations Limited
Portman Dental Care
Premier Forest Group
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners
Schwa Consulting Limited
Sinclair Motor Group
SPG productions Ltd
Time GB Group Limited
Town and Country Collective
Trusted Data Solutions Limited
Verdion Group
W2 Global Data
Warwick Capital Partners
Wealthify Limited
Your World Recruitment
Work highlights
- Acuity acted for the shareholders and management team of Cardiff headquartered MSS Group (UK) Limited (MSS Group) in the sale to RSK Group, for a significant multi-million undisclosed sum.
- Advised Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners in connection with the acquisition of the exclusive development rights for one of the UK’s largest battery storage projects from Simec Atlantis Energy Limited and a subsequent investment round.
- Continue to advise Portman Dental Care on its acquisition strategy in 2022, advising on the successful purchase of 40 practices.
Blake Morgan LLP
Led on the corporate and commercial front by the 'commercially aware' James Williams and Penri Desscan , respectively, and also able to effectively leverage resources from across the firm's full-service offering, should the need arise, Blake Morgan LLP provides a 'first-class' service to private and public sector clients across a broad swathe of their transactional and commercial contract needs. Although the team is industry agnostic, it continues to handle a significant amount of activity for owner-managers in the health and social care sector on sales and acquisitions. In addition, under the guidance of the 'calm, confident and unflappable'Richard Jones, it continues to pick up a significant flow of venture capital and private equity mandates, with Jones developing strong ties with a number of institutional investors, as well as regularly assisting founders and management teams on fundraising transactions. Promoted to Legal Director in July 2022, James Vaughan has a diverse practice that includes transactional and day-to-day corporate/commercial work for SMEs, owner-managed businesses, as well as larger corporates, while at the other end of the spectrum of seniority, Robert Cherry regularly provides vital input to clients in his consultancy role.
Practice head(s):
James Williams (Corporate); Penri Desscan (Commercial)
Other key lawyers:
Richard Jones; James Vaughan; James Bowen
Testimonials
‘The team provides first-class M&A advice.’
‘James Williams is an excellent technical lawyer but also very commercially aware. His experience and calm but firm negotiating style is always helpful in getting deals across the line.’
‘Richard Jones is a highly skilled negotiator who gets his point across confidently, firmly, but politely.’
‘Richard Jones – a superb, highly commercial corporate lawyer. Never short of the detail but skilled at zooming out and reflecting on the bigger picture. He is calm, confident and unflappable.’
Key clients
Copart UK
Patch Gardens Ltd
UNRVLD Group
LDC
Emera
Motonovo Finance
Enzygo Holdings Limited
Combine AI Limited
Shareholders of Jaderberg Krais Tutoring Limited
Development Bank of Wales
Tinopolis Group
Hodge Group
Stately Albion Limited
Zip World Group
Symrise Limited
Personnel Hygiene Services Limited
SPTS Technologies Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Copart UK Limited in connection with its acquisition of Hills Salvage and Recycling Group a green parts specialist vehicle dismantler and recycling business.
- Advising Unrvld Group in connection with its acquisition of Made to Engage Group, a Belfast-based digital agency.
- Advising LDC on its £18m minority investment into TMC Pharma Services, a global pharmaceutical development organisation.
Capital Law Limited
With twenty practitioners focusing on corporate and commercial work, the 'responsive and proactive' team atCapital Law Limited has the strength-in-depth to handle a tremendous range and volume of work for private and listed companies on transactional work in the immediate geographical confines, as well as beyond the Welsh borders. Under the guidance of 'solutions-oriented' corporate head Tom Kelleher and former in-house counsel at 3i Group Duncan Macintosh , the centrepiece of the practice, however, remains its private equity/venture capital offering, both for institutional investors, as well as management teams. As well as his continued M&A work for core client, WestBridge, Kelleher also continues to grow the firm's offering in the space, with nascent London-based sponsor Averroes Capital a notable new client. Laura Spendiff has entrenched relationships with clients in the local SME market and along with 'very efficient and pragmatic'Gareth Williams-Davies, whose private equity credentials includes work for both management teams and sponsors, was promoted to partner in November 2022. Maria Coggins leads the commercial offering at the firm and excels in advising on commercial contracts and data protection.
Practice head(s):
Tom Kelleher; Maria Coggins
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Macintosh; Marlies Hoecherl; Angelina Drljaca-Chandler; Laura Spendiff; Chris Coughlan; Gareth Williams-Davies; Jordan Thomas; Melanie Williams
Testimonials
‘It is a hugely responsive and proactive team.’
‘Tom Kelleher is solutions oriented.’
‘Gareth Williams-Davies is very efficient and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Sero Group
Management Team of 4 Wood TV and Film
Shareholders of Recovery Care
ITC Global Security Limited
Averroes Capital
Shareholders of Qubix International Limited
Optimity Limited
APEM Group Limited
Development Bank of Wales
WestBridge Fund Managers Limited
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cover Genius
Sprout.ai Limited
Victorian House (Sales) Limited (Victorian Sliders)
AJM Mobility Limited (AJM Healthcare)
Howard Tenens Limited
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Work highlights
- Advised WestBridge on its largest ever investment, and management buyout of UK cloud and video over IP specialist Techex Limited.
- Advised Averroes Capital on its first ever investment, acquiring Journey Hospitality, a provider of unique software solutions for the hotel and hospitality sector.
- Advised the management team of 4wood TV and Film on their £9m management buyout backed by Connection Capital.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
While it has limited visibility in the local market, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's Cardiff office regularly acts on its own, or alongside other offices across the firm's UK-wide and international network, in relation to mandates outside of the Welsh borders, often involving a cross-border complexion. In this context, many of the transactions are within the financial services and fintech space, with team head Paul Pugh leading the way on such deals, including a continuing flow of work for fund client, Pollen Street Capital, on its M&A transactions in the sector. Principal associate Shelley Evans is also noted for her financial services M&A expertise.
Practice head(s):
Paul Pugh
Other key lawyers:
Shelley Evans; Owen Llewelyn
Key clients
Pollen Street Capital
Specialist Risk Group
Kingswood Holdings Limited
Aryza Holdings Limited
Saudi Telecom Company
FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc.
Helianthe Holdings B.V. / Rinkelberg Capital
Cash Access UK Limited
AON UK Limited
Forest Holidays Public Sector Holdings LLP
Work highlights
- Advised the partners of long-standing client, Pollen Street Capital, in connection with the sale of shares in Pollen Street Capital to listed fund Honeycomb Investment Trust PLC.
- Advised Helianthe Holdings in connection with the sale of Autorama UK Ltd, a vehicle leasing marketplace, to Auto Trader Group plc.
- Advising one the largest mobile operators in the Middle East, in connection with a joint venture with a major Asian cloud provider and Middle Eastern capital fund.
Geldards LLP
Geldards LLP provides 'very responsive, efficient and great quality advice' to a varied mix of domestic, UK-wide and international clients across a wide range of corporate and commercial work, including advice on M&A matters and assistance to businesses transitioning to employee ownership. 'At the top of his game', corporate head Andrew Morris takes the lead on many of the most significant mandates and has a strong reputation in the local market as a result of his versatile practice that includes clients within the gaming, IT, healthcare and financial services sectors, among others. The 'exceptional'Alex Butler has made a strong impression since joining over two years ago from an in-house position and has very effectively rebuilt the firm's venture capital and private equity credentials which took a slight hit at the beginning of 2021 following the departure of Geraint Tilsley. The 'approachable and very talented' Chris Williams leads a very strong commercial practice, which handles a myriad of commercial contracts work for private sector clients, as well as for central government and local authority clients.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Morris; Chris Williams
Other key lawyers:
Justin Harrington; Alex Butler; Stewart Knights
Testimonials
‘As a US-based company, Geldards did a great job of combining our needs with UK market terms and applicable law.’
‘The team provides very responsive, efficient and great quality advice.’
‘Andrew Morris is at the top of his game.’
‘Chris Williams provides comprehensive and prompt advice.’
‘Chris Williams is approachable and very talented.’
‘Alex Butler did an excellent job of engaging with us as his client to negotiate practical and effective agreements.’
‘We found Alex Butler’s availability, engagement and communication to be exceptional.’
Key clients
LDC International, SA
ITA Group, Inc
Novomatic Group
John Bean Technologies Group
Travelzoo Inc
CanSense Group Limited
Admiral Group plc
Business Growth Fund
Driverly Company Limited
Development Bank of Wales
Thomas Carroll
Celsa Group
Welsh Government
Welsh Parliament (Senedd)
National Museum of Wales
Newport Transport Ltd.
Sofa Brands International Ltd.
Vydex Corporation Limited
Ceredigion County Council
Ward Brothers
Abbey Glass
Work highlights
- Advised ITA Group, Inc on the separate acquisitions of employee engagement agency, NKD learning (UK) Limited and SaaS provider, HTK Limited.
- Advised Celsa Group on the establishment of two large scrap metal processing businesses formerly carried on by Ward Bros.
- Advised Ceredigion Council on its funding agreements with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for the regeneration of the sea front and university buildings in Aberystwyth, one of the first levelling Up Agreement put in place in the UK.
Hugh James
Benefitting from 'good experience in the local market', Hugh James has, over the years, developed deeply rooted relationships with a number of high-profile domestic businesses/institutions, including S A Brains and Development Bank of Wales, ensuring a steady flow of ongoing day-to-day corporate/commercial instructions, as well as M&A matters. Many of these mandates have involved disposals to UK and international-based entities, including its recent work for S A Brains on the sale of its remaining stake in coffee shop chain Coffee #1 to Caffè Nero. 'Calm and sensible' team head Gerallt Jones led on the aforementioned mandate and is noted for his transactional and general corporate and commercial support advice to clients within the sports and food and beverage sectors, with the Welsh Rugby Union a particularly visible client. The 'exceptionally knowledgeable' Greg Williams has private equity expertise for investees and investors, particularly within the life sciences sector, work which he combines with his role as head of the firm's dedicated healthcare group - which frequently sees him engaged in acquisitions and sales of pharmacies and dental practices. The 'commercially astute' Aled Walters heads up the commercial side of the practice, which has garnered particular acclaim for its expertise at negotiating complex commercial contracts for clients in the media, tech and gaming sectors. In summer 2023 the firm acquired boutique Cardiff-based firm Loosemores, taking on a team which works with range of corporate and commercial matters for clients in the sport, media and entertainment, charities and technology sectors. The 'very professional and diligent' Siôn Tudurhas a good reputation for handling corporate transactional work, particularly for clients within the SME spacem, working alongside the 'very personable' Mark Loosemore, who has a focus on commercial contracts work for sports clients.
Practice head(s):
Gerallt Jones; Aled Walters
Other key lawyers:
Greg Williams; Emily Powell; Gemma Davies; Campbell McKellar; Mark Loosemore; Siôn Tudur
Testimonials
‘The firm has good experience in the local market.’
‘The firm has an enviable reputation, particularly in South Wales, but increasingly further afield.’
‘Both the range and depth of expertise within the Hugh James team is exceptional.’
‘Gerallt Jones is calm and sensible and has good experience and knowledge.’
‘Aled Walters is a highly competent, pre-eminent and commercially astute lawyer with a professional approach.’
‘The exceptionally knowledgeable Greg Williams is very quick to grasp the complexities of any given task and then offer the right solutions.’
‘Greg Williams is easily accessible and an excellent communicator.’
‘Gemma Davies is a highly competent lawyer who demonstrates a confident understanding of the key legal and commercial issues on transactions.’
Key clients
Rocialle Healthcare
Rockwool International
Welsh Government
S.A Brain & Company
Celtic Manor Resort
Welsh Rugby Union
M+A Matting
Avicenna Retail
Creo Medical Plc
Ogi
4Wood TV Group
Inspired Entertainment
Computacenter UK Plc
Development Bank of Wales
Hydro Industries
Work highlights
- Advised long-standing client Brains on both the sale of its remaining stake in Coffee #1 to Caffè Nero and the sale of a portfolio of 95 pubs to Song Capital.
- Advised Rocialle Healthcare on two high-value acquisitions.
- Advised Cwmtillery Glass on its sale to private equity house CorpAcq.
Berry Smith
Deeply embedded into the local business ecosystem, the 'personable and solutions-oriented' team atBerry Smith is a popular choice among SMEs and owner-managed businesses to handle a myriad transactional and corporate support work. In addition, under the guidance of the vastly experienced Andrew Bound, the firm has developed a core strength advising life sciences companies, including an AIM-listed company which the firm advises, inter alia, on regulatory work associated with its listing. As well as her core involvement in SME-related matters, the 'outstanding' Emma Borrington has also been pivotal to growing and deepening the firm's ties with clients in the financial services and manufacturing sectors, including advice on reorganisations and sales. As part of his wide-ranging corporate practice, which includes advice to professional services clients, Paul Evans heads up the firm's healthcare department, regularly acting on surgery mergers and the sale and purchase of dental practices.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Bound
Other key lawyers:
Emma Borrington; Paul Evans; Owen James; Dan Dowen; Abbie Baker
Testimonials
‘The responsive team provides top-notch advice which is explained in a manner a non-legal expert can understand.’
‘The personable team provides solutions-oriented advice.’
‘Emma Borrington is outstanding, professional, hardworking and dedicated.’
Key clients
The shareholders of Europest Environmental Services Limited
The shareholders of Vision Flor Limited
Ceaton Holdings Limited
Development Bank of Wales
Martyn Prowel Solicitors
BBI Group
Brand Pilot Limited
ASL Holdings Limited
Concepta Diagnostics Limited
Axiom Manufacturing Services Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on a high-profile Brand Ambassador agreement between Brand Pilot Limited– on behalf of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge – and Marks and Spencer PLC.
- Advised on an equity investment into Bridgend-based Avantis Marine from the Development Bank of Wales.
- Advised Martyn Prowel Solicitors on their purchase of Gartsides Solicitors.
Darwin Gray LLP
Darwin Gray LLP provides 'knowledgeable and pragmatic'advice to an SME-focused client base across the panoply of their business needs, including advice on M&A activity, commercial contracts and corporate governance. Team head Stephen Thompson leads from the front, providing robust commercial advice delivered with a view to any potential contentious issues which could arise. In addition, Thompson maintains a market-leading franchise practice which includes advice to franchisors and franchisees on local, UK-wide and international concerns. Associate Siobhan Williams is also a key member of the team, regularly working alongside Thompson, as well as leading on mandates, including a significant amount of commercial contract work in the manufacturing sector.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Thompson
Other key lawyers:
Siobhan Williams; Rhodri Evans
Testimonials
‘It’s like your local friendly solicitor but with the backup of a highly skilled corporate team.’
‘The team is friendly, knowledgeable and pragmatic.’
‘They have a great knowledge of franchising and are upfront about their fees.’
Key clients
The London Early Years Foundation
Austin Partnership Limited
Insight HRC Limited
Wall Colmonoy Limited
Aber Instruments Limited
Intuety Limited
Work highlights
- Advised The London Early Years Foundation on the acquisition of a new nursery for their portfolio.
- Acted for the Austin Partnership Limited in setting up an employee ownership trust.
- Advised a leading economic modelling provider to the life sciences sector on a range of commercial matters, including on a number of big pharma commercial agreements.
Douglas-Jones Mercer
Swansea-based firm Douglas-Jones Mercer provides 'commercial and pragmatic' advice to local SMEs, owner-managed businesses and larger international corporates, including Dawn Meats, across the spectrum of commercial and corporate matters, including as it relates to M&A mandates, shareholder agreements, corporate reorganisations and share schemes. As part of his wide-ranging client base, the 'extremely client-focused' team head Sheraz Akram regularly advises medical and health-care organisations, and is also well-versed in handling cross-border fintech based transactions. Associate director Aaron Hayward handles a diverse mix of transactional and commercial contracts mandates, and is noted, in particular, for his aptitude at advising on financial services M&A.
Practice head(s):
Sheraz Akram
Other key lawyers:
Aaron Hayward; Georgia Power
Testimonials
‘The team is very client focused and responsive. The lawyers provide commercial and pragmatic advice.’
‘Sheraz Akram is extremely knowledgeable and client focused.’
Key clients
Dawn Meats
Dawn Meats Group Unlimited
Star Group
JTG Enterprises
Morgan Construction
Handlesbanken
Principality Building Society
Calon Wen Organic Milk Cooperative
DP Shayban
Action for Children
Girlguiding
Furat Acquisitions
Silver Fox Acquisitions
Oxford Diecast
Icom Works
Shufflebottom Limited
Hornby Plc
Cambrian Pet Foods
Lion Studios London
Gravells Motor Company
Jayco*ck Holdings
Dunbia (UK)
Belgrave Dental CentreLtd
Imperial UK Property LLP
Heroes Technology Ltd
Glass Systems Limited
CASLP Ltd
Morgan Lloyd Trustees Limited
JLT Premier Pensions
Work highlights
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Formed in November 2020, despite its infancy, Harrison Clark Rickerbys' fledgling corporate department has rapidly grown in size, with former corporate head at Ince & Co, Theresa Grech ,the latest partner to join the firm, following her arrival in March 2022. Consequently, it has the resources to handle a significant volume and variety of work, ranging from M&A matters, reorganisations and JV structuring, primarily in the mid-market. 'Incredibly experienced' team head Martyn Davies takes the lead on the most significant mandates, including many with a cross-border complexion. On the commercial front, the firm has a core focus on advising technology-based clients, with David Beynon noted for his outsourcing and software development expertise, and the 'knowledgeable and commercially astute' Nicola McNeely one of the pre-eminent practitioners in Wales for advising on blockchain and non-fungible token (NFT) matters.
Practice head(s):
Martyn Davies; David Beynon; Nicola McNeely
Other key lawyers:
Theresa Grech
Testimonials
‘Harrison Clark Rickerbys present an incredibly experienced, capable, accessible and dynamic team throughout the corporate support structure.’
‘As a fast growth tech startup we are light on resource and short on time. What we love about the firm is how they have almost become part of our team.’
‘They have a pragmatic and commercial approach in a cost structure that works for SME clients.’
‘Martyn Davies knows when to hold firm and when to be pragmatic and that is a god send to us as a fast growing tech-startup.’
‘Martyn Davies heads up the corporate side and provided incredibly experienced and capable control throughout the process.’
‘I cannot recommend Nicola McNeely highly enough. I have never engaged a more professional, polished, knowledgeable and commercially astute lawyer in my career.’
Key clients
Shareholders of Synetic Life Sciences Limited
Dr Organic (TOCG UK Limited)
Shareholders of Edmo Group Holdings Limited
KGM Underwriting Services Limited
Alltrust Holdings Limited and its group of companies
Tessitura Network, Inc.
Prima Dental Manufacturing Limited
allpay Limited
Concrete Canvas Group Limited
Open Medical Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the shareholders of Synetic Life Sciences Limited on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Lucid Group.
- Advised Damier (Belgium) on the restructure and refinance of the Dr Organic group (Belgium/UK).
- Provide a fully outsourced legal solution to allpay.
JCP Solicitors
Co-headed by Betsan Powelland Michael Williams , JCP Solicitors provides 'knowledgeable and practical solutions' to South Wales-based owner-managed businesses and SMEs across a wide-range of legal needs associated with their businesses dealings. As well as handling day-to-day corporate and commercial advice, the team is also adept at handling M&A and corporate finance matters, including in relation to early stage venture capital backed investment. Consultant Chris Davies heads up the acclaimed healthcare sub-group and has vast experience advising dentists and pharmacists buying and selling practices throughout England and Wales.
Practice head(s):
Betsan Powell; Michael Williams
Other key lawyers:
Chris Davies; Rhianydd Llewellyn-Thomas
Testimonials
‘Their approachable manner but detailed knowledge are a potent mix.’
‘A member of the team is always available and up to speed on whatever assignment their are working on. They provide knowledgeable and practical solutions to whatever issue is put in front of them.’
Key clients
Spencer ECA Group
Burns Pet Nutrition
Gavin Griffiths Group
Energybuild
Bloc Hotels
Work highlights
- Advising the shareholders of Spencer ECA Group on the sale of the group to RSK.
- Advising the MBO team on Development Bank of Wales backed purchase of Reel Label Solutions.
Morgan LaRoche
A stalwart of the South West Wales legal market, Swansea headquartered firm Morgan LaRoche has deep and longstanding connections with owner-managed businesses and SMEs in the locality, and is regularly engaged in both transactional work, as well as a myriad day-to-day corporate and commercial work associated with their business dealings. Team head William Barletta remains pivotal to the firm's success and has, over his many years in practice, developed deep subject matter expertise across a myriad industry sectors, including as it relates to waste recycling, healthcare, professional services, and renewables. Praised for his 'practical approach',Christopher Evans is also a key member of the team and continues to successfully expand the firm's West Wales footprint from the firm's flourishing Carmarthen office.
Practice head(s):
William Barletta
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Evans
Testimonials
‘As well as a professional approach, they speak the same language as SME clients enabling speedy progress to be made when transaction difficulties arise.’
‘The advice they provide is clear and unambiguous.’
‘Their greatest strength is how they work together to provide a one-stop-shop service for your legal requirements.’
Key clients
Culina group Limited
Hallmark Care Homes
Esterkin Group
Athena Care Homes
USB International
Redrow Homes
GDH (Holdings) Limited
AMP Clean Energy
Metro Property Investments
Santander (UK) Plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
CKC Group
Swansea University
Ospreys regional rugby club
Scarlets regional rugby club
Barcud Cyf (formerly Mid Wales Housing Association)
M&P Direct Limited
Platinum Group
Cultech Limited
David Jenkins Limited
Owens (Road Services) Limited
Llanelec Precision Engineering Company Limited
Blackhills Caravan Sales Limited
Neath Port Talbot (Recycling) Limited
Carmarthenshire Recycling & Environmental Services Limited
EARS Fire Engineering Limited
Work highlights
- Advising JJF Park Holdings Limited on the purchase of business and assets of Woodland Hideaway Caravan Park Limited.
Dolmans
Although it is less active on transactional matters than many of its higher-ranked peer firms, Dolmans has a robust commercial offering, which handles a significant amount of contractual drafting and governance work, in particular, for private, public sector and third sector clients. A significant amount of this work is on behalf of sports clients (including federations), an area that Adrian Oliver and Tom Harris are particularly skilled. Justin Harris heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Justin Harris
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Oliver; Tom Harris
Key clients
Castle surgery, Neath
Federation of Disability Sport Wales
Commonwealth Games Wales
Work highlights
- Drafted and advised the Partners on their Partnership Agreement for Castle Surgery in Neath.
- Advised the Federation of Disability Sport Wales on both a Portal Design Hosting agreement and a Portal Design and Development agreement.
- Advised Commonwealth Games Wales on the redrafting of the Company’s Articles of Association and advised on Board structure changes and good governance in line with the Code for Sports Governance and The Governance and Leadership Framework For Wales.
Lewis Silkin
Although Lewis Silkin's Cardiff-based corporate offering remains a relatively recent proposition (having only been established in earnest in January 2021), it has hit the ground running, advising on numerous high-profile M&A mandates across a range of sectors including technology, media, IT and manufacturing. Central to the firm's success and market visibility, is 'exceptional' team head Geraint Tilsley, whose impressive M&A credentials include a substantial amount of private equity/venture capital-led deals. A significant number of these matters have a cross-border complexion, a consequence of Tilsley's ties with a number of US-based funds and corporates.
Practice head(s):
Geraint Tilsley
Other key lawyers:
Elizabeth Cotton
Testimonials
‘They are extremely knowledgeable and above all recognise the importance of quick and effective execution of tasks.’
‘The firm provides top-tier advice provided by creative professionals who understand the reality of the commercial compromises in running a a fund and being an investor and who go above and beyond to help the client, even at odd hours or short notice.’
‘The exceptional Geraint Tilsley provides effective, knowledgeable and cost-effective advice.’
‘I cannot recommend Geraint Tilsley highly enough for both drafting standard BVCA-style investment deals and for dealing with the inevitable contentious or unusual investor issues.’
Work highlights
- Advised Ceco Environmental Corporation (US) on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Malvar Engineering Limited.
- Advised on the sale of a majority stake in CPL and its trading subsidiary, DVS Ltd to AIM-listed Midwich Group Plc.
- Advised fintech business Wagonex in relation to a substantial Series A venture capital investment by Admiral Pioneer (Admiral Insurance’s new ventures arm) and Development Bank of Wales.