Overview
I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Corporate team, specialising in M&A, Private Equity and what I regard as straight talking commercial common sense.
I joined Michelmores in 1997, and from 2008 to 2017 was Head of our Business Department during a period of rapid growth and enormous change for the Firm – a time which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was instrumental in recruiting most of our Partners in the Business Department, some as trainees or junior lawyers and others as lateral hires, and I am extremely proud of the fantastic team we have at Michelmores – if you haven’t tried us then you really should!
I have been practising corporate law since I qualified in 1986 with Farrer & Co, and have accumulated a great deal of experience since then. However, I firmly believe that we continue to learn until the day we die; I enjoy dealing with the different situations and finding solutions to the challenges that life as a corporate lawyer throws up.
Both I and my good friend and Partner Richard Cobb (Senior Partner no less!) are top ranked in the 2023 Chamber’s Guide for Corporate and M&A work, and I am also a member of the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for Corporate and Commercial Work, as is my Partner Ian Holyoak, who is also a longstanding friend.
I have experience across most sectors, and tend to focus mainly on private equity and investment work. Key sectors for me are the financial, technology and food sectors; however, a deal is a deal irrespective of sector, and I believe that I am able to operate effectively in virtually any sector with the right specialist back up such as we have here at Michelmores.
As well as working with clients, I see a key part of my role as being to help our younger lawyers develop their skills, practices and careers.
I am ranked as Band 1 for Corporate and M&A in independent legal guide Chambers. I have also been listed as a ‘Leading Individual’ by the Legal 500.
Recent experience
Advising Mobeus Equity Partners LLP on the sale of its VCT Fund Management business to Gresham House plc, the specialist alternative asset manager and Manager of the Baronsmead VCTs
Advising Exeter Rugby Group in connection with its issue of 2027 Bonds and 150th Anniversary East Stand Debentures, and in relation to the financing and construction of the new Marriott Sandy Park Hotel, and related management agreements
Advising Committed Capital Limited in connection with various early-stage EIS investments including into Smartology Limited, Konsileo Limited, and CHC Insurance Services Limited
Advising Mobeus Equity Partners and its UK-focussed small-cap buyout Fund, Mobeus V LP on investments into Gungho Marketing Limited and Gasworld.com Limited
