Restructuring/Insolvency: Thames Valley

This Reading-based group caters to the full range of corporate restructuring and insolvency work. The team recently acted for the Bank of Ireland in relation to the insolvency of the large care home provider Southern Care Home Group. Clients say: "They know what they are good at and work well as part of a team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients say Christopher Branson provides "solid, sound, commercial advice without overcomplicating matters." He has considerable experience in the full range of restructuring and insolvency matters. Head of department Phil Smith led the firm's work on the Southern Care Home transaction. He brings extensive banking sector experience to the practice. Clients are deeply impressed by Nell McGill, who "is very commercial and continually delivers honest, straightforward advice and solutions."

The team at Pitmans continues to be a significant player in the region, winning instructions from leading insolvency practitioners, banks and asset-based lenders. The firm's impressive client list includes Handelsbanken, Santander and Lloyds TSB as well as the Big Four accountancy firms. Clients say they are impressed with the team's handling of complex and often multi-jurisdictional matters.

Client Service "They always offer a good service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicola Kirk impresses as an "absolute rottweiler when you need her to be and gets the litigation through when you really need it." Clients say: "She is always very affable and easy to get along with." Suzanne Brooker is the head of the restructuring and insolvency department. She enjoys extensive expertise in the full range of contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency. Clients praise David Archer for advice which is "always commercial and pragmatic." He specialises in the contentious side of the sector.

The firm is a significant presence in the market, acting for a range of leading insolvency practitioners in the full range of corporate insolvency matters. The firm recently acted for Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions on its acquisition of Newtown Vehicle Rentals from its administrators.

Client Service "The team has a great deal of experience and gave us great support."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Rippon recently retired from the firm. Adrian Owen is a key contact.

The team at Field Seymour Parkes is a well-established presence in the region. It handles the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency matters in both the corporate and personal sectors.

Client Service  "Good sound advice from very nice people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients hail Ian Wood-Smith as "very commercial, accessible and practical." He has extensive experience in the corporate side of the sector.

This Oxford-based practice enjoys a strong reputation for the strength of its corporate and personal insolvency practice. Recent high-profile work includes acting on the administration of Inside Track Seminars.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Elizabeth Taylor is well regarded in the market for her extensive expertise in the sector. She is also a licensed insolvency practitioner.

The team enters the rankings this year after impressing sources with the strength of its corporate insolvency practice. The firm recently advised the board of directors of high-street department store Helen Wills on the liquidation of the business.

Client Service "A very helpful practice which is approachable and flexible."

Commercial Awareness "They are commercially sound and practical in respect of the advice given."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Damon Watt leads the department.

Despite the departure of Simon Hobbs the practice remains a strong market presence. The team acts in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters for corporates and individuals. The firm's recent high-profile corporate clients include Sony Europe. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Rutherford has extensive experience advising on both corporate and personal insolvency. He was part of the team advising Sony.

The team at Kimbells Freeth has been bolstered with the arrival of Simon Hobbs and has won a strong reputation for the quality of work that it carries out. The team was engaged by Grant Thornton as administrators of national pub chain TCG Acquisitions.

Client Service "They are very good at keeping us up to date. They come back with answers very quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients say Simon Hobbs is "very proactive and experienced." He now leads the team at the firm and has extensive experience on the contentious aspects of the sector.

This Watford-based team enjoys a well-deserved reputation for its extensive experience in corporate recovery and insolvency. The practice is frequently instructed by leading accountancy firms in relation to corporate insolvency. The team is also ably supported by the firm's banking and finance group.

Client Service "There is constant communication. They are very proactive and reactive as well."

Commercial Awareness "They provide sound, practical legal advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Tempest is the partner based in the Watford office.