Corporate/M&A: The South: Kent & Sussex

Commentators agree that this well-reputed corporate outfit provides "efficient, commercial advice" and continues to strive for improvements in its service. It wins plaudits for handling a broad range of matters, from public company de-listings to debt and equity financings, restructuring and reorganisation of share capital. In the past year it advised on the £10 million sale of Credit Solutions to Arvato UK & Ireland. It also assisted TUI Travel on a number of M&A transactions. "The firm provides a focused service rather than treating us as just another client," interviewees say.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Helen Mead has significant experience of advising on transactions in the travel sector. Her clients include Titan Travel, Journey Latin America and TUI Travel. Russell Bell advises on a wide range of corporate issues including acquisition finance and secured lending, asset-based lending, refinancing and restructuring. "He is a real gem when it comes to providing outstanding advice in difficult situations," clients say. Claire Williams is "an impressive lawyer who simply gets things done." She has expertise in group restructurings and refinancings, M&A transactions, MBOs and asset swaps, as well as limited liability partnership conversions.

The corporate team at Thomas Eggar continues to receive praise from clients for providing an excellent client service and taking a proactive approach to corporate transactions. It recently advised Carte Blanche Group in the acquisition of a Wigan-based greetings card publisher. Other impressive names in the firm's client portfolio include All Leisure Group, Nuffield Health and Thesis Asset Management. Sources reveal that "their advice takes consideration not only of the law but of our business goals and targets."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Bastide is described as "a first-class lawyer who combines technical prowess with excellent time management skills." He recently represented Sussex Waste Recycling on a £14 million refinancing exercise. Neil Hart focuses on advising clients in the professional services, marketing and software sectors. Caroline Armitage, who recently moved from the Southampton office, assists owner-managed clients, venture capital-backed teams and quoted companies on a plethora of corporate issues. She is a "robust defender of her clients' interests."

Despite challenging economic conditions, the team remains busy advising on refinancings, seller-backed MBOs and a number of distressed transactions. It continues to be a popular choice amongst clients, especially for deals in the healthcare and food industries. Its client roster includes Brake Bros, Paydens Group and Day Lewis Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Beatton and "pedigree lawyer" Trevor Carney recently advised Charlton Athletic FC on the MBO of Charlton Athletic Football Company, Charlton Athletic Holdings and Charlton Athletic. Salim Somjee joins from Clarkson Wright & Jakes and focuses on providing advice to company directors and shareholders on a number of corporate issues.

Sources appreciate that with Brachers they get "London quality lawyers with a regional price tag." The corporate team advises banks, NHS trusts, and rail and travel companies. It also acted for the National Gallery on the renewal of its corporate sponsorship programme. "They certainly did their homework when it comes to their knowledge of our business," sources say.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Cunningham is regarded as an "entrepreneurial, pragmatic and sensible lawyer who cuts to the chase and keeps our attention on the principal points." He has particular experience of advising clients in the biofuels industry. Sean Gorman is appreciated by clients for his firmness in negotiations. In the past year he advised on the acquisition by Medisort of a waste treatment facility.

This firm's client base consists of a mix of local SMEs and AIM-listed companies. Highlights last year included representing the AIM-listed Synchronica on its acquisition of Canadian-based and Toronto Stock Exchange-listed iseemedia. Other clients include NetDimension UK, Piaggio and On Assignment. Commentators say that "they deal with emails immediately and provide a value-added dimension to any transaction in which we have been involved."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients describe Andrew Wright as insightful and recommend him for his advice on tax structuring. John Bowden is singled out for his "vast experience in negotiating" and for giving clients "appropriate commercial advice that leads to a cost-effective solution." Benjamin Madden is appreciated for his commercial advice and extensive network of contacts.

This prized team advises private and publicly held companies on various corporate and commercial matters. DMH Stallard earns plaudits for its "proactivity and effort in keeping us informed." It focuses on acting for clients in the manufacturing, technology and healthcare sectors. The team recently acted for the Tesla Group in a refinancing transaction.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Vincent O'Brien is "incredibly supportive, and understands our business and its demands," clients say. Jonathan Grant is praised for his robust negotiation skills and good understanding of the key issues.

The team at Rawlison Butler acts for owner-managed enterprises as well as listed companies. It also advises banks on lending security and enforcement issues. Key mandates include acting for Amadeus I.T. Group in its acquisition of the minority shareholding in Opodo from Aer Lingus.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Sadka provides advice on joint ventures, partnerships and corporate governance. His clients include Alexander Rose and the shareholders of Lookfantastic Group.

Sources praise the firm for "providing high-quality, concise advice" and "reacting quickly when we need them." The corporate team is a popular choice for clients in the food, agriculture, construction and infrastructure industries. In the past year it advised Cath Kidston on the buyout of her eponymous company and represented Flambeau EuroPlast on the acquisition of a plastics business. Sources remain impressed with the output of the practice, noting that it "demonstrates a premier service ethos together with a driven professionalism to support the client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Gabay "understands the nuances of my industry very quickly and finds solutions to overcome contentious issues," clients report. James Partridge advises on M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. He has significant expertise in advising charities, particularly independent schools. Joanne Gallagher is praised for her "impressive negotiating ability and keen commercial nous."

Sources emphasise that this team provides "pragmatic and efficient advice in a sensible time frame." It recently acted on the acquisition of a 25% stake in CPFC 2010 and the related purchase of Crystal Palace Football Club and the Selhurst Park Stadium from administrators. Other clients include Brioche Doree, Clydesdale Bank and EDF Energy.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Olivier Morel has particular expertise in advising French clients on their investments in the UK. In the past year he acted for Staphyt in the acquisition of a majority stake in Oxford Plant Sciences. Christopher Langridge focuses on M&A, private equity and banking advice. He was recently instructed by Saphos Hotels on the acquisition of the Gravetye Manor Hotel from administrators. Liz Barton earns great respect from clients for her practical and professional approach. She recently assisted in the sale of an £11 million shareholding in Asprey Homes.

Apart from its acquisitions and disposals expertise, the team at Warners also advises on private equity and contractual issues. It acts for the likes of TG21, Graham Webb International and TagMan. In the past year it advised the latter on its first round of external private equity fund-raising. Sources note that "they are commercially astute and would often come up with really good points at meetings."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Roberts is "a sharp and confident lawyer who doesn't beat around the bush." His clients include the shareholders of Fulcrum and GP Premises.