THE FIRM This national firm has done well to position itself firmly among the best of those players undertaking a large slice of the mid-market corporate work on offer. It draws work from across the UK, including from its corporate heartland of London, with Manchester and Leeds looming large in the north. The national group has the capabilities and resources to handle high-value work, recently advising the Co-operative Group on its £1.57 billion acquisition of Somerfield.

Sources Say: "A diverse team that can pull in any of the expertise we need."

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based lawyer William James has been advising HSBC on the USD439 million disposal of a 51% interest in its UK card processing business to Global Payments. Acknowledged as a fine practitioner by market commentators, Simon Griffiths handles complex fund-raisings and acquisitions, and listings on the LSE. Charles Penney is a corporate finance expert with an extensive international client base that includes public and private corporations. He advises on M&A, joint ventures and securities issues.

For editorial please refer to Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability / London (Firms).

For editorial please refer to Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability / London (Firms).

THE FIRM With impressively extensive resources, this firm is both international and national at the same time. Recent highlights include advising online auctioneer Tradus on its scheme of arrangement takeover by South African firm Naspers, and assisting Kraft with the sale of its salted snacks business in the Nordic and Baltic regions to Herkules Capital.

KEY INDIVIDUALS A corporate finance specialist with a natural negotiating style that complements his depth of knowledge, Charles Severs led the team on the Tradus deal and is the head of the London corporate group. Kiran Sharma is a relatively young partner who has quickly made a name for herself in the industry. She recently worked with Baugur on its aborted offer for Moss Bros and advised 2e2 on its takeover of Netstore by way of scheme of arrangement.

THE FIRM The mid-market is a sweetspot for this national firm. Eversheds has made great endeavours to expand its activities in the corporate arena in recent years, though like all firms has had to manage the impact of the recent economic slow down. Nevertheless, the group has achieved notable success in the market, including advising global engineering company Bodycote on the sale of its Testing Business to CDR Tabasco for £417 million.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Pitcher heads the firm's nuclear energy group but his practice encompasses a broad range of corporate activity, such as working for Zurich on the disposal of Threadneedle Asset Management for £340 million. Neil Matthews is a corporate adviser who has acted on a number of M&A deals but is also noted for his IPO expertise, especially in relation to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

For editorial please refer to Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability / London (Firms).

For editorial please refer to Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability / London (Firms).

For editorial please refer to Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability / London (Firms).

THE FIRM Taylor Wessing is firmly ensconced in the mid-market of corporate finance, and the international elements of its practice have helped it to weather the stormy corporate market in London. With a network of offices throughout much of Europe, it has enviable strength in depth across the board and impressive expertise. Work highlights for the team include advising on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Racal Acoustics for £115 million and representing Greenhill on its minority investment in Travel Entertainment Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Eyles is a vastly experienced campaigner in the transactional arena who is frequently instructed on deals involving private equity investments. He was recently appointed managing partner of the firm.

For editorial please refer to Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability / London (Firms).

For editorial please refer to Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability / London (Firms).

THE FIRM The blend of US and London expertise at Dechert provides clients with an insight and gateway into two of the most dynamic corporate markets in the world. Its deep resources enable it to staff high-value M&A transactions, and the London team has been involved in a number of multi-jurisdiction deals, including representing RPG Industries on its £120 million acquisition of just under 25% of the LSE-listed Ferrexpo, and assisting Deloitte & Touche as administrators of Woolworths with the disposal of more than 100 stores.

Sources Say: "This responsive group is hugely committed to its clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Vogel has specialised in M&A and corporate finance for public and private companies for many years, though is equally at home advising on capital markets issues and listings. Many of his clients hail from the real estate and investment institutions sectors.

THE FIRM Looking beyond UK borders to Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, Dentons is enjoying considerable success developing an international practice. The firm is particularly well known for its expertise in capital markets and is also busy in M&A, having advised the sellers of a 70% interest in the Betpak Dala uranium joint venture in Kazakhstan to UrAsia worth USD350 million and on the associated acquisitions and reverse takeover by UrAsia.

Sources Say: "This team does an outstanding job, offering superb legal advice while remaining mindful of the business issues that concern us the most."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Cohen handles much of the team's capital markets and M&A work, and recently advised Finsaga on the sale of its operating business to BT for £16 million. Matthew Bonass is heavily involved in the equity and capital markets arm of the firm; he is also lauded for his corporate advice. His workload has included advising the Virgin Green Fund on its investment strategy in the UK and on a number of proposed investments.

THE FIRM Field Fisher Waterhouse continues its rise up the corporate rankings in recognition of its growing prominence in the sector and increased international deal flow. It notably advised JSC KazMunaiGas EP, the listed arm of Kazakhstan firm NC KazMunaiGas, on a potential acquisition in that country. Domestic transactions remain the group's staple diet however, and it advised BBC Legal on the sale of the outside broadcasts division of the wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Resources to Satellite Information Services.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Brockbank is a leading light in the firm's capital markets group. He frequently advises on listings to the markets and is an important figure in the advancement of corporate activities as a whole. Sources consider him a "real problem solver who provides strong, practical advice." Dominic Gurney-Champion is "an efficient operator who understands business and fits nicely into a client's team." He advised EMED Mining Public on the acquisition of a 49% interest in the Rio Tinto Mine in Spain for up to EUR63 million. Tim Bee recently joined the firm from Addleshaw Goddard, strengthening Field Fisher's offering with his M&A experience, particularly in work on behalf of financial institution clients.

THE FIRM This firm handles a plethora of mid-sized corporate deals, and clients can choose from a fine array of individual talent to employ on a multitude of transactions. In highlight work, the lawyers advised Cygnet 2008 on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Cygnet 2002 for £340 million. The team's specialises in work involving India. 

Sources Say: "An excellent outfit."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Heather is one of the big names in the team. He is experienced in M&A, joint ventures and capital markets work but is perhaps best known for his efforts on the AIM markets. Managing partner Hugh Maule has a wealth of deal experience, be it in M&A or financings, and has considerable knowledge of the healthcare and renewable energy sectors in particular.

THE FIRM The corporate arm of Nabarro has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of years, emerging from the shadow cast by the firm's dominant real estate department to attract a wide variety of clients to the firm. It has profited more than most from the mid-market recently, with highlight work such as advising long-standing client Vega Group on its recommended takeover by Finmeccanica, in a £69 million all-cash transaction.

Sources Say: "Its staff are of high quality and a match for law firms across the City, both large and small."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iain Newman is a long-time presence in the group and "a commercially aware practitioner who brings a good blend of professionalism and pragmatism." He advised Numis Securities and Goodbody Corporate Finance as joint financial advisers, sponsors and underwriters on UTV Media's £50 million rights issue. Clare Grayston has "an implicit understanding of the commercial aspects of a deal," and is valued for her persuasiveness in M&A and capital markets negotiations. M&A expert Graham Stedman assisted new client Premier Recruitment International with its £45 million offer for Imprint.

THE FIRM The corporate team at Olswang benefits from the firm's extensive relationships in the media industry as numerous deals emanate from these sources. Many of the lawyers combine expertise in AIM and capital markets with their corporate transactional abilities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Hermer assisted TIML Golden Square with its landmark £53.2 million acquisition of Virgin Radio Holdings. Simon Morgan is an M&A specialist with a focus on financing facilities. His practice has involved advising on the winding-up and rollover of assets in respect of New Star Absolute Return Fund.

THE FIRM Osborne Clarke is highly commended for its superb client service and capable handling of a plethora of mid-market transactions. The corporate group has also successfully managed deals running into many hundreds of millions of pounds in value.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan King is generally admired by clients, while. Adrian Bott's expertise in technology, communications and media is keenly sought after. Senior partner Tim Birt heads the media sector specialist group and represents many clients in the advertising and marketing industries.

THE FIRM A strong national group complements the London-based activities of this firm's corporate group, and its deep resources are employed to maximum effect on the full range of corporate deals. Pinsent Masons has been working hard to develop its reach beyond the UK, and has succeeded in attracting work from an ever-expanding stable of international clients. The team worked with Wal-Mart on the sale of Gazeley Limited Group (the property development subsidiary of ASDA) to Colour Bidco, and advised SIG on its acquisition of A Steadman & Son for £32.5 million.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gareth Edwards heads the London group and primarily focuses on AIM activities, though he is thoroughly deserving of his reputation as a negotiator of considerable prowess in M&A. Jon Harris is also prized for his corporate advice.

THE FIRM Though capital markets is a dominant strain in this firm's corporate output, mainstream corporate work makes up a healthy component of the team's workload, not least thanks to its reach into the Far East via the Singapore office. It maintains an impressive deal flow, including advising Lovefilm International on its acquisition of Amazon.com's DVD online rental business in the UK and Germany, and assisting Seera Investment Bank with its acquisition of BWA Water Additives. Clients love working with the group.

Sources Say: "The team takes a sensible commercial approach to difficult situations and wants to get the deal done as much as we do."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sharon White heads the M&A practice and is an expert on deal negotiations. She led the shareholders of Advanced Visual Technology on the sale of the shares of AVT to Oracle Systems.

THE FIRM This firm is involved in the technology sector and has an international dynamic. Based in London, the team acts on a significant number of cross-border transactions, and in one instance advised Bateman Engineering on its USD47.5 million acquisition of the Delkor group of companies. This firm also has a specialism in the telecoms sector, where it assists many of the biggest names in the industry with acquisitions, disposals and investments.

Sources Say: "You know you will work with the same high-calibre, business-oriented, efficient business professionals every time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Allport is an expert on the Takeover Code and an experienced figure in the group. His recent work includes advising Hellman & Freidman Capital Partners on the European aspects of its USD2.4 billion acquisition of Getty Images. Co-head of the group Neil Blundell has been active on behalf of Arbuthnot Banking Group on its sale of Arbuthnot Commercial Finance to Bibby Financial Services.

THE FIRM This firm is a popular choice among clients for its dedication and commitment to client service. It handles a steady flow of work, such as advising JPMorgan Cazenove and Canaccord Adams on Gemfields Resources' USD120 million reverse takeover by Krinera and Greentop.

Sources Say: "Our company is a better company because of their involvement as counsel." "It is always looking for ways to make things easier to understand and quicker to implement without compromising quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Gilbert is the head of corporate finance at the firm and an expert in negotiating the full range of corporate transactions. "He is a sharp observer who is able to quickly reduce complex matters to understandable and manageable pieces of information," appreciative sources say. Keir Gordon advises on the full extent of corporate finance and capital markets matters, often for those in the sports and leisure industries, and is especially well versed in fund investment structuring.

THE FIRM Despite its relatively compact size, Clyde & Co has an international reach and enough resources to successfully staff billion-pound deals, though the majority of its work sits easily within the mid-market bracket. Insurance and shipping are the mainstays here, with most of the headline-grabbing work stemming from these two sectors in particular, though transportation, natural resources and financial services are also rich areas of work for the firm. The team is also handling an increased amount of work in the mining sector, where it acted for the target in the USD120 million acquisition of a 50.5% stake in DMC Energy by London Mining.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Rogers is an expert in cross-border acquisitions, and has been working with Hampson Industries on the £158 million acquisition of Odyssey Industries and Global Tooling Systems.

THE FIRM This firm receives a sizeable amount of work from UK and US corporate clients. It has had a base in London since 1986, so is well established in the local marketplace as a plausible alternative for native clients, and boasts the depth of resources one might expect from an international multi-jurisdictional outfit. The group advised Brit Insurance on US securities issues and related UK securities matters regarding its sale of shares in a US company.

Sources Say: "It has good strength in depth across corporate finance."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Taylor is a leading light for the group. He has extensive corporate finance and restructuring expertise, and worked with XL Leisure on multiple restructuring instructions in the lead-up to its formal administration. 

THE FIRM Clients benefit from this group's strong UK corporate finance capabilities, international outlook and expansive network. A steady flow of mid-market transactions is complemented by occasional involvement in billion-pound deals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Allen is a vastly experienced M&A partner who frequently works in the media and technology services sectors and is a master in negotiations.

THE FIRM Making the most of its contacts in the USA, K&L Gates receives a good deal of international work from its various outposts all over the world and its corporate transactional expertise is highly sought after. The team is able to call on the support of some of the finest capital markets capabilities around, and has been involved in M&A work such as advising the founding shareholders of James Villa Holidays on its sale to management backed by private equity.

Sources Say: "A talented bunch of negotiators with all the knowledge clients could ask for."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kevin Dean led the team acting for James Villa Holidays and is widely renowned for his expertise in public takeovers and for his private work. One of the busiest lawyers at the firm, Jeremy Davis is active on a good number of the firm's many deals, especially those with a cross-border element. He advised Halliburton on its acquisition of Protech Centreform International and the business of Protech Centreform in the UK, the USA and Italy for USD64 million. Martin Lane heads the corporate and transactional group in addition to managing the European arm of the firm, and is an experienced hand in M&A and corporate finance.

THE FIRM The expertise of Richards Butler merged into Reed Smith a couple of years ago and the combination has worked well, bringing an international slant to much of the firm's work as it counts many US-based clients on its list. Work highlights include advising McDonald’s on the sale of its 33% interest in Pret A Manger to Bridgepoint Capital for £350 million, and representing copper producer CopperCo on its recommended takeover of Mineral Securities. The team is commended for its dedication and good work ethic in corporate transactions.

Sources Say: "The whole group gets behind the deal and you can be sure of getting the best result possible."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Ian Fagelson is a cross-border specialist who acts on behalf of many international clients, and often on those deals involving financial institutions. 

THE FIRM It would be remiss to mention the corporate output of this firm without including its specialism in the insurance industry, where the group is active on headline-grabbing deals. The firm's mainstream work is to be envied in its own right, as the fairly compact team has the depth of expertise to handle even the largest deals with ease. Notable highlights include advising Britannia on a disposal to Forum Health Products, and representing RKH on the acquisition of Bowood Holdings (a Lloyd's insurance broker) for £20 million.

Sources Say: "They have a talent for getting disparate sides to agree, getting a good result every time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Gamblin is the key contact.

THE FIRM Fladgate has beefed up its corporate arm, broadening the firm's offering. It enjoys strong links to the real estate sector, which has proven a fruitful area for corporate transactions. Lower mid-market deals comprise the group's bread and butter, such as its work on the MBO from administration of 18 Folio hotels by new company Mulbourn. The lawyers also represented long-standing client Random House on the merger of Random House South Africa and Struik Publishers.

Sources Say: "The team has a general ethos of helpfulness and focuses on turning work around quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Vaughan is a contact.

THE FIRM The mid-market has treated Lewis Silkin rather well over the past few years, especially in its sweet spots of the leisure and media sectors. The dynamic, compact corporate group works for international and domestic companies. Highlights include advising Havas on a number of deals, such as the three acquisitions of BLM, Cake and a majority stake in AIS, and assisting with the sale of public relations agency Hogarth Partnership to The Engine Group.

Sources Say: "Practical and responsive to their clients' needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jo Evans heads the corporate department and is active on deals linked to the advertising, marketing, communications and financial services sectors. "Skilled at dealing with multinational management teams that are not always familiar with UK customs and practice," Nigel Edwards led on the Havas deals and handles numerous transactions in the media and marketing arena. Philip Lamb covers public and private acquisitions for clients such as Catalyst Media Group and Claranet Group, and is "a pleasure to work with on a deal."

THE FIRM This corporate team has enjoyed much success over the past couple of years, maintaining a steady flow of new clients and instructions in even these most testing of times. Intermediaries continue to be a ready source of work for the firm, while the group worked with Quotient Bioscience Group on the acquisition of BioDynamics Research, and advised Helical Bar on a joint venture vehicle with Grainger in connection with the £180 million mixed-use development of the area around Hammersmith Town Hall. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Berman is a contact. 

THE FIRM Clients return to this firm time and again due to its high level of support and the lawyers' expert advice on mid-market corporate deals. Major work includes advising PA Consulting on the demerger of its ventures business, now known as Ipex Capital, from the main consulting business, and assisting TRIO Finance with its tender offer and buy-back of shares. Strength in AIM and capital markets work is a standout feature of the group, which works extensively with NOMADs and sponsors on reverse takeovers and secondary issues.

Sources Say: "The service on offer at Speechlys is very good; the lawyers are very willing to help all the way through a deal."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Lingens heads the corporate group.

THE FIRM This firm is involved in high-profile work in its specialist areas of healthcare and insurance, and has earned its place among the prominent names in the lower to mid-market. Highlight work has included advising Southern Bear on the acquisition of Fenhams Partnership and its re-admission to AIM.

Sources Say: "The firm has the size and resources to cover all the specialities in-house but is small enough that clients can get the right level of senior help when they need it." "It provides a well-considered commercial view to problems and assists in getting all the parties to a negotiated solution."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Laurence Markham heads the corporate finance group.

THE FIRM Corporate work forms a significant part of the firm's practice in London, and though its Scottish roots should not be disregarded, it is the productivity of the clients established south of the border that has propelled it into the tables. In notable work, the lawyers advised Quinlan Private on the £200 million syndication of its investment in the Jurys Inns parent company Vesway to the sovereign wealth fund of Oman.

Sources Say: "We trust the group to do the best job for us, and it is easy to approach the lawyers for help when we need it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ewan Robertson worked on the Southern Electric Contracting acquisition of Hills Electrical & Mechanical.

THE FIRM The transactional teams at this firm have come on in leaps and bounds recently. It has established tight relationships with a number of its clients, and was selected to advise the transition board on the proposed merger of Help the Aged and the national Age Concern charities. The team also assisted the incoming management team of Carewatch with a BIMBO from Nestor Healthcare Group, a deal with significant private equity interest.

Sources Say: "The lawyers have proactive, deal-focused attitudes and really work as a part of our team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Adam Walker worked on the Carewatch deal and also advised the family trustees on the sale of James Villa Holidays. He heads the corporate group. Jaideep Bal advises on the gamut of corporate finance, frequently acting for NOMADs, property companies, charities and sports organisations.

THE FIRM This tight corporate group draws on all of its resources to best represent its clients on a broad range of deals in the marketplace. It has specialist knowledge and experience in the media, entertainment and communication sectors, where it is noted for its work on high-value, complex deals.

Sources Say: "An approachable and friendly team, and each of the lawyers we have worked with has been fantastic."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Howes heads the company and commercial group. He is well known for his tireless corporate advice, and led the team in its work for Target Entertainment on its acquisition of independent production company Greenlit Rights. Head of the corporate finance department Tim Parker advises on corporate transactions and capital raisings. He worked with MAMA Group on its joint venture with HMV.

THE FIRM This compact team has achieved great things in corporate finance and capital markets work, and its AIM group is extremely well regarded. Clients adore working with the team, which has been active on behalf of Digital Rights Group on its acquisition of the international television distribution business of Channel 4, as well as on a strong flow of advisory work for many small to mid-sized companies.

Sources Say: "It is large enough to have an experienced team but small enough to ensure you get the attention to detail from partners, which you don't seem to get at bigger firms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jon Sweet was the lead figure on the purchase of the business and assets of The Pelham Hotel by Thurloe Hotels. He is "a great team player" and "impresses with his seamless negotiation skills."

THE FIRM This firm's commitment to the life sciences and technology sectors has resulted in a steady stream of work in these areas, and sources also note its work on matters concerning the healthcare and natural resources sectors. Its client list features Asian and US companies seeking to invest in the UK, as well as UK-based targets such as Acambis, which the team represented in its £276 million recommended takeover offer by sanofi-aventis. The lawyers also assisted American Pacific with its acquisition of the European operations of Marotta Controls in Ireland and England.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Claydon worked on the Acambis deal and also led the team in its work for On Demand Group on its acquisition of Mobix Interactive. He heads the corporate group in London and advises on M&A, IPOs and securities matters.

THE FIRM This firm's commitment to service and its clients draws enthusiastic praise from its loyal followers. The corporate group is recognised for its strong representation of mid-market companies and financial investors on a range of M&A and other transactions. Highlight work includes advising SCA on the £100 million sale of its UK and Irish conventional corrugated packaging business to SAICA.

Sources Say: “An unusually high level of personal involvement from this team makes for extraordinarily good client understanding.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Anderson worked with Associated Northcliffe Digital on its acquisition of Broadbean Technology, and has proved time and again his value to clients seeking corporate advice with finesse. 

THE FIRM Salans' London office has increased its profile in the market in recent years, capitalising on the strength it has generated in Eastern Europe and numerous other emerging markets. More and more, the London outpost is being regarded as a vital component for tapping into these markets.

Sources Say: “It has a nice balance of high standards of professionalism, intimate size and flexibility.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Salmon is the leading figure of the department and has been working with Värde Partners Europe on its acquisition of a shareholding in BJJ Universul Development. 

THE FIRM The combination of expertise in the social housing sector and the Middle East forms the backbone of this firm, and its corporate workload evidences this as much as any other area of law. A mix of publicly and internationally sourced work complements the group's steady flow of instructions from mid-market corporate finance clients. In one highlight, it acted for Cambrian Mining on the takeover of Coal International, valuing the company at £56 million.

Sources Say: “They know our business, our people and what we are trying to achieve incredibly well.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Hildebrand is an expert in UK corporate finance and international M&A. He is also highly active in the AIM market, where he advises new entrants.

THE FIRM This group is active on a significant number of small to mid-sized corporate deals and focuses on providing high-quality advice to clients. It advised David and Stuart Lunan on the sale of The Lunan Group to Synova Capital LLP.

Sources Say: “There is a great depth of experience in the team, and each of the lawyers is highly responsive and efficient.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Vanessa Williams is a contact.

THE FIRM Resulting from a merger between London-based firm Kendall Freeman and the US firm that supplied the current name, Edwards Angell has quickly put its increased size and resources to good use providing clients with a fully rounded service. Its links to the insurance and financial services sectors are as strong as ever, and the group worked on the disposal by Kerry London Group of Lloyd's broker Kerry Lonsdale to its management. The corporate department's reach spans the globe to encompass the USA and Hong Kong.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Spiller is the key contact.

THE FIRM This group has strong cross-corporate finance capabilities, as much of its work in the area is complemented by the lawyers' expertise in AIM capital markets activities. Notable work has involved advising Daniel Stewart & Company on an acquisition by Ekay of WFCA Integrated, and Jelf Group on key acquisitions such as that of Clarke Roxburgh.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ashley Reeback is the lead lawyer in this department.

THE FIRM Forsters has established a good name for itself through its focus on and talent for real estate transactional work, and boasts a strong client base of institutional investors and large portfolio companies. Despite the trying market conditions, the group has continued to attract work of this vein and recently advised Leander Group on its recommended cash partial offer for 74.9% of Real Office Group.

Sources Say: “The quality of the advice is superb; it balances the personal touch of a small team with the skills of a large firm.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Whiteson is "a leading expert in mid-market corporate deals and a great guy to work with,” according to sources. He leads the corporate group and worked with Clos du Mesnil on the private company takeover of Latitude Resources.

THE FIRM The corporate group at Fox Williams has been expanding over the past few years, gaining a wide range of experience while remaining a relatively compact unit. The group handles M&A, venture capital, private equity and AIM transactions with ease, and loyal clients return to the firm for the quality service and experience. The lawyers recently advised Constellation Software on its acquisition of UK-based 2K Technology Group.

Sources Say: “The group is knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. Its responsiveness is almost immediate; it is more like a strategic partner than a law firm.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tina Williams specialising in assisting professional services firms with M&A activities.

THE FIRM This firm's international outlook and focus on specialist areas such as shipping and ports-based M&A have enabled it to thrive despite the economic slowdown. Its offices in the Middle East have also proved beneficial, bringing in work from energy projects and bridging the gap between offices in the USA and Europe and those in the Far East. Highlight work has included advising on the sale of shares in a Belgian terminal company operating out of the Zeebrugge container terminal to Shanghai International Port Company.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Hutton leads the corporate team.

THE FIRM This firm is widely renowned for its expertise in the technology sector, and its strong reputation in this area feeds into a large part of the corporate team’s work. It frequently advises blue-chip companies on various aspects of restructuring, divestments and acquisitions; it also handles listing and delisting, financing and M&A for private and AIM-listed companies in the technology and energy arenas. T-Mobile, Expedia and Thomson Reuters are just some of the household names represented by Kemp Little.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lucy Vernall is well known for her work with technology companies on M&A, financings and restructurings. Clients such as Thomson Reuters and Sunstone Capital rely on her skills for crafting a deal. 

THE FIRM Though AIM and its related transactions continue to be a major focus for the group here, not least thanks to its many links with NOMADs, general corporate M&A has been increasingly prevalent over the past couple of years. Its main highlights continue to have an AIM bent however, such as its work for new client HSBC Principal Investments on its investment in AIM-quoted diamond producer Kopane Diamond Developments.

Sources Say: “The corporate team is truly impressive at providing quality advice across a range of specialist areas and it is incredibly diligent.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lesley Gregory is highly regarded by her clients: “She is always calm and efficient, and able to recognise and address the substantive issues of a deal long in advance of problems.” She heads the firm's AIM group.

THE FIRM The shipping and insurance sectors have long provided much of this firm's notable activity, in addition to the important areas of minerals and oil and gas. International in its scope, the team's highlight work has included advising CMA-CGM on its subsidiary Global Ship Lease's USD1 billion merger transaction with NYSE-listed Marathon Acquisition. It has also been busy representing Eclipse on its £52 million takeover by Vattenfall.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jan Mellmann heads the firm's international corporate group.