Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Corporate/M&A: Scotland - UK
What the Team is Known For
Burness Paull has a pre-eminent corporate presence across Scotland acting for national and international clients on a wide range of corporate and private equity transactional matters, with a notable sector specialism in technology and financial services. The firm is experienced in acting on deals involving companies of all sizes, from large plcs to owner-managed businesses. The team is often involved in complex transactions with multi-jurisdictional elements, such as significant equity capital markets work.
Strengths
"Burness Paull have a fantastic breadth of expertise. Whenever the core team need more niche input, they're always able to pull in the best person available from elsewhere in the firm to make sure we get the best advice."
"Their commercial awareness is really one of the distinguishing qualities of the firm."
"The corporate team at Burness Paull are so experienced that no matter is too complex for them."
Work Highlights
Burness Paull represented the Harris Family Trusts in their acquisition of Butlins.
Notable practitioners
Chair of the firm Peter Lawson is known for his longstanding M&A practice. He has a wealth of experience advising both public and private companies on corporate transactions.
"Peter's distinguished stature in the market brings a lot of authority. Those he is opposite know they'll have to bring their A-game."
David Davidson is a well-regarded and experienced corporate partner at Burness Paull. He acts for clients on a broad range of commercial mandates including M&A transactions and investments.
"David is unflappable and calm. He's able to take complex matters and put them into an easily digestible format for us non-legal clients."
"David's responsiveness is great; he's always ready to help."
Mark Ellis is a corporate finance partner at Burness Paull. He provides expertise for clients in a range of corporate matters. He heads the firm's corporate finance team and is adept at handling significant M&A transactions and private equity work.
"Mark is a highly capable and well-known practitioner."
"He's a good and highly regarded lawyer."
Christopher Gotts is known for handling domestic and cross-border acquisitions and equity fund-raisings on behalf of both public and private companies.
"Christopher stands out as someone with a very strong reputation and an equally strong client bank."
"Chris has a good reputation in the market."
Grant Stevenson is an established corporate partner at Burness Paull who handles acquisitions, sales and restructuring matters. He leads the firm's media practice and stands out for his work on deals in that sector.
"Grant's advice is consistently of an excellent quality and our relationship has been brilliant."
"Grant is a very strong practitioner."
Robert Burns handles sales and acquisitions as part of his wide corporate practice. He advises entrepreneurs as well as owner-managed and family-run businesses.
"Robert is a highly experienced practitioner who is always good to deal with."
"Robert is active in the market and does good deals."
Alasdair Freeman advises on corporate matters such as sales and acquisitions, both nationally and internationally. He is noted for his focus on deals involving the technology sector.
"Alasdair is knowledgeable, takes the time to understand our issues and always comes back to us promptly."
"Alasdair continues to deliver exceptional service to us. He's always available and always willing to challenge our position to make sure the best commercial outcome is achieved."
Paul Scullion is a partner in Burness Paull's corporate finance team. He shows aptitude for advising on domestic and cross-border matters relating to venture capital as well as M&A and fund-raising transactions.
"Paul really understands market dynamics and its key players."
"Paul is a good lawyer who is commercial and fair. He's also technically good."