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CooperBurnett LLP

Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses

UK Guide 2026 : The South

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CooperBurnett LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by CooperBurnett LLP

CooperBurnett’s Corporate and Commercial team has built an excellent reputation for providing the very best advice to all types of businesses, and the team boasts extensive experience. Partner Victoria Sampson, who heads up the team, has been with CooperBurnett for 30 years; while her colleague, Chambers ranked Partner, Russell Brinkhurst, boasts 20 years working with closely with business owners and becoming their ‘trusted adviser’.

 

Within the Corporate team, a number of Partners has built particular specialities. Joseph Oates, who has been with the firm for 25 years, focuses on insolvency and has completed the JIEB insolvency exams; Tom Lumsden, is an expert in advising charities and care home owners on site acquisition, disposal and finance; while John Spence has a region-wide reputation for his work in property litigation.

 

The team also includes Associate Solicitor, Natalie Lai, who is qualified as a solicitor in both Hong Kong and England & Wales and is also a trained accountant.

 

CooperBurnett deals with enterprises at every stage of their lifecycle, providing advice to entrepreneurs looking to launch their first company to business owners considering a sale – and every step in between.

The firm acts for all types of businesses across a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing and supply, professional services, education and healthcare. It also also provides dedicated contentious legal support if and when your business requires it.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses - The South

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

CooperBurnett is a highly respected firm that offers extensive experience in M&A. The firm advises clients from across a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, IT and hospitality.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have all the expertise within the firm and the ability to meet the required deadlines. I was very happy with the service.

    Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

  • The team are reliable, pragmatic and professional, and they provide speedy responses. I have complete faith and trust in their technical and professional ability.

    Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

  • CooperBurnett has good individuals who really know their stuff and are very versatile.

    Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

  • We are able to use CB for anything that our complex and multifaceted business requires. The team are very flexible and adaptable to our needs.

    Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

  • The team are very consistent, have high levels of professionalism and are very responsive.

    Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Russell Brinkhurst
    Russell Brinkhurst

    Russell Brinkhurst

    Russell Brinkhurst has developed a strong practice focused on handling M&A transactions, among other corporate matters. His clients work in a broad range of sectors, including publishing and financial services.

    • Russell has a comprehensive understanding of our business and is always supportive and proactive.

      Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK
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  • Victoria Sampson
    Victoria Sampson

    Victoria Sampson

    Victoria Sampson is head of CooperBurnett's corporate and commercial team. She is well-versed in advising clients on M&A and restructuring work, and is also able to advise on different matters relating to corporate finance.

    • Victoria is excellent all round.

      Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

    • Victoria provides exceptional legal advice and service.

      Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

    • Victoria is a delight to deal with.

      Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK

    • Victoria is our go-to person to whom we introduce clients; she has a rare balance of professionalism, personal touch and humour, and we trust her implicitly.

      Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at CooperBurnett LLP (2)

The South

  • Profile image of Russell Brinkhurst

    Russell Brinkhurst

    Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses

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  • Profile image of Victoria Sampson

    Victoria Sampson

    Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses

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Members

Provided by CooperBurnett LLP

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