Department profile
Harper Macleod LLP

Corporate/M&A

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Harper Macleod LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Harper Macleod LLP

Our corporate team is recognised as being one of Scotland’s top dealmakers and advises businesses of all sizes in every aspect of corporate activity - from high-profile mergers and acquisitions to our extensive work with SMEs. The team is one of the largest in Scotland, with experienced corporate lawyers based in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands, Islands and Moray working with businesses throughout Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally.

We have particular experience of providing commercial legal advice to many of Scotland’s leading family-owned, employee-owned and owner-managed businesses on matters such as investment or succession. In addition, we are known as leading advisers to entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses, particularly those seeking investment. We have completed 153 transactions out of a total of 793 to be reported in the last 12 months. That’s 19% of all reported transactions, compared to 13% in the previous period.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Scotland

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Harper Macleod has expertise in acting for owner-managed and family-owned businesses, as well as high-profile M&A involving large and listed businesses. The firm demonstrates experience in cross-border corporate transactions, acting for both overseas investors and Scottish businesses seeking investment. The team is active across a wide range of sectors on the full suite of transactions, including M&A, MBOs, joint ventures and demergers. It provides specialist expertise in alternative financing, particularly equity crowdfunding, for high-growth companies.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harper Macleod advised YDLGP on its acquisition of the courier company Yodel.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • When I say I will work throughout the night to complete a transaction they automatically assume they will be there. It is never a fight and there is always a feeling they are on your team.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUK

  • They are always very quick to respond with thorough, thoughtful and informed replies that are well presented.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUK

  • Harper Macleod's advice is always candid. They put me first as the client and always give constructive feedback, giving me a range of solutions.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUK

  • Harper Macleod quickly understood the nature of my business and what was required. They took time to find out the details at the beginning, which made for a smoother negotiating process.

    Corporate/M&A respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Paula Skinner
    Paula Skinner

    Paula Skinner

    Paula Skinner heads the entrepreneurial team at Harper Macleod, where she is noted for her broad corporate practice. She has particular expertise advising entrepreneurs on investments and sales.

    • Paula is a brilliant corporate lawyer and a leader in M&A transactions.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUK

    • Paula is excellent. A trusted and respected extension of my business.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUK

    • I can't imagine why I would choose anyone else.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUK

    • Paula is excellent and it's as simple as that.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUK
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  • Jo Nisbet
    Jo Nisbet

    Jo Nisbet

    Jo Nisbet frequently advises growing companies on corporate transactions, including acquisitions and equity investments.

    • When Jo says she'll do something by a date she does it. She's considerate of client needs.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUK

    • Jo provides exceptional service and makes me feel at ease.

      Corporate/M&A respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Harper Macleod LLP (2)

Scotland

Members

Provided by Harper Macleod LLP

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