Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability - UK

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills has a well-regarded practice that is often instructed on high-value cross-border transactions and prominent acquisition and disposal deals, earning a strong reputation for its abilities in public M&A. Its client base includes numerous well-known blue-chip companies, leading investment banks and sovereign wealth funds. The department's broad sector expertise spans financial services, technology and real estate.

Work Highlights

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills

  • Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Capital & Counties Properties on its recommended all share merger with Shaftesbury. This created an estate valued at £5 billion.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

S
James Palmer
S
Senior Statespeople
James Palmer is able to deploy a wealth of experience across a number of domestic and international corporate transactions. He has also previously sat as the chair and senior partner of the firm.

James has a unique combination of legal expertise and in-depth understanding of the dynamics influencing the evolution of the regulatory environment, and he is extremely pleasant to work with.

James is close to buy-side panels and is good at taking temperature. We benefit from him as he is incredibly useful and has technical skills on all matters UK.

3
Stephen Wilkinson
3
Band 3

Stephen Wilkinson is widely respected thanks to his excellent handling of major M&A, and other corporate transactions, on behalf of a client base of corporates and financial institutions.

4
Mark Bardell
4
Band 4
Mark Bardell impresses sources with his strong handling of domestic public M&A, especially as it occurs in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. He represents a client base of international companies, and impresses with his knowledge of the City Code.

Mark has done some landmark transactions, such as advising Sky.

Mark provides excellent advice.

We work with Mark on truly challenging and nuanced matters and he approaches all elements of them with sophistication, poise and determination.

Mark gives excellent advice. He is consistently on the detail and providing support for the team.

5
Gavin Davies
5
Band 5

Gavin Davies leads the firm's global M&A practice. He is valued for his sophisticated cross-border practice where he regularly undertakes deals in the EMEA region. He often supports clients in the TMT and real estate sectors.

His style is calm, collaborative and pragmatic, which is exactly what is needed for the difficult and complex situations in which we involve him, and he often sees the question behind the question.

Gavin is a truly excellent M&A lawyer with a strong commercial sensitivity and great judgement. We often turn to him for advice on our most complicated matters.

Gavin is outstanding and able to deal with the most complex international matters in a considerate and compassionate way. He is always responsive and putting the company first.

Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills

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Band

UK

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability

S
James Palmer
S
Senior Statespeople
3
Stephen Wilkinson
3
Band 3
4
Mark Bardell
4
Band 4
5
Gavin Davies
5
Band 5