Department profile
Stevens & Bolton LLP

Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above

UK Guide 2026 : The South

Share profile

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stevens & Bolton LLP

We are one of the largest teams of specialist corporate lawyers in the South East, outside London, undertaking the full range of corporate and corporate finance work.

This includes:

  • Public and private M&A
  • Private equity
  • Fundraisings
  • Reorganisations
  • Accelerated/insolvency led transactions
  • Joint ventures
  • Corporate governance

We are supported by the full range of specialists required to support corporate transactional work, and many deals in which we are involved have a significant international dimension.

We also provide incorporation and company secretarial services.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above - The South

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Steven & Bolton LLP is a full-service firm that handles complex private equity and corporate transactions for clients ranging from fast-growing entrepreneurial businesses to national and international corporations. It offers a solid team of experts capable of handling the full gamut of corporate work, including notable experience in cross-border mandates, and provides clients with the benefit of wide-ranging expertise thanks to banking, tax, pensions and IP specialists within the firm.
View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stevens & Bolton advised The Ardonagh Group on multiple strategic acquisitions throughout the year.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • This firm stands out for its collaborative culture, innovative mindset and commitment to excellence. It has a well-structured environment that supports both productivity and collaboration.

    Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

  • The firm has exceptional strength and depth in mid-size M&A transactions. The team have handled complex structures with ease and sophistication.

    Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

  • They offer 'London-quality' service and experience, but with greater partner involvement and more competitive fees. A true 'lead from the front' approach is shown by the partner.

    Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

  • Stevens & Bolton has a wide range of professionals with great expertise and quick responses.

    Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Richard Baxter
    Richard Baxter

    Richard Baxter

    Richard Baxter is a leading corporate lawyer in the region known for his expertise in M&A. He acts on behalf of clients in an array of sectors, including energy and technology.

    • Richard is at the top of his profession – supportive of all his fellow partners, he is good at giving advice.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK
    View profile
  • James R A Waddell
    James R A Waddell

    James R A Waddell

    James Waddell is the managing partner of Stevens & Bolton. He advises clients from across an array of sectors on transactions including M&A and private equity deals.

    • James is a very good guy and a good lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

    • He is very easy to work with and takes a pragmatic view to get things done.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK
    View profile
  • Joe Bedford
    Joe Bedford

    Joe Bedford

    Joe Bedford is noted for his broad expertise in corporate matters. He is active in finance transactions and counts a number of banks and corporates among his clientele.

    • Joe understands our business exceptionally well and provides comprehensive advice tailored to the issues he knows we care about. He is pragmatic and exceptionally well organised; we are in safe hands.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

    • Joe is able to expertly navigate complex negotiations with ease and professionalism, and he remains focused on the commercial matters that could have a meaningful impact on M&A transactions.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

    • Joe is a highly competent and trusted legal adviser offering exceptional client service. He is an excellent sounding board when discussing all manner of matters relating to M&A transactions.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK
    View profile
  • Keith Syson
    Keith Syson

    Keith Syson

    Keith Syson is a distinguished practitioner who advises clients in a range of sectors. His practice exhibits expertise in M&A, joint ventures and private equity transactions.

    • Keith is proactive and very user-friendly. He is responsive, thorough and effective and has good market knowledge.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK
    View profile
  • Jenny Robertson
    Jenny Robertson

    Jenny Robertson

    Jenny Robertson is a well-regarded solicitor in the corporate law team at Stevens & Bolton. She frequently handles M&A transactions and is noted in particular for her expertise in the technology sector.

    • Jenny is a really excellent partner who quickly felt like a key part of the team. Her knowledge of transaction norms and the industry was invaluable.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

    • Jenny is excellent – thorough, commercial and pragmatic. She gives good practical advice and is a good negotiator.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK
    View profile
  • Jonathan Steele
    Jonathan Steele

    Jonathan Steele

    Jonathan Steele is involved in a range of corporate matters, including transactions in the technology and healthcare sectors. He ably handles investments, restructurings and M&A.

    • He has a tremendous sense of humour, which makes all the complex legal matters much easier to deal with. He is reliable, responsive and organised.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

    • Jonathan is experienced and hard-working.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK
    View profile
  • Nick Atkins
    Nick Atkins

    Nick Atkins

    Nick Atkins is an experienced corporate lawyer with particular expertise in cross-border M&A deals. He also exhibits strength in private equity transactions.

    • Nick's professionalism, knowledge and ability to address our specific needs were incredibly impressive and played a significant role in our decision-making.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK

    • Nick is organised, and easy to work with, meets deadlines and has expertise. He has an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.

      Corporate/M&A: £25 million and above respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Stevens & Bolton LLP (7)

The South

Members

Provided by Stevens & Bolton LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership