Ian Gillis

Ian is a Partner in Hill Dickinson’s corporate team and leads our Professional Services sector. Ian specialises in equity capital markets, private equity and mergers and acquisitions, with expertise in IPOs, public takeovers and complex transactions.

Over the past two decades, Ian has advised founders, management teams and investment banks on high-profile deals across retail, professional services, transport and healthcare.

Clients trust Ian as a close adviser who knows their business inside out. His approach is to be available, be curious and focus on adding value. This has led to board positions with private equity-backed businesses, as well as enabling him to build robust long-term relationships.

Trained DWF - 1997 to 1999 (Qualified 1999)

Associate DWF - 1999 to 2005

Partner DWF - 2005 to 2008

Partner Hammonds - 2008 to 2010

Partner Hill Dickinson - 2010 to date

Law Society

Vistage - 2018 to date

Chair of GB Taekwondo - 2025 to date

Director of PAM Healthcare Group – 2025 to date

Senior independent director of GB Taekwondo - 2019 to 2025

Board member of Hakim Group - 2020 to 2025

Board member of Hill Dickinson – 2014 to 2018

Xeinadin Group, Hakim Group, Fox Brothers, AMS Accountants, DSW plc, Ultimate Products plc, Equilibrium Financial Planning, Zeus Capital.

2 daughters

6th dan black belt Shotokan Karate

Karate instructor

Boxing

Hiking

Travelling around Japan

Music

Liverpool Football Club

• Advising accountancy firm Xeinadin on the investment from Exponent Private Equity

• Advising Hakim Group on the investment from All Seas Capital

• Advising Fox Group on the investment from Stellex Capital

• Advising Stobart Group on the £280 million partial disposal of its transport and distribution business

• Advising on the Main Market IPO of Ultimate Products plc

• Advising accountancy firm Xeinadin on the investment from Exponent Private Equity

• Advising Hakim Group on the investment from All Seas Capital

• Advising Fox Group on the investment from Stellex Capital

• Advising Stobart Group on the £280 million partial disposal of its transport and distribution business

• Advising on the Main Market IPO of Ultimate Products plc

• Advising on the AIM IPO of DSW plc

• Advising on the take private of Styles & Wood plc

• Advising GENDA Inc on the acquisition of a UK holiday parks business from Inspired Entertainment

• Advising AMS Accountants on the investment from Macquarie Capital

• Advising Equilibrium Financial Planning on the investment from Sovereign Capital Partners

Sheffield University

Law LLB

1992 - 1995

Chester College of Law

Legal Practice Course (LPC)

1996 - 1997