Corporate/M&A: £5 million and above | UK

DLA Piper has an integrated national practice together with an unrivalled global presence. The team is distinguished by its ability to resource high-value and strategically important transactions involving public companies and the equity capital markets. The firm provides corporate counsel to a substantial client base of high-profile businesses both locally and around the world. Its recent work includes significant M&A for engineering, aerospace and life sciences companies.

Gowling WLG has deep roots in the region as well as strength in cross-border transactions. The group is knowledgeable about automotive industry transactions, as well as high-value real estate deals, along with a range of matters affecting local entrepreneurs. The firm's client list includes many high-profile global property owners and private equity firms. The team continues to advise clients on high-profile M&A, joint ventures and restructurings.

Browne Jacobson is a well-regarded Midlands firm with traditional strengths in M&A and private equity, and healthy specialisms in public company and investment funds work. The group is respected for its ability to lead transactions with a cross-border element. The team has further capabilities in business restructurings and disposals.

Gateley Legal is regularly instructed by a range of clients including local entrepreneurs, national private equity houses and overseas corporates. The group is broad in focus but prominent especially in the retail and real estate sectors. The team handles a varied portfolio of work, tackling highly complex national and cross-border deals. The firm possesses particular expertise in advising management teams on transactions, including buyouts and sales.

Pinsent Masons has a leading international practice with a sizeable presence in the region. The firm takes a sector-led approach, with many significant clients in energy, technology, healthcare and manufacturing. The group is well versed in advising businesses on a comprehensive array of growth-oriented functions, including complex, high-profile cross-border acquisitions. Its lawyers are particularly skilled at advising on transactions involving complex regulatory issues.

Shoosmiths has deep roots in the local area and a loyal following of clients in the private equity sector. The team is also known for its M&A work and public company expertise. The firm continues to be active in the venture capital sector both regionally and nationally, and is frequently involved in transactions with a cross-border element.

Squire Patton Boggs has a strong mid-market practice with expertise in private equity, the equity capital markets and M&A. The group has notable sector specialisms in manufacturing, healthcare and retail. The team offers expertise in counselling public and private companies of all sizes. Lawyers at the firm possess significant capability in relation to transactions with cross-jurisdictional elements.

The Freeths team in the West Midlands are private equity specialists who frequently act for both investors and management teams, while also retaining strength in M&A transactions. The group is supported by experts in a range of complementary disciplines including pensions, tax and competition law. Its work portfolio includes due diligence, corporate restructuring, MBOs and MBIs, and sales. The department evidences continued activity in corporate transactions with international elements.

The Mills & Reeve corporate team in the West Midlands has a strong healthcare focus. The team is regularly instructed by large and publicly listed corporates to undertake M&A, private equity and equity capital markets work. The entire group demonstrates capabilities in the private sector business world, with the capacity to provide banking advice on a region-specific basis. The firm also possesses the ability to advise on transactions with cross-jurisdictional aspects.

Shakespeare Martineau has strength and depth across the region and the capacity to lead significant transactions, including those with a cross-border element. The group is regularly instructed by investment funds and corporates in the energy sector. The firm benefits from extensive European and global outreach and networking in facilitating deals of high value and complexity. It also possesses a strong practice advising clients on employee ownership structures.