the legal 500
‘Strong team with fast response times’ Corporate & Commercial
Blake Morgan LLP’s ‘strong team’ is singled out for its ability to deliver ‘very thoughtful responses, a good perspective on issues and fast response times’. The group has been highly active in the technology and private equity spaces; highlights included acting for Maven Capital Partners and Mobeus Equity Partners, as well as individual management members, on a high-value disposal of Westway Service Holdings. The group also advised The Mission Marketing Group on its acquisition of Chapter Agency. Corporate practice head Michael Stace splits his time between Oxford and Reading and has strong M&A expertise, while Reading-based Alison Patten-Hall leads the commercial team. Also recommended are Guy Constant, who acts for clients in the health sector, and Penny Rinta-Suksi, who regularly advises on commercial contracts.
In Hampshire, ‘knowledge and experience of corporate transactions is first class’. James Hawkeswood heads the practice, which recently advised the shareholders of Blade Dynamics on its sale to General Electric. Mark Hepworth was part of the team assisting CVS Group in seven acquisitions in 2015, including Highcroft Pet Care. Other clients include BOFA International and Costa.
Corporate tax
Practice head Simon Court has a strong focus on transactional tax matters. The group advised Beagle Healthcare and Albion Ventures on the tax aspects of its sale of joint venture Orchard Portman House to Cygnet Health Care.
Licensing
The dedicated licensing team is headed by the well-regarded Jon Wallsgrove and has undertaken several new licence applications for retail and leisure clients including Waitrose, John Lewis and Park Resorts. Senior associate Caroline Matthews joined the firm from Trethowans.
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businessmag.co.uk Commercial litigation
The team has a strong track record across all areas of dispute resolution, including partnership disputes, professional negligence, asset recovery, and commercial and contractual disputes. Highlights included acting for Griffins in a series of fraud claims totalling £8 million brought against companies involved in VAT carousel fraud. Key figures include practice head Chris Potts, who has extensive experience in High Court litigation; Stephanie Walls, who handles all types of commercial disputes; and James Bessey, who is recommended for construction matters.
In Hampshire, Blake Morgan successfully defended NHS England against allegations of breach of statutory duties, and represented the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the intervention and closure of Blavo & Co’s offices. Susie Dryden heads the three-partner team, which includes Richard Portlock and Jill Bainbridge.
Debt recovery
Sadak Miah attracts praise for his ‘exceptional industry knowledge regarding motor finance’. The group is also renowned for its debt purchase work. It continues to act as a sole legal adviser to Mercedes Benz Financial Services.
Banking & finance
The firm is on the lending panels of all of the UK’s clearing banks and also has a significant presence on banks’ retail and investment panels. Kath Shimmin, who is noted for her ‘strong commercial mindset’, is leading on the finance aspects of the £120m redevelopment of Gatwick Airport Station for the Department for Transport. Guy Constant and senior associate Steve Cole, an Islamic finance specialist, are also recommended.
Insolvency & corporate recovery
‘Knowledgeable and approachable’ senior associate Katie James has been assisting Grant Thornton with the review of security, appointment of administrators and the sale of the business and assets of Closed Loop Recycling.
Employment
Blake Morgan provides ‘a first-class range of services which meet all client requirements’, demonstrating ‘an in-depth knowledge of all relevant areas of law’. Based in Oxford, practice head William Downing is ‘good at understanding complex technical issues in niche industries’, and is currently providing a range of employment advice to The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, including defending the client in an unfair dismissal suit. Other key figures in Oxford include James Simpson and Mike Wilson. Reading- based Rebecca Ireland is also recommended.
In Hampshire, Blake Morgan defended HCL Insurance BPO Services against several age discrimination claims, and regularly assists RNLI and Costa Coffee on a range of employment matters. The ‘masterly’ Max Craft heads the practice, which includes Sarah Peacock (who ‘provides sensible advice’) and the ‘helpful and commercial’ Tim Forer.
Pensions
Clients single out the firm for its ‘extremely knowledgeable, helpful and supportive’ advice. Practice head John Hamilton ‘takes the time to help the client understand every aspect of the matter’. Michael Prior and legal director Adrian Lamb are also recommended. Notable clients include Welplan, Wiley Europe and a significant number of trustees.
Professional negligence
Blake Morgan’s team of ‘strong litigators’ has seen an increase in claimant representations. Key names include Susie Dryden, Richard Portlock and senior associate Karl Cameron.
Agriculture & estates
Mark Charter leads the team, which has been kept busy handling property purchases and sales, and refinancing.
Charities & not-for-profit
The ‘market-leading’ practice has a particular focus on the healthcare sector and has been handling a
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2016
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