Private equity

Specialist legal advice on private equity transactions

As the volume of private equity transactions taking place around the world continues to grow and become more sophisticated, so has the demand for legal advice from a corporate solicitor with significant experience in private equity law. Clarke Willmott’s private equity solicitors have the knowledge and depth of experience necessary to advise on private equity investments including venture and growth capital, management buy outs and investment agreements.

Our private equity investment team goes the extra mile to understand your business and investment objectives, enabling them to tailor innovative and practical solutions to complex issues.

How our equity law solicitors can help

Our Corporate team regularly advise on private equity transactions including:

• Venture and growth capital
• Pre-investment documentation
• Investment and shareholders agreements
• Articles of association
• Intercreditor agreements
• Management buyouts

Who we work with

Clarke Willmott’s corporate finance solicitors specialise in advising private equity funders, companies receiving an investment, and banks providing debt funding alongside an equity investment.

Our recent corporate finance work

Investments by Altitude Partners LLP

We have acted for Altitude Partners on a number of investments including their investments in James Tobias Limited, Moortec Semiconductors and Chameleon Travel, as well as ongoing advice to a number of their existing “portfolio” companies.

Our work has involved drafting the investment documentation (including both equity and loan notes) and associated employment arrangements.

Receipt of private equity investment by Tushingham Sails

South West based Tushingham Sails is a manufacturer and distributor of water sports equipment. Starting out as a windsurfing sail maker, the company has now diversified to cover many aspects of the water sports sector, including distribution arrangements with many of the world’s leading brands.

The corporate team at Clarke Willmott acted for existing management in taking significant cash investment from London-based private equity firm, Mobeus. The investment was to assist the continued development of the brand and in particular the growth of its business in the Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) market. Our lawyers managed an in-depth due diligence processes that included establishing and managing a dedicated client extranet, providing online access to a substantial volume of documents. They also negotiated the investment documentation including relating to a sale of some shares by the founders. Other aspects included negotiating employment documentation, and advising on a complex tax structure.

Receipt of a private equity investment by Eduko Education

Eduko is a new entrant to the early education sector with ambitious plans to create a market leading group, offering forward-thinking nurseries for 21^st century families. We advised its management in relation to a significant private equity investment and the simultaneous acquisition of their first group of four nurseries located in and around London.

Clarke Willmott negotiated a Loan Market Association style facility agreement and a full suite of security documents as well as managing the satisfaction of various conditions precedent in both the UK and in Luxembourg. The transaction is an example of the team’s ability to handle complex, cross-border, transactions.

Management buy out of Panther Logistics

Clarke Willmott advised the management team on their £17 million buy-out of Panther Logistics. We provided a five strong team to advise the new management on all aspects of the deal, including corporate, tax and employment advice. Following the investment, Panther plans to continue to invest in its operations and develop new service innovations to support its customers.

“This is an exciting point in the business’ journey for our employees and customers alike. I would like to thank Clarke Willmott for all the hard work and dedication they gave us throughout the process. Particularly Simon Smith and Kirill Bingham for the invaluable guidance and advice they gave me and my team.” Colin McCarthy, Managing Director, Panther Warehousing Ltd

Contact a corporate finance solicitor today

Our corporate and private equity law solicitors based in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton, are ready to advise you on private equity investment. We can provide corporate legal advice to businesses located within the UK and internationally.

Call for a free initial consultation today on 0800 652 8025 or get in touch online.