What people say about us

Key sector strengths for Penningtons Manches LLP’s department include real estate, technology, life sciences and retail; it is also noted for its experience in venture capital. The team handles public as well as private M&A: David Tighe, Melvin Pedro and practice head Matthew Martin advised Evotec on its £42m takeover of Cyprotex. Pedro and Martin also acted for MRH on its sale to Lone Star. Christopher Owen assisted Domestic Group with its £17m purchase of Oceanair Marine, and advised Vostok Emerging Finance on its €3m investment in TransferGo Holdings. All Saints Retail, Verisk Analytics, Newsquest Media Group, Sugarman Group and Sellar Property Group are representative clients of the department. Digital business expert James Klein is also recommended. Gemma Davis, who is especially strong in corporate finance, is ‘impressive and trustworthy’.

At Penningtons Manches LLP ‘the overall level of service is excellent, response times are fast and the advice is first rate’. The firm’s ‘always prompt and professional’ corporate team [in Cambridge] includes Helen Drayton, who has ‘a commercial attitude and the ability to offer clear, concise and pragmatic solutions’ and corporate finance and capital markets specialist Ross McNaughton, who is ‘excellent and highly supportive’.

The practice [in Guildford] advised The Hub Pharmacy on its acquisition of six pharmacies from Living Care Pharmacy, and assisted a private investor with its participation in a £2m funding round for Bolney Wine Estate, which involved a crowdfunding element. In another highlight, it advised two shareholders on the sale of The Brand Architekts to Swallowfield for £11m. Rayner Surgical Group, BluePoint London and Tata Advanced Systems are also on the client roster. National corporate practice head Simon Bickerdike ‘always gives good advice’ and specialises in M&A. Other key figures include David Kendall, who ‘has a rare mix of the technical and commercial, which is vital to any M&A deal’, and private equity expert Philip Walton.

Technology and life sciences expert Will Axtell assisted Evox Therapeutics and Vaccitech with their spin-outs from the University of Oxford. Other work highlights saw David Tighe assist with Evotec’s £55.7m acquisition of Cyprotex and Justin Starling advise King’s College London on an investment from Abingworth in GammaDelta Therapeutics. Rob Hayes ‘provides excellent and timely advice’ and James Went ‘understands the practical implications of transactions’. Nicola McConville is noted.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

‘The team are extremely commercial – forward thinking and approachable. Out of the box thinkers who are willing to work very hard for their clients.’

‘The Penningtons approach is highly personable combined with exceptionally strong legal advice. The team are hard working, and most transactions tend to be dual partnered, ensuring senior level input is available at all times.’

‘The team was very experienced and very straight forward to deal with. They understood what we were trying to achieve as a business and were able to advise the appropriate corporate structure quickly and efficiently.’

‘Will Axtell – experienced in all areas of the transaction, very good at pulling everyone together to ensure deadlines were met wherever it was within our control.’

‘David Kendall and his excellent team, including Hannah McIlwraith, are able to provide us with a first rate service, commercial, pragmatic and very sound legal advice and help solve problems for us.’

‘Adam McGiveron is always very enthusiastic and positive when working with us and it is a pleasure to work with him and the team.’

‘Dominique Sabatini… fulfilled her role in an excellent manner. She was available when required, completed tasks in a timely manner, but most importantly provided excellent advice.’

‘James Went is an exceptional lawyer – good guidance on commercial matters and an efficient and resourceful approach to constructing documentation which drives a deal towards a successful close, bringing the parties along with the process.’

‘Richard Wrigley is able to bring his experience to bear to get to a sensible solution in a good timeframe.’

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

The team at Penningtons Manches LLP specialises in the technology, real estate, life sciences, and fashion and luxury goods sectors, regularly acting for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, owner-managed companies, investors and plcs. Among other highlights, practice head Matthew Martin advised the shareholders of Oscar Mayer Group on its sale to a new vehicle set up by a German private equity fund; Ross McNaughton acted for Klareco Communications on its separation from Bell Pottinger out of administration; and Christopher Owen advised NewsQuest Media Group on the acquisitions of news publishers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight and Berkshire. Stephen Goldstraw, Melvin Pedro, James Klein (who practises in London and San Francisco) and consultant Teja Picton-Howell are also noted.

The firm is praised for its ‘excellent and prompt advice’. The Cambridge office handles a growing number of high-value deals, especially those with an international element, thanks in part to a close relationship with the firm's office in San Francisco. Helen Drayton is the key partner in Cambridge and clients remark that she ‘has excellent all round depth of knowledge, responds fast and is determined to get the best for her clients‘. ‘Her advice is the best available‘, says one. Partner Ross McNaughton specialises in corporate transactions in the technology and life sciences sectors. Senior associate Rachel Bradley, who handles IP, IT and commercial matters, is also recommended.

Penningtons Manches LLP fields a team of 'excellent all-round deal lawyers' [in Guildford]. The national head of corporate, Simon Bickerdike, 'is a standout individual - a true trusted adviser', who advises on both domestic and cross-border acquisitions, management buyouts and share sales. David Kendall, who handles the gamut of corporate transactions, especially those involving technology and IP, 'could confidently take the lead in any negotiation'. The 'calm, collected, intelligent, experienced and commercially astute' Philip Walton is highlighted for his experience in the venture capital and private equity spheres; senior associate Liz Gillingham is also noted as is associate Hannah McIIwraith, who 'is always up to speed with transactions, very knowledgeable and approachable'.

The ‘excellent and commercial’ [Oxford] team is recommended as being ‘unfailingly prompt and thorough in their responses, giving clear and actionable advice’ and ‘good at understanding business context’.

The practice is also noted for its work on high-profile venture capital and spin-out transactions; recent highlights include Rob Hayes advising Veryan Holdings on its equity investment from a syndicate of institutional investors and debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank and David Tighe acting for equity crowd-funding platform Seedrs on its new funding round with a follow-on investment by Woodford Investment Management.

Will Axtell advised the management team of Timico on a £50m investment from Lyceum Capital. Other key figures in the team include James Went, Nicola McConville and Justin Starling.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

The corporate team has a key strategic focus on the technology, real estate, private wealth and retail sectors. Clients include high net worth individuals, owner-managed businesses and corporate investors; mandates typically involve fundraising, divestment and restructuring. With a presence in San Francisco, the team is able to coordinate transatlantic work in-house, including foreign direct investment into the UK. The recent hire of Sebastian Orton has strengthened the team's capabilities in public market work, particularly in flotations and secondary fundraisings.

Key partner Helen Drayton in Cambridge plays a pivotal role in some of the firm's largest transactions. The practice acts for technology, biotech and pharmaceutical clients, as well as academic institutions and non-profit research organisations. Associate Katharine Robinson is a rising star in technology, real estate, food and agriculture M&A deals. Ross McNaughton is predominantly based in San Francisco, but still leads deals through the Cambridge office.

The [Guildford] team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is highly rated by the market. National corporate head Simon Bickerdike, the 'commercially-minded' David Kendall and associate Hannah McIlwraith assist regional and international clients on high-value acquisitions, MBOs and joint ventures. They handle private equity-funded transactions and the firm also offers multi-discipline expertise, especially in IP.

Oxford-based partners Will Axtell and James Went specialise in M&A, fundraisings and AIM capital markets. In Reading, Rob Hayes acts on behalf of investors and investee companies in mid-market M&A and venture capital transactions.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has recently seen significant growth in cross-border work, with a growing number of transactions involving the US, India, China and Germany. The group regularly acts for high net worth entrepreneurs, owner managed businesses, investors and publicly listed companies with a focus on the tech, real estate, private wealth and retail sectors. Seb Orton has significant experience advising both private and public companies as well as financial institutions on IPOs, secondary fundraisings, M&A, including public company takeovers, and corporate governance issues. Department head Matthew Martin is an expert in acquisition finance, restructuring and refinancing, acting for a wide range of quoted and unquoted mid-cap companies. 

Offering clients 'workable and cost-effective solutions', Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's Guildford-based team advises on a number of large corporate transactions, as well as reorganisations and joint ventures. They are particularly active in transactions involving international acquisitions of UK companies, especially in the technology sector. The team is led by Simon Bickerdike and also includes David Kendall.

The 'outstanding' team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP acts for both buyers and sellers in mid-market M&A transactions, particularly in the technology and life science sectors. In Reading, Rob Hayes and Justin Starling handle venture capital work, as well as offering general advice on acquisitions, disposals, buyouts, demergers and reorganisations. Will Axtell and James Went operate from the Oxford office; the former leads on large technology transactions, while the latter specialises in M&A and venture capital financing.

Our main relationships are with David Tighe and James Went, both of whom are outstanding. We are particularly appreciative of the extent to which they provide direct, clear and understandable responses to our questions.

The Cambridge office plays a key role in the firm's national offering. Helen Drayton handles all aspects of company law, including mergers and acquisitions, and has a particular focus on MBOs and acquisitions for owner-managed businesses.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

Jointly led by Matthew Martin and Guildford-based Simon Bickerdike, the M&A practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP works with a number of high-net-worth entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses, investors and publicly-listed companies on a range of transactions. The team is regularly sought out by clients with significant offshore interests. Martin, who also serves as co-head of the firm's fashion, luxury and lifestyle sector group, has been a driving force behind the increasing volume of accelerated sales, restructurings and reorganisations, while Seb Orton's cross-sector experience encompasses IPOs, secondary fundraisings and public company takeovers. Michaela Britton is a key figure for cross-border corporate transactions.

‘The Penningtons corporate team is outstanding – creative, diligent, highly responsive, always focused on working efficiently and effectively on behalf of clients – a delight to work with.’

‘Will Axtell goes the extra mile for his clients and is always available when needed.’

‘Simon Bickerdike is highly regarded by clients, is a clear thinker, proactive and user-friendly.’

‘Michaela Britton stands out as she is very approachable, easy to work with, easy to develop a professional relationship with.’

‘David Kendall stands out head and shoulders above any other lawyer I have ever worked with. His personable demeanour works and its genuinely given but when required, David has cast-iron tenacity and if asked to describe him I would say he was fiercely intellectual.’

‘We also work regularly with David Tighe, who is a highly effective lawyer and adviser and whose work is unfailingly top-notch.’

‘Philip Walton made me feel like a member of his family, and I have no doubt that Phil had my very best interest at heart right the way along.’

‘Our main current relationship is with James Went, who is brilliant. He is both cerebral and commercial -always happy to discuss details of a point of legal analysis, while also constantly focused on the practicalities of what the business needs. And his work is always thorough, accurate and effective.

The Legal 500 - 2022 edition

XL Marketing Corp, a leading US based digital marketing business expanding into the UK and EU, has sought advice from the firm on a range of corporate matters including UK acquisitions and acquisition structuring matters.  Our experience is that the team…have been accessible, responsive, commercial and solutions-focused. 

Dan Berger, General counsel, XL Marketing Corp

A refreshing, innovative and supportive approach to working with clients. We found our Penningtons Manches experience extremely positive as we were guided through the legal mysteries with direction and understanding. Everything was explained to our full understanding in a very friendly and clear manner. We would certainly use them again.  

Ian Morris, Sales director, ATM Cashpoint Spares

As ever, [their] proactive, professional and commercial advice ensured that this transaction ran smoothly from start to finish.  We were very impressed with the service provided.

Martin Edwards, Finance director, Haulotte Group

Having worked with [the firm] since 2004 our relationship has grown significantly. We have a broad relationship with the team there and have engaged across all the services they provide. The benefits are huge when you have a strong history with your lawyers. [They] always deliver and knowing our business inside out as they do just makes things easy - without them we would be lost. 

Huw Owen, Managing director, Gordon Murray Design

Notable expertise in clinical negligence and personal injury adds depth to a practice largely focused on managing the property and affairs of those with acquired brain injuries. Handles contentious and non-contentious matters as well as offering expert witness advice at trial.

Strengths: 'It's an excellent team. They have the resources and experience to look after complex cases, very much at the top end of the country's teams. There is great longevity - clients will get support over the longer term. Very good for existing and future clients.'

Notable practitioners

Julie Burton is an experienced deputy and trustee with a background as a private client lawyer. 'She has the ability to convey very complex matters to the lay person in a way that is very accessible and friendly,' notes a client.

Chambers UK - 2016 edition

Well equipped to handle the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious financial affairs and property work, including deputyships, statutory will applications and providing expert witness advice at trial.

Strengths: 'They are very good. They listen to our advice and take a very good view.’

‘They're  efficient, well organised and competitively priced.’

Notable practitioners

Head of the Court of Protection team Julie Burton routinely serves as financial deputy for children and adults who lack capacity as a result of personal injury. Sources say that ‘she is very approachable,’ and ‘knows her area of law very well.’

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

Strengths: One client says: ‘My experience with them has been exceptional. The team not only have a lot of experience, they also have broad expertise and capabilities, including complementary non-legal services that are extremely useful. I have been able to get support, help and advice on numerous issues.’ 

Another source says: ‘They are fabulous – a delight to deal with and very efficient.’ 

Notable practitioners
Head of the Court of Protection team Julie Burton also has a strong private client practice and is adept at managing complicated financial affairs. She regularly acts as both a professional deputy and trustee on behalf of individuals in receipt of substantial compensation awards, and also assists vulnerable clients with wills and estate planning. Sources note her ‘great patience’ with clients, adding: ‘She has a very calm demeanour, which is perfect for the sensitive circumstance she is dealing with.’

Chambers UK - 2018 edition

Strengths: A client says: 'They are very professional and personable and put clients' best interests at the heart of what they do.'

Another source says: 'They have brilliant expertise, are fantastic with clients and provide a great service.'

Notable practitioners
Julie Burton: 'She is a very experienced deputy who clearly cares deeply about her clients and their best interests.' 'She is really exemplary; thorough, kind and very professional.'

Chambers UK - 2021 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP fields an ‘efficient and dedicated’ team with Julie Burton at the helm. Burton acts as a professional deputy and a professional trustee for many clients with complex brain injuries where substantial compensation has been awarded.

Court of Protection expert Liz Garvey is supported by a strong bench of senior associates and associates.

The Legal 500 - 2015 edition

Julie Burton heads Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘strong, efficient and tightly run and well-resourced team’. Burton is ‘calm and vastly experienced’ and acts as a professional deputy for many clients with complex brain injuries where substantial compensation has been awarded. Senior associate Rebecca Sparrow is ‘driven to ensure that the best outcome is secured for her clients’.

The Legal 500 - 2016 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP provides ‘exceptional client service and has a very competent team with in-depth knowledge of this area’. Head of department Julie Burton is ‘always available’ and acts as a professional deputy for many clients (both children and adults) with complex brain injuries arising from a personal injury where there is a substantial compensation award. Rebecca Sparrow is experienced in working with adults with complex behavioural problems. The practice acts for a number of international as well as UK clients, and manages 108 deputyships and 30 trusts.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP ‘consistently delivers an outstanding level of client service; the team has an excellent grasp of the needs of the most vulnerable and catastrophically brain injured clients’. The ‘knowledgeable, practical and approachable’ Julie Burton leads the team, which includes senior associate Daniel Toop, who is ‘very hardworking and extremely pragmatic’. The group acts as a professional deputy or trustee for individuals who have received an award as a result of a personal injury or clinical negligence claim. It acts for both children and adults with acquired brain injuries and other injuries across the UK and has some clients who live abroad. The team also acts for a number of elderly clients on estate management issues.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Julie Burton heads the team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP that frequently acts as a professional deputy or trustee for individuals who have received an award as a result of personal injury or clinical negligence claims. The group acts for both children and adults across the UK and abroad who have acquired brain injuries and other injuries. It also has a number of elderly clients.

Senior associate Daniel Toop is another name to note.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

A strong COP team that is highly regarded in COP circles and does high-profile work. Led by Julie Burton with a wealth of experience.

Julie Burton is calm and extremely knowledgeable and is able to make quick, common-sense decisions based on her years of experience and background in private client law. Daniel Toop is also very knowledgeable.

Daniel Toop is excellent at balancing the client’s needs with what the finances will allow to be achieved. A lot of fellow practitioners would do well to follow his lead.

The team is very responsive, proactive and engaged. The lawyers are very approachable and I deal with Julie and her team almost exclusively because they are so brilliant. Julie is so knowledgeable and has huge experience. 

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition