Member Article

2011 deals top £1bn in 2011

It’s been a busy year for Ward Hadaway, after results showed that the firm advised on over £1 billion worth of deals for its clients during the course of 2011.

The law firm, which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, racked up a total of 114 transactions, in what has been one of its busiest periods during recent times.

High activity levels are now set to continue into 2012, after the firm recently advised on deals for the Tanfield Group and software giant Sage.

Martin Hulls, partner and head of corporate finance at Ward Hadaway attributed the strong performance to his team, who have delivered excellent results in the face of a challenging economic climate.

He commented: “To have advised on over £1bn worth of transactions during 2011 is a real achievement and a testament to the experience, expertise and abilities of the team.

“However, such an achievement has only been possible because of the continued endeavour and enterprise of our clients.

“While it is naturally very pleasing for us as lawyers to have been involved in so many deals, it is even more rewarding to consider how such transactions can help to transform businesses and boost the wider economy.”

Highlights of the year included the purchase of three European manufacturing sites from Belgium pharmaceutical group UCB in February 2011, advising fast growing pharmaceuticals company Aesica on two major deals and a major investment in the business by Silverfleet Capital in October 2011.

The firm also played a major part in venture capital investments in the North East involving the £125 million Finance for Business North East fund. Lawyers at the firm advised on over 30 investments from the fund in 2011, working for both companies receiving finds and individual fund managers.

Ward Hadaway continued to invest in building up its corporate finance team during the course of 2011, recruiting Associate Charlie Fielding and solicitor Sam Davies in its Newcastle office and Partners Gavin Maddison and Melanie Yeomans for its growing operations in Leeds and Manchester respectively.

The team’s contribution to the success of the firm as a whole was also recognised with Associate Imogen Holland from the banking and finance unit being promoted to Partner and solicitor Joanne Briggs being promoted to the position of Associate.

Martin Hulls said: “Our continued investment in the corporate finance team during what has been a tough time over the past few years has really paid off and I think we are seeing the effects of that in these very encouraging figures.

“Because we have such a varied and extensive team, we are able to advise on everything from smaller investments in start-up businesses to multi-million pound deals and refinancings and everything in between.

“Whilst there are still some serious challenges out there in terms of hazards to economic growth, we have enjoyed a busy start to 2012 and are looking forward to the year ahead.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .