Matt Collen - Partner

Expert profile

Matt is a partner in the commercial group. He has a wealth of experience in the corporate and commercial sector and in particular corporate finance, banking, private equity work, acquisitions, disposals, mergers, shareholder agreements and general commercial work. Matt offers a depth of commercial judgement and an approachable manner, all underpinned by sound technical advice. Matt's clients are principally from the owner managed sector, and the institutions who support them, although he also acted extensively in the technology sector during a 10 year stint at a leading commercial law firm in Cambridge.

Matt's specialisms:

• Acquisitions, disposals and mergers
• MBOs / MBIs
• Investment work
• Banking and finance
• Shareholder relations
•  Company and commercial 
   

In the hot seat...

How do you see the commercial group developing over the next few years?
Smaller and medium sized owner managed businesses are the bedrock of our business in the region, but we demonstrate time and time again that we are capable of acting on the biggest and most sophisticated deals that the North East can throw at us. The challenge for the team is to be the first choice of businesses of all sizes and at all stages. I am confident that the team have all the right skills and the right focus to meet the challenge.

How would you describe your team?
Within the team there is enough variation of approach and experience to keep any client happy. The common virtues are pragmatism, friendliness and commercial “nous”. 

Why did you choose to work at Muckle LLP?
The firm’s capabilities are obvious from the recent deals it has been involved in. That and its ambition and friendliness meant it was too good an opportunity turn down.

What’s the best piece of business advice you've ever had?.....and what’s the worst?
Treat anyone within an organisation – no matter how senior or junior – in exactly the same courteous way. The worse piece of advice –“ always expect the unexpected” – totally meaningless.

What's the last CD you bought?
The Wiggles on Tour (not for me you understand).

What are you personal ambitions?
To be able to stand up on a moving surfboard for more than a nanosecond. Also to do one big trek (the Appalachian Trail, K2 or similar). 

Are you a morning or an evening person?
I am good all day save for a “dip” around 4 p.m.

What would be your dream day?
A morning of white water rafting down the Zambezi, following by an afternoon diving in the barrier reef, a few beers watching a rugby match wrapped up by a Thai green chicken curry and perhaps a little bit more beer. 

What's your biggest extravagance?
Eating out.

Which 4 famous people dead or alive would you most like to meet?
Derrin Brown, Stephen Fry, Ranulph Fiennes and Martin Johnson.

Direct line: 0191 211 7962
Email Matt