North East dealmaking success celebrated at Insider Dealmakers awards
It was a big night of celebration last night as our clients were winners in three categories at the Insider North East Dealmaker Awards. We were also celebrating as our very own Adam Rayner was named Corporate Lawyer of the Year.
Corporate Lawyer of the Year
A huge congratulations to Adam Rayner on winning Corporate Lawyer of the Year. Adam advised on a number of significant deals this year including Growth Partner’s investment into Additional Lengths and Express Engineering’s acquisition of QA Weld Tech.
The judges felt Adam's high level of service, his commercial approach and his specialist reputation in investment transactions make him the stand-out lawyer this year.
Deal of the Year £10m+ - Acquisition of Helston Garages Group by Vertu Motors
Vertu Motors acquired 28 franchised sales outlets, adding significant scale and geographic coverage to the group's existing footprint of 160 franchised outlets. The deal was the largest acquisition that Vertu has undertaken. The judges felt that the deal added significant scale to Vertu's business, as well as increasing its national presence.
Philip Clare, partner in our corporate team, led on the acquisition with support from real estate partners Jason Wainwright and Gail Bennett, corporate team associate Stephanie Brown, banking team partner Louise Duffy and employment team partner Lisa Kelly.
Deal of the Year sub £10m - Acquisition of QA Weld Tech by Express Engineering
Express Engineering acquired the business and assets of QA Weld Tech, a Teesside-based provider of integrated welding and engineering services, from its administrators. The transaction not only assisted the growth potential of Express Engineering, it also helped save QA Weld Tech, a North East business with a 40-year history. The judges noted that local advisers only had a two-week timeframe to complete the deal.
Advice was led by Adam Rayner, corporate partner and Sarah Farish, solicitor in our banking team.
Private/Venture Capital Deal of the Year - Investment in Additional Lengths by Growth Partner
Additional Lengths, founded by entrepreneur Victoria Lynch, is one of the UK's leading hair extensionists and hairdressers. Its products are recognised for their quality alongside the company's leading customer service. The investment will support the acceleration of strategic opportunities for the business to expand the team, grow internationally and launch new products. The judges noted that the investment will be truly transformative for this North East business.
Adam Rayner and Stephanie Brown advised Growth Partner on the investment into Additional Lengths.
Regional excellence
Anthony Evans, partner and head of our corporate team said: “This is a tremendous result for our team, our clients and the firm as a whole. We, alongside the other shortlisted firms, have worked on some fantastic deals across the qualifying period. I think that’s a testament to the entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit throughout the North East region.
“I’d like to thank our clients and business partners for their continued support. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!”
For further information on how our award-winning team can support your business, please contact Anthony Evans on 0191 211 7961 or email [email protected]