We are very pleased to announce that the latest, 2020 edition of Legal 500 has recognised Laytons LLP for a range of expertise across London, Manchester and Guildford.

Our full rankings include Corporate & Commercial: M&A, Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation for London, Corporate & Commercial, Private Client: Family for Manchester and Real Estate: Property Litigation for Guildford.

Rankings can be found below:

London | Corporate & Commercial: M&A

Laytons LLP is continuing to build on its 2017 merger and, with offices in London, Guildford and Manchester, provides a comprehensive service for predominantly UK-based clients. The firm also handles cross-border mandates, collaborating with alliance firms in Europe and wider. Key sectors include life sciences and food and beverages, where clients include overseas investors bringing UK-bound investments.

Work highlights include:

• Represented BVA, a French provider of marketing and opinion research, on its £16m+ purchase of a 90% stake in BDRC, the UK-based market research consultancy.

• Advised Ganassini, an Italy-based developer and producer of life sciences and healthcare products, on its acquisition of The Organic Pharmacy.

• Acted for Field & Flower, the UK-based meat box and grass feed delivery service, on a crowdfunding share issue.

North West | Corporate & Commercial: Manchester

Laytons LLP advises on corporate M&A, development, disposals and fund establishment across the North West. The majority of clients are SMEs in the retail, leisure, recruitment, fintech and technology sectors. Barney Leaf heads the team with support from John Gavan and consultant David Sefton.

Work highlights include:

• Advised Mercia Fund Managers in its capacity as fund manager on the establishment and management of a £23m Midlands Engine Investment Fund Proof of Concept and Early Stage Fund.

• Advised Alliance Fund Managers as fund manager on the establishment and management of a £27m North East (ERDF) Venture Capital Fund.
  

For more information on our Corporate & Commercial expertise, please click here.

London | Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation

Laytons LLP has a significant, cross-border caseload, with particular strength in litigation involving financial services, real estate and construction, shareholders and partnerships, IP, and product liability. Geraint Thomas heads the team, which also comprises John Abbott.

For more information on our Disputes expertise, please click here.

North West | Private Client: Family

The family team at Laytons LLP routinely acts for high-net-worth individuals throughout the north west on matters such as divorces and post-nuptial agreements, including several matters worth upwards of £10m. Team head Christine Barker is recognised for her experience in matrimonial finance and is often sought out by high-profile figures with complex financial issues to be resolved.

For more information on our Family expertise, please click here.

South East | Real Estate: Property Litigation

Both national and regional housebuilders feature on Laytons LLP's client roster, which also features SMEs and private individuals. It generates work across a number of sectors, including social housing. Also notable is that the practice has had a marked uptick in mandates, particularly those involving a cross-border dimension. Practice head Simon Foster focuses on property rights and property contract disputes. Another name to note is associate Luke Arnold, who has significant in-house experience.

For more information on our Real Estate expertise, please click here.