Corporate/M&A
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 3
Contact number
(0131) 247 2500About
Provided by Harper Macleod LLP
Our corporate team is recognised as being one of Scotland’s top dealmakers and advises businesses of all sizes in every aspect of corporate activity - from high-profile mergers and acquisitions to our extensive work with SMEs. The team is one of the largest in Scotland, with experienced corporate lawyers based in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands, Islands and Moray working with businesses throughout Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally.
We have particular experience of providing commercial legal advice to many of Scotland’s leading family-owned, employee-owned and owner-managed businesses on matters such as investment or succession. In addition, we are known as leading advisers to entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses, particularly those seeking investment. We have completed 153 transactions out of a total of 793 to be reported in the last 12 months. That’s 19% of all reported transactions, compared to 13% in the previous period.
Chambers Review
Harper Macleod has expertise in acting for owner-managed and family-owned businesses, as well as high-profile M&A involving large and listed businesses. The firm demonstrates experience in cross-border corporate transactions, acting for both overseas investors and Scottish businesses seeking investment. The team is active across a wide range of sectors on the full suite of transactions including M&A, MBOs, joint ventures and demergers. It provides specialist expertise in alternative financing, particularly equity crowdfunding, for high-growth companies.
Work Highlights
- Harper Macleodadvised Ardersier Port on Scots law matters relating to a £300 million private-equity investment by Quantum Energy Partners.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They gave us excellent advice based on strong industry experience."
"They're able to provide guidance on any topic we have come to them with."
"The team is excellent and provides invaluable support at all times."
"They gave us excellent advice based on strong industry experience."
"They're able to provide guidance on any topic we have come to them with."
"The team is excellent and provides invaluable support at all times."
Notable Practitioners
Paula Skinner heads the entrepreneurial team at Harper Macleod, where she is noted for her broad corporate practice. She has particular expertise advising entrepreneurs on investments and sales.
"Paula is one of the best I've worked with. She's commercial, responsive and trusted."
"Paula is very strong and a pleasure to work with."
Donald Munro leads Harper Macleod's corporate team and also serves as part of its management committee. He advises both family-owned and owner-managed businesses on a range of corporate matters, including sales and acquisitions.
"Donald has anexceptional ability to identify the best route to the desired outcome."
Jo Nisbet frequently advises growing companies on corporate transactions, including acquisitions and equity investments.
"She understands our business and our needs."
"Jo clearly knows her stuff and is very responsive!"
"Jo is a fantastically commercially aware lawyer and gets to the crux of the issue with focus and efficiency."
Ranked Lawyers at
Harper Macleod LLP
Scotland