Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses

Stephens Scown has an established corporate team with a strong focus on acting for local SMEs and family-owned businesses, while also providing representation to several national companies. It has notable sector expertise in the renewable energy, mining, and food and drink industries. The team has additional expertise in state aid and public procurement matters. It has a growing focus on advising companies on their transition to employee ownership, as well as experience of acting for community interest companies and cooperatives, notably for finance work.

"Stephens Scown had good knowledge of the challenges we were facing and how our businesses worked. The team were patient, supportive and incredibly responsive. They were really helpful at all times."

"Stephens Scown were very thorough at all times so we felt reassured that the work was being carried out correctly. We felt confident in the depth of knowledge in the team."

"Stephens Scown have good client interaction and are always responsive."

"All the people we worked with had great knowledge and expertise in their relevant field. The team's industry knowledge, client communication and support throughout the legal process were strengths."

"We were impressed with Stephens Scown's speed, knowledge, experience and work ethic. Their attention to detail and pragmatic approach were also key strengths, and the team were available 24/7."

Stephens Scownadvised IWGC on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Top Doctors SL.

David Gebbie is based in Stephens Scown's Exeter office and advises on all aspects of corporate work, with a particular focus on private company M&A. "David has a wealth of experience and is not only astute but creates empathy and calmness across the deal framework on both sides. I would recommend David 100%."

Giles Dunning is joint head of Stephens Scown's corporate team and has a broad range of experience of corporate and M&A matters, notably in relation to transactions for IFAs. "Giles dealt with the sensitive nature of the deal very well." "Giles was very good. He's pragmatic, easy to deal with and looked to get the deal over the line."

Joint head of Stephens Scown's corporate team, Laurie Trounceadvises on a wide range of transactions. Her clients include SMEs and charities. "Laurie provides first-class advice and support when dealing with complex commercial transactions." "Laurie has a very good understanding of how businesses and the public sector work, and can communicate complex legal issues at board level and to other audiences." "Laurie is an excellent lawyer." "Laurie provides sound, commercially pragmatic advice on a range of legal and business issues."