Profile
Manolete was founded in 2009 by its CEO, Steven Cooklin and is the UK’s leading insolvency litigation financing company.
Manolete finances the pursuit of claims through litigation and ADR to produce optimal returns for the creditors of insolvent estates. The company is known for its expert knowledge of the insolvency sector and has completed over 680 specialist insolvency cases, with over 350 live cases.
The company’s is based in central London and has also built up a strong regional network of lawyers across Britain. All the regional heads are solicitors expert in insolvency law at or around partner level. Manolete works alongside Insolvency Practitioners (IPs) from all of the ‘Big Four’ through to one and two partner specialist practices in the regions. Case values range from £20k to £70m.
Manolete floated on the London Stock Exchange (AIM) in 2018 so has the financial strength to support claims. The firm has won the TRI award for ‘Insolvency Litigation Funder of the Year’ five times.
Case Types Include:
• Director’s breach of duty
• Director's loan recovery
• Transaction at undervalue
• Preference
• Unlawful dividend
• Wrongful trading
• Fraudulent trading
• Transactions defrauding creditors
• Professional negligence
• Contractual disputes
Aspects of Manolete’s Insolvency Litigation Financing Model:
• An initial non-refundable amount paid into the estate.
• The IP chooses the solicitors to work on the case.
• The solicitors and counsel are paid as the work is done.
• If a recovery is made, Manolete gets back those costs and the remaining proceeds is split between the estate and Manolete - the estate’s share rises as the level of recovery rises.
• If no recovery is made, Manolete writes off all costs.
• There is no need for ATE insurance.
• Manolete does not use brokers.
Selected Manolete Personnel
Steven Cooklin
Chief Executive, ACA ACSI CF
Steven is a Chartered Accountant having qualified in 1991. Steven has over 20 years’ experience in corporate finance with National Westminster Bank, Calder Corporate Advisory Ltd and Hill Samuel Investment Bank and is a former director of HSBC Investment Bank (Corporate Finance Division).
Dr Stephen Baister– Board Director
Stephen is a senior adviser and Independent Non-Executive Director. Stephen was appointed as a bankruptcy registrar of the High Court in 1996 and as chief bankruptcy registrar in 2004, he retired in 2017. He has a PhD in Law.
Mena Halton - Manning Director
Mena qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and has specialised in all aspects of contentious insolvency. Mena is ranked by Chambers for litigation funding UK wide 2019-23, in Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders – Third Party Funding 2020 and the Lawyer’s Hot 100 list for 2020.
Testimonials to Chambers
I rate Manolete’s ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters as strong. They were able to cover all the relevant [issues] in a timely manner, placing the insolvent estate in a strong position to issue proceedings. The depth and breadth of their team is very strong. They are able to provide the right support for the right claim, covering all relevant legal angles. Their service levels and responsiveness are strong. Additionally, their commercial awareness is very strong. (Client)
They are the go-to for insolvency. They progress files the quickest, give the best offers and get the best results. The team are all ex-lawyers, which makes the relationship good, because they know what they want to achieve. They are fearless, ruthless and commercial. (Client)
They are an excellent firm. The amount of in-house expertise they have is impressive.
They have very knowledgeable and experienced practitioners. If you go to them with a case, they don't need counsel opinions. They will do it in-housewith their own lawyers and they aim to give people responses within seven days. I know insolvency practitioners really like that convenience and certainty. (Third Party)
They are all very knowledgeable and always get the best possible results. Their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is very strong. They’re a knowledgeable team with an excellent business model. The team have vast experience of complex claims and are very supportive to all the lawyers. (Client)
Contact:
Manolete Head Office,
21 Gloucester Place,
London.
W1U 8HR
Steven Cooklin, CEO
Tel: 0203 859 3490
Mena Halton, Managing Director
Tel: 0203 859 3495
Offices
This content is provided by Manolete Partners PLC. Learn more about our methodology
Tel: 0203 859 3490