Best brains in...

I have particular expertise in the area of M&A transactions governed by the takeover code, as well as in equity markets regulation generally. I have acted on several public takeovers implemented by means of complex schemes of arrangement. In addition, I have extensive experience of high value cross-border M&A transactions for major corporate clients and property developers.

Highlight of your career so far?

Certainly the deal that was the most fun to do involved the takeover of a household name high street retailer. I led and completed the structuring of the transaction, which involved some complex analysis of difficult company law issues.

There was a great chemistry among the members of the team and the clients. The whole deal was complicated at the end of the transaction by an interloper that tried to scupper the deal at the last minute!

Most challenging job you've ever done?

While many jobs are challenging for different reasons, the most technically complex piece of work I advised on involved an acquisition of an AIM-listed client by means of a scheme of arrangement. The consideration mix that was made available to the target's shareholders was extremely complicated. It necessitated a detailed share capital re-organisation in a tight timescale.

In addition, the offer was the first in the country to be governed by new takeover rules, including announcing plans for employees and the target company. On top of all this, the timing of the transaction meant the announcement of the offer and the posting of the relevant scheme documents had to be produced over successive bank holiday weekends.

What about outside the UK?

A lot of my work involves an international element, particularly as many of my clients in the M&A arena are based in the US. International deals require careful handling – it's crucial to be aware of the balance between the law and the practicalities of how things are likely to be dealt with in the particular territory. My best example involved a large multi-jurisdictional acquisition for a large, international organisation. With several jurisdictions and different corporate issues in each of these, it required a complete handle on the issues in several different time zones.

What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?

I think that would be when I was acting for the selling shareholders in connection with the sale of property development client Rosemound Developments to Macquarie Goodman Group.

This was a large deal for great clients, which overran the target completion date, meaning that I was late starting my holiday which I was taking in order to get married. Fortunately, we got the deal done just in time for me to make it to the church on time...!

Best example of a creative legal solution?

The key to providing creative legal solutions is to try and simplify and demystify complex legal issues so that clients can make properly informed, commercial decisions. It's really important to tell clients in plain English what you would do in any particular situation, and why, rather than just spelling out the law and leaving the decision to them.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I have completed the last two New York Marathons, raising several thousands of pounds for the charity SENSE - the UK's largest deafblind charity.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

I was once described as a "fabulous M&A lawyer who clients both like and respect". I am quite proud of that!