Over the last 30 years, we have developed a reputation for providing a first-class, proactive service concerning all corporate affairs. Our team of corporate lawyers in Birmingham help a range of different-sized businesses across the UK.
We have an extensive track record of delivering the latest thinking on corporate tax, financial restructuring and reorganisations, mergers, acquisitions and company law. We specialise in capital reduction demergers, family investment companies, LLPs and joint venture companies, allowing our clients to achieve optimal tax and risk management positioning.
Our solicitors provide the expertise and experience you need for cost-effective commercial solutions.
Services We Provide
Our corporate lawyers support you with every aspect of corporate law. We advise on best market practices covering a range of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, disposals, MBOs/MBIs, employee ownership, asset finance, development and start-up capital. We can help you with the following:
Company Law
Complying with UK legislation alone can be overwhelming. Our experts are here to help you understand your responsibilities and ensure your company is compliant.
Corporate Disposals, Mergers, Acquisitions & Restructuring
It can be difficult to sell your business, effect a management buyout, merge with another company, or abide by TUPE. We ensure your organisation is represented and advise you on how to merge businesses without risking unfair dismissal claims.
Cross-Border Corporate Transaction
Our team can advise on corporate transactions with businesses operating outside the UK. They combine with our extensive network of international associations in 40 countries to navigate the differing legislation.
Set Up A Joint Venture
We help clients enter into joint ventures by establishing a fair agreement, protecting your intellectual property and preventing compliance issues. Plus, we ensure you can exit the venture in the future.
Shareholder Advice
We can prepare a shareholder's agreement and advise on your directors’ duties, Articles of Association and shareholders’ meetings. We can also help you obtain venture/development capital.
Manage Ownership
Our corporate solicitors can help manage the ownership of your company, including buying back shares, becoming an employee-owned company, and setting up an LLP or a family investment company.
Why Our Clients Choose Us
We pride ourselves on building long relationships and becoming trusted advisors to our corporate clients. All of our transactions are partner-led, and our corporate lawyers in Birmingham have years of experience helping clients. Each solicitor has a breadth of knowledge and specialisms, meaning we can find the right expert for you.
You receive:
- Our partner-led approach
- A Legal 500 recognised law firm
- A Lexcel accredited and Solicitors Regulation Authority authorised law firm
- Our extensive knowledge of corporate law practices
- Our firm of experienced solicitors with regional and national recognition
- Our international associations in 40 countries
Who We Can Help
Our team of corporate lawyers are proud to serve our valued client base of local, national and international businesses. We form lasting relationships with companies large and small, helping them with a full spectrum of corporate affairs. The team typically advises on over fifty substantial M&A transactions per year in the corporate mid-market (up to £50 million deal size) but can tailor their services to any organisation.
What Our Clients Say
Thank you for the advice that Jeremy, Christie and the team provided. It was so very helpful and to the highest professional standard.
Having taken the decision to put our business up for sale, we were recommended to use Wilkes LLP as our legal advisers. Their professionalism and attention to detail alongside their knowledge and understanding of our industry was critical in being able to complete on the sale in early February 2023. There were issues that needed to be dealt with along the way but these were attended to speedily and efficiently by the Wilkes team, with input from ourselves as required. Always quick to respond, it was a pleasure working with the Corporate team at Wilkes, in particular Gareth O’Hara, Christie Nelson and Katherine Proctor, who all made significant contributions to the successful sale of our business.
I have had the pleasure of working with Christie during our transformation to an EOT, nothing has been too much trouble and her attention to detail has been exceptional. The deal involved a significant re-structure and this was handled with great professionalism and dedication. Well done Christie!
We really do mean it when we say how much we valued your support over the past months, thank you so much. You and your team have been beyond brilliant. If we ever need legal help in the future, we will be using your practice.
The firm has worked with us for over seven years and is our go to for advice and guidance outside the day-to-day transactional processing. Always willing to explain matters in simple, easy to understand terms to ensure that key risks are adequately assessed.
We loved the fact that knowledge of ‘our’ deal was disseminated throughout the Wilkes team which made contacting them with any issue that arose very easy. It was due totally to the experience, expertise and efficiency of Wilkes that the sale was completed on time, budget and for the original agreed purchase price.
We greatly appreciated Rick and the team’s pragmatic and proactive approach – helping us navigate both the process and overcome some tricky technical issues. We look forward to working with them again on our future corporate acquisitions and view them as very much part of our team.
The team at Wilkes played a vital part in the successful outcome of the sale of my business. Their expert guidance was crucial in overcoming the complications presented by the international nature of this transaction and they gave me the confidence to move ahead at every step to completion.
The individuals that I work with at Wilkes are approachable and present information, options and outcomes in an easy to understand way. I’d like to specifically mention Jeremy Parkin and Helen Smart, who’ve been outstanding when I’ve had cause to interact with them.
Gareth O’Hara is an exceptional lawyer – highly commercial, practical advice. I would highly recommend him and his team.
Feels like they instantly become part of your team and provide the advice and support required to aid you with reaching your goals.
Gareth O’Hara is very personable, and leads each assignment, giving his full attention on the matters in hand.
A strong team with a real can do attitude. Relentless focus on the client outcome and getting the deal done, with a refreshing approach to clear communication and minimal use of legal jargon.
Gareth O’Hara – a great understanding of business and business people, thinks like a business owner meaning he focuses on the key elements and how to get the deal done. Offers wise counsel during the deal, and is honest and realistic in managing the sale/purchase process and timelines, which is crucial. An ability to “cut to the chase” helps in pulling all parties together and avoiding drift.
The senior people are all top-notch technically, but beyond that they always bring valuable insights and practical, commercial advice to difficult deal situations based on their extensive experience. Outstanding at working collaboratively with other professionals to deliver the best outcomes for clients.
Well established and experienced team, who offer good value compared to some larger firms. Easy to deal with during the pandemic, with a combination of calls, virtual and where rarely needed face to face meetings.
Ready and easy access to all involved including partners who actively led the work. Friendly and knowledgeable people.
The capabilities and level of knowledge is exceptional.
True customer facing and dedication and always willing to offer solutions.
Where We Operate From
We have offices in Birmingham city centre, but our service spans further afield. Our clients are located all across the UK and even on an international basis. We have collaborated with international associations in 40 countries with 80 offices to provide global legal services.
Speak to a lawyer today
On 0121 233 4333 or contact us below.
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FAQ
Business law, otherwise known as commercial law, manages the sale and purchase of goods, whereas corporate law regulates how businesses are run. It covers aspects like ownership and management.
Corporate law handles the daily operation of a business, covering any problems that could occur from starting a business until it is sold or dissolved. Commercial law regulates the sale and purchase of goods and services.
If you have problems concerning the management of your business, such as mergers or acquisitions, a corporate lawyer can ensure you comply with UK law.
Meet Our Solicitors
Our corporate lawyers combine to form one of the most established and well-respected transaction teams outside of London. With thirteen staff members and years of combined experience, we have supported hundreds of clients with corporate law issues.
Discover the partners that will be helping you: