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Preston deal-makers put region in driving seat
10/03/2009

City comes of age as centre of excellence for corporate law

The corporate team at Brabners Chaffe Street LLP in Preston has chalked up a record year after advising on more than £750m of deals during 2008.

The Chapel Street-based team, headed by John Boydell, provided transaction advice on some of the region's biggest mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.

Deals supported by the multi-disciplinary team included such as the reverse takeover of Eddie Stobart and O'Connor Group Limited by Westbury Property Fund and the acquisition of Westmorland Hotel Group by Taylor Hotels.

John Boydell, the firm's Partner and Head of Corporate, believes 2008 marked a watershed in Preston's evolution as a deal-making centre.

John, who is also President of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The complexity and value of transactions that we're now advising on is no different to the major law firms in leading commercial centres such as Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

“Historically Lancashire's biggest companies would turn to other northern cities for this level of transaction support and advice, but last year Preston proved itself as a viable centre of excellence.”

“This bodes well for the coming years, as the more activity we can retain in the region, the better placed the professionals services sector will be to ride out the downturn.”

Across the North West, Brabners Chaffe Street was ranked as one of the most active law firms in 2008, coming third in the Corpfin league table after advising on 42 deals. The firm was placed above Eversheds (28 deals), DWF (23 deals) and Pannone (17 deals).


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