James French

James is a senior associate in our Corporate team and advises on a broad range of corporate matters, with a particular focus on cross-border and domestic corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments and corporate restructurings. He has experience acting for a diverse client base, from founder-led businesses to multinational corporations.

James also regularly advises clients on shareholder agreements, investment agreements, and general corporate law and governance matters. His work often involves guiding clients through complex legal frameworks and helping them navigate key commercial and strategic considerations. His pragmatic, solutions-focused approach ensures that legal advice is not only technically sound but also commercially viable and tailored to each client’s business objectives

James has worked across a variety of sectors, including technology, financial services, chemicals and infrastructure and has a strong understanding of the commercial drivers and challenges applicable to each. His cross-border experience includes advising UK and overseas businesses, coordinating with local counsel and managing multi-jurisdictional deal teams.

Clients value James for his clear communication, attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects efficiently and collaboratively.

• Advising the shareholders of FM Conway Limited, a leading infrastructure and public works company in the UK, on the sale of FM Conway Limited to VINCI Construction.
• Advising the shareholders of European chemical and solvent suppliers, the Solventis Group, on its acquisition by global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, Brenntag.
• Advising Swiss-based Schneider & Cie AG on multiple acquisitions in the UK, most recently on its acquisition of UK-based freight-forwarding business Morrison Group Limited.
• Advising the shareholders of One Advisory, a leading national specialist business advisory firm, on the sale of One Advisory to FRP Advisory Group
• Advising IntelliAM AI on its admission to the Aquis Stock Exchange.
• Advising the sellers on the disposal of a corporate vehicle holding prime central London real estate.
• Advising Brown & Brown (Europe) Ltd, part of Brown & Brown Inc, on its acquisition of London-based managing general agent (MGA) and Lloyd’s coverholder, Occam Underwriting Limited, which consists of two specialist MGAs focused on international space and UK terrorism and property.
• Advising a leading UK household brand on a complex UK corporate reorganisation and the establishment of a new group entity in the United States, supporting its international expansion and aligning its group structure with future strategic and operational objectives.