James French

Senior Associate

Corporate

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Experience

James advises on a wide range of corporate matters, with a focus on cross-border and domestic corporate transaction including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate restructuring.

James also regularly advises clients on shareholder agreements, investment agreements and general corporate law matters.

Recent Experience

  • Advised MS by Joann Sfar UK Limited (“MSUK“) on its acquisition of the independent TV and film production business and assets of Filmwave Limited (in administration).
  • Advising the executors of a deceased founder member of transatlantic life sciences investment firm, Abingworth LLP, on the sale of his membership interests to global investment firm, Carlyle.
  • Advising Global Risk Partners, one of the largest insurance intermediary groups in the UK, on a number of transactions including its acquisition of property owners’ specialist broker, Aquilla Insurance Brokers.
  • Advising the shareholders of an international restaurant group on its cross-border sale to a Saudi Arabian based buyer.

Career History

Prior to joining the firm, James studied Law at the University of Manchester, graduating in 2013, and going on to qualify at EMW Law LLP before moving to Stevens & Bolton LLP. James joined Wedlake Bell as a solicitor in the Corporate team in August 2021.

News

Wedlake Bell advises IntelliAM AI Plc on its IPO on the Aquis Stock Exchange, valuing the company at nearly £18m

A cross practice team led by corporate partner, Stephen Callender, has advised IntelliAM AI on its admission to the Aquis Stock Exchange.  IntelliAM AI is a South Yorkshire based softwareRead more

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Wedlake Bell advises Solventis Group shareholders on Brenntag acquisition

Wedlake Bell has advised the shareholders of European chemical and solvent suppliers, the Solventis Group, on its acquisition by global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, Brenntag. The firmRead more

News

Wedlake Bell Advises MSUK on Pre-Pack Acquisition of TV and Film Production Business

Wedlake Bell has advised MS by Joann Sfar UK Limited (“MSUK“) on its acquisition of the independent TV and film production business and assets of Filmwave Limited (in administration). WedlakeRead more

News

Wedlake Bell Advises Global Risk Partners on Its Latest Major Acquisition

City law firm, Wedlake Bell, has advised Global Risk Partners (GRP) on its acquisition of CC Flint and Company Ltd (Flint Insurance). This is GRP’s biggest acquisition since becoming partRead more

News

REGISTER OF OVERSEAS ENTITIES – HOW TO GET REGISTERED

The register of overseas entities (“ROE”) created by Part 1 Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, came into force on 1 August 2022. The ROE is a new register, maintainedRead more