Professionals: Freeths; Lyceum; Eversheds
FREETHS’ corporate team has advised Autins Group on its flotation on Alternative Investment Market.
The Rugby-based group closed up 20% yesterday at the end of its first day’s trading.
Freeths’ Birmingham office head of corporate, Lee Clifford, added: “We are seeing increasing numbers of long-established Midlands businesses – such as Autins – looking at transformational corporate transactions on a national and international level.”
Freeths fielded a cross-office deal team for the project, led by London office corporate head, Tom Rowley.
He added: “Autins is a high quality growth business and it is gratifying that, despite the economic turbulence of recent months, through our close collaboration with a strong management team and fellow professional advisers we have been able to achieve a great outcome for this dynamic and valued client.”
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MARTIN CORDEY has joined investor Lyceum Capital after 30 years with Lloyds Bank.
His most recent role was as head of acquisition finance in Birmingham, and at Lyceum he will work on developing relationships and deal opportunities for the firm in the Midlands.
Simon Hitchcock, partner at Lyceum Capital said: “We recognise that there are a wealth of attractive investment opportunities across the region, and Martin’s experience, network and presence in the local area will enable Lyceum to make the most of these.”
Mr Cordey added: “I have known the team at Lyceum for a long time and have worked with them on several transactions. Lyceum has a stellar track record in transforming businesses and I’m looking forward to working alongside them in future. I see many untapped investment opportunities across the Midlands, and am convinced that Lyceum’s wealth of expertise and enthusiasm will continue to help local businesses unlock their potential.”
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EVERSHEDS has been appointed to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) panel under all three legal services frameworks following a public procurement process.
The panel appointment builds on the relationship formed when Eversheds advised Centro, the operating name of the former West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive.
The law firm now has a place on the full service provision, regulatory advice and parliamentary agency frameworks.
David Beswick, Birmingham senior partner at Eversheds, said: “We are pleased to support the range of services that WMCA provide. We are committed to the rejuvenation of the local area and look forward to supporting and enhancing the work that is already underway to rebalance the UK economy through the Midlands Engine.”
The WMCA is made up of seventeen local authorities and three Local Enterprise Partnerships working together, its transport arm is Transport for West Midlands.
Cllr Bob Sleigh, chair of the WMCA, added: “Following the WMCA’s creation in June we have created a forward looking legal panel and we are pleased to have Eversheds supporting us and our legal needs. Eversheds’ focus on innovation aligns well with the challenges we face; driving jobs, prosperity and economic growth for the region.”
