People: Coadax; Shakespeare Martineau; Freeths

Midlands-based M&A advisory firm Coadax has announced the promotion of Marcus Chan to senior executive.

Chan specialises in advising owner-managed businesses and shareholders on all aspects relating to company exits, management buyouts (MBOs) and acquisitions.

With experience working across various sectors and managing cross-border deals spanning Europe, North America and Asia, he guides clients through the entire process – from exit readiness and identifying and negotiating with the most appropriate purchasers, and all the way through to the completion of the transaction, ensuring seamless deal execution.

Mukesh Bulsara, partner and head of Coadax said: “As we continue to grow, we are proud to recognise and reward the exceptional talent within our team. We are delighted to announce Marcus’ well-earned promotion. His expertise, dedication and ability to deliver tailored strategic corporate finance advice have made a significant impact on our clients.

“This promotion reflects our commitment to investing in our people, ensuring they have the opportunity to develop and thrive while continuing to provide exceptional advice and service to clients navigating complex M&A and strategic challenges.”

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has strengthened its employment law team to address increasing client demand.

The firm has recently welcomed several new legal experts and is continuing to actively recruit to ensure it continues delivering high-quality, strategic advice tailored to client needs.

The latest additions include legal director Lucinda Chaplin in the firm’s Nottingham office. In Birmingham, associate Alexandria Davis and solicitor Luke Bernard have been appointed, while solicitors Morgan Lloyd and Arif Rahman join the team in Bristol and Leicester.

Ellen Abrahall, who is based in Birmingham, has also qualified into the employment team.

Davis joins the firm after more than four years at White & Case LLP, where she completed her training contract and later advanced to associate in the employment, compensation and benefits team.

Bernard comes to Shakespeare Martineau following six years at Shoosmiths, where he began his career as a paralegal before completing his training contract and qualifying into the corporate team, before electing to change disciplines. His experience includes a secondment to the Volkswagen Group.

David Browne, head of employment law at Shakespeare Martineau said: “We are delighted to welcome Lucinda, Alexandria, Luke, Morgan, Arif and Ellen to our growing team. Their expertise, combined with their understanding of their respective local markets, will be essential as we continue to grow and meet the increasing demand for our services.

“Our focus on recruiting top talent is key to ensuring we can provide the exceptional service our clients expect as we continue to strengthen our position in the market.”

Freeths has promoted corporate lawyer Mohammed Abbas to partner in its Birmingham office, as part of the firm’s latest round of promotions.

Mohammed Abbas

Abbas, known for his work on major M&A deals across the region, is one of nine new partners named this year across the law firm’s UK network.

Freeths has promoted over 80 staff in total, with half of the 2025 cohort being women, reflecting its ongoing commitment to inclusion.

Karl Jansen, national managing partner said: “I’m delighted to announce the promotions of over 80 of our most talented people across the firm’s offices and service lines – their contributions and dedication to Freeths and our clients are rightly being recognised and I hope they are as proud of this achievement as we are to be able to reward their endeavours. I wish them every success in their new roles, as they help shape and drive the future of the firm.”