Private Equity
LOOK behind the scenes in the most dynamic sectors of the UK economy and Bond Pearce lawyers will be busy completing deals, advising management teams and acting as the legal corridor between private equity houses and enterprising companies.
Take a typical client - the management of an entrepreneurial firm, probably in the new economy and keen to grow.
"A lot of management teams have never before been involved with private equity. Typically, they'll want to complete a transaction such as a buy out," partner Simon Hewes says.
"We become part of their team. We listen to them, learn about their business. Our job's an art as much as a science.
"We won't burden them needlessly with dense legal documents. But we will keep them informed without using jargon. We won't for example hand them an 80-page document without concise guidance and explanation."
Bond Pearce experts have been in the vanguard of the growth of private equity which finances one in five UK jobs. From start-up funding that helps close the "equity gap" through to high value deals, Simon says his team has developed priceless skills and know-how.
"You need to be incredibly alert to pitfalls and to combine good personal skills with rigorous legal attention to detail. That helps identify areas of potential conflict - and avoid them or resolve the problems in a constructive way.
"An aggressive lawyer can wreck things. Management teams and equity investors have to work together.
"There's a delicate balance to be struck between protecting clients and helping their long-term relationships to blossom.
"We've concluded deals that I'm sure only our combination of skills has been able to secure."
Investors are as likely to hire Bond Pearce's private equity lawyers as are managers seeking funds. It means the team has a perspective that Simon says helps all clients.
"We know the terrain from every vantage point."
