What they say
"Several market sources commented that “Freeth Cartwright have an advantage because they are so entrenched in the East Midlands,” an assertion borne out by the firm’s spread of offices across Derby, Nottingham and Leicester. A “straightforward, down-the-line approach” endeared the team to clients, with the proactive nature of the partnership very much in tune with the nature of its loyal East Midlands client base. A spike in the number of deals around the £30 million mark provides an indicator of its upward trajectory. A significant highlight came when the team acted for Eimskip UK in its acquisition of a 55% shareholding in the Nottinghamshire-based Innovate group. The firm was subsequently chosen by Innovate to act on the £28 million acquisition of Corby Chilled Distribution. The other standout transaction involved representing long-standing client of the Leicester office, Travelsphere Holdings, on the £150 million sale of the company. Clients were keen to reiterate the attraction of such a regionally based team, with “an ability to cut directly to the chase,” as key to their evident satisfaction. Much of the praise must go to head of department Karl Jansen, who received his fair share of individual plaudits. Described as “an extraordinarily intelligent guy - truly top-drawer,” he successfully led the teams on the Eimskip and Innovate deals. Philip Baigent of the Leicester office was deemed to be “definitely one worth watching". John Heaphy continues to impress with his expertise on the banking side of corporate deals, particularly with regards to the Eimskip and Innovate deals. He also recently led the team acting for the French group, CNIM on its acquisition of Accord Lift Services".
Chambers 2007/08
Freeth Cartwright LLP’s Karl Jansen leads a ten-partner team that includes one of the East Midland’s key corporate players’, John Heaphy. In 2006 the firm was active on 77 corporate deals run from the East Midlands, and has recent experience in the sale and acquisition of care homes around the country. A joint venture with London firm Fenwick Elliott LLP has led to increased referrals from London clients keen to tap into Freeth Cartwright LLP’s food sector expertise. Clients comments on the firm’s ability to “advise on complex matters with a commercial slant”.
LEGAL 500 2007/08