What they say
"Working out of offices in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, this “great East Midlands practice” is noted for its commercial skills, strong client base and “can-do lawyers who get the deal done.” The team handles corporate lending work for banks and venture capitalists as well as property finance matters. The group has also seen an increase in work in the care sector. The team acted for Lloyds TSB in providing a £19 million funding package, which included senior term loan and mezzanine loan facilities and an equity warrant, to Cardsave Holdings. It also advised SAGE Publications on the USD60 million funding provided by Mellon 1st Business Bank to partly finance the acquisition of 33 academic journals from Hodder Arnold. Head of department John Heaphy deals with a wide range of banking and finance matters, focusing on corporate and structured lending work. He wins praise for being “savvy in terms of market knowledge” and “strong in protecting the bank’s position.” He advised Innovate Holdings on obtaining £24 million in financing facilities from Glitnir to fund the acquisition of Corby Chilled Distribution. Leicester-based Philip Baigent predominantly handles corporate banking, although he also deals with property finance matters. He is described as a “thorough and practical lawyer who is always willing to give a view on commercial issues".
Chambers 2007/08
"Phil Baigent has built up a significant banking practice and is a popular figure amongst peers and clients with his commercial approach to deals".
Chambers
"John Heaphy and Phil Baigent are both reported to be excellent. They share a formidable client base of local banks for whom they regularly act on £10m - plus financial transactions notably MBO's and acquisition financings".
Legal 500