Update from Napthens in Liverpool

There’s already been so much to shout about in the Liverpool City Region this year. We’ve seen a host of new development projects, such as the ongoing development of the Liverpool Freeport Zone, construction of Everton’s new waterfront stadium, a full reopening of our high streets and positive signs of recovery for our visitor economy, with new destinations such as Shakespeare North Playhouse opening its doors.

Notwithstanding wider economic challenges, the local M&A market continues to be very active. Acquisition continues to be the new growth for a lot of our clients, and taking our conversations with funders, trade buyers and owner managers as a barometer, there’s more to come. Since April, our Liverpool corporate team has completed several successful transactions for clients, including the MBO of BIL Group and the significant private equity investment into Liverpool based BWM Accountants to support its next phase of growth.  We’ve advised a number of owner managers on successful exits and we’ve acted for regional private equity funds on deals in the manufacturing, technology and life sciences sectors.

It’s indicative of the opportunity here in the Liverpool City Region, and that’s reflected in the growth of our local team. Since April, we’ve grown headcount to 20, investing in local talent with senior associate Jennifer Rogers, solicitors Gareth Jones and Anna Abell, trainee solicitor Megan Parker and legal assistant Michael Hulme all joining the firm.  It adds to our bench strength that most of our team is either from the Liverpool City region or have worked here for several years.

There is so much potential in the city region and having a team that has in-depth local knowledge, excellent technical and commercial skills and strong relationships with the local intermediary and funder community, is what underpins our current and future success here.

We must continue to understand what’s driving regional change, as that enables us to advise local people and businesses with confidence, helping them to thrive in an increasingly competitive market and to navigate their way through the short to medium challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.

This article first appeared in in:brief October 2022 edition, click here to read more.