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About

I specialise in equity capital markets and in both public company and private company mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

In over 25 years at Fladgate, I have acted on numerous initial public offerings (IPOs) on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, the AIM Market and Aquis Stock Exchange, including dual listings, as well as secondary fundraisings and other transactions for both listed companies and their financial advisers. I have advised on takeovers, both by way of offer and scheme of arrangement.

My clients like to break new ground and I enjoy the legal challenges that brings. As a result, I have acted on: the first cryptocurrency company to list on the LSE, Argo Blockchain; the first esports business to list on the LSE, Guild Esports; and the first pure-play FMCG cannabinoid listing on the LSE, Cellular Goods.

My private company M&A practice spans many sectors but I have particular experience in publishing (both books and journals). I acted for Random House on the acquisition of the majority shareholding in BBC Books and for Penguin Books on the sale of The Rough Guides.

Away from the office, I am a keen runner (#350 Parkruns and counting) and cyclist. I am usually happiest at the top of a mountain or following a Man Utd win.

Contact David

Experience

  • Advising AQSE listed Phoenix Digital Assets plc on its Court approved reduction of capital, a waiver of Rule 9 of the Takeover Code and subsequent £33m buyback tender offer.
  • Advising Argo Blockchain PLC on its admission to the standard segment of the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market. Argo raised £25m under a placing concurrent with admission.
  • Advising AIM listed Satellite Solutions Worldwide Group plc on two rounds of investment from Business Growth Fund (totalling £12m) and on the raising of a further £12m by way of an equity placing to fund two acquisitions.
  • Advising Japanese listed company, CTI Engineering Co. Ltd on its successful £43m recommended takeover offer for Main Market listed Waterman Group PLC (joint instruction with Lewis Townsend LLP).
  • Advising The Random House Group Limited on the acquisition of the majority shareholding in BBC Books from BBC Worldwide and on a worldwide partnership with Virgin Books to develop the Virgin Books brand in the field of book, audio and digital publishing.
  • Advising on the disposal by health club operator Esporta of a 13-club package of health and fitness clubs to Virgin Active. The deal involved the sale of seven health and fitness clubs in the UK as well as Esporta’s Spanish subsidiary.

Expertise

Capital Markets

Mergers & Acquisitions

Fintech

Life Sciences & Healthcare

Media

Leisure

Corporate Law

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