Expert legal advice on corporate transactions

Together we can protect your most valuable assets, and make them do more for you.

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Fast-growing sectors such as technology and life sciences are among the most commercially exciting and complex. It can be hard to get a clear view of where the value lies, and how to make the most of it.

Our job is to help your business grow, securely, while yielding its fullest value for you. We bring together inquisitive minds, first-hand sector knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit that’s rare in our profession, so that you can make better commercial decisions.

Why choose Bristows?

  • We are inclusive
  • We share responsibilities, and support one another
  • We are inquisitive, bright and meticulous
  • We deliver quality thinking and solutions
  • We trust each other and make things happen
About us

Our transactions expertise

We have the expertise you need in all aspects of transactions, including commercial & IP, corporate & financing, IT & digital, employment, merger control, real estate and tax.

Corporate & financing

We work with start-ups and entrepreneurs as well as multinationals and leading institutions, providing a wealth of expert advice and pragmatic guidance on corporate transactions across some of the most dynamic sectors.

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Commercial & IP transactions

We have one of the largest groups of IP lawyers in the UK. Our clients depend on us for guidance on commercial arrangements for the creation, development and commercialisation of their most valuable assets.

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Employment & immigration

Your people are your most important asset, but with employment laws constantly changing it can be hard to stay compliant and avoid legal pitfalls. We can help you look after your people and stay confident that you’ve got everything covered.

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IT & digital projects

Technology is our specialism and has made us first choice for some of the world’s largest tech companies. We’re in demand for informed, incisive and pragmatic legal advice on digital transformation and everything else from apps to AI.

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Merger control

We’re ready to help you navigate the complexities of EU & UK merger control. We can also guide you on worldwide merger control laws, working with local counsel to co-ordinate multiple filings and make everything as seamless as possible for you.

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Outsourcing

We advise on complex, strategic global outsourcing projects for some of the most sophisticated users of services across the full range of business processes. We also advise leading suppliers on outsourcing bid support and customer negotiations.

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Real estate

We provide innovative, commercially focused expert advice to help you get more from your real estate. We work with owners and occupiers of business space as well as those investing in, developing or financing real estate.

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Tax

Multinationals and fast-growing companies trust us to guide them on a whole range of tax issues, including corporate and commercial transactions, corporation tax, VAT, stamp duty and employment tax, while making the most of reliefs and incentives.

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Telecoms

Our Telecommunications practice is large, highly skilled and growing fast.
Our telecoms team includes PhD level scientists, former regulators and lawyers who spent large periods of time working in-house in the telecoms sector. 

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Our key transactions experts

Tim Allen Partner – Real estate

Tim is the head of Bristows’ real estate practice. He specialises in providing strategic, commercial real estate advice that is tailored to client requirements. Tim has a broad range of…
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Iain Redford Partner – Corporate & financing

Iain has extensive experience of mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, debt and equity financings, joint ventures and private equity transactions. His clients include UK and international corporates, institutional investors and technology…
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Stephen Smith Joint Managing Partner – Competition and Antitrust

Stephen currently serves as one of the firm's Joint Managing Partners and has 20 years’ experience advising across a broad range of EU and UK competition law matters.
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Gareth Wadley Partner – Employment & immigration

Gareth is the head of Bristows’ employment team. He specialises in both employment and immigration and has particular expertise in advising clients with an international workforce, supporting them with the…
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Gareth Wadley headshot

Matthew Warren Senior Partner – Commercial & IP transactions

Matthew is the Senior Partner of the firm and advises on transactions involving the development, exploitation and transfer of intellectual property rights.
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Mark Watts Partner – Data protection & privacy

Mark is a technology specialist with over 20 years’ experience. He advises companies on technology issues such as cloud computing, machine learning, apps and facial recognition.
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Mark Watt's headshot

What others say

“Bristows’ advice is always commercial. They help to distil complex legal issues into a business-friendly approach. They also always take a clear view and direction with all the legal complexity.”

 Chambers FinTech Guide 2026

“The department stands out through its strong client focus, deep industry knowledge, and ability to deliver cutting-edge, practical advice.”

 Chambers FinTech Guide 2026

“It is an excellent law firm with very good expertise in technology and FinTech.”

 Chambers FinTech Guide 2026

“Their key strengths are their dedication and focus on delivering value to their clients in everything they undertake. The firm is clear, honest, practical, highly experienced and business-focused.”

 Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“The team has excellent technical and industry knowledge which helps when negotiating a deal and drafting the appropriate agreements. They are very client-centric.”

 Chambers and Partners UK 2026