Glaisyers ETL’s Corporate team, led by Daniel Varney and Julian Bond, has kicked off 2025 with a series of high-profile transactions and a well-earned promotion within its ranks. The team provides legal advice and assistance focused on SMEs, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals, covering the full range of corporate work. As we look back on the activity from December 2024 and January 2025, it’s clear that the team remains a driving force in the North West legal market, providing expert advice on a range of M&A, investment, and restructuring deals.
Notable Transactions and Market Activity
December 2024 and January 2025 saw the team successfully complete several significant deals, further reinforcing its reputation as a trusted adviser to SMEs, professional services firms, and private equity-backed enterprises.
One of the headline transactions involved Lawfront, a rapidly expanding private equity-backed legal consolidator. Glaisyers ETL advised Lawfront on its acquisition of Else Solicitors, strengthening its national presence. Another standout deal was the acquisition by Duncan & Toplis, a private equity-backed accountancy firm, of ALG Partnership. The transaction, which exchanged in late October and completed in January, was an important strategic move for Duncan & Toplis as it continues to expand its footprint in the professional services sector. Glaisyers ETL played a key role in ensuring the transaction ran smoothly, advising on due diligence, purchase agreements, and regulatory considerations.
The team also played a key role in ETL GLOBAL’s acquisition of Ad Valorem and Unseen Group’s acquisition of Sten 10. These deals highlight Glaisyers ETL’s strong presence in the professional services sector, where it continues to act as a trusted legal partner for acquisitive clients.
Team Growth and Expansion
In 2024, growth of the team continued with the recruitment of Bola Adeniyi (a Nigerian-qualified solicitor), Renee Neophytou, and Ryan Baratzi, further strengthening the firm’s expertise and capabilities.
Furthermore, in December 2024, Glaisyers ETL merged its Liverpool office with the long-established and well-respected firm, Quinn Barrow. As part of this merger, the Liverpool team, led by partner Adrian Rogers, moved into new offices in Exchange Flags, tripling the headcount in the office and solidifying Glaisyers ETL’s presence in the region.
Recognition and Promotion
The Corporate team’s success is built on the strength of its people, and one of the highlights of early 2025 has been the promotion of Niki Polymeridou to Senior Associate. Her promotion is well-deserved and reflects her contributions to the firm’s continued growth.
Innovation: OneGlaisyers Subscription Model
In late 2024, Steve Kuncewicz spearheaded the launch of OneGlaisyers, a subscription-based retainer offering. Initially focusing on technology, e-commerce, creative, digital, and marketing clients, this initiative is designed to help businesses manage legal costs while accessing top-tier legal advice on demand.
Looking Ahead: A Busy Run-Up to the Tax Year-End
As we move into the final stretch before the tax year-end, the Corporate team anticipates another wave of deal activity. With the government set to reduce Business Asset Disposal Relief (BAD Relief), there is increased urgency among business owners looking to sell before the changes take effect. This has led to a surge in enquiries and active mandates, as sellers aim to maximise their tax efficiencies before the new regime is implemented.
Furthermore, the additional costs and tax burdens on SMEs set to be introduced in the next financial year have accelerated decision-making among business owners. Many clients are taking a proactive approach, looking to either consolidate or restructure in response to the changing economic landscape. While these changes pose challenges for SMEs, they also present opportunities for acquisitive clients, who may find a more favourable deal environment as businesses adjust their strategies.
A Positive Outlook for 2025
Despite economic uncertainties and shifting tax policies, Glaisyers ETL’s Corporate team remains optimistic about the year ahead. The firm’s deep-rooted expertise in M&A, restructuring, and private equity-backed transactions and its commercial acumen ensures that it is well-positioned to support clients through the evolving landscape. With a strong pipeline of deals and a talented team leading the charge, 2025 promises to be another successful year for Glaisyers ETL and its clients.
