Our People

Sam is a partner and the head of the Company and Commercial department specialising in corporate transactions and company law.

Sam delivers pragmatic, commercial and insightful legal solutions tailored to the needs of his clients. Sam is a firm believer that continued communication with clients and taking time to build genuine relationships, allows him to play a pivotal role in advising clients in a manner that is tailored to that particular client and business.

Sam typically advises clients on:

• mergers and acquisitions;
• management buy-ins and buy-outs;
• business disposals, both share and asset sales;
• creating and restructuring corporate groups including share exchanges and share buybacks, often for consolidation or risk and value management;
• structuring a new business venture, and drafting the shareholder agreement and articles of association;
• agreements with investors, whether banks or venture capital, and protecting either the interests of minority shareholders or the investor;
• re-finances, lending/borrowing and security documentation;
• EMI and other non-qualifying share incentive schemes, including growth share schemes;
• shareholders agreements, partnership agreements and LLP agreements; and
• joint venture agreements.

Sam is known to be “highly commercial” and for finding practical solutions. Sam’s clients appreciate his calm approach and clear communication.

Sam is recognised by the Legal 500 as a leading individual.

Recent example of deals which Sam has advised on include:

• the sale of a hotel and leisure company, valued at £150 million, to a US private equity firm where Sam led the transaction, and the team of solicitors across various practice areas, to ensure a complex transaction progressed smoothly and completed on time;
• the management buyout of an international marine business, allowing the management team to quickly take advantage of an opportunity to take on the business and move it forward; and
• advising one of the south coast’s largest independent financial advisors on a series of substantial acquisitions within the sector, securing manageable but exciting growth and limiting risk through careful planning and deal structuring.

Accolades, Accreditations and Memberships

2019 – Partner of the Year at the Dorset Legal Awards

Outside the office

Away from work Sam enjoys spending time with his family and anything sport related, especially playing golf.