One of the most influential firms in the Scottish insolvency and restructuring market, and recently bolstered by the addition of Douglas Blyth from Dentons, Addleshaw Goddard regularly handles the most significant mandates across the gamut of areas spanning financial restructurings and formal insolvency, to distressed real estate and hostile insolvency court work. The team services a broad range of businesses from SMEs to large multinational organisations, with practice head Jamie McIntosh specialising in all aspects of insolvency, turnaround and corporate restructuring. The dual-qualified Tim Cooper heads up the contentious offering, while Addi Spiers leads the distressed real estate team and focuses on property finance projects, debt portfolio sales and acquisitions and management. Legal director Emma Widdowson acts for some of the UK’s top clearing banks and US funds, and managing associate Courtney Clelland is highly regarded.
Insolvency and corporate recovery in Scotland
Addleshaw Goddard
Responsables de la pratique:
Jamie McIntosh
Autres avocats clés:
Tim Cooper; Addi Spiers; Emma Widdowson; Courtney Clelland; Douglas Blyth
Les références
‘Very responsive, commercial and adept on very technical issues; very good experience in areas relevant to R&I, and distress.’
‘Addi Spiers is very user-friendly, highly positive and has a can do attitude. She is highly responsive, experienced/astute, commercial and pragmatic – a very safe pair of hands.’
‘Jamie McIntosh is very experienced erudite, and user-friendly.’
Principaux clients
Lloyds Banking Group
The Royal Bank Of Scotland / NatWest
Santander Bank
Clydesdale Bank PLC/ Virgin Money
HSBC
Barclays Bank plc
Interpath Limited
Cynergy Bank
Cable Capital Partners Limited
Scottish Enterprise
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Interpath Limited as administrators of the Arjowiggins Group.
- Acting for Breal Zeta as funder on the restructuing of Highland Spring Group.
Burness Paull LLP
'Arguably the best large independent firm in Scotland’, Burness Paull LLP provides exceptional depth and breadth of expertise, operating at the forefront of the market’s most significant restructurings and insolvencies. The senior ranks were considerably bolstered when both Allana Sweeney and Sophia Harrison were promoted to partner in August 2022, with Sweeney having considerable experience of law firm insolvencies and barrister Harrison playing a leading role in the firm’s largest insolvency disputes and cross-border schemes of arrangement. ‘Outstanding practitioner’ Michael Thomson leads the practice and is a go-to adviser on big-ticket UK-wide insolvencies, while Gary Moffat is a renowned insolvency litigation specialist in the Scottish market.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Thomson
Autres avocats clés:
Gary Moffat; Allana Sweeney; Sophia Harrison
Les références
‘The team are extremely capable and knowledgeable about their specialisms, building confidence that the matters they deal with will be properly handled.’
‘They all are extremely capable and approachable and happy to discuss matters to come to the correct course of action.’
‘Michael Thomson and Allana Sweeney have built a strong team that is very responsive. They are excellent lawyers able to manage complex transactions efficiently and deliver for clients. They are a pleasure to work with.’
Principaux clients
WM Morrison Supermarkets
Macquarie Bank
The Insolvency Service
FRP
Interpath
Grant Thornton
Fedrigoni Group
Lossie Seafoods
CMS Enviro Systems Ltd
Bones Restaurant Group
Principaux dossiers
- Acted in advising Morrisons on its acquisition of the business and assets of McColl’s Retail Group (and various subsidiaries) by way of a pre-pack administration sale.
- Acted for Interpath Ltd, as administrators of Newcastle Glassworks Limited, Newcastle Glassworks Management Limited and Bricks K5 Capital Ltd.
- Acting for the Fedrigoni Group, the Milan-headquartered Italian paper manufacturing conglomerate, in relation to its purchase of certain assets out of the administration of the Arjowiggins Group UK.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP leverages its international capability to handle the most sophisticated mandates in the UK restructuring and distressed loan trading markets, regularly advising a broad range of stakeholders including clearing banks, secured lenders, directors, asset-based lenders, distressed companies and investors. Team head Claire Massie brings over 25 years market experience, having recently handled a number of complex assignments in the telecoms, retail, hospitality and real estate sectors. Stacey Bairner is a crucial member of the team and regularly acts for distressed debt funds in acquiring and disposing of large multi-jurisdictional distressed loan portfolios. Legal director Natalie Colaluca specialises in restructurings for both corporates and lenders, and is active across key industries from construction and infrastructure to waste and recycling. Legal director Jennifer McCormick left the firm in October 2022 to join Ashurst.
Responsables de la pratique:
Claire Massie
Autres avocats clés:
Stacey Bairner; Natalie Colaluca
Les références
‘Claire Massie is excellent in supporting her clients; she makes herself available when required, and has an excellent grasp of the problems faced.’
‘They have strength in depth across their core teams, supplemented with real in-house SME support as and when needed.’
‘Claire Massie continues to be a very impressive operator.’
Principaux clients
Teneo
Interpath Limited t/a Interpath Advisory
FRP Advisory LLP
PricewaterhouseCooper LLP
HSBC Bank plc
French Duncan LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
Johnston Carmichael
Peterborough City Council
Principaux dossiers
- Advised FRP Advisory Trading Limited on the insolvency of Hillend View Limited
- Advised The Royal Bank of Scotland plc in its capacity as a qualifying floating charge holder of Ocean Fleet Seafood Limited (the “Company”) and thereafter acted for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as joint administrators of the Company.
- Advised Aareal Bank AG in its capacity as a qualifying floating charge holder of Aberdeen Retail 1 Limited and Aberdeen Retail 2 Limited(the “Companies”) and thereafter acted for Azets Holdings Limited as join administrators of the Companies.
Brodies LLP
Brodies LLP has established a reputable restructuring and insolvency practice, advising a broad range of notable clients spanning funders, insolvency practitioners, solicitor firms, corporate clients, and public sector and regulatory bodies. Lucy McCann leads the contentious offering and is regularly instructed on both corporate and personal insolvency matters; she is well versed in representing clients from the sheriff courts to the Supreme Court. Peter Kelly is the main figure on the non-contentious side, primarily advising funds in relation to the purchase of debt and securities, but also acting on workouts. Real estate specialist Elaine Petterson is a key figure, advising on Scots aspects of cross-border restructurings, while legal director Shirley Li-Ting has strong skills in a wide array of sectors including energy, leisure and retail. Jamie Nellany has developed a solid reputation, particularly focusing on the transactional aspects of distressed companies.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lucy McCann; Peter Kelly
Autres avocats clés:
Elaine Petterson; Shirley Li-Ting; Jamie Nellany
Les références
‘Brodies has an incredibly strong Scottish practice, and the restructuring team can call upon the specialisms throughout the wider practice as required. You always know that Brodies will help you find a solution and provide good advice.’
‘Lucy McCann is the head of restructuring. She is always available to discuss ongoing assignments, a very pleasant and capable operator. Strong in restructuring litigation work and quickly gets to the heart of the issue.’
‘Jamie Nellany has a wide remit that includes corporate transactions as well as restructuring work. He brings strong inter-personal skills and is very reliable.’
Principaux dossiers
Morton Fraser MacRoberts
‘A highly respected firm’, Morton Fraser MacRoberts’s insolvency and corporate recovery practice works closely with specialists in the firm’s restructuring, litigation, banking, property, employment, and asset-based lending teams. One of those leading the team is the ‘market-leading’ Yvonne Brady, highly respected across a number of key sectors including food and beverage, retail, energy, and property development. Practice co-head Alan Meek has considerable experience of acting for asset-based lenders, as well as strong corporate restructuring experience. Leading the contentious insolvency and volume recovery offering is Nicola Ross, who provides an extensive understanding of regulatory insolvency issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alan Meek; Yvonne Brady
Autres avocats clés:
Nicola Ross
Les références
‘Competent law firm who can be trusted with Scottish insolvency-related queries.’
‘Morton Fraser is a highly respected firm.’
‘Nicola Ross and Alan Meek are two stand out individuals. Completely trustworthy advice is always assured and clients can have complete confidence in the knowledge that they are in safe hands.’
Principaux clients
RSM
Interpath LLP (formerly KPMG LLP)
French Duncan LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
Quantuma Advisory
Anderson & Brown
Teneo
Leonard Curtis
Wylie & Bissett
Bibby Financial Services
Johnston Carmichael
BDO
Ashurst LLP
Principaux dossiers
- Acting on all aspects of the administration of Countesswells Development Limited – the owner and developer of a site of over 2500 units.
- The Vegan Kind Limited (TVK)|Acting in the sale of The Vegan Kind Limited, an online vegan food business, and the subsequent administration.
- Acting for the liquidators (Wylie Bisset) in the successful defence of £1m and breach of contract claim.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
With a long-standing strength in the energy sector, the restructuring and insolvency group at Shepherd and Wedderburn regularly handles highly complex and novel matters spanning restructurings, enforcements, workouts, bulk transfers, and contentious insolvency work. Leading the group and bringing over two decades of experience is Fiona McKerrell, who is highly sought after by stakeholders in relation to distressed counterparties, and advises insolvency practitioners across Scotland. Gillian Carty is the authority on all aspects of contentious insolvency matters, advising finance sector clients on litigation related to financially distressed customers and debt recovery.
Responsables de la pratique:
Fiona McKerrell
Autres avocats clés:
Gillian Carty
Les références
‘S&W’s team has different facets that come together to make it shine: the depth of insolvency experience, the knowledge of the market, and the strength of the wider firm.’
‘Fiona McKerrell is rare in giving both great commercial and technical advice. She is direct and gets things done.’
‘Depth in knowledge and experience across all restructuring matters with sector specific specialists available within the firm.’
Principaux clients
His Majesty’s Treasury
Interpath Limited t/a Interpath Advisory
FRP Advisory Limited
Ernst and Young LLP
BDO LLP
Alvarez & Marsal
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Manolete Partners Plc
Henderson Loggie
Leonard Curtis
Principaux dossiers
- Drafted the Scottish rules for a special administration regime for Payment and Electronic Money Institutions, acting for HMT.
- Advised the joint liquidators of Spark Energy Supply Ltd (in liquidation) a former supplier of gas and electricity to circa 290,000 customers.
- Advising a variety of institutional landlords of high street retailers and restaurant chains on the implications of tenant insolvency, particularly in relation to CVAs and administration.
BBM Solicitors
BBM Solicitors is a boutique law firm with a particularly strong reputation in acting for insolvency practitioners; it has been handling an increasing amount of cross-border insolvency litigation and has specialist expertise in the energy, hospitality, construction and technology sectors. Eric Baijal and Jennifer Simpson lead the offering, regularly advising clients on complex issues arising from liquidations, administrations, sequestrations and trust deeds, with a particular strength in cross-border matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Eric Baijal; Jennifer Simpson
Les références
‘Clients can always be confident that Eric Baijal, with his focus on insolvency law, will provide very good advice in a clear and practical manner.’
‘BBM solicitors are the go-to insolvency and litigation solicitors in the North East of Scotland.’
‘Eric Baijal has a sharp mind and keen interest in the law of insolvency.’
Principaux clients
FRP Advisory
Azets
Interpath Advisory
DMH Stallard
French Duncan
Johnston Carmichael
RSM
Isadore Goldman
Begbies Traynor
AABRS
Principaux dossiers
Dentons
Utilising an extensive network throughout the UK, Dentons is known for handling complex cross-border transactions across all aspects of restructurings, turnarounds and formal insolvencies, as well as advising insolvency practitioners and directors on the purchase of distressed companies. The practice, which also has a strong reputation for insolvency disputes, is led by Derek McCombe, who has particular expertise in the retail sector and regularly acts for secured lenders and administrators on a plethora of insolvency matters. Senior associate Eoghann Green is well regarded for contentious insolvency matters, Douglas Blyth departed in November 2022 to join Addleshaw Goddard.
Responsables de la pratique:
Derek McCombe
Autres avocats clés:
Eoghann Green
Les références
‘Eoghann Green has a wealth of experience. He is great with clients and always has an eye on the client’s key objectives.’
‘The best law firm in Scotland in terms of how well their corporate and restructuring teams are integrated and work together.’
‘A global firm that can draw upon deep sector and international experience and skills.’
Principaux clients
HM Government
Interpath Advisory
Quiz plc
FRP Advisory LLP
CVR Global LLP
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
Henderson & Jones Limited
Grant Thornton
Purepay Retail Limited
Dunfermline Building Society
Zetland Capital Partners LLP
Manolete Partners plc
Equorium Property Company Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Act for the trustees in bankruptcy of Gregory King, the founder and former owner of the Heather Capital hedge fund. Mr King is suspected of having defrauded the corporate entities operated by him to the tune of more than £100m.
- Instructed by the liquidators of McKernan Homes Limited relative to significant assets which have been transferred to a sister company prior to insolvency.
Gilson Gray
The insolvency and restructuring group at Gilson Gray is headed from Glasgow by Craig Darling, who utilises his corporate expertise to advise high-profile banking clients on a diverse range of insolvency issues. Former co-head Steven Jansch departed the firm in April 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Craig Darling
Les références
‘Very knowledgeable.’
‘The team work well together and have a range of complementary strengths and abilities which they bring to the table to satisfactorily resolve client issues.’
‘They establish trust easily with their extensive knowledge and skill set and provide excellent support while demonstrating a high level of communication.
Principaux clients
Ajenta Limited
EH11 Limited
Ivanhoe Printing Company and Ivanhoe Caledonian Printing Company Limited
Raeburn Construction Services Limited
SKSi
Yooma Europe Limited
AAB
Armstrong Watson
Begbies Traynor
Henderson Loggie
Interpath Advisory
Middlebrooks Business Recovery and Advice
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for SKSi, liquidators of W.G. Walker (Ayr) Limited in responding to an unusual application for leave to bring proceedings against a company in liquidation.
- Acted for Armstrong Watson, trustee on the sequestrated estate of Linda Bastable, in gratuitous alienation proceedings that had been commenced by the petitioning creditor.
- Acted for Middlebrooks Business Recovery and Advice in a block transfer of over 100 liquidation appointments from their principal insolvency practitioner to a second appointment-taking insolvency practitioner who was joining the business.
Harper Macleod LLP
The practice at Harper Macleod LLP services clients across a broad range of key industries including retail, hospitality and tourism, with a strong track record in all aspects of restructuring and insolvency from administrations and liquidations to restructurings and refinances. Team head Gordon Hollerin has over three decades of experience representing major banks, directors, and financial institutions throughout the UK. James Lloyd also leads the practice and is renowned in the market for his specialist knowledge of personal insolvency issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gordon Hollerin; James Lloyd
Les références
‘Unique insights to the public sector and a good geographical coverage.’
‘Gordon Hollerin is a long-established and highly regarded restructuring expert who quickly gains the trust and confidence of directors of distressed businesses, which is vital in situations where people are under pressure.
‘Gordon Hollerin’s manner is reassuring and supportive, and he is able to deliver technical matters simplistically to ensure the clients understand the position.’
Principaux clients
Accountant in Bankruptcy
Speedcast Group
Interpath Advisory
Osborne Clarke LLP
FRP Advisory
David Urquhart (Travel) Limited
Johnston Carmichael LLP
Leonard Curtis Recovery
RSM Restructuring Advisory
SKSi Limited
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised in relation to the global restructuring of the Speedcast Group, the world leading satellite technology business.
- Advised FRP as administrators of Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Peacock Stores, two of the leading retail insolvencies in the Scottish market.
- Sole legal services provider to the Accountant in Bankruptcy, the Scottish government office responsible for the administration of all bankruptcies in Scotland.
Shoosmiths
Drawing experience from lawyers within the firm’s well-regarded corporate, employment and litigation departments, Shoosmiths' restructuring and insolvency group regularly acts on behalf of major clients in the appointment of administrators, liquidators, and trustees in sequestration. Insolvency litigation expert Stuart Clubb has over two decades of experience and regularly represents practitioners in applications before the Sheriff Courts and Court of Session.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stuart Clubb
Les références
‘Stuart Clubb leads the insolvency team in Scotland. He has a wealth of knowledge and is very well regarded in the sector. He speaks at the ICAS conference in Scotland every year and is on the panel of Lexis Nexis legal experts.
‘Stuart Clubb keeps abreast of changes in the law and regularly writes articles on issues arising in Scotland. The combination of his strong legal knowledge and familiarity with the market means he is excellent and identifies solutions for unusual problems when they arise.’
‘Stuart Clubb is very good at identifying his client’s objectives and then creating a strategy to achieve those. He has an excellent manner with clients and can explain difficult concepts to clients of all levels of knowledge.’
Principaux clients
Manolete Partners Plc
French Duncan
Grant Thornton
Middlebrooks
Azets
Interpath
Johnston Carmichael
Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP
Principaux dossiers
- Acting on behalf of a specialist insolvency claims acquisition company in the pursuit of a high-value unpaid director’s loan.
- Successfully acting for a creditor in an opposed petition for an administrator order.
- Acting on behalf of Administrators in the disposal of a property portfolio comprising a number of commercial properties and development land.
TLT
TLT specialises in high-quality non-contentious and advisory mid-market corporate restructuring and insolvency work, well known in the market for supporting clients in all aspects of restructuring from debt advisory and sales to insolvent restructurings and appointments. Legal director Ainslie Benzie leads the team, bringing a wealth of experience in advising on all aspects of turnaround and insolvency, and also overseeing the firm’s substantial growth in transactional restructuring work. Alan Munro is also a key contact, focusing on insolvency litigation and having particular expertise in unfair preference, misfeasance and guarantee claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ainslie Benzie
Autres avocats clés:
Alan Munro
Les références
‘The TLT team prove themselves to be proactive and flexible in ensuring the timely delivery of advice and input to ensure fully informed decisions can be made.’
‘The team is very responsive to any requests made and proactively bring in the other areas of the firm to ensure that the best advice and appropriate resource is applied to the case in hand.’
‘Ainslie Benzie is very flexible in her approach and able to deliver excellent service and advice often against very tight timescales in very challenging circumstances.’
Principaux clients
FRP Advisory
Leonard Curtis Recovery Limited
Interpath Ltd
Azets
BDO LLP
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for FRP Advisory Trading Limited, the joint administrators and liquidators, in respect to the insolvency of two group companies which own and operate hotels in Callander, Scotland.
- Acting for Leonard Curtis Recovery Limited as administrators on an accelerated sale of the assets of McGill Facility Management Limited, a long-established high-profile contracting company, together with acting for the administrators on all post appointment advisory work required.
- Instructed by the joint administrators of Multi Metals Limited (in administration) to provide post appointment advice to the administrators.
Aberdein Considine
Providing a wide range of insolvency and corporate recovery services to a diverse range of high-net-worth individuals, SMEs, and large corporations, Aberdein Considine has a strong reputation for pre- and post-appointment insolvency disputes. The team is headed from Edinburgh by Ross Webb, who specialises in insolvency litigation and represents clients in high-value matters before the Sheriff Courts and Court of Session.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ross Webb
Les références
‘Aberdein Considine have substantial experience in dealing with often technical areas of law and with factually complex disputes.’
‘Ross Webb is impressive in his thoroughness in preparation and investigation, and with the speed at which the team move to head off potential technical problems raised by opponents.’
‘One of the great features is this firm’s ability to act in a joined-up manner across the disciplines.’
Principaux clients
KPMG LLP
Lombard PLC
Interpath
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Griffins
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Santander
Lloyds Banking Group
Begbies Traynor Central LLP
French Duncan LLP
Johnston Carmichael
RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP
Manolete Partners PLC
Moorfeild Advisory Limited
Middlebrooks
Meston Reid
GCG Shotblasting Services Limited
Shepherd Surveyors
Hardies LLP
Watershed (Scotland) Limited
FRP Advisory Group PLC
Principaux dossiers
- Advising directors of the company on an insolvency and restructuring strategy, formal appointment of administrators, followed by asset disposal.
- Advising Grant Thornton UK LLP, as liquidators, on an application to the Court of Session to rectify a defective appointment before arranging for papers to be served in Tortola BVI and advising on other cross-border issues relating to company assets (including data) and liabilities.
- Advising a consortium of 26 international investors who have each invested into student accommodation development in Aberdeen.
Anderson Strathern
Led by contentious specialist Katrina Lumsdaine , Anderson Strathern is best known for the contentious aspects of corporate insolvency and offer a solid team of ‘experts in their individual fields’. The practice is best known for the contentious aspects of corporate insolvency, handling a steady stream of litigation, distressed conveyancing sales and corporate acquisition work.
Responsables de la pratique:
Katrina Lumsdaine
Les références
‘The team is very well rounded and experts in their individual fields, which means that there is always someone on hand to answer any queries.’
‘All the partners and staff are very approachable and knowledgeable.’
‘They are responsive to queries and happy to discuss matters.’
Principaux clients
HMRC
Accountant in Bankruptcy
Thompson Cooper Accountants
Begbies Traynor (Scotland) LLP
Johnston Carmichael LLP
RSM Tenon
Wylie & Bissett
FRP Advisory
Interpath (formerly KPMG)
Grainger Corporate Rescue and Recovery
Principaux dossiers
- Advising RSM Tenon, as liquidators of a company, on a very high-value damages claim against a bank in respect of its conduct prior to the insolvency.
- Handling several litigations, as one of only two firms on the panel for the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB).
- Acting for Johnstone Carmichael, as liquidators of a company, in securing the recovery of a director’s loan.
Blackadders LLP
Highly active on the contentious and non-contentious side, Blackadders LLP advises on the whole range of personal and corporate insolvency matters, encompassing administrations, citizenships, CVAs, sequestrations and trust deeds. Team head Ryan McKay is also focused on contentious work and has a growing reputation for representing individuals, such as company directors, affected by insolvency. Stephanie Carr departed for Thorntons Law LLP in May 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ryan McKay
Principaux dossiers
BTO Solicitors LLP
BTO Solicitors LLP is sought after by large and SME corporates, as well as high-net-worth individuals to provide expertise on complex restructuring and insolvency matters and has recently strengthened its offering through the addition of Catriona MacLean from MBM Commercial in November 2022; she has a proven track record in advising directors on personal guarantee claims. Team head Angus Wood specialises in insolvency disputes, while co-head Alastair Dunn is adept in complex corporate restructurings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Angus Wood; Alastair Dunn
Autres avocats clés:
Catriona MacLean
Les références
‘BTO’s insolvency and corporate recovery practice is well known for its versatility and breadth of experience. It acts for individuals, insolvency practitioners, litigation funders, and large multi-national businesses.
‘The real strength of the team lies in their thoroughness in running litigations and advising on disputes in corporate and insolvency matters, which is borne of the sheer breadth of experience the team possesses.’
‘Angus Wood is a stand out partner within this team. He combines excellent technical knowledge of the law with a truly commercial and practical understanding of client’s needs.’
Principaux clients
Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds Bank plc and Bank of Scotland plc)
Interpath Advisory
Opus Restructuring & Insolvency
FRP Advisory
Hastings & Co
Begbies Traynor
Azets
Johnston Carmichael
Quantuma
French Duncan LLP
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Asertis Limited in the pursuit of two complex, high-value and high-profile gratuitous alienation claims arising from the administration of HGEC Capital Limited.
- Advised ADM Agriculture in relation to complex and time sensitive applications in an administration to secure the release of over 3,000 tonnes of oil-seed rape.
- Advising high-net-worth individuals in relation to multifaceted attempts to cease contract of a trading company, including the interaction of multiple different strands of proceedings, including defamation, s994 proceedings, liquidation and administration proceedings.