In addition to our recognised strength in investment funds, we act for investment management businesses, providing advice to support the growth and development of their operations. We advise on all aspects of their business including M&A, employment, tax, joint venture and constitutional arrangements, employee incentivisation, IT and commercial contracts, competition, intellectual property, real estate and/or dispute resolution.
Developing new products and service lines is vital to the continued success of every investment management business. We are experienced in assisting with all aspects of the planning, regulatory approvals and implementation processes related to the development of new financial products and services.
We have experience in all issues relating to the hiring and exiting of employees/partners, particularly incentivisation packages and competition issues.
We have a leading regulatory litigation practice and a wealth of experience in managing regulatory crises and the associated litigation and have for many years acted in the highest profile regulatory cases. Many members of the team have worked as prosecutors, regulators or in-house counsel before entering private practice. In addition, our financial services litigation practice combines the skills of experienced dispute resolution practitioners with specialist knowledge in the funds sector to provide comprehensive advice in relation to the most complex issues and fund-related disputes.
Hipgnosis Song Management
Advised HSM in relation to a new partnership with Blackstone, which will initially deliver US$1 billion to acquire music rights and manage catalogues. HSM is an advisory firm focused on music assets; it advises Hipgnosis Songs Fund Ltd, the largest UK-listed investor in music catalogues and royalties.
Kudu Investment Management, LLC
Acted for Kudu Investment Management, LLC in its acquisition of minority interests in a number of regulated entities, involving the acquisition of shares as well as membership/partnership and LLP interests.
Charlemagne Capital Limited
Acted for Charlemagne Capital Limited in connection with its recommended takeover offer by Fiera Capital Corporation.
City of London Investment Group plc
Advised CLIG on its c.£80 million acquisition of Karpus Management Inc. in an all-share merger.
Scape
Advised on its joint venture arrangements with a Dutch pension fund in order to establish a program to facilitate co-investment opportunities in interests in purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) and 'City Living' developments in the UK and Ireland.
Nexus
Advised the Nexus Group on Primary Health Properties plc's ("PHP") £33.1 million acquisition of Nexus Tradeco Holdings Ltd, the investment manager of PHP, enabling PHP to internalise its management function.
Big Society Capital Limited
We have acted for Big Society Capital Limited, the leading financial institution dedicated to social impact investment in the UK, in its shift from managing proprietary capital to also managing third party capital. In particular this was represented by the launch of Schroder BSC Social Impact Trust plc, an investment trust launched jointly by Schroders and BSC.
Alternative Investment Fund Managers
We regularly provide ongoing advice to alternative investment fund managers on a range of issues including regulatory, tax, employment, data protection and SFDR. We have also acted for a number of alternative investment fund managers on the launch of various hedge funds focusing on different asset classes and strategies.
Schroder
Acted for Schroder on the launch of Schroder British Opportunities Trust plc, an investment trust. We have also provided ongoing ad hoc advice to Schroder (real estate), e.g. reviewing and negotiating various services agreements and advising on AIFMD-related issues, etc. We have also advised Schroder on the structuring of a joint venture acquisition vehicle for the purposes of acquiring UK property.
Miton Group
Acted for Miton Group plc on an all-share merger with Premier Asset Management Group plc which became effective in November 2019, creating a new group that held at that date approximately £11.5 billion of assets under management. The combined group is admitted to trading on AIM.
Impax
We act for Impax Asset Management, a specialist asset manager focussed on the transition to a more sustainable global economy. We advise them on a broad range of corporate, regulatory and other matters, including their acquisition of Pax World Management LLC, a US-based sustainable investment management firm.
Directory quotes
"They have talented professionals who can handle the most complex legal work and provide the best legal service… The team is extremely knowledgeable, with a strength in depth of resources and a very strong team culture… The firm offers excellent technical knowledge but with a good commercial overlay."
Chambers UK 2023
"Stephenson Harwood offer high-quality service. They have good attention to detail and very responsive service provided by a large pool of knowledgeable junior and senior legal professionals."
Chambers UK 2023
"Partners William Saunders and Alex Haynes are both exceptional. They are very commercial, easy to work with and I know I can rely on them and their advice in difficult situations."
The Legal 500 UK 2022
"Depth and stability of team: I’ve frequently used the team for a broad range of matters over the last 15 years and never been let down. Even when the going gets tough, the team is always easy to work with… Great team of experts in their field, partner access and engagement – led from the top. Commercially competitive… Accessible of the partner. Sensible, clear and pragmatic advice."
The Legal 500 UK 2023
