Brabners strengthens M&A offer with corporate partner appointment

Following one of its most active years to date, the corporate team at independent law firm Brabners is targeting further growth following the appointment of John Spofforth as partner.

John joins from Liverpool firm O’Connors, where he headed up its corporate practice. He brings with him 20 years of experience in leading domestic and cross-border corporate transactions across a range of sectors, as well as a specialism in advising high-growth and family-owned businesses both in the North West and nationally.

His appointment follows an outstanding 12 months for the firm’s 40-strong corporate team which saw it treble its deal count in 2021, advising on 139 transactions – representing a combined £1.3bn worth of deals.

Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “John is one of the North West’s best known corporate lawyers, and brings with him extensive experience in leading strategic sales and acquisitions that will make him a valuable addition to the team. Our corporate practice, which is among the largest in the region, has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months, as we seek to expand our practice and support clients with both a national and international outlook. John’s appointment will help us to build on this momentum as the deals market continues to rebound from the pandemic.”

John Spofforth, partner at Brabners, said: “The North West’s M&A market has undoubtedly enjoyed a healthy past 12 months, as businesses responding to the pandemic look to consolidate their operations or target growth through buy and build strategies or shareholders seek an exit.

“This presents   huge opportunities for business owners and investors across the region who will no doubt continue to look to Brabners to help them achieve their ambitions and I am delighted to be joining the firm at such an exciting time.