OUR TEAM
Stephen has a wide range of experience in corporate and corporate finance work, including mergers and acquisitions, management buy-outs, private equity, joint ventures and public offerings. He is recommended for Corporate and Commercial by Legal 500 where he has been described as “detailed-oriented and focused” and “very commercial”.
Examples of his M&A experience include:
- Advising Low & Bonar plc on the Scottish aspects of its £107 million sale to German firm Freudenberg SE, a leading player in the global market for performance materials. The advice included all aspects of the Scottish scheme of arrangement which required the sanction of the Court of Session.
- Advising Port of Leith Housing Authority in its acquisiton of TBM Energy.
- Acting for Banwell & Associates in its acquistion of BMTS.
- Advising the shareholders of Whitespace in the sale of the whole issued share capital to Dentsu.
- Acting on the sale of Water Coolers (Scotland) Limited, a major supplier of water coolers in Scotland, in its sale to Eden Springs.
Stephen specialises in all different forms of partnership law and is the author of “A Practical Guide to Partnership Law in Scotland”. He also heads up the firm’s Partnership Law team, which is recommended by Chambers UK legal directory. Stephen has been involved in the use of Scottish limited partnerships as investment vehicles, primarily to be used as property investment vehicles. One of his most recent deals was advising RPLP General Partner on a new Scottish limited partnership to be used for property development along the Glasgow waterfront, a deal which was highlighted by Chambers UK 2021.
Stephen also coordinates the China country desk, part of Harper Macleod’s international offering. Some of the China deals he has advised on include the investment by Carbon Science in Edinbugh Bioscience, commercial agreements for Haoguang Biotechnology and the proposed purchase by a Chinese client of the business and assets of Kaiam.
Stephen is also a tutor on Commercial Contracts at Glasgow University, the Legal Secretary to the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and also previously acted as Company Secretary to two PLCs.
"Service to the highest standard. Both Stephen and Ciaran were very diligent throughout the whole process, explained everything in great detail and were always available to contact. It was an extremely protracted acquisition and both remained thoroughly professional throughout."
"Stephen Chan is a specialist in Scottish partnership law and provides a fantastic service to clients."
"I am grateful to Stephen and his team at Harper Macleod for the work they undertook in guiding Low & Bonar through the complexities of Scottish law during this lengthy transaction, made more complex by the difficulties resulting from Covid-19 and people working from home. They ensured that the necessary approvals were obtained during these difficult times and without the deal timetable slipping."
"Stephen Chan demonstrates a strong understanding of the complexities of SLPs and exceptional creativity and problem solving. He is highly responsive, with keen attention to detail." "Stephen is my go-to guy for Scottish limited partnership matters."
"From the initial meeting, we knew we were in fantastic hands with Stephen and his team. The entire process was perfect and we can't thank you enough for all your help."
"I was extremely impressed in the way Stephen dealt with the complexities and his eye for detail. There were many threads to draw together, and it was all done with efficiency and diligence."
"The company and I appreciate the way in which Stephen dealt with this matter. His instructions to me for further information were clear and I could respond quickly. We rely heavily upon our advisers and it is much appreciated when our legal advisers step up to the plate."
"From my first conversation with Stephen I found him to be both knowledgeable and professional. This carried on throughout our transactions. All work was carried out in an efficient manner, I would be happy to use Harper Macleod in the future, and would have no hesitation in recommending Stephen and his team."
INSIGHTS
Insights
The review of Scottish Limited Partnerships – what’s happened in the last four years
Insights
A basic guide to signing contracts electronically
Insights
The why, who and how of signing a contract
Insights
Lessons to learn from the EU AstraZeneca contract
Insights
Coronavirus: death and illness in a Scottish partnership
Insights
Choosing a partnership model: The Sword of Damocles hanging over partners
Insights
The review of Scottish Limited Partnerships – and a guide to what they are
Insights