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 has been recommended by Legal 500 2018 and has been described as "detailed-oriented and focused" and "very commercial". Stephen is the Legal Secretary to the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and also previously acted as Company Secretary to two PLCs.
Examples of his experience include:
- Advising individuals in the sale of the entire issued share capital of Contact Advantage Limited, a leading CRM software company, to a US competitor.
- Advising Thistle Pub Company II plc on its pub portfolio sale to various purchasers.
- Acting on the sale of Water Coolers (Scotland) Limited, a major supplier of water coolers in Scotland, in its sale to Eden Springs.
- Acting on the sale of the business and assets of Sercon Support Services Limited to Confida FM Limited
- Advising Scotgold Resources, the Scotland-focused gold miner, on the admission of its depositary interests onto AIM.
Stephen also specialises on all different forms of partnership law. In particular he has been involved in the use of Scottish limited partnerships as investment vehicles and has, to date, advised on the establishment of over 30 limited partnerships, primarily to be used as property investment vehicles. His book, "Practical Guide to Partnership Law in Scotland" was published by Thomson Reuters in 2018.
Stephen also coordinates the China country desk, part of Harper Macleod's international offering.
Qualifications: LLB (Hons) Dip LP
Qualified: 2000
Joined the firm: 2014
“detail-oriented and focused” and “very commercial”. The Legal 500
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. Duncan Frew, Managing Director, Badaboom
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. John Scrymgeour-Wedderburn, Managing Director, Water Coolers (Scotland) Limited
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. David Swan, CFO, Scotgold Resources