Finance Monthly Deal Maker Awards 2016 Edition

FINANCE MONTHLY DEAL MAKER AWARDS 2016 www.finance-monthly.com 48 FPE Capital has backed Optimity Chosen for his involvement in the following transaction: Tony is a founding member of Jaswal Johnston LLP. Tony’s expertise ranges from providing merger and acquisition knowledge for organisations in the sport, medical and retail sectors, to leading successful legal teams in commercial disputes one of which is the leading case in the field of Sharia Law. We have built a reputation for providing pragmatic, “real-world” legal advice relating to corporate deals. Transactions in the current year, in addition to the Optimity transaction, include the disposal of a Lloyd’s regulated insurance broker, the acquisition of several hotels and various high value corporate property transactions. In the past, Tony has purchased and sold a current premier league football club, acted on the incorporation of a Formula 1 racing team, acquired Lipsy clothing on behalf of a group of investors and numerous other corporate transactions As Head of Jaswal Johnston’s Corporate and Dispute Resolution Departments, Tony has built two teams that support his ethos of building strong client relationships based on an efficient, personal service - an approach which has nurtured a wide range of loyal clients. ABOUT TONY JOHNSTON TONY JOHNSTON Found i ng Member o f Jaswa l Johnston LLP WINNER: AREAS OF EXPERTISE Corporate A sharp eye for detail and a strong understanding of business is critical when it comes to corporate law. Jaswal Johnston’s clients expect nothing less. An exacting approach to legal detail is fundamental to all aspects of corporate law. From incorporating a new business, to exit strategies and disposal and everything in between, Jaswal Johnston LLP has become a trusted adviser to a wide range of organisations in the UK and internationally. • Incorporation, mergers, acquistions and sale From the start of it’s business life to sale or termination, every corporation will require legal advice it can trust to ensure it develops, retains and disposes of the most secure business structure possible. Our clients have relied on Jaswal Johnston at every stage of the corporate process, including incorporation of new companies, extensive due diligence for mergers, acquisitions and private equity TRANSCATION REPORT Jaswal Johnston LLP acted for the shareholders in Optimity Limited. Optimity is a fast growing leading company in the telecommunication sector, specialising in the provision of telecommunication services, fibre optic networks and rooftop based internet connectivity. In order to fund the company’s growth plans and continued expansion, the company sought private equity funding from FPE. Jaswal Johnston LLP acted as the legal adviser to the shareholders in Optimity. We undertook a lengthy and very detailed due diligence process and negotiated the extensive transactional documentation. The advisers to all parties formed a very good working relationship which meant that the transaction proceeded efficiently and smoothly. What were the challenges or difficulties with the transaction? The main challenge with any transaction of this nature comes when the shareholders reach that crucial point of committing to the deal. This is always difficult from a psychological perspective and our role was to provide the assistance and support required at that crucial time.