Farrer & Co's Corporate team has market-leading expertise in complex, high-value corporate transactions and advisory work. Our corporate lawyers are recognised as pre-eminent in the private capital sector. Our clients include UK and overseas businesses, established entrepreneurs, investors, high net worth individuals, family offices, management teams and individual executives.

We have particular strength in financial services, property, and professional practices. Much of our corporate legal work includes cross-border elements, and we regularly advise international businesses investing in the UK, including clients based in the US and Europe.

Our corporate legal services

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A Lawyers) 

Our corporate law team advises on a wide range of private company mergers and acquisitions, with particular expertise in mid-market transactions involving private capital. Farrer & Co are experienced in supporting clients through all stages of the M&A lifecycle, including:

• Exclusivity negotiations

• Heads of terms

• Legal due diligence

• Regulatory compliance

• Drafting and negotiating principal documents

• Disclosure processes

• Execution and post-completion integration

We act for UK and international clients, including investors, founders, corporates and family offices, navigating the legal complexities of acquisition and disposal with clarity and efficiency.

FCA and PRA regulated transactions

Our corporate team has extensive experience advising financial institutions on high-value transactions that fall within the scope of FCA and PRA regulations. We act for a range of regulated clients, including investment funds, asset managers and insurers, providing tailored legal advice on:

• Regulatory structuring

• Governance and compliance matters

• Acquisitions and disposals involving authorised firms

• Authorisation and change in control processes

• Cross-border financial services transactions

We understand the complex regulatory landscape and work closely with clients to deliver commercially pragmatic solutions aligned with UK and international financial services law.

More about Financial Services Transactions

Fundraising and investment

We advise founders, companies and investors on all aspects of the fundraising and investment process, with experience in early-stage investments, growth capital, and cross-border fundraising. Our support spans the full lifecycle, from structuring tax-efficient investments and preparing for investor due diligence, through to advising on term sheets, shareholder arrangements and exit strategies.

We take a pragmatic and cost-conscious approach, particularly for early-stage businesses, and regularly advise clients with international investors from jurisdictions including the US, China and the Middle East.

For a high-level overview of the legal process, download our investment guide.

Joint ventures (JV)

We advise on the structuring and incorporation of joint venture (JV) arrangements for a wide range of clients, from commercial enterprises to institutional and international partners. Our experience spans joint purchases, cross-border licensing deals, and innovative funding structures. We provide legal support across all stages of a joint venture, including funding agreements, key commercial terms, tax considerations, dispute resolution, and exit planning.

Download our legal guide to setting up a joint venture to learn more about the process and key considerations.

Private equity

We regularly advise on a range of private equity transactions, acting for founders, management teams, senior executives, and family offices. Our team provides legal advice across the lifecycle of private equity investments - from structuring equity incentives and negotiating investor arrangements, to advising on capital raising and exit strategies. We understand the dynamics between management and investors and focus on building strong foundations for long-term success. Working closely with our Tax team, we offer integrated, practical solutions tailored to the complexities of private equity structures.

Corporate governance

We advise boards, associations, and senior executives on a broad range of corporate governance matters, including board composition, structural reorganisations, director elections, conflicts of interest, and constitutional changes. Our experience spans both commercial and institutional clients, enabling us to provide clear, practical guidance during periods of transition or crisis. We focus on delivering robust governance frameworks, helping organisations manage risk effectively while maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders.