Search and find what you need faster.

Lawrence Stephens Advises on the Sale of Agility Fleet to Driveway Vehicle Solutions

Posted on: May 18th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens is pleased to have advised the shareholders of Agility Fleet Holdings and its subsidiary companies on the successful sale of Agility Fleet Holdings to Driveway Vehicle Solutions, part of Lithia UK.

Agility Fleet, a Bromsgrove based fleet management, contract hire and leasing business, has built a strong reputation for delivering responsive and customer focused services over more than two decades. The transaction sees Driveway Vehicle Solutions acquire Agility Fleet’s managed vehicle portfolio, FCA registration and operational expertise, adding more than 1,200 vehicles to its fleet and strengthening its position as a leading UK provider.

Lawrence Stephens advised the shareholders of Agility Fleet, throughout the transaction, supporting them through the sale process and helping to deliver a smooth and successful outcome.

Commenting on the transaction, Jeff Rubenstein, Head of Corporate and Commercial at Lawrence Stephens, said:

“This transaction represents a fantastic outcome for the Agility Fleet shareholders following many years of dedication to building a high quality, customer focused business. It has been a pleasure to support them through this important milestone and to help secure a future for the business with Driveway Vehicle Solutions, which is well positioned to drive the next phase of growth. This deal reflects the continued strength of the market for well run, service led businesses and the strategic appetite for acquisitions that deliver immediate scale and capability.”

Keith Townsend, Chairman of Agility Fleet, added:

“Lawrence Stephens provided invaluable support throughout the transaction, guiding us carefully through each stage of the process. Their pragmatic advice and deep understanding of our objectives helped ensure a smooth and successful outcome. We are incredibly grateful for their support as we complete this important chapter for the business and move into its next phase with Driveway Vehicle Solutions.”

Driveway Vehicle Solutions, which has experienced strong growth over the past year, continues to pursue an ambitious strategy to expand its fleet and capabilities, with a focus on delivering enhanced choice, service and value to customers. The acquisition of Agility Fleet marks a further step in that journey.

The Lawrence Stephens team was led by Jeff Rubenstein, supported by Harshita Samani, Avni Patel and Sophia Dixon.

This transaction reflects Lawrence Stephens’ continued strength in advising founders, owner managed businesses and shareholders on strategic exits, particularly where businesses are transitioning into larger platforms positioned for further growth.

 

Lawrence Stephens Advises Videx Electronics on UK Acquisition

Posted on: May 11th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens is pleased to have advised Videx Electronics S.p.A., a leading Italian manufacturer of advanced intercom and video intercom systems, on the acquisition of its sole and exclusive UK distributor.

The transaction represents a significant milestone for Videx, strengthening its direct presence in the UK market and supporting the continued expansion of its international operations.

Lawrence Stephens acted on the UK legal aspects of the transaction, working closely with Videx and its advisers across jurisdictions to deliver a seamless cross border deal.

The matter was led by Jeff Rubenstein, supported by Harshita Samani, Krysha Hunt, Emma Cocker, Isobel Moran and Avni Patel, drawing on the firm’s experience in cross border M&A and international corporate transactions.

Jeff Rubenstein commented:

“We were delighted to support Videx on this strategically important acquisition. Bringing the UK distribution business in house is a clear statement of Videx’s long term commitment to the UK market, and it was a pleasure to work alongside such a collaborative and well aligned group of advisers to achieve a successful outcome.”

Edoardo Marcantoni, Executive Manager of Videx.it, added:

“This acquisition marks an important step in strengthening our presence in the UK and further developing our international footprint. We greatly appreciated the clear, commercial and responsive support from the Lawrence Stephens team, who worked closely and seamlessly with our advisers in Italy and the UK to guide us through the UK legal aspects of the transaction.”

A number of advisers supported the transaction across jurisdictions, including:

  • M&A Financial Advisory (valuation, acquisition finance and financial due diligence):

Bernoni Grant Thornton (Italy) – Sante Maiolica and Giovanni Marino

  • UK Tax Advisory (including tax due diligence):

Grant Thornton UK – James Moore

  • Italian Legal Advisory:

Lexalia Law Firm – Domenico Mastrangelo and Andrea Lino

Lawrence Stephens would like to thank Videx and all advisers involved for their collaboration and commitment in delivering this successful cross border transaction.

Lawrence Stephens Announces Partnership with Ideas Community

Posted on: May 7th, 2026 by Alanah Lenten

Lawrence Stephens is proud to partner with the Ideas Community, one of the UK’s most influential founder networks, connecting entrepreneurs, business leaders and high-growth companies.

Through events, awards and curated experiences, the Ideas Community creates spaces where founders share ideas, tackle challenges openly and build relationships that drive their businesses forward. This partnership reflects a shared belief: founders benefit most from advisers who understand what they are building and show up as true partners.

As Steven Bernstein, CEO and Founder at Lawrence Stephens explains:

“We see our partnership with the Ideas Community as a long‑term investment in the UK’s entrepreneurial community. As our partnership continues to grow, our focus remains the same: showing up where founders are, contributing value early, and building relationships that last well beyond any single event or milestone.”

Francesca James, Founder of Ideas Community adds:

“We set out to find a legal partner who matches the ambition and pace of our community. Lawrence Stephens doesn’t just act for founders, they think like them and that’s why we’re proud to have them alongside us.”

Supporting founders in practice

Lawrence Stephens will play an active role across the Ideas Community, from roundtables and events to informal legal clinics and founder discussions. The focus is on practical, commercially-minded support, from structuring and governance through to investment, exits and long-term planning.

This approach reflects how the firm works more broadly: building relationships early and supporting clients as they grow.

A shared commitment to growth

The firm supports businesses at every stage, including early-stage ventures through our Flourish programme, which offers tailored legal support for start-ups. We also share practical insight through The Fineprint, our newsletter focused on the realities of building and scaling a business. Lawrence Stephens’ commitment to the SME market is further recognised by its Band 1 ranking in the Chambers UK 2026 SME-focused Firms category.

The partnership officially launched at “The House of Ideas,” an Ideas Community event held at The Britannia in Shoreditch, where a select group of founders and business leaders came together for an evening of conversation, connection and collaboration.

It marked the first of many moments where Lawrence Stephens will be present across the Ideas Community calendar,  from curated dinners and roundtables to major events including the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, the UK Fast Growth Index and Ideas Fest.

Through each of these touchpoints, the aim is simple: to get to know the people behind the businesses, understand what they are building, and offer meaningful, practical support along the way.

As the partnership develops, Lawrence Stephens looks forward to playing an active role in the community,  helping founders navigate the complexities of growth while building relationships that endure.

Learn more about how we help owner-managed businesses and founders here. 

Matt Green on Recovering Privacy Coin Monero (XMR) Following Attempted Laundering

Posted on: April 28th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

This article was written by Matt Green, Partner and Head of Blockchain and Digital Assets, and was published on Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence on 28 April, 2026. Subscription may be required to view.

You can read the full article as published on Thomson Reuters below.

This article details the recovery of Monero (XMR), a notoriously difficult-to-trace privacy coin, following a fraud. The Monero was ultimately recovered through coordinated legal, investigative and law enforcement action.

The author’s client received a call from an individual purporting to represent a cryptocurrency exchange. During the call, the fraudster asserted that the client’s exchange account had been compromised and urgently instructed the client to transfer assets to a trust wallet as a protective measure. 

The fraudsters were in possession of the client’s personal and account details, likely obtained via data breaches. This gave the scam credibility and induced the client to act quickly. 

As a result, the client transferred significant holdings of bitcoin and ether to the fraudster. These were subsequently routed through a series of exchanges and converted into other digital assets, including Monero.

Tracing, initial exchange engagement 

A forensic blockchain investigation traced asset movements to the exchanges FixedFloat, HitBTC and ChangeNOW, where the bitcoin and ether had been converted into other currencies. 

Letters were urgently sent to those exchanges to confirm receipt of the criminal proceeds and to provide instructions on what to do next. The responses varied: some exchanges failed to respond, while others confirmed that certain funds had already been dissipated. 

Importantly, some of the assets had been converted into Monero and remained identifiable at ChangeNOW, which then froze what it had and confirmed compliance with the requests made in the letters.

Law enforcement involvement, freezing order 

With assistance from the Metropolitan Police cryptocurrency investigations team, and relying on blockchain forensics, an application was made to Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a crypto wallet freezing order. 

The court granted a freezing order under section 303Z37(2) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, formally freezing the Monero held at ChangeNOW for an initial period of six months. This step was critical in preserving the remaining assets while further recovery steps were pursued. 

Order to release cryptoassets 

Upon expiry of the six-month freezing period, an application was made for a declaration that the Monero belonged and was deliverable to the clients.

The Court granted a cryptoasset release order for Monero assets pursuant to sections 303Z50(4) and (5), and 303Z51(4) and (5) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Service of the order on ChangeNOW was effected by the Metropolitan Police.

Custody, attribution and transfer

Given the technical complexity of sending Monero, which is designed to evade tracing, specialist asset custody and attribution support was required. 

Asset Reality, which seizes, manages and disposes of traditional and digital assets, was instructed to receive, attribute and manage the Monero. To mitigate attribution risk, an initial test transfer was conducted. Asset Reality required specialist knowledge to identify which Monero assets were sent by ChangeNOW, which is highly uncommon. The remaining balance was subsequently transferred once verification was complete. 

Outcome 

Once the Monero was in Asset Reality’s custody, it was able to locate an approved buyer for onward handling and sale. The client then received fiat currency into his personal account. This marked the successful recovery phase of assets that had initially appeared, by design, almost impossible to recover. 

Legal, practical takeaways 

This matter illustrates several important points for practitioners and victims of cryptoasset fraud: 

  • Recoveries remain possible, even where assets are converted into privacy coins.
  • The use of Monero or a similar, privacy-focused cryptocurrency does not render recovery efforts futile when timely tracing, freezing and expert handling are deployed. 
  • Law enforcement engagement is increasingly effective and proactive.
  • The involvement of specialist police crypto teams can be decisive, particularly in securing freezing and release orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

This case demonstrates the practical effectiveness of combining civil recovery mechanisms under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 with technical blockchain expertise and law enforcement support. It provides a clear example that even in cases involving Monero, the legal system has viable tools to preserve and recover misappropriated cryptoassets when action is taken promptly and collaboratively.

Lawrence Stephens Strengthens Private Wealth and Succession Planning Team with Key Partner Hire

Posted on: April 22nd, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce the appointment of Partner Amanda Nelson, who joins the firm to further strengthen its Private Wealth and Succession Planning offering.

Amanda brings with her a wealth of experience in private client law. She advises UK and international individuals, families and family businesses on tax, trusts and succession planning, and has particular expertise in inheritance and capital gains tax,  family governance, philanthropy and charity law.

She has extensive experience advising trustees, beneficiaries, charities and family offices, as well as supporting colleagues on contentious private wealth matters. Her work frequently has an international dimension and her expertise spans both onshore and offshore trust and succession matters.

Commenting on her appointment, Amanda said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Lawrence Stephens during  such an exciting period of growth for the firm. Lawrence Stephens has a strong reputation for assisting individuals in planning their financial futures, as well as those experiencing wealth creating events. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to support clients with their private wealth and succession planning needs.”

Gareth Hughes, Head of Lawrence Stephen’s Private Wealth and Succession Planning team added: “We’re very pleased to welcome Amanda to the team. Her extensive expertise and reputation for discreet, yet effective advice will be welcomed by our clients and our wider private wealth ecosystem.” 

You can read more about the Private Wealth and Succession Planning team here.

Lawrence Stephens Completes 10 Transactions for Ansor Portfolio Companies

Posted on: April 15th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

In the week before Easter Lawrence Stephens completed 10 corporate transactions for portfolio companies backed by buy‑and‑build private equity firm Ansor, marking a particularly active period in the run‑up to the end of the financial year.

The transactions were completed across multiple Ansor portfolio companies, including ALS Dental, Fourcentric,  Ecology Group, MSK Clinics and Owlis Technology operating across sectors such as fire and security, compliance services, healthcare and dental, and facilities management.

The acquisitions reflect continued growth and strategic momentum across the portfolios.

Lawrence Stephens advised on all of the transactions, working closely with Ansor and its portfolio company management teams to deliver matters efficiently within a compressed timeframe. The work was led by the firm’s Corporate & Commercial team, with support from Commercial Real Estate and Employment, providing coordinated, joined‑up advice.

Ryan D’Souza, Partner, Corporate and Commercial at Lawrence Stephens, commented:

“Completing 10 transactions in such a short period underlines both the strength of our relationship with Ansor and the quality of the businesses within its portfolio.  It also reflects the ability of our teams at Lawrence Stephens to deliver against demanding deadlines. We are proud to support Ansor as it continues to execute on its growth strategy”.

Edward Ainsworth, Managing Partner of Ansor LLP commented:

“Lawrence Stephens has advised Ansor and its portfolio companies on more than 116  acquisitions  to date, providing a safe pair of hands and long‑term support across the full deal lifecycle, from initial investment through to bolt‑on acquisitions and group development.”

Ansor is a specialist buy‑and‑build private equity firm, with over £500 million of assets under management, backing high‑quality management teams in fragmented, growing sectors and supporting them through disciplined acquisition‑led growth strategies.

Lawrence Stephens acts as a trusted adviser to Ansor and its portfolio companies, across the full deal lifecycle, from initial investment through acquisitions to long‑term portfolio growth. The firm’s deep familiarity with Ansor’s portfolio enables transactions to be executed efficiently and at pace.

If you are considering selling your business, or would like an introduction to a buyer operating a proven buy‑and‑build strategy, please get in touch with Ryan D’Souza.

Lawrence Stephens Presents at LIDW 2026

Posted on: April 14th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

We are proud to be co-hosting two sessions on Wednesday 3 and Friday 5 June, alongside our co-hosts 33 Chancery Lane and Brick Court Chambers.

From Data to Property: Recovering Digital Assets in Modern Law.

We are partnering with 33 Chancery Lane, a specialist set of Chambers with a leading reputation in civil and criminal asset recovery, commercial, and financial wrongdoing, in hosting a presentation titled ‘From Data to Property: Recovering Digital Assets in Modern Law’.

In this, Partner Matt Green and Barrister Flavia Kenyon will examine how crypto assets came to be recognised as property through civil and criminal case law, culminating in the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025. Drawing on precedent-setting matters in which they were instructed, they will explore the shift from treating digital assets as data to recognising them as proprietary objects capable of ownership, tracing, freezing, and recovery.

They will also share practical experience from complex recovery cases, including urgent injunctions, disclosure against exchanges, cross-border enforcement, and evidential challenges, offering strategic insights into navigating judicial processes and technical issues in high-value digital asset disputes.

The presentation will take place at 9:00-10:30am on Wednesday 3 June at 30 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PD.

Registration for LIDW events is via their dedicated website, please see here: https://register.lidw.co.uk/event/618  

Turning the tables on hackers: Strategic tools for victims of hacking and fraud

We are partnering with Brick Court Chambers, one of the leading sets of barristers’ chambers in the UK, having a strong reputation for Commercial, Competition, Public and International/EU law, in hosting a presentation titled ‘Turning the tables on hackers: Strategic tools for victims of hacking and fraud’.

In this, Partner Dominic Holden and Barrister Hugo Leith will explore how established civil causes of action and disclosure tools are being repurposed to investigate cyber enabled wrongdoing and recover digital assets internationally. The presentation will conclude with the practical realities of cyber disputes, emergency relief, parallel proceedings, enforcement challenges, and the ethical responsibilities of advisers operating in crisis situations.

The presentation will take place at 2:00-3:30pm on Friday 5 June at 7-8 Essex Street, London. WC2R 3LD.

Registration for LIDW events is via their dedicated website, please see here: https://register.lidw.co.uk/event/621

We would be delighted if you can join us either in-person or online at one or both of these events.  

Lawrence Stephens Advises Blue Shield Capital on £24.8 Million Acquisition Funding

Posted on: April 1st, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance team is proud to have advised Blue Shield Capital on the completion of a £24.8 million acquisition.

The acquisition funding supports a joint venture between H.I.G. Capital and HUB for the purchase of an office building in the heart of the City of London. The site benefits from an existing planning consent, granted in January 2024, for a 13‑storey, 280,000 sq. ft office‑led mixed‑use development. At present, it is occupied by the post‑war office block known as St Clare House, alongside the neighbouring Victorian warehouse building, Writers House. The loan enables the borrowers to transform the site by working within the existing planning parameters to create a residential‑led development that supports and enhances the ongoing regeneration of the surrounding area.

The area is well known for exceptionally strong demand for high‑quality housing and provides a solid foundation for the success of the project.

To complete this significant transaction involved close collaboration between multiple teams across the firm including Banking, Real Estate Finance and Tax, and was completed to a tight deadline, with substantial work carried out over the holiday period.

Blue Shield Capital is a property lender dedicated to streamlining the bridge‑lending process, led by a team of highly experienced finance professionals and real estate professionals.

The transaction was led by Partner and Head of Banking Ajoy Bose-Mallick, with key support from Partner and Head of Real Estate Finance Ann Ebberson, Senior Associate Ashley Wright, Solicitor Mithushan Sivagurunathar and Solicitor Alex Ruder. Tax advice was provided by Partner Leigh Sayliss and Corporate Support provided by James Lyons.

Ajoy Bose-Mallick commented:

“The complexity of this financing deal showcases the ability of the team to advise on high value transactions that require specialist advice across different departments. The team worked tirelessly and endlessly to complete this financing for the first acquisition for its newly established Living Platform between H.I.G. Capital and HUB.”

Blue Shield Capital Limited:

“This landmark financing was a pivotal and highly significant transaction for Blue Shield Capital. We could not have completed this deal without the commitment of the Lawrence Stephens team, who worked seamlessly together to see it through to completion.

Ajoy led an exceptional team at Lawrence Stephens, with Ashley advising on the banking aspects and Ann Ebberson advising on the complex real estate elements. Their combined expertise and dedication were instrumental to the success of this deal.”

You can read more about our Real Estate Finance team here.

Lawrence Stephens Announces Two New Partners

Posted on: March 31st, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens is delighted to share that Senior Associates Emma Cocker and Milana Katz have been promoted to Partner, as of 1 April 2026.

Emma is a senior employment lawyer, acting for businesses and individuals across the whole spectrum of employment law and a variety of industries from owner-managed businesses to large corporations. She regularly handles contentious terminations and claims relating to breach of contract, wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal. She also acts in High Court claims relating to breaches of confidentiality obligations and post-termination restrictions arising from employment contracts, share purchase agreements and shareholders’ agreements.

Emma originally trained at Freshfields and joined Lawrence Stephens in 2023 after five years at specialist Employment firm Thomas Mansfield.  

Milana is a member of our Banking team and her clients include leading banks, alternative debt providers, funds and borrowers. She regularly acts on real estate finance deals on both a regulated and unregulated basis across different asset classes including residential properties, hotels, student accommodation, nurseries and care homes.

Milana joined the firm as a Trainee in 2017 after having completed a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Corporate Law from UCL.

Chief Executive Officer Steven Bernstein commented “Our firm continues to grow quickly and I am delighted to welcome Emma and Milana to our expanding Partner cohort. It is also especially pleasing to see promotions from within our own ranks. I am confident that both Emma and Milana will continue to drive the business forward and I wish them continued success in their careers with us.”

Lawrence Stephens Shortlisted for Best Solicitor in the Bridging & Commercial Awards 2026

Posted on: March 27th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce that the firm’s Banking and Real Estate Finance teams have been shortlisted for Best Solicitor in the Bridging & Commercial Awards 2026. 

The Bridging & Commercial Awards celebrate excellence across the specialist lending and property finance sector, recognising firms and individuals who demonstrate outstanding expertise, service and commitment to clients. Being shortlisted for this award reflects the strength of our offering and the consistent, high-quality advice we provide within the real estate finance space. 

This recognition is a testament to the depth of experience across the firm and our collaborative approach to supporting lenders, borrowers, brokers and intermediaries on complex and high-value transactions. 

We would like to thank our clients, referrers and colleagues for their continued trust and support. We are proud to be recognised among a strong field of shortlisted firms and look forward to the awards later this year. 

You can read more about the Banking and Real Estate Finance team here.

Lawrence Stephens Advises Reece James on New Chelsea FC Contract

Posted on: March 26th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens were delighted to have advised Mr Reece James on his new long-term contract with Chelsea FC.

Led by Mohit Pasricha, Partner and Head of the Sports and Entertainment team (and with support from Senior Associate, Jake Cohen), Mohit worked closely with Mr James on the negotiation and drafting of his employment contract with Chelsea FC in addition to a range of image rights and regulatory documents underpinning Mr James’ new contract.

This landmark contract reflects not only Mr James’ extraordinary talent and work ethic, but also his deep commitment to Chelsea FC, a club he joined nearly 20 years ago, at age 8, and where he has been serving as club captain since 2023.

Through meticulous attention to detail across all legal aspects of this transaction, Mohit ensured that Mr James’ new contract secures the stability and financial freedom that were of paramount importance to Mr James and his family.

Mohit Pasricha commented:

“As exceptional as Reece is as a footballer, he’s an even better person, and it has been a pleasure to support him during this process.”

This transaction reflects the latest high-profile football transaction the Sports and Entertainment team at Lawrence Stephens have advised on since the team was established in August 2023, having previously advised on several record-breaking transfers and employment contracts on behalf of both men’s and women’s footballers.

You can read more about the Sports and Entertainment team here.

Lawrence Stephens Advises Elite Sprinter Adaejah Hodge

Posted on: March 20th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Angelique Richardson from the Lawrence Stephens Sports and Entertainment team advised elite sprinter Adaejah Hodge throughout a review process to enable her to return to competition following the conclusion of a review conducted by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

As publicly announced by the AIU, Hodge — a redshirt freshman sprinter with the University of Georgia Track & Field program, a 2024 Olympian for the British Virgin Islands, and the 2024 World Athletics Under‑20 Champion in the 200m — is eligible to return to competition following a case resolution agreed under the World Athletics Anti‑Doping Rules.

In its published decision, the AIU confirmed that Hodge unknowingly ingested a prohibited substance, that the Anti‑Doping Rule Violation was not intentional, and that she provided substantial cooperation throughout the process. Under the terms of the agreement, Hodge became eligible to compete again from 28 January 2026.

Lawrence Stephens advised Hodge from the outset of the matter, which came from a referral via the Sport Resolutions Pro Bono Scheme.

Hodge said in the University of Georgia’s statement:

“This experience has been incredibly difficult, and I am very thankful for the guidance and support of my attorney, Angelique Richardson, the University of Georgia, the AIU and WADA throughout this process. I look forward to getting back on the track and finally having the opportunity to represent the Bulldogs.”

We are pleased that this matter has now been concluded and that Adaejah can move forward with her collegiate and international career.

Link to the AIU Public Disclosure: AIU-24-267-HODGE-Communication-CRA_FINAL.pdf