Cross-border executive appointments — key UK tax & corporate considerations
We outline the key payroll, tax and governance issues that overseas companies typically face when appointing a UK‑based executive.
Corporate law solicitors in Manchester
Strategic, award-winning legal advice on the full spectrum of corporate matters.
0333 004 4488
hello@brabners.com
Manchester’s award-winning corporate law experts
We have one of the largest, most active and most specialised corporate legal teams in the country.
Our solicitors advise business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and shareholders across the Greater Manchester region on all aspects of corporate law — M&A, private equity, business sales, tax advisory and governance.
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) — Comprehensive support for clients on the acquisition (or ‘buy and ‘build) trail.
- Business sales and exits — Guiding every stage of the divestment process, whether you’re selling a company, its assets or its business.
- Private equity — Helping management teams, shareholders and investors to navigate the complexities of PE transactions.
- Tax advisory — Specialist tax lawyers covering M&A, PE structures, international tax considerations and HMRC disputes.
- Governance — Guiding businesses to remain resilient, compliant and well-structured at every stage.
- Employee ownership trusts (EOT) — Helping businesses to solve their succession concerns and realise the benefits of employee ownership.
- Venture capital and high-growth companies — Uniting investors and founders on securing deals that accelerate growth.
The corporate team works in tandem with our commercial and deal advisory teams to provide a fully-integrated, strategically-aligned service, adding value at every stage of the corporate lifecycle.
Talk to our corporate solicitors by emailing hello@brabners.com, calling 0333 004 4488 or completing our contact form.
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Expert guidance from ‘Top Tier’ specialist corporate lawyers
Led by Mark Rathbone, our 60-strong corporate team brings exceptional sector-specific expertise across sports, tech, health, retail, professional services, housing, energy and more.
Recognised in The Legal 500 for “outstanding industry knowledge” and a “consistently high-quality level of service”, the team is one of the UK’s most active dealmakers.
Last year, our corporate lawyers advised on 168 transactions with a total value of around £1bn — a 16% rise in activity and a fourth year of consecutive growth.
We were also named Corporate Law Firm of the Year at the Insider North West Dealmakers Awards 2025 and Regional Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2025.
Individually, the team contains Hall of Fame lawyers, Leading Partners and Next Generation Partners recognised by clients and peers for their role in market-leading work.
From our office at 100 Barbirolli Square, we support organisations, shareholders and business leaders right across Greater Manchester with their growth, investment, divestment, exit and restructuring requirements.
As a certified B Corp, we're independently recognised for being purpose-driven, committed to creating benefits for all stakeholders and operating as a force for good.
Meet our Manchester corporate lawyers
Making deals happen across Manchester, the North West & beyond
As the only UK law firm with in-house deal advisors, we offer you a unique advantage through Brabners Deal Advisory — our dedicated accountancy offering.
Our deal advisors can steer every stage of the corporate transaction journey, providing commercially-driven guidance on structure, funders, targets, buyers and price negotiations.
This specialist service allows us to provide a seamless legal and financial strategy for complex MBOs, MBIs, acquisitions, disposals and fundraisings.
We’re here to create the best possible deal and help you to realise your long-term corporate ambitions.
“Praised for its ability to go 'go above and beyond' and 'outstanding industry knowledge', Brabners... [handles] the full scope of corporate and commercial matters... Feedback from clients has always been favourable... consistently high-quality level of service.”
The Legal 500 2026
“We've worked with Brabners for more than five years on a number of major corporate, commercial and financing projects. Brabners helps us to identify and address relevant legal issues early. The team is proactive, pragmatic, commercial and works seamlessly with our in-house legal team and other advisers. Put simply, Brabners provides exemplary, cost-effective support.”
Richard May, Partner, General Counsel & Head of Compliance, Omni Partners
“Brabners draws considerable praise from clients for its ‘focused and commercial’ approach. The team is well-positioned to advise on the full scope of corporate and commercial work, including M&A, group organisations, private equity, contracts, e-commerce and data protections matters.”
The Legal 500 2025
Recognised for excellence in corporate law
Corporate law: expert insights
Managing tax risks for internationally mobile employees — 6 practical steps for employers
We outline the key UK tax issues for employers sending staff to the UK and highlight steps to stay compliant while maximising reliefs.
Supreme Court decision increases VAT recovery risk on share sale costs
We explain what the Hotel La Tour decision means in practice and how businesses can manage the resulting VAT risk.
Autumn Budget 2025 — what international businesses need to know about UK tax changes
We break down what the Budget means for international employers, investors and multinational groups.
Last bid standing — Paramount’s Warner Bros takeover & the UK merger control test
We explore why Paramount's bid for Warner Bros is likely to trigger intense scrutiny by UK and EU regulators.
Making acquisitions work — 5 practical lessons from 25 years of deal experience
We set out the practical lessons, human factors and challenges that shape successful transactions, covering strategy, due diligence and post‑completion.
Brabners delivers fourth consecutive year of dealmaking growth
We’ve delivered another strong year of dealmaking, achieving 16% growth and advising on more than £900m in transactions.
London expansion & record revenues drive next phase of growth at Brabners
We’re delighted to announce the opening of a new office in London, marking a major milestone at the end of a year defined by strong financial performance.
ECCTA 2023 — changes to company registers & compliance duties explained
We explore the key changes that the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act ushers in and outline what they mean for companies going forward.
Can The Hundred challenge the IPL? 6 potential key changes explained in new era for English cricket
2025 could well be remembered as the ‘end of the beginning’ for The Hundred.
The evolving role of external counsel in corporate transactions
We break down the recurring challenges that GCs face across transactions and projects and outline how we can help them with practical, flexible support.
Brabners advises shareholders of Rural Solutions on strategic acquisition by Celnor Group
Our corporate team advised the shareholders of Rural Solutions on its acquisition by Celnor Group, an investor in businesses across the TICC sector.
Feeling trapped? Options for succession & exit for law firm partners
We explore the succession options available to law firm partners — from partner buy‑outs to private equity sales, acquisitions and EOTs.
Autumn Budget 2025 — Employee Ownership Trust capital gains tax changes explained
We explore the Chancellor’s decision to change the capital gains tax (CGT) relief available for disposals to Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs).
Why employee ownership is reshaping law firm succession
We explore why a law firm might favour an employee ownership model and outline the common themes behind their choice.
The Times Best Law Firms
We're thrilled to have been commended in three separate categories in The Times Best Law Firms 2026.
Supporting an NHS Trust to sell a dental practice to a private buyer
We supported Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) in the successful sale of Sandwich Dental Service.
What acquirers should know about the National Security & Investment Act
We explore what the NSIA means for investors, when to notify and why understanding control is key.
Shaping the future of IVF technology with expert transaction support
We’ve supported IMT Matcher in pursuing strategic partnership with ReproTech LLC, creating a global leader in IVF treatment technology.
Journey to exit — employee ownership advantages & challenges explained
We explore employee ownership as a route to exit and detail the associated benefits and challenges.
Journey to exit — 4 key deal structures when selling a business explained
Selling a business can be a daunting prospect. Yet while there are a variety of ways in which a deal can be structured, they all fall into a few broad categories.
14 top tips for successful mergers & acquisitions
Our experts share 14 of the most crucial lessons they've learned to help companies on the acquisition trail complete deals successfully.
Rethinking earn-outs in insurance M&A — why retained commission income is the metric that matters
As merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the insurance sector continues at pace, deal structures are evolving to reflect the unique economics of broking businesses.
How specialist EO advisors Brabners support businesses along their employee ownership journey
We support EOBs at three key milestones along the journey: the EO transition, incentivising senior leadership and financial freedom.
Thinking of exiting a business? When to stick, twist or show your hand
Exiting your business (showing your hand) is usually just one of many options that an entrepreneur should consider...
An independent law firm, rooted in the North West
Driven by our mission to make the difference, we became the UK’s largest law firm to achieve B Corp certification in 2022.
Through The Brabners Foundation, we partner closely with charities and social enterprises across the North West and beyond to create lasting impact.
Northern Ambition
The collaborative network for purpose-led businesses. We’re building a more sustainable and innovative tomorrow.
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Sustainable Business
In 2022, we proudly became the UK’s largest law firm (and the first outside London) to become B Corp certified.
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Community Impact
We channel the energy of our public-spirited people and clients towards improving our local communities.
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