Continuity & growth: supporting Gary Jacobs & Co’s management buyout

Client overview

Gary Jacobs & Co Solicitors is a long-established North London law firm founded in 1974. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering expert legal advice across family law, property, and litigation, with a client-focused approach and deep-rooted community relationships. 

As part of its succession and ownership strategy, the management team of Gary Jacobs & Co approached us to acquire the share capital of the company through a management buyout (MBO). The transaction was designed to secure continuity of leadership, align management incentives, and establish a stable capital structure to support long‑term performance, while preserving the firm’s culture and high standards of client service. 

How we supported

We were engaged to guide the management team throughout the MBO process, with Stuart Sheldrick, Director and Head of Corporate Finance, leading the transaction.  

Our services included: 

• Advising on deal structure to ensure commercial viability and alignment with strategic objectives. 

• Providing valuation advice to support negotiations and achieve a fair outcome. 

• Discussing remuneration planning post-deal, ensuring a smooth transition for key stakeholders. 

• Working closely with the legal team to coordinate efforts and maintain momentum throughout the process. 

• Reviewing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to identify and mitigate potential risks. 

Our collaborative approach ensured the transaction was completed efficiently and aligned with the client’s long-term growth plans. 

The results

“We were very impressed with the ongoing advice and support that we received from Stuart during the management buyout of the firm. We found the process to be professional and explained in layman’s terms, which consistently highlighted Stuart’s expertise and efficiency. Stuart was diligent and approachable – even outside normal working hours – throughout the process, and we would definitely recommend him.” – Kiran Sangha and Michelle Stevens, Gary Jacobs & Co. 

“Supporting Gary Jacobs & Co on this management buyout was a fantastic opportunity to help a respected law firm take a bold step forward. Our role was to provide clear, commercially focused advice on structure, valuation, and integration planning, while working hand-in-hand with their legal team to keep the process smooth and efficient. 

This deal is a great example of how a well‑executed management buyout can secure continuity, empower leadership, and create a strong foundation for the firm’s future success.” – Stuart Sheldrick, Director and Head of Corporate Finance