Gilson Gray named Scotland’s best M&A law firm

A young Scottish legal firm has secured the ‘Best M&A Law Firm - Scotland’ at the prestigious Acquisitions International M & A awards 2016.

The accolade for Gilson Gray comes on the back of a number of award wins since launch, including the ‘Best Corporate Law Firm – Scotland’ in the 2015 M&A Awards and further underlines its place as one of the top law firms operating in Scotland.

In May 2014 the Edinburgh and Glasgow based law firm became the biggest full-service legal firm to open in Scotland in more than 100 years, having secured some of the sharpest legal personnel from across the country. Earlier this year, they grew their office space in Glasgow to account for a number of successful client wins and recruitment appointments.

Managing partner Glen Gilson, said: “This award comes off the back of the 2015 award and reaffirms our work as a full service firm with a focus on excellence in client service.

“It also demonstrates the firm’s commitment to become one of the leading law firms in the country, through a strategy to drive growth by attracting the best talent in their respective fields.

“The mindset of the business remains the same as the day we started – to provide a transparently and persuasively priced service and only employ partners and staff that know how to engage properly with clients to make the service exceptional and wherever possible enjoyable.”

The Acquisition International M&A Awards celebrate dedication, skill and outstanding results from individuals, teams and firms across the corporate world.

Gilson Gray’s work advising on One of the UK’s first Employee Ownership Trusts for Mike Stoane Lighting Limited (a multinational lighting supplier) was singled out for recognition. EOTs are an innovative form of shareholding, allowing an owner to sell a controlling stake in their business and pass control to their employees in return;

The firm also advised Sunamp Limited (developer of innovative solar heat batteries) on a £3.2m funding round in April;

Gilson Gray also worked with the former RAF Coltishall Solar farm development in Norfolk (believed to be the third largest installed capacity project in the UK (approximately 55 MW) and the initial deployment of approximately 34 MW in what is believed to be the fastest large-scale solar installation in Europe.

Derek Hamill, partner and head of corporate, said: “To win ‘Best M&A Law Firm – Scotland is testament to the talent and achievements of the Gilson Gray team.

“We are dedicated to improving the reputation of legal work in Scotland and in helping to support businesses. The Mergers & Acquisitions field is notoriously tough and it is great to see our work recognised.

“I think the award recognises that Gilson Gray is different. Rather than having “partner led” teams where a partner oversees junior staff, our work is “partner-delivered”. Gilson Gray’s partners are actively involved in the delivery of services to their clients. Our advice comes from accredited specialists and award winning individuals, committed to providing an excellent client experience.

“Many of our lawyers, are dual qualified in both Scottish and English law and advise on a range of international matters. The corporate team in Gilson Gray has advised on Scots and English law contracts in India, France, the Middle East, Thailand, Vietnam, China and the USA.”

The firm has recently been nominated for two awards at the upcoming The Law Awards of Scotland, picked up ‘Best New Business’ at the Scottish Variety Awards, and secured further industry recognition with wins at the ACQ5 Awards.