Insights & News

Convertible loan notes and/or advance subscription agreements as a source of emergency funding: FAQs

07 April 2020

Convertible loan notes and advance subscription agreements are typically used as alternatives to equity fundraising by growth companies or more established businesses looking for short term financing to get them to their next equity round (so-called “bridge financing”)

Restrictive covenants: key reminders recently highlighted by the Court of Appeal

06 April 2020

In the recent case of Guest Services Worldwide Limited v David Shelmerdine the Court of Appeal found that a non-compete clause, restricting Mr Shelmerdine for a period of 12 months after he ceased to hold shares, was binding. The clause prohibited Mr Shelmerdine, a shareholder who was also a consultant of Guest Services Worldwide Limited (GSW), from being interested in competing businesses.

How will M&A buyers respond to Covid-19?

03 April 2020

Corporate solvency – matters to consider in light of COVID-19: FAQs

03 April 2020

The UK Government has announced a number of changes to the UK insolvency framework in light of the economic storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Will sellers lose more than their liberty as a result of Covid-19?

02 April 2020

Coronavirus has already wreaked havoc on the UK’s economy in the space of just a few weeks. The FTSE 100 has plunged by more than 26% since February and businesses in a range of sectors are likely to see a significant downturn this year.

VAT and income tax deferrals to assist VAT-paying businesses and the self-employed during Covid-19 Outbreak

Inbrief

27 March 2020

As part of the sweeping financial package announced by the Government on 20 March 2020, the Government is offering VAT and income tax deferrals to assist with the cash-flow of VAT-paying businesses and the self-employed. These deferrals are expected to provide over £30bn of additional cash-flow to a wide variety of British businesses.

Financial support for larger firms: The COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility

26 March 2020

The COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) is a quick and cost-effective way to raise working capital for those large businesses which need it.

Lewis Silkin has advised new client Artelia Group on its acquisition of quantity surveying practice Austin Newport Group

26 March 2020

Lewis Silkin has advised new client Artelia Group, an international, multidisciplinary consultancy, engineering and project management group, on its acquisition of Austin Newport Group, specialised in chartered quantity surveying, project management contracting and recovery of damaged historic buildings.

Reviewing your existing financing arrangements in light of COVID-19: FAQs

26 March 2020

Many of our clients are concerned about the effect of the current economic climate on the financial health of their businesses. We recommend that companies should consider reviewing their existing financing documents to identify any risks of potential defaults occurring and to decide how best to proceed. We have put together the following guide to help answer the most frequently asked questions we receive on this topic.

Social distancing and the use of electronic signatures

25 March 2020

With vast numbers of people now working from home due to COVID-19 restrictions, finding more convenient methods of making binding transactions which are recorded in writing has become a priority.

Types of directors: myths and common pitfalls

25 March 2020

Below we answer some of the most common questions and address frequent pitfalls in the often-confusing realm of company directors.

Lewis Silkin French Desk has advised Euronext listed Sopra Steria on its acquisition in the UK of cxpartners

Deal

24 March 2020

Lewis Silkin has advised longstanding client, Euronext listed Sopra Steria, a European leader in digital transformation, on its acquisition in the United Kingdom of cxpartners, the industry leading consultancy specialising in customer experience and user-centred design. It will both expand Sopra Steria’s UK customer experience offerings and magnify cxpartners’ capabilities.

Effect of Coronavirus on financial reporting

18 March 2020

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published fresh guidance on issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lewis Silkin French Desk has advised Havas on its acquisition of acquisition of Cicero Group

Deal

17 March 2020

Lewis Silkin has advised Havas, one of the world's largest global communications groups, on its acquisition of Cicero Group.

Lewis Silkin French Desk has advised Descours & Cabaud in the acquisition for its subsidiary Hayley 247 of Staffordshire based companies WMH Transmissions Ltd & Apex Transmissions Ltd

Deal

17 March 2020

Lewis Silkin has advised Descours & Cabaud in the acquisition for its subsidiary Hayley 247 of Staffordshire based companies WMH Transmissions Ltd & Apex Transmissions Ltd (WMH). WMH will now become the UK Groups specialist provider of Precision Linear Motion products and services.

Lewis Silkin advises Next Fifteen Communications Group plc on its acquisition of The Craft Consulting Limited

Deal

04 March 2020

Lewis Silkin has advised Next Fifteen Communications, the digital communications group, on its 100% acquisition of The Craft Consulting Limited (The Craft), a Cheltenham-based strategic marketing consultancy.

Brexit – the prospective changes in company law for private and overseas companies

05 February 2020

This article is to update you on, and explain the expected timing as to, the changes in company law for private and overseas companies to be brought about by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. In practice, only companies with a connection to the EEA will be impacted and the action points for them will be fairly minimal.

Lewis Silkin supports Ladies Professional Golf Association on creation of joint venture that will enable “women’s golf to reach new heights”

Deal

31 January 2020

Lewis Silkin LLP has advised the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) on the establishment of a joint venture with the Ladies European Tour (LET), which is set to provide a major boost to women’s golf.

Apply to extend your accounts filing deadline, and avoid late filing penalty. Companies House - New Service.

22 January 2020

You can use this new service to apply for more time to file your company’s annual accounts with Companies House.

Does your company use email for sending documents or information to shareholders?

22 January 2020

If so, do you have the necessary consents in place?