Leading North West law firm Napthens has been ranked as the #2 legal adviser for M&A transactions in the North West for Q1 – Q3 2022, according to the latest results published by Experian Market IQ.

Led by Keith Melling, partner and head of corporate at Napthens, the news follows a highly active year for the law firm’s corporate team, with 31 North West deals recorded by Experian so far this year.

Notable transactions the firm has been involved with include the management buyout of textiles firm Ashfield Mill, which included its two subsidiaries, John Spencer (Textiles) Limited and Ian Mankin Limited. Napthens also advised a husband-and-wife couple on the purchase of the Yorkshire-based Stone House Hotel.

Other deals include advising Liverpool-based River Capital on a seven-figure equity injection into sports and fitness brand, Built For Athletes, as well as transferring the ownership of engineering consultancy, Futureserv, into an Employee Ownership Trust. Napthens also advised on the sale of Architectural Steel to ArcelorMittal.

Napthens’ high-ranking position reflects a successful year for the department, with the 30 strong team advising on transactions for the year to date valued at in excess of £200m.

Keith Melling, corporate partner at Napthens, said: “The North West is a breeding ground of successful businesses in the UK and we are proud to be at the forefront as legal advisors in what is a thriving economic region. Remaining at the top end of the rankings table for M&A transactions is testament to the value that we are able to gain for our clients and the hard work our team has put in, especially in the face of a challenging year.”