New Partner Boosts Thrings’ Corporate Offering

Leading commercial law firm Thrings has strengthened its corporate offering to domestic and international clients with the appointment of Jonathan Morris as partner.

A highly-experienced corporate solicitor with more than 10 years’ experience of working with AIM-listed and owner-managed businesses, Jonathan joins Thrings from Bates Wells Braithwaite, where he was a senior associate. Prior to this, he worked in-house for Combined Management Services, a corporate consultancy with a stable of AIM clients.

In addition to advising numerous small and mid cap market companies on public and private fundraisings, Jonathan will act for owner managed businesses and corporate clients on group reorganisations, joint ventures and M&As. He will also advise issuers, Nomads and brokers on domestic and international AIM IPOs, secondary fundraisings and public offers.

Jonathan has also acted for clients in the natural resources and technology sectors, while his expertise in financial services will assist him when advising on FSMA matters, including financial promotions, regulated activities and change of control applications.

Jonathan said: “Last year the City saw a number of flotations as many established organisations made the decision to go public. It is clear that with the General Election on the horizon, firms are adopting a more cautious approach, but with a new government in place in May and a buoyant economy, that certainty will return to the stock market, prompting greater levels of activity and further significant investment opportunities.

“Thrings has a growing corporate presence in the London legal market due to its increased focus on equities and capital markets. As well as developing Thrings’ client base in London, I am very much looking forward to working closely with teams in the firm's other offices and connecting London capital sources to businesses in the South West.”

Jonathan is listed as a ‘Rising Star’ in corporate finance law in the current Super Lawyers legal directory, Thomson Reuters’ research-driven, peer-recommended solicitor rating service.

Simon Holdsworth, managing partner of Thrings, added: “Jonathan is a vastly experienced legal professional with a deep knowledge and thorough understanding of the AIM market. His proven record in business development, including AIM referrals, financial services and general commercial matters, will undoubtedly help strengthen Thrings’ growing corporate client base in London.

“Jonathan is joining Thrings at an exciting time, with the firm having recently announced an 18-per-cent increase in turnover. Our focus remains on delivering specialist legal advice and developing strong, long-term relationships with clients, and I am confident that his expertise will only enhance the firm’s reputation in this department.”

To support its strategic approach to growth, Thrings – which has offices Bristol, Bath, Swindon and London – has invested heavily in its people over the past 12 months, including the appointment of Malcolm Emery, James Myatt, Edward Jackman and Andrew Dekany as partners.