Andrew Lawton Smith

My primary responsibility is for managing our relationships with private company clients, which are owned by their managers or family interests, together with our relationships with the Birmingham and wider Midlands entrepreneurial marketplace.

Tel: +44 (0)870 733 0599

Email: andrew_lawton_smith@wragge.com

Best brains in ...

Helping clients achieve the best value on their sale of their business and on acquisitions; making a contribution 'beyond the law', on how they develop their businesses with a view to a sale and meeting the challenges they face; communicating complex legal ideas and concepts to clients who need to understand the issues they face, but who have strengths and skills in commercial, business and technical areas - and not the law.

Highlight of your career so far?

In summer 2007, I acted for the owner on the sale of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres to ABN Amro Private Equity. This was an extremely well-managed process which directly led to the achievement significantly more than was originally expected.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

I acted for each of the 65 statutory directors of the Rank Hovis McDougal group on its buy-out from Tomkins Plc. This was a challenge of communication of the crucial points each director needed to understand and of course, logistics. It led to the best question a client has ever asked: 'That's all well and good, but would you do this if you were in my shoes?'

What about outside the UK?

I have acted on a number of deals with a strong international element. The MBO of Fosbel (an international foundry services business) from Foseco involved co-ordinating eight overseas jurisdictions. The retail store merchandising group, Cork International, had operations in seven overseas jurisdictions and we co-ordinated acquisitions and disposals in almost all of these, as well as the eventual realisation of the group.

What's your definition of going the extra mile ……. And when have you done it?

The world of mergers and acquisitions can be intimidating to people who run their own businesses, but who don't have much experience of the processes and terminology of deals. The extra mile in this environment is committing the time at the start of the relationship so the client feels comfortable handing over (in a sense) custody of their most valuable business asset to us - knowing it is in good hands.

An example of your great client service?

When the deal needs to be done, we commit our whole soul and being to the project. I have had two instances in my career where I have entered a final negotiation and completion meeting and not left it for over 48 hours - two whole nights without sleep.

Dedication to client care?

... But sometimes what we need to do is closer to what you might consult your GP or a matrimonial lawyer for! It is much less visible to the world, but absolutely crucial for the clients. I have acted in a number of instances helping shareholders whose business relationship with their business partners has broken down to somehow salvage their value from their investment, while retaining their sanity and sense of enthusiasm for the future through the process. At a time where stress, worry and a sense of a lack of control seem always to be at the fore, we look to bring calm and balanced solutions.

Best example of a creative legal solution?

We have created a number of innovative business restructuring solutions which are cutting edge and allow business owners to realise parts of their businesses in ways where they attract the most favorable tax treatment.

When have you ever given a client a real competitive edge?

On the sale of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres - by helping to establish and manage efficiently a business auction process that achieved great value for the client.

How do you get under the skin of a client's business?

As a non-executive director of a number of businesses, I have built up first-hand a direct understanding and empathy with business owners and the myriad of challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. The primary non-exec position I currently hold is at Clear Pub Company, an owner / operator of 34 pubs.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I acted as a career mentor to the school children of Greet Primary School. I have also undertaken two sponsored treks for the benefit of Sense, the UK's charity for deaf blind people, raising over £10,000.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

The comment about me that I valued most was that I 'get things done'. I use a commercial, non-egotistical, direct and pragmatic approach to help our clients achieve their business goals.