Freeths Wins Twice at South West Dealmaker Awards 2025
Deal News | Jun 27, 2025 | Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP, a leading law firm, celebrated a significant achievement at the Insider’s South West Dealmaker Awards 2025 by winning two top honors: Corporate Law Firm of the Year and Large Deal of the Year. The firm's rapid growth and its establishment as a major player in the South West's corporate finance scene were highlighted for the former accolade. The firm's Corporate team in Bristol grew impressively since its inception in 2019, now offering substantial advisory services to a wide range of clients. The award for Large Deal of the Year recognized Freeths' role in advising the shareholders of Hydrock Holdings Limited on its acquisition by the Canadian firm, Stantec UK Limited. The deal underscored the region's capacity to attract substantial global investments. Other advisors on the Hydrock transaction included KPMG and DLA Piper, among others. The event also saw Freeths sponsoring the ESG Deal of the Year award, promoting responsible business practices.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Corporate Finance
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Geography
- United Kingdom – The article discusses Freeths LLP, a UK-based law firm, and mentions several activities and achievements in the UK's South West region.
- Canada – Canada is relevant as the acquiring company, Stantec UK Limited, is a Canadian-listed firm, indicating cross-border M&A activity.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article centers on Freeths LLP, a law firm, highlighting its achievements in corporate law and M&A advisory roles.
- Corporate Finance – Freeths' recognition for Corporate Law Firm of the Year and Large Deal of the Year emphasizes its contributions to corporate finance, particularly through significant transactions like the Hydrock sale.
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Freeths' initiation and sponsorship of the ESG Deal of the Year award indicate its involvement in promoting and advocating for ESG principles in business practices.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeths LLP | Corporate Law Firm | Company | A leading law firm recognized for its rapid growth in the South West and its involvement in significant corporate finance transactions. |
| Hydrock Holdings Limited | Target Company | Company | Bristol-based company sold to Stantec UK Limited, with Freeths advising the shareholders. |
| Stantec UK Limited | Buyer | Company | Canadian listed company that acquired Hydrock Holdings Limited. |
| BGF | Shareholder and Investor | Company | Growth capital investor in Hydrock, involved in its sale to Stantec UK Limited. |
| KPMG | Corporate Finance Advisors | Company | Provided CF advisory services for the sellers in the Hydrock deal. |
| DLA Piper | Legal Advisors | Company | Provided legal advisory services to buyer Stantec. |
| EY | Tax and Financial Diligence | Company | Provided tax and financial diligence services to Stantec for the Hydrock acquisition. |
| Thrings | ESG Award Winner | Company | Winner of the South West Dealmakers ESG Deal of the Year award. |
| Clarke Wilmott | ESG Award Winner | Company | Winner of the South West Dealmakers ESG Deal of the Year award. |
| DEFRA | ESG Award Winner | Government | UK government department involved in the ESG Deal of the Year award. |
| Triodos Bank | ESG Award Winner | Company | Bank involved in ESG practices and winner of the ESG Deal of the Year award. |