Hugh James Breaks Record with Nearly £650m in Deals for 2024
Deal News | Feb 06, 2025 | EIN
Legal firm Hugh James, based in Cardiff with offices across the UK, reported a landmark year for merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 2024, handling transactions valued at nearly £650 million—more than double the previous year's total. The firm played a crucial role in multiple significant deals, including the acquisition of St Brides Spa Hotel by Port of Milford Haven and Cardiff Rugby's takeover by Helford Capital. The strong performance in 2024 is credited to a surge in pre-budget activity and constant deal flow throughout the year, influenced by potential tax changes. The team is optimistic for 2025, expecting deal activity to be shaped by broader political and economic factors, particularly changes in the U.S. leadership and UK market conditions. Furthermore, the firm secured a position on the Development Bank of Wales' new property legal services panel, highlighting its influence and expertise in the regional market.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Investment Banking
Geography
- United Kingdom – Hugh James is UK-based with significant activities reported across London, Cardiff, Manchester, Southampton, Plymouth, and implications for the Welsh investment market.
- Wales – Hugh James, headquartered in Cardiff, plays a significant role in advising on transactions within and outside Wales, and is associated with the Development Bank of Wales.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article is about the activities of a law firm, Hugh James, involved in providing legal advisory services for merger and acquisition transactions.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The firm's record-breaking performance in handling M&A deals is a central theme of the article.
- Investment Banking – Hugh James is involved in advising on investment deals, reflecting aspects of investment banking services.
Financials
- £650 million – The total value of merger and acquisition transactions handled by Hugh James in 2024.
- £1 million – The minimum property loan size for the Development Bank of Wales, as part of their legal advisory engagement with Hugh James.
- £50 million – The fund size of the Cardiff Capital Region fund advised by Hugh James.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hugh James | Legal Advisor | Company | A UK law firm advising on mergers and acquisitions, corporate deals, and legal services for the Development Bank of Wales. |
| Port of Milford Haven | Buyer | Company | Acquirer of St Brides Spa Hotel, advised by Hugh James. |
| Helford Capital | Buyer | Company | Involved in Cardiff Rugby's acquisition, with legal advice from Hugh James. |
| Development Bank of Wales | Client | Company | Client of Hugh James for legal services related to property loans. |
| Cardiff Rugby | Target | Company | Target company in a takeover advised by Hugh James. |
| Gerallt Jones | Head of Corporate/Commercial Team | Person | Partner at Hugh James, leading the commercial team. |
| Rockwool | Buyer | Company | Advised by Hugh James on acquiring Wetherby Building Systems. |
| Club 3000 Bingo | Buyer | Company | Advised by Hugh James in acquiring Buzz Bingo. |
| Double Diamond (Rainbow Casino) | Seller | Company | Disposed of its Aberdeen Casino, advised by Hugh James. |
| 888 Africa | Buyer | Company | Acquired BetLion, advised by Hugh James. |
| Neil Maguinness | Chief Risk Officer | Person | Chief Risk Officer at the Development Bank of Wales. |