Napthens takes two top prizes at North West Dealmakers

Leading North West law firm Napthens was named ‘Mid-size Law Firm of the Year’ and also picked up 'Deal of the Year (£50m+)’ for its work on the sale of Protec Fire & Security to Bosch at the North West Dealmakers Awards, hosted by Insider.

The judges commended the rate of growth at the firm, particularly at its Liverpool office, and also highlighted its involvement in transactions involving global brands like JD Sports and Bosch, with the latter also picking up an award on the night.

The sale of Nelson-headquartered fire detection and security technology specialist Protec Fire & Security Group, that employs around 1,100 employees at its nine sites across the UK and the Netherlands, won 'Deal of the Year (£50m+)’ after being sold to global system integrator Bosch Building Technologies. The transaction was led by Napthens corporate team comprising partner Richard Robinson, director David Carr and associate solicitor Charlotte Walsh.

The award wins come as Napthens’ corporate team grew revenues by 44 per cent in the last financial year, advising on more than 50 transactions valued in excess of £600m, and it was also ranked #1 legal adviser for M&A transactions in the North West for H1 2022, by Experian Market IQ.

Keith Melling, partner and head of corporate at Napthens, said: “It’s been another standout year for our corporate practice and to pick up two awards for our work really tops it off. We’re especially proud to have taken home the top prize for mid-size law firm, as this goes beyond just our corporate practice and is testament to the incredible performance of all our people over the past year.”

Richard Robinson, partner at Napthens, said: “Protec is the perfect example of how a North West business can go on to disrupt the global market, as it has gone on to influence the domestic and international fire detection and security technology sector over the past three decades. Its sale to Bosch was an important next step in its journey to expanding its reach even further, and it has been a pleasure to have worked with its founder and chairman, Barrie Russell, as well as the team at RSM to have completed this transaction. This award is very much the cherry on top.”