DWF advises on Walker Crips takeover

17 Mar 2026Announcements

DWF has successfully guided Walker Crips Group plc through its takeover by PhillipCapital UK with expertise and precision

DWF, the international legal and business services provider, has announced its advisory role for Main Market-listed Walker Crips Group plc in a significant takeover transaction by PhillipCapital UK Ltd. This takeover was executed through a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement, marking a strategic milestone for Walker Crips Group, a company that offers a diverse range of financial products and services such as investment management, financial planning, and structured investments.

Valued at approximately £5.96 million, the transaction was conditional, requiring the approval of change of control from the Financial Conduct Authority. The scheme became effective on 3 March 2026, illustrating the importance of regulatory compliance in M&A transactions.

Leading the DWF corporate team was partner John Campion and director Jemil Visram, accompanied by solicitors Matthew Kernohan and Feras Alobaidli. The litigation team, including partner Joel Heap and associate Victoria Harkness, provided key support in navigating the court-sanctioned aspects of the arrangement. Additionally, tax advice was furnished by partner James Cashman and solicitor Douglas Pyrke, while director Aaron Osborn offered crucial financial regulatory insights.

Walker Crips Group's financial advisory was managed by Singer Capital Markets Advisory LLP, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the transaction.

John Campion highlighted the significance of this transaction, stating, "We are delighted to have supported Walker Crips Group on this strategically important transaction. The recommended takeover by its largest shareholder implemented by way of a scheme of arrangement, marks a significant milestone for the business and reflects the continued consolidation we are seeing across the wealth management sector." He noted that the DWF team's close collaboration with the independent directors of Walker Crips Group proved essential in addressing the legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations associated with the takeover.

Sean Lam, joint chief executive of Walker Crips Group plc, acknowledged the efforts of DWF, stating, "John, Jemil and the wider DWF team delivered outstanding legal guidance and support to the independent directors of Walker Crips Group throughout the transaction. Their advice was timely, clear, and commercially focused, and they consistently identified practical solutions to complex issues." His remarks underline the importance of expert legal advice in facilitating such crucial corporate transitions and achieving successful outcomes for shareholders.

Overall, this takeover not only enhances Walker Crips Group's financial stability but also positions it for renewed growth in a rapidly evolving wealth management landscape.

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

Property purchases often trigger AML scrutiny

New data shows that nearly six in ten property purchases in the UK are raising AML concerns and necessitating thorough investigations

Sexual offending and the Service Justice System: addressing the record

The Director of Service Prosecutions sets out how the Service Justice System handles sexual offending cases, examining independence, victim engagement, jurisdiction decisions and conviction data amid growing scrutiny of the system

Companies House faces critical security breach

Companies House encountered a significant security issue allowing unauthorised users to access sensitive company information

Sculfor v MGN: when does the limitation clock start ticking in phone hacking claims?

The High Court's preliminary issue judgement in five Mirror newspaper hacking claims clarifies how section 32 of the Limitation Act 1980 applies to claimants who were misled, living abroad, or advised by solicitors not to proceed.

YC v Secretary of State for the Home Department: implied power to correct erroneous grants of indefinite leave to remain

Court of Appeal confirms the Home Office may withdraw an ILR grant issued through clerical error.

BHP v Município de Mariana: when foreign anti-suit proceedings can constitute criminal contempt

Court of Appeal clarifies the narrow circumstances in which procuring foreign injunctive relief may cross into contempt of court.

VTB Bank v Kuanyshev: freezing order thresholds, fortification and third-party property disputes

High Court dismisses respondents' bid to raise asset disclosure threshold but orders £500,000 payment into court as fortified cross-undertaking.

McGowan v Potter: county court jurisdiction to enforce charging orders clarified

County court's equity jurisdiction — not ancillary LPA 1925 powers — governs enforcement of charging orders up to £350,000.

South West Water faces pollution penalties

South West Water has pleaded guilty to multiple pollution charges, while CEO Susan Davy’s pay rises amid controversy

Government acts to combat waste crime

The government is set to empower environment officers with police-style powers to effectively tackle waste criminals

Simple law change needed for victims

A campaign seeking equal compensation for all asbestos-related lung cancer victims is set for debate

When defence deadlines lose their meaning in clinical negligence claims

Delays in filing defences in clinical negligence claims are becoming routine, with extensions stretching months beyond the timetable set out in the Civil Procedure Rules

STEP unveils report on family wealth

STEP has launched its Barometer report focusing on evolving family wealth issues and advisor roles in light of global changes

TfL paid out millions in claims

Transport for London (TfL) has disclosed that it spent over £3 million on personal injury claims in the last tax year, based on data obtained via a Freedom of Information request from Personal Injury Solicitors London

LXLP v St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: causation fails despite admitted negligence in cerebral palsy claim

Cerebral palsy claim dismissed where antibiotic omissions admitted but causal link to PVL unproven.

SJ Interview: Ben Aram

Ben Aram is UK Managing Partner at Kennedys and co-head of its Corporate & Commercial division. A solicitor specialising in international arbitration and commercial litigation, he has led the expansion of the firm’s UK corporate practice and helped launch its global ESG group. In this interview, he reflects on law-firm leadership, scaling practices, partnership governance, and the skills lawyers need in a changing market.

Power Shifts, Responsibility Holds

From AI liability and freezing injunctions to private equity governance and regulatory reform, this issue traces a legal system adapting to new pressures while keeping accountability firmly human.