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James Meakin: Impressive expertise. We very much appreciated his support on all tax aspects of the M&A Transaction.

Legal 500 2022
About

James Meakin is a Partner and is the head of the firm’s Tax practice. He has a broad practice and advises a variety of clients in relation to the tax issues facing their business and transactions.

James advises on all aspects of UK and international tax and focuses on the tax aspects of corporate and real estate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, group reorganisations, joint ventures, financing, venture capital and private equity from both a UK and cross-border perspective.

His corporate tax practice includes advising multinational and private companies and their owners and managers on tax issues arising in relation to acquisitions and disposals, reorganisations, demergers and tax planning. His real estate tax practice includes advising companies, their shareholders and funds on the tax issues relevant to structuring, financing or developing land and also advising on the transactional tax issues which can arise, including VAT and SDLT.

James’s clients include private companies, owner managers, private equity houses, financial institutions, funds and multinational enterprises.

James also advises and has a particular interest in tax efficient investment including in relation to the tax advantaged venture capital schemes.

James is a member of the Chartered Institute of Tax.

Recent work
  • Advising a leading US music business in relation to various domestic and cross-border transactions including tax advice in relation to structuring and the deal-related documentation and financing.
  • Advising a US Real estate investment fund in relation to numerous joint venture arrangements in relation to UK student accommodation development projects including structuring and relating to the deal-related documentation.
  • Advising numerous insurers on warranty and indemnity policies in the context of mergers and acquisitions and advising in relation to specific contingent tax risk policies.
  •  Advising lenders in relation to the financing of phases of the Chelsea Barracks development in London.
  • Advising a state-owned oil and gas group in relation to the acquisition and disposal of oil and gas assets in the UK and worldwide.
  • Advising a leading listed intelligence, events and research group on various disposals including in relation to the deal structuring and the deal-related documentation.
  • Advising on the sale and leaseback of properties and companies to a newly incorporated UK REIT and leaseback to operating companies with a different shareholder base. 
  • Acting for management on the sale by majority owners of a hedge fund to a family office and incentive arrangements for the remaining managers.
  • Advising a private equity firm as transaction counsel on its acquisition of a large American fitness equipment company.
Accolades
  • "James Meakin: Impressive expertise. We very much appreciated his support on all tax aspects of the M&A Transaction." Legal 500 2022
  • Listed as a Key Lawyer, Corporate & Commercial: Corporate Tax, Legal 500 2022

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