Member News
Top 100 UK law firm Ward Hadaway has been ranked as the most active legal adviser for corporate transactions in the North East in Experian MarketIQ’s latest UK and Republic of Ireland M&A Review.
The annual report ranks legal advisers by volume of completed transactions. Advising on 119 qualifying deals across 2025, Ward Hadaway also entered the top 10 most active deal advisers across the UK, appearing in sixth place. Alongside securing the top position in the North East, the firm also ranked first in Yorkshire and strengthened its national position.
The Experian report recorded 6,742 transactions across the UK in 2025, underlining the resilience of the market despite a moderation in overall volumes. Against that backdrop, Ward Hadaway’s performance reflects sustained deal activity across its regional offices and continued growth of its corporate team.
The result follows a year of sustained activity and continued investment in the firm’s corporate offering, including the integration of The Endeavour Partnership team in Teesside following its merger in July, strengthening capability and sector depth across its offices.
Nik Tunley, Head of Corporate at Ward Hadaway, said: “Securing the top ranking in the North East reflects the strength of our team and the depth of relationships we have built with businesses and advisers across the region.”
“The integration of the Endeavour team has added further depth to our expertise and broadened the support we can provide to businesses at every stage of their growth. These results demonstrate the scale and quality of the combined team and the trust our clients place in us.”
The firm’s corporate team has continued to advise on a broad range of transactions across manufacturing, technology, professional services and owner-managed businesses, supporting clients on acquisitions, disposals and investment rounds. Activity has been driven by sustained demand within the mid-market, with regional businesses continuing to pursue strategic growth despite a more selective deal environment nationally.
Ward Hadaway’s Managing Partner Steven Petrie added: “This performance is the outcome of sustained investment in our corporate practice and in the wider firm. We have focused on building a team with the right experience and commercial insight to support clients through increasingly complex transactions.
“Our progress in both the national and regional rankings demonstrates the strength of our capabilities and the collaborative approach we take with clients, intermediaries and funding partners across the UK.”
