Gowling WLG's UK Corporate Practice Group, which includes our Banking & Finance and Tax teams, has kicked off the 2025/26 financial year with remarkable momentum, reporting a 32% year-on-year increase in financial performance.

Stuart Young, Head of the Corporate Practice Group, reflects on the strong start to the financial year, highlighting the team's performance and the collaborative strength of the firm's global network.

He said: "We are often modest about our achievements - more focused on delivering outstanding service to our clients than celebrating our own success. But it's time to recognise the exceptional performance of our 150-strong UK corporate team, who delivered a 32% uplift in Q1 financial results (ending July) compared to the same period last year. It's an outstanding start to the year.

"I couldn't be prouder of our team and the extraordinary efforts they've made in what has been the most sustained period of deal activity we've seen in years. This surge reflects a growing market appetite, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The momentum has been felt across all areas, with a wave of instructions spanning Capital Markets, Private Equity, M&A, and Banking & Finance, as well as across our sector specialisms, including energy transition, technology, real estate, and financial services."

Stuart also acknowledged the seamless collaboration with colleagues across Gowling WLG's global offices, which has been instrumental in delivering complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. Drawing on the firm's broad service line expertise, the Corporate Practice Group has consistently delivered exceptional results for clients.

"This progress and momentum are a testament to the strength of our global platform and the way our teams work together across borders," he added. "Our Corporate Practice is central to the firm's growth strategy, and we're excited to build on this success in the months and years ahead. We would like to thank our clients for their continued support."

Average transaction values for the Corporate Group have hovered around the £400 million mark in the last quarter showcasing the team's depth across sectors and jurisdictions.

Deal highlights included advising Global Legal Tech giant - Clio on its US$1 billion acquisition of the legal intelligence platform, vLex; acting for Urban Logistics REIT plc on its sale to LondonMetric Property plc for £700 million; and advising Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity (France) on its participation in the £349 million public to private acquisition of Alliance Pharma PLC which became effective in May.

With deep expertise across equity capital markets, investment funds, private equity, and M&A, Gowling WLG's Corporate team is well-positioned to continue driving strategic growth and delivering value to clients.