Luke Wilkins
Specialisms & Areas of Work
North West Rainmaker Awards
Biography
Luke is known for his approachability, positive attitude, and straightforward thinking.
Luke has experience in dealing with a range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, constitutional arrangements, group re-organisations and share option schemes. In particular, Luke is developing an expertise in mergers, acquisitions and disposals (including disposals to employee ownership trusts).
Luke also provides support to our insolvency and restructuring team on non-contentious matters, focusing on business and asset disposals for companies in administration or liquidation.
Luke has been involved in the UK200Group for a number of years and is a champion of collaboration between legal and accountancy firms across the UK. Luke was a speaker at the UK200Group annual conference in 2021 and 2022.
Luke studied at the University of Leicester and obtained a first-class law degree. Later, Luke studied the Legal Practice Course and obtained a master’s degree in law, business and management with distinction.
As a trainee solicitor, Luke was nominated for Junior Lawyer of the Year 2021.
Recent Experience
Sale of Birkett Long LLP to Knights Group (£16.6m)
Advised the equity partners of Birkett Long LLP on the £16.6 million sale of their equitable interests to Knights Group. Luke played an instrumental role in delivering the transaction, which included the disposal of the firm’s FCA-regulated IFA practice and required regulatory approval.
Sale of Scott Rees & Co Solicitors to Fletchers Group
Supported the Corporate team on the sale of Scott Rees & Co Solicitors, a 97-fee earner personal injury practice, to Fletchers Group. Luke advised on the legal and transactional aspects of the deal within the consolidating legal sector.
Acquisition of Clever Closet Limited by Sharps Bedrooms
Acted on the acquisition of Clever Closet Limited, an award-winning UK storage solutions provider, by Sharps Bedrooms. Luke supported the Corporate team on the structuring and execution of the transaction, working alongside Commercial and Employment specialists to deliver a coordinated sale process.
Transition of Luxton & Luxton Limited to Employee Ownership
Advised on the transition of Luxton & Luxton Limited, a North Oxfordshire architectural practice, to employee ownership via an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Luke supported the structuring and implementation of a long-term succession solution designed to preserve independence and reward employees.
Transition of Home Legal Direct to Employee Ownership
Supported the conversion of Home Legal Direct to majority employee ownership through the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Luke assisted in implementing a tax-efficient succession structure, facilitating indirect employee ownership while maintaining management continuity.
Awards & Rankings
North West Rainmaker Awards — Team of the Year (Cheshire)
2025
Manchester Legal Awards — Corporate Team of the Year
2021
Manchester Legal Awards — Corporate Team of the Year
2021Insights & Media
16
Building a Successful Exit Strategy for Professional Services Owners
Planning an exit from a professional services business involves far more than simply finding a buyer. Whether you are considering a trade sale, management buyout, employee ownership trust, or gradual internal succession, careful legal, corporate and personal planning is essential to maximise value and protect your long-term interests. Join...
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Buying or Selling an IFA Business: Legal and Regulatory Considerations
In this practical post-event webinar, our financial services specialists at Myerson Solicitors, led by Chris Moss and Olivia Sturgess , explore the key legal and regulatory considerations involved in buying or selling an Independent Financial Adviser business. Focusing on regulated transactions, this session provides clear guidance on structuring...
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Legal Update: The UK Supreme Court Gives Landmark Ruling on Motor Finance Commissions
On 1 August 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a pivotal judgment in three conjoined motor finance cases – Johnson v FirstRand Bank Limited, Wrench v FirstRand Bank Limited and Hopcraft v Close Brothers Limited . Our Financial Services Lawyers explore the ruling, which addressed undisclosed (or partially disclosed) commissions in motor finance...
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What is an Employee Ownership Trust?
Employee Ownership Trusts ( EOTs ) were introduced by the Finance Act 2014 to promote employee ownership as a business model in the UK. The legislation established certain tax reliefs for companies owned by EOTs and individuals selling a controlling interest in a company to an EOT. The EOT ownership structure is becoming increasingly popular in...
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Guide To Buying A Company Through Share Purchase
Thinking about buying a business? Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time buyer, our Corporate Lawyers provide an overview of the key legal aspects of purchasing a company (through a share purchase) in this guide. This brief is intended to provide an overview of the key legal aspects of purchasing a company (through a share...
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Share Buybacks – Common Pitfalls
A share buyback is the process a company follows to purchase its own shares back from one or more of the company’s current shareholders. A share buyback process can be utilised by a corporation for a number of purposes, including to: Exit a shareholder from the company - This is often considered an efficient way of exiting a shareholder, given...
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Navigating the Investment Business Compensation Scheme
It is well established that the primary avenue of claim if you suffer financial loss because of poor advice received from a professional is one of professional negligence . It is possible to bring a claim against someone you have paid to provide an expert service, such as a solicitor, barrister, surveyor, architect, accountant, financial advisor...
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ESG Considerations in Acquisitions and Investments
Central to any business are its relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and investors. The day-to-day running, operations, and overall management pivot around these relationships and as such, these relationships have always been at the forefront of due diligence during acquisitions and investments. Should any underlying issues come to...
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