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severs

Charles Severs

Global Co-CEO
International Managing Partner
Charles Severs is a foremost corporate lawyer whose practice exhibits a premier command of cross-border M&A for public and private companies. He is particularly strong in the technology, media and telecommunications sectors.
Chambers Europe 2022
About

Charles took office as the firm's International Managing Partner and Global Co-CEO in November 2024. His leadership is driven by a commitment to excellence, client service and a collaborative and inclusive culture. He is highly commercially focussed, having worked both in house and in private practice, and enjoys building relationships.

With over two decades of experience at the firm as a Corporate partner, Charles has held various leadership roles with us, including International Group Head of Corporate and Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Leading on complex multijurisdictional deals for large multinationals, Charles acts for both listed and private companies in a wide range of industries, focusing particularly on technology, media and telecommunication, retail and business services. His clients include John Menzies plc, Symphony Technology Group, WPP, Elekta, Hexcel, YouGov and Keller Group.

Chambers, where Charles is highlighted as an Eminent Practitioner, quoted, "He is absolutely client-focused, responsive and efficient. If I were stuck in a warzone Charles could get me out just by knowing the right experts and getting them engaged and moving at top speed."

Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

Highlights

EXPERIENCE

Charles’ experience includes advising:

  • SDL plc, one of the top five language service companies in the world, on the recommended all-share merger between RWS Holdings plc and SDL plc, valuing SDL plc at approximately GBP854 million – this transaction was one of the largest UK technology acquisitions of 2020, and created the world's largest language services company
  • Hyve Group plc on its GBP126.6 million rights issue, the first of such fundraisings in the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown
  • Symphony Technology Group on the acquisition of Kantar’s Reputation Intelligence business, alongside investments in PRgloo and Onclusive
  • John Menzies plc on its recommended cash offer by National Aviation Services and Agility Public Warehousing Company, to acquire 100% of the ordinary shares in the company
     
Education
  • Bristol University, LL.B. (Hons)

Awards and recognition

  • Top ranked Band 1 lawyer, Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market, UK, Chambers Europe and UK, since 2007 and 2005 respectively
  • Leading individual, M&A: Lower mid-market deals, London, The Legal 500 UK since 2020
  • Recommended lawyer, Equity Capital Markets, London, The Legal 500 UK since 2017
  • Star Lawyer, Acritas Stellar Performance report 2020

Pro Bono

  • Governor on the Overseas Committee of Cranleigh School

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