Chris Cook

Overview

I’m a Legal Director in the Corporate team at Michelmores, primarily based in Exeter. Clients instruct me in relation to buying and selling businesses, fundraising, shareholder protection and general corporate advice for their private limited companies.

Prior to joining the business group at Michelmores, I was a board member and statutory director in a small legal practice that was part of a larger alternative business structure, with lawyers, accountants, wealth advisers and finance brokers under one roof. In this role, I faced what many of my clients face in terms of evaluating acquisitions, managing teams, dealing with finance and compliance issues as they arose, internal reporting and all while carrying out the busy day job of delivering legal services to clients. While this proved to be an invaluable experience, I am delighted to be part of the very well-established Michelmores’ corporate team, with a focus on building upon our excellent reputation in the South West and collaborating with the local corporate finance network.

Michelmores is the fifth firm I have joined in my varied +15 year legal career, and from what I’ve seen of the culture, strategic direction, and opportunity for personal development, I can see myself remaining at Michelmores for many years to come.

Outside of work, I enjoy reviewing Sunday roast lunches with my wife across pubs in Devon, running with my cocker spaniel, and remaining hopelessly optimistic that I may one day become a competent golfer.

Recent experience

Advising shareholders of Synertec on sale to Restore plc

Advising the founder of a special education needs and disabilities school on the £multi-million sale of the school to a consolidator in the education sector

Advising a high net worth individual on a series of £multi-million investments into property development joint ventures

Advising the owner manager of £multi-million care home to a consolidator in the care sector, backed by the Business Growth Fund

Advising a prominent hospitality business in Exeter on a £multi-million refinance

Advising the acquiror of a £multi-million share acquisition of a cross-border group of companies in the aerospace sector