Firm ups its stakes in venture capital

MANCHESTER firm Addleshaw Sons & Latham has set up a pioneering unit to strengthen its expertise in the venture capital market.

The section, headed by new partner Darryl Cooke, is one of only a handful of specialist venture capital units in the country. It will concentrate on advising both capital companies and their clients during commercial transactions such as management buy-outs.

Cooke, who joined the firm from fellow Manchester firm Halliwell Landau, says: "Most firms do venture capital but it is usually through the corporate department. What we have done is set up a special group within the corporate unit."

Managing partner Paul Lee says: "Darryl's arrival and the establishment of the venture capital unit will enable us to focus our existing expertise in management buy-outs and equity funding deals."

Lee is also on the new team, along with Sally Clarke, Cooke's assistant at Halliwell Landau, Addleshaws partner Geoffrey Yates, associate Brian Armitage and assistant Robin Skelton.

Cooke is an expert on venture capital and management buyouts. He is the author of 'Management Buyouts' and is currently writing 'Private Equity: Law and Practice'.