Recognition for our expertise as Life Sciences Team of the Year

We have been named Life Sciences Team of the Year at Law.com's 2022 British Legal Awards.

Led by partners Andrew Edge and Christopher Cowley, our team was recognised for advising Apollo Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company progressing transformative treatments based on breakthrough discoveries, on its $145 million series A financing. 

Apollo Therapeutics was established in 2015 as a joint venture between three of the world's leading universities and three of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies: the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson. Led by Patient Square Capital, and with participation from additional investors including Rock Springs Capital, Reimagined Ventures and UCL Technology Fund, the investment announced in June 2021 supports the advancement of Apollo's pipeline into clinical development, expansion of operations in the UK and US, and the pursuit of new collaborations with academic researchers across the globe. 

The team stood out for its 'input into the wider project', working as a seamless extension of the client's team, fielding complex issues across multiple time zones, from Europe to the US West Coast. Judges were also impressed by the 'very strong client testimonial they received which outlined the critical importance of the work the firm was involved in'.

Jamie Heath, Apollo Therapeutics' CFO said: "This was an immensely complex transaction involving a group reorganisation, a private equity buyout and a large equity financing. There were many parties with complex and individual requirements; Taylor Wessing took the time to build relationships and understand the needs of every party. We all felt that Taylor Wessing was an integral part of our team and a vital element of our success.”

Rising Star, Private Equity

Partner Chris Cowley also collected his award as a Rising Star in Private Equity. The judges said Chris stood out from other candidates for his work on uniquely complex and novel mandates, working with the likes of Newton Europe and STAR Capital, developing innovative structures to facilitate investments. Peers across the industry praise Chris, with one opposing counsel on a recent deal describing him as "thoughtful and collegiate" and "playing a critical role".

Commenting on this latest success for the firm, Managing Partner Shane Gleghorn said: "We are delighted with this recognition for our Life Sciences and Healthcare Sector group. As one of our four key sectors, this is an area which has seen significant promotions and investment as part of our strategy. The firm's sector expertise, and the strength and depth of our corporate team, enabled us to advise on Apollo Therapeutics' transformational event. We are delighted that our team and the client's team worked together so successfully to solve the challenges that arose during this complex transaction, and that team work and excellence has been recognised by these awards." 

"I would also like to congratulate Adam Hirschovitz for his well-deserved award as GC of the Year at The Roald Dahl Story Company. His achievement in driving the sale of RDSC to Netflix, and the subsequent integration work he's established following the deal, is what sets him apart to be recognised as one of the most accomplished and successful GCs in the industry. We are proud to have worked with Adam on that Netflix transaction."

Now in their 13th year and hosted by Law.com International, the British Legal Awards are positioned as the premier legal awards in the region, representing the best of the best within the UK’s legal community. The firm also received recognition for its expertise in the TMT and real estate sectors, having been shortlisted as team of the year in both of these categories, and receiving a total of four nominations.