Ward Hadaway appoints corporate partner with tech expertise

Based in the firm’s Newcastle office, Paul brings more than 16 years’ experience advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&As), private equity and venture capital transactions.

He has a specific focus on accelerating the growth of technology businesses and university spinouts, supporting them to attract the right investment at the right time. His work spans M&A and fundraising transactions, with a strong track record advising founders, investors and management teams in high growth companies. Recent work includes advising the shareholders of Oak Engage on its sale to private equity firm NorthEdge and the shareholders of Runecast Software on its sale to New York Stock Exchange-listed Dynatrace.

Commenting on his new role, Paul Wigham said: “Ward Hadaway has a strong practice, a clear commercial focus and extensive connections to the local business community. The firm is ambitious and entrepreneurial, which makes it an attractive move at this stage of my career. There is a clear sense of momentum and I’m looking forward to playing a role in supporting clients and colleagues, with trusted and pragmatic advice, tailored to their specific needs.”

Paul joins an established team as Ward Hadaway continues to develop its corporate practice, following the firm’s merger with Teesside-based The Endeavour Partnership and the appointment of Nik Tunley as national head of corporate. It was recently ranked one of the UK’s top three corporate dealmakers nationally, according to Experian MarketIQ.

Nik Tunley said: “Paul brings many years of knowledge in the emerging technologies market, as well as trusted relationships with private equity and venture capital funds, which enable him to support the creation of strong financial partnerships that allow companies to grow and scale at the right time. His experience complements our existing partner group and supports the breadth of work we are seeing from clients across the region and nationally.”

The appointment reflects the firm’s wider strategy to support ambitious companies, investors and management teams operating in complex and emerging markets from early-stage funding through to scale-up and exit.

Steven Petrie, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, added: “Bringing Paul on board demonstrates our continued investment in senior talent, helping drive forward our long-term plans for the business. His experience fits well with the work we are seeing across the business, particularly with technology led and investor backed companies. Paul’s arrival further strengthens our ability to support clients on complex transactions and growth activity.”