West of England commercial law firm Thrings, which has an office in Bristol, has strengthened its corporate offering to domestic and international clients with the appointment of Jonathan Morris as partner.
Jonathan, pictured, is a highly-experienced corporate solicitor with more than 10 years’ experience of working with businesses listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM (Alternative Investment Market) and owner-managed businesses. 
He joins from City of London firm Bates Wells Braithwaite where he was a senior associate. Prior to this he worked in-house for Combined Management Services, a corporate consultancy with a stable of AIM clients.
His arrival come as Thrings seeks to boost its standing in the London legal market with an increased focus on equities and capital markets.
As well as advising numerous small and mid-cap market companies on public and private fundraisings, Jonathan – who will be based in Thrings’ London office – will act for owner-managed businesses and corporate clients on group reorganisations, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions (M&As). He will also advise issuers, nominated advisers (nomads) and brokers on domestic and international AIM IPOs (initial public offerings), secondary fundraisings and public offers.
Jonathan has acted for clients in the natural resources and technology sectors, while his expertise in financial services will assist him when advising on FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Act) matters, including financial promotions, regulated activities and change of control applications.
He said: “Last year the City saw a number of flotations as many established organisations made the decision to go public. It is clear that with the General Election on the horizon, firms are adopting a more cautious approach, but with a new government in place in May and a buoyant economy, that certainty will return to the stock market, prompting greater levels of activity and further significant investment opportunities.
“As well as developing Thrings’ client base in London, I am very much looking forward to working closely with teams in the firm’s other offices and connecting London capital sources to businesses in the South West.”
Jonathan is listed as a ‘rising star’ in corporate finance law in the current Super Lawyers legal directory which based on research by Thomson Reuters and peer recommendations.
Thrings managing partner Simon Holdsworth said: “Jonathan is a vastly-experienced legal professional with a deep knowledge and thorough understanding of the AIM market.
“His proven record in business development, including AIM referrals, financial services and general commercial matters, will undoubtedly help strengthen Thrings’ growing corporate client base in London and the South West.
“Jonathan is joining Thrings at an exciting time, with the firm having recently announced an 18% increase in turnover. Our focus remains on delivering specialist legal advice and developing strong, long-term relationships with clients, and I am confident that his expertise will only enhance the firm’s reputation in this department.”
To support Thrings’ growth it has invested heavily in its people over the past 12 months, including appointing Malcolm Emery, James Myatt, Edward Jackman and Andrew Dekany as partners. The firm also has offices in Swindon and Bath.
