Anton joined Bermans January 2017 as a Partner, and specialises in all forms of corporate transactions including business acquisitions, MBO’s, MBI’s and corporate re-organisations.
Click here for Anton's profile on the Bermans website.
- Can you tell us a bit about your background, and your role at Bermans?
I started my career working in industry, working for Marconi Avionics in Kent, following completion Law School in Chester. After a couple of years on their graduate programme, I moved back to Liverpool to start a training contract at Cuff Roberts, where I qualified in 2001. I worked at Cuffs for several years before moving to DWF. A spell at Hillyer McKeown and Knights in Chester followed before I moved to take up the role as Liverpool Corporate Partner at Bermans 3 years ago. My role at Bermans is to run the Liverpool Corporate Department and to generate and lead transactions in the local corporate market place. We act for SME/OMB in the local area but also have national clients that we service. The bulk of my work is transactional but also get involved in re-organisations and advising on constitutional matters for some clients. I also have experience in dental and pharmacy transactions.
- What has been the most memorable piece of work you have been involved in?
There are a couple which spring to mind but the main ones are the securitisation of a very well know Premier League football club just after I’d qualified (I must confess to being well out of my depth at that point!) and also a recent private equity buyout for a client based in the railway industry. The work we do is very intense for a short period of time and so you need to build very close bonds with clients. This is one of the highlights of the work we do, from my perspective.
- If you hadn’t been a lawyer, what would you have done?
Good question. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school and was ‘persuaded’ to go into the law by my parents, as it was a safe profession to get into. Given the amount of home schooling I am currently doing during lockdown, I might fancy my hand as a primary school teacher, if I had my time again!
- How’s business at the moment?
Business is okay although slower for obvious reasons. We still have several transactions progressing, although some have also paused for the time being. Other departments within the firm continue to be busy also but it’s proving much more difficult to get deals across the line. Following recent announcements from the Government, many of our clients are starting to prepare their places of work for the gradual return of staff.
- In the Covid19 era, what is the main challenge in corporate law?
I think the main challenge is that as soon as lock down was announced, lots of deals went on hold as clients and funders didn’t want to commit to transactions whilst there is so much uncertainty in the market place. We need confidence to return and this isn’t going to happen in all sectors overnight. Gradual easing of lockdown restrictions and certain sectors getting back to work will hopefully kick start the economy and get deals moving again.
- What opportunities can you see?
There are lots of good strong businesses out there who will come through this leaner with growth strategies and ready to make acquisitions. Certain sectors (healthcare and PPE) will remain buoyant and so I see further deals in these areas, post lockdown. I think Tech businesses and those that don’t require a physical presence will also continue to grow.
- How have you found lockdown?
It depends which day of the week you ask me! I think it helps that the sun is shining and we have a back garden to hang out in! It would be a lot easier if there was no home schooling to deal with, however!
- How have you kept in touch with colleagues?
We hold regular departmental catch up calls and a weekly department Zoom quiz. I think it’s very important to see people’s faces and have a laugh, as lockdown is difficult for everyone and a regular get together certainly eases the situation.
- What about clients?
We are liaising with clients regularly over the telephone, e-mail and Zoom as well as providing regular update on issues like furlough and the CBILs schemes.
- What are the 3 things you miss most from your pre lockdown life?
From a work perspective, its my colleagues and the general office banter. We have a great laugh at Bermans and not being able to chat regularly over the printer or over the coffee machine is tough. From a home life perspective, it’s not being able to see friends and family in person or to go to the pub!
- What do you think the biggest change will be working life post lockdown?
I think a lot more people will be working remotely going forward. The lock down has proved that for certain roles, being in the office all day isn’t required. It may be necessary to look at IT in a little more detail but I think it is entirely possible for professionals to work remotely. I just need the kids back in school first!
- What’s the first thing you’ll do when lockdown is lifted?
Probably take the kids to see their grandparents, as they are missing them terribly (and then stop at the pub on the way home!)
- What restaurant you will visit?
We are lucky enough to have Michelin starred Fraiche in Oxton Village where I live. They have been using lock down to experiment in the kitchen and have been selling all sorts of delicious cakes and other treats to customers! I think we will treat ourselves and head to Fraiche (if we can somehow jump the 3 month waiting list). Also, we went to Six by Nico in Liverpool just before lockdown and would love to try their latest menu as well.
