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Harbottle & Lewis advises ONE Strategy Studio on its sale to Radius Insights

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised ONE Strategy Studio, the world leading AI-first strategic insight agency, on its sale to Radius Insights.

Founded in 2023, ONE Strategy Studio uses Gen AI Automation to reinvent the insight & strategy agency experience, using automated AI solutions to transform brand strategy.

The team was led by co-managing partner Charlie Leveque and managing associate Katerina Capras with support from associates Suzie Hamilton and Julia Routledge, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. Partner David Scott advised on tax and managing associate Zoey Forbes advised on intellectual property.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, ONE Strategy Studio founder Jonathan Williams commented:

“Going through a transaction is one of the hardest challenges in the start-up journey. Charlie, Katerina, Zoey and Julia from Harbottle and Lewis were the perfect partners to help us navigate the strange and complex world of legal negotiations and doing so with amazing pace, patience and resilience. When things get tough (and they will!) this is the team you want by your side and fighting your corner. We have partnered on multiple transactions, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone in the agency space looking to do the same.”

Charlie Leveque added:

“It has been a privilege to work with Jonathan and John. They are visionary founders who are harnessing the transformative power of AI to turbo-charge the growth of a state-of-the-art brand strategy and intelligence business. They have set a new benchmark for innovation in the industry, and we are looking forward to seeing ONE Strategy Studio achieve continued success as part of Radius.”

We advise on a broad range of corporate and corporate finance transactions including investments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity transactions. Learn more about our corporate practice here.

With special thanks to ONE Strategy Studio for the team’s “manga warrior heroes”, pictured below.

Harbottle & Lewis advises on sale of 4fores to Phenna Group

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised on the sale of 4fores, a specialist in electrical optimisation for the renewable energy sector, on its sale to Phenna Group.

Founded in 2010 as a spin-out from the University of Zaragoza, 4fores provides testing, measurement and grid integration solutions for renewable energy systems, operating across 14 countries globally.

The transaction was handled on the sell-side by partner Ed Lane and associate David Jones, with local law support from ECIJA.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, founder and CEO of 4fores Diego López Andía commented:

“Harbottle & Lewis provided outstanding legal support throughout the transaction. Their commercial approach, responsiveness and deep experience in cross-border M&A were key to navigating a complex process efficiently and getting the deal successfully to completion.”

Ed Lane, partner at Harbottle & Lewis, noted:

“It was a pleasure to support Diego on this milestone transaction and we look forward to seeing 4fores’ continued success under the Phenna banner.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises Super Media Group on its acquisition of Bulkhead and investment from Everplay and HIRO Capital

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised Super Media Group on its acquisition of Derby-based video games developer, Bulkhead, and on its investment from Everplay Group plc and HIRO Capital.

Founded in 2014 and best known for Battalion 1944, Bulkhead was acquired from global technology business Tencent by a consortium comprising Super Media Group, Everplay and HIRO Capital. Super Media Group also signed a strategic partnership with Everplay, which will see collaboration on future titles, including new IP WARDOGS and further development of the popular Hell Let Loose franchise.

The team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from managing associate Katerina Capras, associate Jake Jacobson and trainee solicitor Jacob Eardley, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. The commercial and publishing aspects of the deal were led by partner and co-head of interactive entertainment Kostyantyn Lobov with support from associate Sophie Lewis. Partner David Scott advised on tax.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer commented:

“Harbottle & Lewis were exceptional throughout the process. This was a complex, multi-party transaction and the team worked tirelessly, often outside normal hours, to get the deal done. Ed and the wider team handled our business as if it were their own, combining deep attention to detail with a clear understanding of the commercial realities, which made a genuine difference in delivering the outcome we wanted.”

Ed Lane added:

“It was a real pleasure advising Super Media Group on this huge milestone; a complex and layered transaction that really demonstrated the strength and depth of our market-leading corporate and games practices. I look forward to seeing what they do next!”

We have been fully immersed in the interactive entertainment sector since its inception and are recognised as leaders in the sector. We specialise in corporate financing and transactions within the games industry, advising on investment, fundraising, tax credits, M&A, and rights exploitation. Learn more about our interactive entertainment practice here.

Harbottle & Lewis advises Lumina Media on its investment in Arcade Media

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised Lumina Media on its strategic investment in Arcade Media, a London-based talent management agency representing some of the UK’s top content creators.

Thomas Benski’s Lumina Media, a London-based IP-led media and venture group, provides creative, operational and strategic support to its portfolio of companies and talent, helping them build brands and produce content. The investment aligns with Lumina’s strategy of supporting next-generation companies at the intersection of digital media and entertainment.

Founded in 2021, Arcade Media has established itself as a premier talent management agency, helping content creators grow their brands, secure partnerships and develop original content and experiences that bridge the gap between digital talent and mainstream entertainment. The agency is best known as the exclusive management partner for The Sidemen, one of Europe’s largest YouTube collectives.

The transaction demonstrates the continued growth and maturation of the digital content creator economy, as traditional media and venture capital increasingly recognise the value and commercial potential of digital talent and their audiences.

Tim O’Shea, Lumina Media’s Group Director of Commercial and Business Affairs, noted:

“Harbottle & Lewis’s understanding of the media landscape and the nuances of creative businesses make them invaluable advisors. Their support on this investment was seamless, strategic, and effectively aligned with how we operate.”

Tim Parker, partner at Harbottle & Lewis, commented:

“We are delighted to have advised Lumina Media on this exciting investment. Arcade Media represents the future of talent management in the digital age, and we look forward to seeing how this partnership will help accelerate their growth and expand their influence in the creator economy.”

This investment adds to our extensive track record of advising on media and technology transactions, reinforcing the firm’s position as the go-to legal adviser for innovative companies in the media, entertainment and technology sectors.

Our transaction team was led by partner Tim Parker and managing associate Rosie Marston, with support from associate Jake Jacobson.

Identity verification and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: what you need to know

Posted on by Julia Krol

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduces important changes to how Companies House operates, aiming to improve transparency and reduce economic crime.

A key part of these reforms is mandatory identity verification for individuals involved in companies and certain other entities.

Who must verify their identity

You must complete identity verification if you are:

  • A director or proposed director of a UK company
  • A person with significant control (PSC) over a company
  • A member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or similar entity
  • An individual filing documents with Companies House on behalf of an entity

When must identity verification be completed?

  • Before incorporation for new companies
  • Before appointment for new directors and PSCs
  • Existing directors and PSCs will have a 12-month transition period, from Autumn 2025, to comply
  • Identity verification is mandatory — filings may be rejected if individuals are not verified

How can you verify your identity?

You have two options:

(a) Verify individually

  • Access the Companies House identity verification portal
  • Provide personal information (name, address, date of birth) and ID documents (e.g., passport or driving licence)
  • Submit a live photo (selfie) for biometric checks
  • If successful, you will receive a Verification ID

(b) Verify through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)*

  • Appoint an ACSP (e.g., your company secretary, law firm, or other regulated provider)
  • Provide your documents directly to the ACSP
  • The ACSP will complete checks on your behalf and notify Companies House

What happens after verification?

  • Your verified identity will be recorded at Companies House
  • You will not need to re-verify unless your circumstances change, or Companies House requires it
  • Verified individuals will be assigned a unique identifier for future filings

*What is an ACSP?

  • An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a regulated professional (such as a legal or accountancy firm) authorised to verify identities and submit filings
  • Using an ACSP can streamline the process and ensure full compliance

How can we help?

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

We can assist you by:

  • Managing your identity verification process
  • Advising on your obligations under the new legislation
  • Ensuring seamless compliance with Companies House requirements
  • Compiling the unique identification number(s) required to submit filings for the Company at Companies House

Contact us

Please contact us to find out more and to ensure you meet the new requirements.

Nicola Tomlin
[email protected]

Olivia Osuigwe
[email protected]

Harbottle & Lewis advises on the management buyout of The Chinese Room from Sumo Digital

Posted on by Anna Weeden

We have advised the management team of British indie games studio The Chinese Room on their buyout from Sumo Digital.

The studio is known for first-person narrative-centric games such as Dear Esther, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, and recent BAFTA-award-winning Still Wakes the Deep.

Our team was led by corporate partner Ed Lane, supported by senior associate Alex Gays and associate Elizabeth Compton. Partner Mark Phillips advised on commercial games matters, senior associate Mark Primrose on employment matters, partner Shireen Peermohamed on IP matters and associate Lauren Probert on real estate matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, studio director at The Chinese Room, Ed Daly commented: “Ed Lane and the team at Harbottle & Lewis were a great help throughout the process. It was important to find advisors with an understanding of the game development business and I look forward to our continuing to work together in this next exciting phase for the studio.”

Ed Lane added: “We are delighted to have been able to support Ed and the whole team at The Chinese Room on their journey towards independence – we can’t wait to see what they do next! Against the backdrop of a challenging few years for independent games developers, this is a massive ‘good news story’ and we are proud to have played a small part – indies are a key part of what we do.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises Ovation Rights on landmark acquisition of Sir Richard Stilgoe’s theatrical rights catalogue

Posted on by Deborah King

We have advised Ovation Rights on its acquisition of Sir Richard Stilgoe’s rights in some of the most successful stage musicals of all time, including The Phantom of the Opera and Starlight Express. The transaction represents one of the most significant acquisitions of theatrical rights in recent years, marking a pivotal step in recognising the enduring value of theatrical rights and the legacies behind them.

Founded and led by producer Jamie Hendry and former Amazon executive Philip Green, Ovation Rights introduces the scale and strategy ordinarily seen with music catalogue acquisitions to the creators and rightsholders of major plays and musicals. The company collaborates closely with authors, composers, lyricists and estates, working as custodians to protect legacies, honour artistic visions and passionately champion works.

Our team was led by partners Neil Adleman and Charles Leveque, with support from managing associate Teresa Walker and associates Emma Riggs and David Jones and with partner David Scott advising on corporate tax matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Jamie Hendry commented: “Working with Harbottle & Lewis has been exceptional throughout this transaction. The team understood the unique nature of theatrical rights acquisitions and provided invaluable guidance as we navigated this deal. Their expertise in entertainment law, combined with their commercial understanding of our vision for Ovation Rights, made them the perfect partners for this acquisition. As we continue to build our portfolio and support artists’ legacies, we know we have trusted advisors who share our commitment to protecting and championing the works that have shaped global theatre.”

Neil Adleman added: “We are delighted to have supported the Ovation Rights team on this groundbreaking acquisition. This transaction demonstrates the significant value and enduring appeal of theatrical rights, and we look forward to seeing Ovation Rights continue to invest in artists and rightsholders as custodians of these remarkable legacies.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises Amdax on its acquisition of a strategic stake in Custodiex

Posted on by Julia Krol

We have advised Amdax, a Netherlands-based digital asset service provider, on its acquisition of a strategic stake in UK-based Custodiex, a specialist in quantum-safe cold storage solutions for digital assets.

Founded to provide cutting-edge custody infrastructure for financial institutions, Custodiex has established itself as a key innovator in the digital asset custody sector. The Manchester-based company’s quantum-safe solutions are designed to be scalable and future-proof, and meet the stringent international ISO 27001 security standard. The transaction enables Amdax to enhance its comprehensive digital asset platform.

Our team was led by partner Tom Macleod and managing associate Rosie Marston, with support from managing associate Katerina Capras and associates Elizabeth Compton and Matthew Shannon. Partner Yvonne Gallagher and associate Elisabeth Davies advised on employment aspects, partner Shireen Peermohamed and associate Samuel Flack advised on IP matters and senior associate Matthew Stephenson advised on property law matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Martin Cernohorsky, Amdax Head of Legal, commented:

“Working with the Harbottle & Lewis team was a great pleasure. Their broad range of expertise and professionalism proved invaluable in navigating throughout the twists and turns of this deal. From the start we were in good hands. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Harbottle & Lewis.”

Tom Macleod added:

“We are delighted to have supported Amdax on this strategically significant acquisition. The combination of Amdax’s regulated platform with Custodiex’s innovative custody technology creates a compelling proposition for institutional clients across Europe. We look forward to seeing the continued success of this partnership as the digital asset custody market matures.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises PlaySafe ID on pre-seed fundraising

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised PlaySafe ID, a digital identity platform designed to improve safety and accountability in online gaming, on its $1.12 million pre-seed fundraising led by Early Game Ventures with participation from Hartmann Capital and Overwolf.

Founded by Andrew Wailes, PlaySafe ID is currently in talks with several major gaming platforms and is aiming to announce its first partnerships later this year.

Our team was led by partner Ed Lane with support from associate Matthew Shannon.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, founder Andrew Wailes commented: “I cannot express how happy I am with the work that Harbottle & Lewis undertook for us. The expertise and guidance in particular from Ed Lane and Matthew Shannon was critical in securing our funding in the right way, to protect both us and our investors. The team have been prompt, and provided assistance whenever we needed it. I would gladly recommend them.”

Ed Lane added: “We are delighted to have supported Andrew and his team on this initial fundraise, and we look forward to seeing PlaySafe ID go from strength to strength as it scales.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises on the sale of performance-io to private equity firm Apiary Capital

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised the sellers of performance-io, a leading life sciences performance marketing, SEO and GEO agency, on its sale to private equity firm, Apiary Capital.

Founded to deliver cutting-edge performance marketing solutions, performance-io has established itself as a key player in the industry, working with clients to enhance their marketing strategies through data-driven insights and expertise. Headquartered in London, the business now operates globally with teams in the UK, US, India, Japan and South Africa. 

Founder and CEO Matt Lowe and his senior management team will remain with the business, focusing on driving performance-io’s further growth and development.

Our team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from senior associate Alex Gays, and associates Elizabeth Compton and David Jones. Co-managing partner Tony Littner provided strategic support throughout, with partner David Scott advising on corporate tax matters. Partner Yvonne Gallagher and associate Harry Wade also advised on employment matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Matt Lowe commented: “I’d not worked with lawyers on a PE backed deal before, and frankly the mood music about the experience wasn’t great. However, the experience with Harbottle and Lewis was. From the first meeting with Tony and Ed, through to working with the broader team through some complex curve balls, we had a superb experience; working in a collaborative manner, learning loads and always with a calming, assured temperament. I can’t recommend H&L enough.”

Ed Lane added: “We are delighted to have supported Matt and his team on this milestone, and we look forward to seeing performance-io’s continued success in its partnership with Apiary Capital.”