Gareth Baker
I advise on all forms of corporate structuring and M&A; from sales/acquisitions and private equity work, to investments for high net worth individuals and international energy transactions. Key areas of focus include joint ventures, collaboration agreements and cross-border transactions. I'm also a fluent German speaker.
Tel: +44 (0)870 903 1000
Email: gareth_baker@wragge.com
Services: Corporate
Business sectors: Energy and Regulated Industries, Food and Drink
Best brains in...
Biofuels deals, intricate inter-conditional transactions, and complex financing structures.
Highlight of your career so far?
Acting for BP in relation to the €1 billion acquisition of Chevron's Benelux refining and renewables assets; including its minority stake in the Nerefco Refinery in Rotterdam. Completing the deal also required negotiating and agreeing a long-term offtake supply arrangement with Chevron, linked to the divestment of Chevron's Benelux marketing assets.
Most challenging job you've ever done?
Transactions involving new ventures are often the most complex. Acting for the Jamie Oliver Group on the establishment of its Jamie's Italian restaurant chain involved creating structures that could flex to the future demands and growth of the business.
What about outside the UK?
A fluent German speaker, I'm part of our German country desk and so have a focus on developing opportunities in this area. As a result, I'm often jumping on the plane to see clients and contacts in Germany and Switzerland.
What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?
As well as working flexibly around the client's needs and going all out to complete a deal, its about seeing the bigger picture – thinking about what the client is setting out to achieve and being committed to the success of its business. That's why I always look out for potential commercial opportunities that may be of interest to a client.
Best example of a creative legal solution?
Thinking creatively around a legal solution is second nature to us. The best solutions involve minimal/no cost, propose a sensible allocation of risk for the parties concerned and encourage the right behaviours.
Or How do you get under the skin of a client's business?
Listening to what the client is trying to achieve and how that fits within the wider aims of the business. This means asking sensible questions, never forgetting the client's core objectives and having a relationship which allows for an open dialogue. I see part of my role as challenging existing ideas, but at the same time offering alternative solutions.
What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?
I'm a keen runner and take part in the annual Standard Chartered Race for the firm. You'll also find me near Chancery Lane tube station every November with a Royal British Legion collection tin in hand.
What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?
In 2009 I was recognised by Mergermarket as one of the top 40 next generation deal makers.
