Simon Baigent
Partner
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‘Simon Baigent is a calm and considered partner with very strong technical skills and strong client relationships.’
(The Legal 500, 2024)
A highly experienced practitioner, Simon has over 20 years experience within the restructuring and insolvency area. He has a particular focus on turnaround/distressed M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) work and complex investigatory work. Simon prides himself on working alongside his clients to achieve practical and commercial solutions, to implement the most appropriate recovery or restructuring strategies.
Simon is listed as a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 (2024 edition).
Legal Services
Dispute Resolution
Simon has a proven track record as a skilled and tenacious litigator. He specialises in commercial and financial disputes and shareholder disputes. Simon also uses his expertise in managing disputes to assist clients with contractual drafting, enforcement, termination, ongoing contract management and risk avoidance.
Recent Work
- Advising a national LPG, propane and butane gas supplier, in obtaining permanent injunctions against a former distributor. This was as a result of serious concerns that the distributor was engaged in illegal filling and unlawful handling of the client’s cylinders. Simon worked alongside the client to use the court process to protect the client’s position procedurally and reputationally. Ultimately a successful outcome was reached and permanent injunctions obtained.
- Advising a national poultry feed supplier in relation to the termination of an agency agreement. It was essential that the dispute that arose from the “run-off” provisions within the agreement was settled swiftly. Simon handled a mediation to facilitate exactly that, reaching a commercial and successful outcome for the client.
Property Disputes
Simon has established an impressive expertise in property litigation, ranging from disputed break notices to dilapidations claims and lease renewals. He has combined his insolvency experience to carve out a particular niche advising clients in relation to both tenant and landlord insolvency.
Recent Work
- Simon advised the owner of properties occupied by BHS, in relation to the options available to them as a consequence of the insolvency of BHS. He then worked on a strategy with the owner and liaised with administrators to implement these strategies as the business of BHS was wound down.
- Simon advised a national retail operator with regards to a dispute arising from the failure of the landlord to return a rent deposit – in accordance with the terms of the rent deposit deed. The matter was complicated by the fact that the landlord had changed during the term of the deed. This raised challenging issues relating to whether or not the covenants were personal and if so, the ramifications of the same. Simon successfully guided the client through the litigation process; ultimately succeeding in the trial of the action and the recovery of the rent deposit.
Restructuring & Insolvency
Recent Work
- Advising a liquidator in connection with a £250k dispute against a former director of the company in liquidation. This was a complex case involving a forensic examination of the financial activities of the company. Simon successfully advised on the overall litigation and strategy resulting in a 100% recovery for the liquidator.
- Advising a trustee in connection with a series of complex beneficial interest claims being asserted by a number of family members of the bankrupt. The claims resulted from residential properties owned by the bankrupt. Simon’s expertise was required to undertake a thorough and detailed examination into the various competing claims. This involved a forensic examination of a significant amount of financial information produced by the family members.
Sectors
Food
Simon has acted for food producing and manufacturing businesses for some years. He regularly assists a major egg producer with wide ranging issues including disputes, recovery of debt and acquisition of insolvent businesses.
Latest
To contact Simon or for more information…
Call: 0345 274 6903
Mobile: 0786 751 7017
Or email: Send an email
“I have dealt with Simon Baigent from Freeths for several years. During this period I have always found him to be approachable, competent and effective. The key to my company’s relationship with Simon and is his understanding of our rather unique business. His ability to grasp this has been very impressive and has led to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
(Tim Goldsbrough, Managing Director, Noble Foods)
“Simon has provided us with excellent client service and commercial and pragmatic legal advice – a prerequisite in the restructuring arena. Technically solid, Simon gives you sound advice that can be applied to deliver a practical and cost effective solution. I look forward to working with you again.”
(Mr N Money, Director, CB Associates Limited.)
“Simon Baigent is recognised for his distressed M&A practice and is ‘an excellent and personable lawyer’.”
“Freeths’ insolvency team includes Simon Baigent, who is ‘technically able and commercially sound’ and focuses on distressed M&A and complex investigatory work.”
“Team head Simon Baigent is ‘personable, with good technical skills’, according to clients, who also note that ‘he has excellent practical and legal knowledge and is very timely in dealing with things’.”
“Simon Baigent leads the team. He has many years of insolvency experience and is widely regarded, in particular for his proficiency in complex investigations.”
“Simon Baigent is a dedicated specialist in this [Insolvency] area.”
“Simon Baigent maintains a mixed contentious and non-contentious practice, and is well regarded in the market for his efficiency and technical knowledge. He is also known for his excellent client service.”
“I have found Simon extremely calm and diligent in nature and he always gives a rounded assessment of the situation before then explaining the options moving forward and his personal recommendation. His handling of our matters are always firm and very comprehensive, such that all issues under his guidance have resulted in a positive outcome for the company.’”
(The Legal 500, 2022)
“Our main contact at Freeths is Simon Baigent. I cannot sing his praises high enough based on the way he has handled our cases in the last 18 months. The first case assigned to Simon was the largest dispute we have been involved in so not the easiest of first cases. A lot of previous solicitors have always held meetings over the phone, even initial meetings. Simon made the time to come to our office and gain a full understanding of how our business operates prior to even discussing the dispute. I have found Simon extremely calm and diligent in nature and he always gives a rounded assessment of the situation before then explaining the options moving forward and his personal recommendation. His handling of our matters are always firm and very comprehensive, such that all issues under his guidance have resulted in a positive outcome for the company.”
(The Legal 500, 2022)
Client service
‘Doing the right thing’ is at the heart of Freeths. Find out more about our excellent client service and the strong set of values that guide the way we work.
Talk to us
Freeths are a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK. If you have a query about our services or just want to find out more, why not give us a call?
Contact: 03301 001 014