Recently, Anglo American’s restructuring and Pret A Manger’s IPO ambition signals a shift in the role of legal teams and corporate strategy. Legal teams are no longer just gatekeepers of compliance; they’re becoming architects of strategic direction.
Anglo American is undergoing a strategic overhaul following a rejected takeover bid, with plans to divest key assets and potentially float De Beers. Legal teams are playing a critical role in navigating regulatory scrutiny, arbitration risks, and the structuring of complex cross-border transactions - ensuring the transformation is not only bold but legally executable.
Pret A Manger, meanwhile, is preparing for a possible stock market float. Beyond operational changes such as meal deal trials and subscription expansion, the move demands a fundamental shift in governance, compliance, and reporting. Legal counsel will be instrumental in guiding the business through this transition, ensuring it is ready for the scrutiny and rigour of listed life.
These examples reflect a wider trend across UK corporates. According to the State of the UK Legal Market 2025, general counsel are increasingly viewed as strategic partners to the C-suite, expected to deliver measurable business value - not just legal advice. Legal hiring in capital markets is surging, and departments are being tasked with enabling growth, not just managing risk.
Increasingly our clients are looking for more than just pure legal advice. They are looking for us to have real experience and knowledge of their sector and to apply this in providing insight that they can leverage. The role of a lawyer is far more dynamic than it ever has been in the past and this is a challenge that the best lawyers relish. Whether navigating a listing, a divestment, or a restructuring, legal teams are no longer just protecting value - they’re helping define it.
Sources:
- The Times – Pret A Manger Plans Stock Market Float
- The Times – Anglo American Restructuring and Asset Sales
- Thomson Reuters – State of the UK Legal Market 2025
- Taylor Wessing – New Identity Verification Requirements under ECCTA
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