HKCS is the leading sponsor in the VCT industry, acting on over 80% of VCT fundraisings each year. We have been active in the VCT sector since 1997 and were involved in the launch of some of the earliest VCTs.
Howard Kennedy Corporate Services LLP ("HKCS") is an FCA regulated firm (reference number: 523524), which is authorised to provide sponsorship services to Chapter 15 Closed-Ended Investment Funds, such as investment trusts, REITs and VCTs. HKCS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Howard Kennedy LLP, making the firm the only English law firm that can offer both legal and sponsorship services to listed investment funds. By dealing with one team, our clients save on time and cost, allowing transactions to run more seamlessly.
HKCS and its predecessor firm, have been providing sponsorship services for over 25 years. In that time the firm has advised on a wide range of listed investment fund transactions and regularly advises clients in relation to:
IPOs;
secondary fundraisings;
mergers;
related party transactions; and
changes to investment policies.
At HKCS our clients (and their strategic objectives) are at the heart of everything we do. We offer clients a dedicated team of specialists that focus on the listed investment funds industry. Our broad involvement across this industry gives us an understanding of the latest market trends, allowing us to provide clients with unique insight.
Expertise:
VCTs
HKCS is the leading sponsor in the VCT industry, acting on over 80% of VCT fundraisings each year. We have been active in the VCT sector since 1997 and were involved in the launch of some of the earliest VCTs. Over the last 25 years we have become a key adviser to the VCT industry and members of the team sit on the AIC's VCT Technical Committee and advise the Venture Capital Association. We are proud that we have advised the last three new entrants to the VCT market on their IPOs and also act for eight of the ten largest VCTs.
Investment Trusts and REITs
HKCS has a growing investment trust and REIT practice led by Marc Proudfoot. In 2023 we acted as sponsor on the launch of Ashoka WhiteOak Emerging Markets Investment Trust plc, the first successful investment trust launch since 2021. The team advises investment trust and REIT Boards on a wide range of transactions, as well as providing Boards with regular regulatory updates.
The team at HKCS has over 60 years combined experience of working with listed investment funds. The team is led by the following individuals.
Keith Lassman
Partner
Keith Lassman
Keith is a corporate finance lawyer specialising in capital markets and listed and unlisted funds acting for investment banks, companies, fund managers, promoters, and entrepreneurs. Keith has a particular expertise advising on AIM and main market flotations, venture capital trusts, mergers and acquisitions and tax shelter based funds. He is a member of the Securities Institute, chairman of an AIM listed company, sits on the VCT Technical Committee of the AIC and the VCT Association and is deputy Chairman of the EIS Association.
Marc Proudfoot
Partner
Marc Proudfoot
Marc is a corporate finance lawyer specialising in investment trusts, REITs and VCTs. Marc advises clients on all corporate matters including new launches, secondary fundraisings and consolidations. Marc has advised a wide range of asset managers on the successful launches of investment trusts and REITs, including some of the leading asset management houses in the UK.
Stephen Heinemann
Partner, MLR Officer, Compliance Oversight
Stephen Heinemann
Stephen specialises in both legal and sponsor services to VCTs. He advises on a range of company and commercial matters including sale and purchase agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance. He has been advising VCTs since 2005 and has considerable experience on advising on all aspects of the VCT lifecycle.
Latest
Our lawyers are experts in their fields. Through commentary and analysis, we give you insights into the pressures impacting business today.
