Latest Posts

Quastels Advises on Strategic Investment from Marlborough Group into First Wealth

Quastels is proud to announce that we have advised the founders of First Wealth on a significant strategic investment from Marlborough Group. The investment marks an important milestone for our client First Wealth, which is an award-winning Chartered Financial Planning Firm. Its investor is also a certified B Corp, serving 600 client families and managing approximately £500 million in assets and First Wealth expects this new investment to assist in its planned expansion of its modernised financial planning and associated services for its clients. 

Jason Greenberg and Adam Convisser led the transaction for Quastels, leveraging the firm’s extensive expertise in advising founders through complex growth investment deals. Their dedication to guiding clients through multifaceted transactions demonstrates Quastels’ commitment to delivering exceptional legal support during pivotal moments in a company’s journey.

We are also pleased to share the positive feedback from Anthony Villis, Managing Director of First Wealth, who said:

“Jason, Adam, and the whole team were outstanding from start to finish — calm, committed, and technically excellent. Their support was absolutely key to getting this deal over the line.”

We extend our congratulations to Anthony, Robert, and the entire team on this exciting new chapter. Quastels is honoured to have played a role in facilitating this transformative partnership, and we look forward to seeing the continued success and growth of First Wealth in the coming years.

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Quastels Advises on Partnership Between ELEMIS & Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team

Quastels are proud to have advised on the new multi-year partnership between Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, and our long-term client, ELEMIS. Led by Corporate & Commercial Legal Director Ann-Maree Blake, the deal sees ELEMIS become the first Official Skincare Partner of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, tapping into the growing female fan-base of the sport. 

ELEMIS Champions Inclusivity in F1

ELEMIS, through this trailblazing partnership, are working to promote inclusivity within Formula 1, as the latest study suggests that the fastest growing fanbase are women aged 16 to 24, and that the female demographic now make up 41% of the sport’s overall fanbase. Ann-Maree led contract negotiations on behalf of ELEMIS, ensuring the B Corp company’s sustainability focus was spotlighted in the deal, meeting with Aston Martin Aramco’s own sustainability goals. This partnership not only marks an incredible milestone in the world of Formula 1 but also sets a new standard for innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity within the sport.

The deal includes ELEMIS launching exclusive, limited-edition product collections, offering guests at the Aston Martin Aramco Paddock Club Suite experiential treatments, and in May, at the Monaco Grand Prix, ELEMIS will create a luxury spa experience on board the Aston Martin Aramco yacht- all within the first year of the partnership. 

Testimonial

“Working with Ann-Maree Blake at Quastels was nothing short of extraordinary. Her unparalleled expertise, strategic vision, and tireless commitment to our success transformed what could have been a complex deal into a flawless, high-impact partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team. Ann-Maree went above and beyond, not just meeting but exceeding our expectations at every turn. Her insight, professionalism, and passion for excellence made her an indispensable part of this landmark deal. Simply put, she is the gold standard in legal support.”

Sean C. Harrington, ELEMIS Co-Founder & CEO.

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UK-India Trade Negotiations To Recommence In 2025

The UK is set to resume negotiations with India over a free trade agreement in the new year, following a break in discussions due to the recent elections in both nations, as confirmed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office on Monday. 

Prime Minister Starmer aims to foster a “new strategic partnership” with India, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as security, education, technology and climate change. This comes after Starmer’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in Brazil, where both leaders discussed the path forward for UK-India relations. 

“A new trade agreement with India will generate significant economic benefits, supporting jobs and prosperity across the UK,” said Starmer, whose Labour Party assumed office in July. 

In addition to his discussions with Prime Minister Modi, Starmer also engaged with Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging the establishment of more “consistent and durable” ties between the two countries, particularly in areas such as trade, the economy, and climate change. 

With a commitment to securing the fastest sustained economic growth within the G7, Starmer is positioning the UK to leverage trade agreements with key global partners. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has predicted that UK growth in 2025 will be the lowest among G7 nations, emphasising the importance of these international negotiations. 

The previous Conservative administration had engaged in extensive trade talks with India, but these discussions stalled in March due to the Indian elections. A British official stated that finalising an agreement ahead of the Indian elections was not feasible. 

Bilateral trade between the UK and India, the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies, was valued at £42 billion ($53.2 billion) in the 12 months leading up to June, with UK exports to India accounting for £16.6 billion.

Ahead of India’s general election earlier this year, which secured Modi a third consecutive term, there were indications that India would prioritise completing trade deals with the UK and Oman. 

However, previous challenges in the negotiations have centred on issues such as India’s high import duties on British whiskey and its demand for greater visa access for Indian students and businesses. 

“India remains a crucial trading partner for the UK. We are optimistic that a mutually beneficial trade agreement can be reached, benefiting both nations,” commented British Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds. 

If you or your connections require legal advice, please contact Jayesh Jethwa or fill out our enquiry form below.

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