Ward Hadaway has appointed Paul Wigham as a partner in its corporate team, adding further expertise to support high-growth businesses in the technology and innovation sectors. Based in the firm’s Newcastle office, Wigham brings more than 16 years’ experience advising on M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions.
Wigham has a strong focus on helping technology businesses and university spinouts accelerate growth, advising on M&A and fundraising transactions for founders, investors and management teams. His recent work includes advising the shareholders of Oak Engage on its sale to NorthEdge and Runecast Software on its sale to New York Stock Exchange-listed Dynatrace.
Commenting on his appointment, Wigham said Ward Hadaway has ‘a strong practice, a clear commercial focus and extensive connections to the local business community’, adding that the firm is ‘ambitious and entrepreneurial’. He said there is ‘a clear sense of momentum’ and that he is looking forward to supporting clients and colleagues with ‘trusted and pragmatic advice’.
Nik Tunley, national head of corporate at Ward Hadaway, said Wigham brings ‘many years of knowledge in the emerging technologies market’ and ‘trusted relationships with private equity and venture capital funds’. Managing partner Steven Petrie added that his arrival ‘demonstrates our continued investment in senior talent’ and further strengthens the firm’s ability to support ‘technology led and investor backed companies’ on complex transactions.
