Chambers UK Legal Directory 2009

Published by Chambers and Partners, awarded the firm with the following rankings:

• Intellectual Property: Patent

Litigation - London (Band 5)

"Renowed for its abilities on the patent side, this extremely commercial outfit, staffed by knowledgable lawyers, has also been involved in a lot of trade mark litigation in the past year. Significant work includes advising Modern Biosciences on its licence agreement with the University of Aberdeen. The Standout member of the team, Ralph Cox is "attentive insightful and provides effective advice on both litigation and settlement opportunities". He is also praised for his knowledge of law in different jurisdictions."

o Ralph Cox (Band 5)

• Life Sciences - London (Band 2)

"The firm has been going from strength to strength since Stringer Saul merged with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin in early 2007. A series of new Canadian clients has boosted the international repute of life sciences practice. The team recently advised Blomfield Corporate Finance on Medgenics' successful fundraising and admission to trading on AIM, and represented Modern Biosciences on its licence agreement with the University of Aberdeen; other clients include Alliance Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim and Proximagen Neuroscience. According to market feedback, Paul Ranson "should never be underestimated. This enthusiastic lawyer understands the regulatory issues and invariably comes up with judicious and informed solutions. Specialising in the commercial side of life sciences, Gary Howes can "handle anything thrown at him" and has an "impressively committed and bright demeanour".

• Life Sciences:

Commercial - London (Band 3)

o Gary Howes (Band 2)

• Life Sciences:

Regulatory/Compliance - London

(Band 3)

o Paul Ranson (Band 1)

• Projects & Energy: Mining (Mainly International) - London (Band 3)
"Making a concerted effort to crack the London market, this Canadian firm's determination and hard work is ensuring it receives increasing recognition: sources note that the lawyers are terrific on equity transactions in the sector. The team is handling an increasing amount of AIM-related work, and recent highlights include acting for European Goldfields on its public offering and advising Jubilee Platinum on its secondary issue, which raised £11.7 million. The firm is also gaining M&A experience, handling a number of mid-market deals: it acted for Minerals Securities on its merger with Scarborough Minerals, and represented Mwana Africa on its hostile takeover of SouthernEra Diamonds. Deputy managing partner Al Gourley is the firm's key contact for Mining work."