CHRISTOPHER RENDELL CROFT
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CAREER OVERVIEW
Senior commercial lawyer with valuable legal and business experience both as general counsel and as a partner private practice. An acknowledged expert in the financial services sector, with many years experience in the financial and commercial markets. Currently a partner in a niche investment bank and recently a Director in the legal department of a London based Investment Bank. A member of the management team that floated a successfulinternetcompany on the London Stock Exchange. Formerly the head of corporate department and senior member of the management team that developed a niche city shipping and insurance law firm. Successfully set up and built own practice before returning in house. At present working within advisory firm and seeking further opportunitiesto useaccrued skills and extensive knowledge in an innovative business environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Solicitor admitted 1976
CEDR accreditedmediator 2006
CAREER HISTORY
Feb 2010 to dateBrave Partners LLP, Partner
Feb 2010 to dateIndependent legal consultant
July 2006 – January 2010Dresdner Kleinwort, Director in Transaction Legal Team
Sep 2004 – July 2006 Onecounsel, Principal
Jan 2002 – Aug 2004Elborne Mitchell, Partner (in charge of commercial dept)
Jun 1999 – Oct 2001Exchange FS Group plc, Corporate Affairs Director (previously Group Legal Services Director) and Company Secretary
Jun 1997 – Jun 1999Davies Arnold Cooper, Partner - Corporate Department
Mar 1995 – Jun 1997Lawrence Graham, Partner - Company Commercial Department
Feb 1987 – Mar 1995Elborne Mitchell, Partner in charge of non-contentious department
1984 – 1987 Rakisons, Company Commercial Partner
1977 – 1984Norton Rose, Assistant in International Finance Department
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Management
Considerable management experience both as head of department and member of the management committee of city law practice. Also as a director of a listed company where responsibilities included human resources, facilities and administration as well as advising at board level on group legal, compliance and secretarial functions. Managed the IPO process of a company to full listing on the London Stock Exchange having acted for the company from inception.
Corporate/ M&A
In private practice acted for a number of leading UK and overseas companies for acquisitions, disposals and business transfers. Within the London financial services market, extensively involved in sales and purchases and runoff issues.
As Group Legal Services Director of a listed company, designed and implemented the expansion and acquisition strategy for Europe and the United States. This strategy won 6 international acquisitions in 4 months.
Commercial and finance
As corporate counsel and partner, in private practice, advised on an extremely wide range of commercial agreements and issues including joint ventures, commercial supply agreements, technology and intellectual property licensing and employment issues. Advised on asset finance including ships and aircraft. Advised on and negotiated charterparties and drilling contracts in the offshore industry. Advised on freight and commodity contracts. Familiar with a wide range of banking products and structures including securitisations and syndicated loan agreements.
Dispute Resolution
Extensive involvement in commercial disputes ranging from insurance policy coverage issues and construction contract disputes to the enforceability of restrictive covenants and employment claims.
Regulatory
Worked extensively inregulated industriesincludingbanking, life and non life company and Lloyd’s insurance markets. Frequent dealings with the FSA and it’s predecessors including bank of England, DTI and SIB.
Acted as Secretary to a listed company. Familiar with managing stock exchange requirements and related matters.
EDUCATION
Sedbergh School, Yorkshire
University College, London - LLB