Joseph Hartland

Joseph is a Corporate/M&A lawyer who helps corporate clients, founders, entrepreneurs, investors and management teams execute acquisitions, sales, investments and group reorganisations efficiently, with a strong focus on commercial outcomes. He is known for his responsiveness and pragmatic, deal-focused advice that keeps transactions moving and aligns legal risk with his clients’ strategic objectives.

Joseph regularly leads UK and cross-border M&A transactions for founders, owner-managed businesses, private equity-backed companies and strategic buyers. He has experience across the full range of Corporate/M&A work, including share and asset acquisitions and disposals, corporate structures and group reorganisations, venture capital and private equity transactions, joint ventures and shareholders’ agreements. He has particular expertise in bolt‑on acquisitions for acquisitive trade and private equity‑backed platforms, and in helping management teams navigate repeat transaction processes smoothly. Joseph also advises across a wide range of sectors, with experience in Facilities Management & Built Environment, Business & Professional Services and Consumer Products (Food & Drink).

Joseph routinely takes the lead in advising on corporate / M&A transactions, as well as being the lead associate on larger, complex deals alongside a lead corporate partner.

M&A - mergers, acquisitions & disposals
Private equity, venture capital & angel investments
Exit & succession planning
Cross border transactions
Joint venture & shareholder agreements
Group reorganisations & demergers
Employee ownership trusts.

Advising long-term client The Nurture Group on a number of its acquisitions

Including its acquisition of Tivoli Group Limited from Sullivan Street Partners (a UK-based mid-market buy-out specialist), along with advising The Nurture Group on a large number of other corporate matters, including taking the lead on several bolt-on acquisitions.

Advising Sysco GB, the market leading foodservice provider

On its acquisition of Campbell’s Prime Meats, a specialist meat and fish supplier in Scotland.

Advising Landmark Underwriting

A specialist managing general agent, in respect of two separate bolt-on acquisitions which were funded via a successful debt raise with BOOST&Co.

Advising US based, private equity backed Uptime Institute Holdings, LLC

(A leading global digital infrastructure authority) on its acquisition of UK based Academia Group Limited (a provider of digital infrastructure training programmes and related services.)

Assisting the lead partner in advising an LSE listed investment trust

On the sale of one of its portfolio companies

Advising an events company based in the UK

(With two international subsidiaries) in respect of the sale of a majority of its shares to a buyer with a publicly listed international parent company.

Advising an angel investor in relation to its investment into a technology business and subsequent corporate matters

Advising the shareholders of Henley Bridge Ingredients Limited

(an ingredients distributor) on their sale to HMS.

Achievements & other appointments

Joseph was recognised as a key lawyer within the Corporate & Commercial team at the firm in Legal 500 2023 edition. Joseph is also shortlisted for the Emerging Dealmaker of the Year award at the Insider Media South East Dealmakers Awards 2025.

Joseph is also one of the trainee supervisors in his department and takes an active role in mentoring junior lawyers in his team.

Education

Joseph graduated from the University of Kent in Canterbury with a first class honours degree in Law in 2015. He went on to complete the Master of Laws in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Law (Bloomsbury), achieving a Distinction.

After completing his studies, he joined Thomson Snell & Passmore as a trainee solicitor in 2016. He joined the Corporate & Commercial team upon qualification in September 2018.

They were recommended to me by my business partner whom had used them before, and when introduced I immediately found them to be warm, friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. A good recommendation.

As I say, their responsiveness and empathy is a big indicator of a good law firm. Their interest isn’t just in totting up the 15 minute increments, but actually helping. And properly advising! Too often you get a “well here are your options, take your pick” whereas Thomson Snell & Passmore actually put forward recommendations and help you to scenario model, which is rarer than you might think. Very professional and knowledgeable too. A rare find (and a find to keep).

Senior Associate, Corporate

Specialisms & expertise

Examples of work