Josie Appleyard
Partner
Corporate and Commercial
Josie has more than 17 years’ experience as a Corporate and Commercial lawyer.
Her specialisms include advising on share and asset acquisitions and disposals, business reorganisations, joint ventures, private equity investment and shareholders’ agreements. She also provides guidance on a variety of commercial contracts including supply of goods and services agreements, terms of business, manufacturing, distribution, and agency agreements.
She advises clients from various industry sectors, including travel, retail, professional services, manufacturing, recycling, construction, security, and childcare.
Josie recognises the importance of taking the time to understand her clients’ businesses and objectives so she can provide effective advice.
Josie works primarily in our Guildford office but also collaborates closely with colleagues in our other locations.
Work highlights
ACQUISITION
Advised on the acquisition by French manufacturing group CGR of John Binns & Sons (Springs), based in Skipton, North Yorkshire. This was CGR’s first acquisition in the UK.
SALE
Advised the shareholders of an IT and telecoms support provider on the sale of the entire issued share capital to a leading business IT support solutions company.
PE ACQUISITION
Acted for an acquisitive PE investment business on a number of acquisitions and investments including a group of Sussex based financial advisers and an acquisition of a student mentoring and training organisation.
PE INVESTMENT
Advised the key shareholders of a well-known natural pet food brand on growth investment by an independent minority investment company.
SALE
Advised the selling shareholders of a specialist firm of independent building professionals on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company to French owned, UK market leader.
EXTENSIVE LEGAL COUNSEL
Advising a multi-national chipboard manufacturing company for many years on a number of legal matters including share and asset acquisitions, supply contracts, forest management contracts and standard general terms and conditions.
SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT
Advising an existing shareholder of a biofuel company on the documentation relating to a private investment by a number of high net worth individuals. This involved drafting and advising on a detailed shareholders’ agreement and associated articles of association.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSIGNMENT
Advising a multi-international video production company on an assignment of its intellectual property rights.
CONTRACTS
Advising a privately owned utility infrastructure maintenance and renewals provider on the various contractual documents relevant to a tender for works with the water authority.
Recent articles
Insights
In any M&A transaction the due diligence process is critical for both the buyer and the seller. We outline why this process is important and the risks associated with failing to carry it out properly.
03/09/2025
Insights
DMH Stallard has advised JM Posner Ltd on their sale to Ingå Group Limited.
17/04/2025
Insights
If in doubt, stick to the core principle: make it clear when AI is being used in a way that could mislead people.
29/06/2026
Insights
DMH Stallard advises Carbon Responsible Limited on the sale to sustainability solutions provider Simply Sustainable.
25/06/2026