Tom Mercer
Partner, Head of Public Company (EMEA)
London
Introduction
Tom is a corporate M&A partner and Head of Public Company (EMEA) with strong Takeover code experience, recognized for his commercial acumen, technical strength and calm authority in high-stakes transactions.
Tom Mercer is an experienced corporate lawyer who advises on a range of M&A, corporate finance and governance matters. He has particular authority in public company takeovers and mergers and he was secretary to the UK Takeover Panel from 2011 to 2013.
Tom was head of the corporate transactions practice in London from 2016 to 2018 and he currently sits on the firm's Audit and Finance Committee. In 2019 he was recognized as one of The Lawyer's Hot 100, a list which comprises the standout lawyers in the UK.
Tom is ranked in Chambers for Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability, with clients noting that "he's approachable and widely known in the market for Takeover Code expertise" and "he is a very impressive guy and a very nice person. You want him by your side in a crisis." The Legal 500 ranks Tom as a leading lawyer for Upper Mid-Market and Premium Deals (£500M+), commenting that he is "noted for his strong track record in public company takeovers, and is able to advise across a broad range of sectors". Supporting client testimonials include: "Tom Mercer is excellent. Very client focused, commercial and he never patronizes" and he has also been highlighted as being "very strong technically, very commercial and always available". He is also ranked as a highly regarded leading M&A lawyer by IFLR1000.
Areas of focus
Latest thinking
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Legal development
UK Public M&A Update – Q3 2026
October 20, 2026
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Podcasts
Takeover Talks – Somebody needs a hug
October 20, 2026
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Legal development
Ashurst Perkins Coie Governance and Compliance Update – Issue 88
October 19, 2026
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Legal development
Quoted Company Newsletter Q3 2026
October 16, 2026
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Legal development
Corporate Cases Briefing Q3 2026
October 13, 2026
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Legal development
Ashurst Governance & Compliance Update – Issue 87
October 07, 2026
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Legal development
Ashurst Perkins Coie Governance & Compliance Update – Issue 86
September 18, 2026
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Legal development
Ashurst Perkins Coie Governance & Compliance Update – Issue 85
August 07, 2026
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Legal development
UK Public M&A Update Q2 2026
July 27, 2026
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Legal development
Quoted Company Newsletter Q2 2026
July 14, 2026
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Legal development
Governance & Compliance Update – Issue 84
July 09, 2026
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Legal development
Financial services speedread: 7 July 2026 edition
July 07, 2026
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Latest news, deals and awards
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises on €731m recommended cash offer for Irish Residential Properties REIT
November 09, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie: geopolitics, AI and bigger deals reshaped the global M&A landscape in 2026
November 09, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises Ashtead Technology on £505 million recommended takeover by Ember Infrastructure Management
October 21, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises on £207.6 million takeover of Eleco plc
September 11, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises Goodwin PLC on the £1.1 billion sale of its Mechanical Engineering Business to Cerberus Capital Management
September 09, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises Darblay Capital on £1.026 billion takeover of Spire Healthcare
September 07, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises Goldman Sachs on the £1 billion takeover of Gamma Communications
September 01, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises on Peel Holdings Group's £583 million offer for Harworth Group
August 06, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises on £14 billion takeover of SEGRO plc
August 04, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises on £5.6 billion takeover of DCC plc by Dragon Bidco Limited
July 27, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises Pharos Energy plc on £145.7 million takeover offer by Serica Energy plc
July 27, 2026
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News Ashurst Perkins Coie advises on £345.6 million takeover of Gooch & Housego
July 20, 2026
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Takeover Talks: What A Difference A Day Makes
Tom Mercer, Harry Thimont and Jade Jack review the UK public M&A market in the first quarter of 2025.
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