NICK Wagstaffe has joined Worcester law firm Hallmarks as a member of the commercial and business law team.

He has a longstanding connection with the Worcester area and his father Hugh was a former partner with Hallmarks until his retirement.

Mr Wagstaffe spent more than 15 years in London with Dechert, six of them as a partner. As a member of its corporate finance group he represented UK and US corporate clients, primarily in legal management of their corporate acquisition, financing and joint venture strategies. His expertise includes advising on corporate acquisitions and disposals, private equity and debt financed management buy-outs, equity financings and business start-ups, joint ventures and shareholder agreements as well as assisting clients with their core commercial relationships and agreements.

As part of Hallmarks commercial and business law team Mr Wagstaffe will be assisting clients primarily in corporate strategies, financing needs and the firm's general commercial relationships.