Top 100 UK Law Firm, Hugh James, has advised its long-standing client Run 4 Wales (R4W) on a new partnership agreement with London Marathon Events (LME).

R4W is established to promote, manage and deliver major sporting events in Wales and is structured so that its profits are donated to its parent charity, the R4W Charitable Foundation, to invest in grassroots athletics and community running projects. LME is structured in the same way and the innovative partnership combines the leading mass participation organisations in England and Wales with the aim of expanding R4W’s portfolio of events to increase participation, diversity, and social impact.

With a strong track record of providing specialist advice to major sports sector and charity clients in England and Wales, the Cardiff-headquartered law firm was well placed to advise on the deal which sees LME taking a 50% shareholding in R4W.

Charity Law specialist, Peter Spencer, who heads up the Charity department at Hugh James, provided legal advice to R4W throughout the transaction, alongside the head of the Corporate and Commercial team Gerallt Jones and the head of the Employment team, Louise Price with the support of solicitors Matt Detheridge and Elinor Corbett-Jones. The advice was multi-faceted involving charity, company commercial and employment law elements.

Partner Peter Spencer said:

“I am delighted to support Run 4 Wales on this exciting partnership which will leverage the expertise and experience of London Marathon as well as continue to grow and support grassroots sports and community projects in Wales. Hugh James has a proud reputation in the sports sector and is deeply rooted in Welsh communities. Being able to use my specialist expertise in charity law and governance to deliver a landmark deal for one of Hugh James’ long-standing clients has been a special achievement. I look forward to continuing to work with Run 4 Wales as they embark on their exciting new chapter with London Marathon Events.”

On working with Hugh James, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman said:

“Hugh James has provided an invaluable service to Run 4 Wales over the past decade and its support throughout this project has been vital. The complexities of the transaction required careful navigation and we’re grateful that Hugh James’ expertise facilitated a successful conclusion”.