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Gracey James

James Gracey

Associate

James is a corporate associate specialising in M&A and joint ventures, with a focus on the energy, energy transition and financial services sectors.

D +44 20 7809 2607
M +44 7702 142 259

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Awards and Recognition

"There is genuine engagement and interest in our business, which drives a genuinely collaborative approach." 

The Legal 500 - 2025

"The Stephenson Harwood team are commercially minded while displaying problem-solving and commitment in driving the project forward. They are very helpful and supportive in thinking through problems." 

Chambers UK - 2025

"The Stephenson Harwood team is thorough and responsive while clearly holding great experience at closing transactions." 

Chambers UK - 2025

Biography

Language - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales

James is a corporate associate, where he specialises in M&A, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and equity fundraisings. He works with UK and international corporates, financial sponsors and management teams, with a particular focus on the energy, energy transition and financial services sectors. His experience includes a secondment with The Ardonagh Group, a leading insurance broker, and an international posting in the firm's Singapore corporate team, broadening his insight into cross-border dealmaking.

James provides strategic, end-to-end support on complex transactions, helping clients structure, negotiate and deliver deals with confidence. From early-stage planning to execution and post-deal integration, he ensures clients are guided with clarity and commercially-focused advice. His work with organisations such as the TfL Pension Fund, DeepOcean and Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. reflects his ability to navigate high-value, business-critical acquisitions and investments across multiple sectors and jurisdictions.

Clients value James for his pragmatic style, sector knowledge and unwavering focus on outcomes. He brings calm, commercial judgement to fast-moving and high-stakes environments, helping clients move forward with certainty. As a trusted adviser, James works closely with clients to unlock opportunities, manage risk and deliver successful results.

Experience

  • TfL Pension Fund - acquisition of a UK onshore wind farm

    Advised the Transport for London Pension Fund, a £14.1 billion pension scheme, on the acquisition of a UK onshore wind farm from CVC DIF, a Dutch infrastructure investor.

  • DeepOcean - acquisition of a subsea energy services provider

    Advised DeepOcean, a leading Norwegian ocean services provider and portfolio company of Triton Partners, on the acquisition of Shelf Subsea, a subsea services provider with operations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

  • Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. - acquisition of a specialist insurance broker

    Advised Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an American global insurance brokerage firm, on its £250 million acquisition of specialist insurance broker The Bollington Wilson Group.

  • The Ardonagh Group – acquisition from KKR

    Advised The Ardonagh Group, a leading global insurance broker, on its acquisition of Oxford Insurance Group, a $250 million gross written premium business, from a portfolio company of KKR.

  • Arcola Energy – disposal to Ballard Power Systems

    Advised the sellers of Arcola Energy, a specialist in hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and vehicle systems integration, on the $40 million sale to Canadian-listed Ballard Power Systems.

  • Highview Power – investment by Sumitomo  

    Advised Highview Power, a leader in long-duration energy storage solutions, on a multi-million dollar investment by Sumitomo Heavy Industries.

  • Semperian – acquisition from Itochu Corporation

    Advised Semperian PPP Investment Partners Group, an infrastructure investment fund, on the acquisition of a stake in an energy-from-waste power station from Itochu Corporation.

EXPERTISE

NEWS AND INSIGHTS

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Corporate

Stephenson Harwood advises the shareholders of The MECO Group on its sale to Markel International

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Transportation & Trade

Stephenson Harwood advises DeepOcean on acquisition of Shelf Subsea

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Real Estate

Stephenson Harwood advises Trafalgar Entertainment Group on Eastbourne Theatres agreement

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Corporate

Stephenson Harwood advises Inspirit Capital on CWind sale

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London

Stephenson Harwood advises Semperian on the acquisition of a minority stake in Merseyside Energy Recovery Holdings LTD

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Private Equity

Stephenson Harwood advises Rockpool Investments on the sale of Smyle Group

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Corporate

Stephenson Harwood advises Anglia Maltings on its sale to Richardson International

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