Education expert Brendan Roodt has been welcomed to asb law's corporate finance team.

Previously with Brachers, he will play a key role in business development and supporting asb's clients across the region.

He has 15 years' experience in corporate and commercial law and is qualified in both England and South Africa.

He works predominantly with SMEs and owner-managed businesses - focusing on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and major commercial transactions.

In recent years he has also developed specialist knowledge and expertise in advising schools on how to become academies, and has advised on more than 25 conversions.

Brendan, who has been appointed as an associate based in Maidstone, said: "Transferring a school from one funded, structured environment to another as a going concern is essentially a corporate transaction that few education specialists have experience of. asb's expertise in both sectors offers a unique insight and skill set to support those schools looking to transfer to academy status."

Helen Mead, head of the corporate finance team, said: "Brendan's arrival enhances our offering in the corporate arena and his specialist knowledge will play a key role in developing the services we already provide."

asb law has been established in the South East for many years. With regional centres in Crawley and Maidstone, it provides a range of legal services to businesses, public sector bodies and a significant number of individual clients.

asb is recognised as a leading firm by both major legal industry publications, Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.