Client focus: Cosworth

Cosworth is an automotive engineering company specialising in high-performance internal combustion engines, clean fuel powertrains and electronics for automobile racing and mainstream automotive industries.

In recent times, Cosworth has diversified into electrification and is now playing a leading role at the forefront of the transport technology revolution with state-of-the-art battery and electric vehicle solutions.

How Ashtons has helped so far

Ashtons has advised Cosworth since 2016. During that period, Ashtons’ lawyers have been on hand as Cosworth’s trusted advisers to provide advice on a wide range of complex commercial arrangements as well as commercial property advice and employment law support.

We have assisted Cosworth with a number of long-term technical design and development contracts and high-value supply agreements with some of the biggest names in both motorsport and mainstream automotive. This has included advising Cosworth on design and manufacturing agreements, collaboration and research projects, complex framework agreements, non-disclosure agreements and technology licensing.

In addition, we assist Cosworth with the wide range of challenges that come with real estate. We have recently dealt with the negotiation of renewal leases of their existing premises as well as advising on the potential acquisition of new premises.

Ashtons is also the sole provider of employment law services to Cosworth, advising on complex employment law and HR issues that often straddle the technology protection support we provide to the commercial teams. This includes advising on and preparing numerous internal policies and procedures, assisting with preparing Regulatory Disclosures, such as gender pay gap and modern slavery statements, and assisting in protecting Cosworth’s confidential information.

Having a large number of experienced lawyers across our Business Client Group enables Ashtons to provide services to clients like Cosworth, where high-level commercial advice, advice on commercial property and employment law/HR support are provided seamlessly as part of the same integrated service.

What Cosworth say about Ashtons

Anna Marchent, CFO Cosworth Group Holdings Limited, says:

“Cosworth is committed to developing, designing and manufacturing a broad range of clean propulsion, data and telemetry products across a diverse mix of categories. As our legal partners, Ashtons have been proactive in supporting a wide range of legal matters, from acquisition, through commercial contract support to banking refinancing.

“Our long-standing relationship with Ashtons Legal meant that they were able to apply their existing knowledge of the Group and start working on the recent refinancing deal immediately as well as conclude it within the targeted deadlines. Focus on the detail and bringing our attention to the changes, and outlining their potential impact while at the same time remaining pragmatic and oriented towards completing the transaction, is what made all the difference.

Cosworth values its partnership with Ashtons Legal and looks forward to working with the team as we continue to deliver our growth trajectory.”