Andrew Wright’s public markets team has been shortlisted for AIM Lawyer of the Year at the Growth Company Awards 2011.

The award ceremony, now in its 11th year, is unique within the industry as the shortlist is derived from the opinions of1330 AIM and PLUS CEOs on the brokers, nomads, analysts, PRs, accountants and solicitors who work on their behalf.

Despite shaky economic conditions, Cobbetts’ public markets team worked on a steady number of deals throughout 2010 and, in 2011, has seen a surge in AIM market activity on the back of rising commodity prices and increasing investor confidence.

The team has advised on a stream of admissions and fundraisings including the delisting and £54 million readmission to AIM of mining investment company, Leyshon Resources Limited, the £6.2m secondary fundraising by Stellar Diamonds Plc, and the demerger of and AIM admission of Aureus Mining Inc from Afferro Mining Inc.

Additionally, they have maintained their stronghold as the primary legal adviser to basic materials companies on AIM – currently for the 12th consecutive quarter - leading with 19 clients in the sector, eight more than their nearest rivals and, overall, ranked joint 14th with a total of 25 AIM clients. 

Head of public markets at Cobbetts, Andrew Wright, said: “The nomination for this coveted award is a true testament of the hard work put in by the public markets team and our recent transactions show that improved visibility and market confidence have brought both investors and companies back to AIM. The mining and minerals sector remains a key area of focus for us and we will continue to strive ahead as one of the leading AIM advisers both in the national and international markets.”

The awards ceremony takes place at Plaisterers' Hall, London on 16 May.

For more information on the event, please visit www.growthcompanyawards.com