Graham Webster

Partner | London


Client services contact Claire Stent

Graham is a partner in the corporate team.

Graham focuses on advising private and closely-held businesses and their stakeholders. He is an experienced trusted adviser to founders, entrepreneurs and families throughout the lifecycle of a business, from initial structuring and fundraising through to liquidity events and succession planning. He is particularly experienced in complex shareholder relations and in using Withers' unique platform to help his clients navigate at the intersection of their business and personal lives.  

With a background in private equity, Graham also brings a wealth of experience and perspective to private capital investors, and frequently assists HNW investors, family offices and their capital structures in relation to investment and divestment programmes.

As co-chair of the Firm's Creative Industries 'Special Interest Group', Graham has a particular interest in businesses where creativity or innovation is a primary value generator. His work for founders and eponymous brands in the sector allows him to regularly advise on a variety of commercial agreements relating to the interests of his clients including agency, licensing, consultancy and collaboration agreements.

Over 50% of Graham's practice has an international or cross-border element and he collaborates closely with his Withers' colleagues to ensure a seamless delivery for clients.

Track record

Kering

Advised on the acquisition by Kering of a majority stake in British fashion house Christopher Kane.

LVMH

Advised on the acquisition by LVMH of a majority stake in British shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood.

Women's fashion designer

Advising a well known women's fashion designer in terms of all of their corporate work, shareholder relations, commercial work and recent business planning.

LVMH

Advised on the acquisition by LVMH of a minority stake in British fashion house J W Anderson.

Senior executive and deal manager moves

Advised senior executive and deal manager moves for a number of high profile hedge funds and private equity houses including Advent and 3i.

Talks

  • 'Building the next generation of retail,' Vogue Business Founders' Forum in partnership with Withersworldwide - January 25, 2023, panelist 

  • 'Dolphin Tank: Fashion Tech,' Virtual event with Springboard Enterprises and New York Fashion Tech Lab - September 22, 2021, panelist

  • 'Fashion tech law: A global perspective,' New York Fashion Tech Lab virtual workshop - June 11, 2021, speaker

  • 'Dolphin Tank: Online Event | Fashion Tech | Female Entrepreneurs,' September 29, 2020, panelist

Admissions

  • England and Wales, 2007


Education

  • Edinburgh University, LLB (Hons)


Languages

  • English
  • French

Memberships

  • Franco-British Chamber of Commerce


Key dates

  • Year joined: 2012
  • Year became partner: 2017