How long does it take to sell a large retail group comprising 4,500 outlets in 44 jurisdictions to a Swiss bank? Less time than you’d think.

The chairman and principal shareholder had given his finance director the task of successfully completing the transaction. A few days into the deal, a family member became seriously ill and the deal needed to be done – urgently. Even though he was the only corporate lawyer advising the seller, Andrew Harrison managed to get the deal signed in just three weeks and the finance director was able to spend the time he needed with his family.