Partner

Robert Willis

Languages

English
German

Social media

Rob Willis is a partner in the Corporate/M&A Team at CMS London. He has been practising since 2004 and deals with all aspects of corporate work, including private company and business acquisitions and disposals, public takeovers, fundraisings and IPOs, joint ventures and reorganisations.

Rob has particular experience advising on transactions in the Technology, Media & Communication and Gaming sectors.

Awards & Recognitions

01 –

Quote

"Rob Willis is a top corporate lawyer who has an unusual savvy and experience."

Legal 500 2025
Quote

"Robert Willis provides ‘polished, comprehensive and accessible advice'."

Legal 500, 2016
Quote

"Robert Willis has been named 'Gaming Lawyer of the Year' at the 2017 Corporate Live Wire Gaming Awards."

Corporate Live Wire - Gaming Awards 2017

Relevant experience

Instant Win Gaming, the leading supplier of online instant win games, on its sale of a 70% interest to multi-national lottery operator Allwyn.
Anzo Group on the sale of leading independent UK-based iGaming content supplier, Roxor Gaming, to Aristocrat Leisure, the Australian Stock Exchange listed leading global gaming content and technology company and top-tier mobile games publisher.
The LiveScore Group, the sports media and online gaming operator, on a £50m investment from Ringier AG, valuing the business at GBP 500m.
The Pragmatic Group, the online betting and gaming group, on their entry into an exclusive multi-year partnership with DAZN Group that will see the launch of a next generation betting and gaming product for sports fans.
Avid Gaming, the owner of Sports Interaction, Canada's leading online sports betting brand, on its CAD 300m sale to Entain plc.
ThinCats, the leading alternative finance provider to mid-sized SMEs, on its GBP 160m strategic investment in the company from Wafra Capital Partners.
Geocomply, the global leader in geolocation compliance technology, on its minority investment from Blackstone Growth and Atairos.
Reward, the customer engagement platform for banks and retailers across Europe and the Middle East, on its minority investment from Verisk Analytics Inc.
The Gamesys Group, the leading online gaming group, and its majority shareholders, on its c.GBP 490m sale to JPJ Group plc and pre-sale carve out of its sports betting and games content business.
The shareholders and management of legal business intelligence provider, Globe Business Media Group, on its acquisition by Law Business Research Ltd, a portfolio company of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners.
The Rank Group plc on its acquisition of the YoBingo Group, a leading Spanish online casino and bingo business, for up to EUR 52m.
The Gamesys Group on the acquisition of Livescore, a global sports media publisher.
Intellectual Property & Software Limited, European Domain Management Limited and Rocket 9 Limited on the sale of their online casino business to Swedish mobile gaming company LeoVegas for GBP 65m.
32Red Group plc, the AIM-quoted online gaming company, on its GBP 175.6m recommended offer by Kindred Group plc.
The Endemol Shine Group on various transactions, including the establishment of new drama production company, Wild Mercury Productions; the acquisition of a majority interest in animation studio, Simon's Cat; the equity investment into social gaming company, Plumbee and subsequent sale of Plumbee to GSN Games.
The Gamesys Group on the sale of its Jackpotjoy, Starspins and Botemania branded real money and social gaming business to The Intertain Group Limited, for an initial purchase price of GBP 425.8m in cash and shares, plus an earn out.
Capital & Regional plc, the Main Market listed specialist retail property company, on its acquisition of further units in the Mall Fund, the UK dominant community shopping centre fund, for approximately GBP 213m and related capital raising carried out by way of an underwritten firm placing, placing and open offer to raise approximately GBP 165m.
The BetFred Group on the establishment of a joint venture to acquire the various assets and racetrack formerly known as Great Leighs.
Warner Music Group Corp. on its acquisition of Parlophone Label Group from Universal Music Group.
The Gamesys Group on its acquisition of Virgin Games.

Education

2002 - LPC, Nottingham Law School, Nottingham
2001 - BA Law with European Law, Nottingham University, Nottingham

Practice Areas

Corporate Equity Capital Markets Mergers & Acquisitions

Insights

Global Reach

UK Pay Gap Report 2024