Birketts advises management team on Taylor Gibbs buyout

Birketts advises management team on Taylor Gibbs buyout

12 November 2026 - UK Top 50 law firm, Birketts, has advised the management team of Taylor Gibbs Limited on the management buyout of the independent estate agency.

Based in Highgate, London, Taylor Gibbs was founded 36 years ago by Zia Taylor and has built a strong reputation for its personal approach, local property expertise and client service. Miles Ponder and Charlotte Bourne, who both joined the business as negotiators more than 20 years ago, have become majority shareholders following the buyout.

Mark Gallop, Zia's husband, will retain a shareholding and remain a director of the business, while Taylor Gibbs will continue to operate independently.

Birketts provided comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction, advising on the transaction documents and working closely with stakeholders to support the successful completion of the buyout.

The Birketts corporate team was led by Partner James Allen, supported by Anvita Oswal and Romina Scortescu.

Miles Ponder and Charlotte Bourne said: "We are delighted to have completed the management buyout of Taylor Gibbs. Having both joined the business as negotiators more than 20 years ago, becoming majority owners is an incredibly proud moment for us and marks an exciting new chapter for the business.

"Birketts provided invaluable support throughout the transaction. James Allen and the team guided us through the process with clear, pragmatic advice and worked closely with everyone involved to help us reach a successful outcome.

"Our priority is to preserve the values that Taylor Gibbs was built on while continuing to provide the personal service, local knowledge and independent approach our clients know and trust. Although the ownership has changed, it remains very much business as usual."

James Allen, Partner at Birketts, added: "It has been a pleasure to advise Mark Gallop, Miles Ponder and Charlotte Bourne on the management buyout of Taylor Gibbs. Having been part of the business for more than two decades, they have an excellent understanding of the company, its clients and the local property market.

"This transaction represents a natural next step for the business, providing continuity while enabling Miles and Charlotte to take Taylor Gibbs forward under their leadership. We wish them and the wider team every success for the future."

ENDS

About Birketts

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: real estate, corporate services, dispute resolution, and private client advisory.

We are defined by our next level law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges, or opportunities that they may face.

Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do.

With our ambition to succeed comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our Responsible Business strategy. Birketts is a certified B Corporation™, and diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 45% of our partnership as of 1 April 2026.

www.birketts.co.uk