Tom Purton
Partner
Tom Purton is a Partner, Head of the Commercial, Technology & Outsourcing team and co-lead of the India practice at RPC. He is an expert in joint ventures, commercial contracts, and outsourcing, and his advice frequently relates to supply, franchise, brewing, agency, sponsorship, marketing, and distribution agreements. Tom has worked for many clients across the technology and retail & consumer sectors including Shepherd Neame, Azzurri, Kisters, NCP, Checkatrade, Office Space in Town, Gist/M&S, BOC, Flying Tiger, Digi2al, ABinBev, and Insightful Technology. He is a member of The Law Society, the City of London Law Society, The City of London Solicitors’ Company, and the Tallow Chandlers Livery Company.
“My clients know I care hugely about getting the job done well”
“I specialise in Retail & Consumer and TMT. Both these sectors offer a huge variety of businesses, issues, opportunities, and challenges. They all operate in a very relatable, fast-paced and changing world.
I also worked in New York and Hong Kong for several years and regularly advise on global transactions. This wide variety of experience has given me a good business brain with a clear understanding of what the client needs and wants. I‘m highly organised, have strong negotiation skills, and am pragmatic and solution-driven.
It’s vital for my type of work that I know and understand my clients and their businesses incredibly well. We discuss and help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the business, the strategy, the context in which the deal is being done, and how it relates to the wider business.
I use small, consistent core teams for each client, provide regular updates, and ensure there is constant communication and dialogue.
I take responsibility for it, build relationships with the client team and counterparties, and am prepared to offer business advice aligned with legal solutions.
Directory quotes
"He is faultless: the best in the sector." - Chambers UK 2025
"Tom Purton is exceptional, and we trust his advice." - Legal 500 UK 2024
"Tom provides excellent advice and direction to commercial negotiations, making complex situations clear and understandable." - Chambers UK 2023
Top Ranked – Chambers UK 2022
"Tom Purton maintains a broad commercial practice, with a specific focus on strategic partnering arrangements and commercial contracts. He is skilled at advising on contracts covering the full gamut from manufacturing and distribution to sponsorship and facilities management. He is well known for his experience in the retail, leisure and logistics sectors." - Chambers UK 2022
Leading individual - The Legal 500 UK 2022
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2022
"Tom Purton is one of the finest legal minds I’ve come across." - Chambers UK 2020
"Tom always provides commercial and succinct advice." - Chambers UK 2020
"He’s extremely knowledgeable, good at developing a team, and he’s a good negotiator." - Chambers UK 2020
"Very clear and intelligent advice." - The Legal 500 UK 2020
"He gives a commercial, solutions led approach whatever the complexity of the task." - The Legal 500 UK 2020
Memberships
- Commercial Law Committee of the City of London Law Society
- Law Society
- Liveryman of the Tallow Chandlers Livery Company
Get in touch
Expertise sectors
Retail & Consumer, Technology, Media & Telecoms, Consumer Brands, Food & Beverage, Manufacturers, Retailers, Sport, Technology Suppliers
Expertise services
Commercial, Corporate, Real Estate & Construction, Outsourcing, Commercial Contracts, Joint Ventures , Business Advisory, Consumer Products & Services, Technology Transactions, Property Management
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