Matthew Fretten

Matthew is a leading Corporate & Commercial lawyer with a reputation for pragmatic and strategic advice in the local commercial market.  He leads a team of experienced solicitors, each of whom are recognised specialists in this field.

Having faced many of the challenges faced by business leaders himself, in his role as Managing Partner, Matthew is able to provide an invaluable, relatable perspective when advising his clients. Both Matthew and his team are named in the 2024 Legal 500, the independent guide to law firms in the UK, and have been since 2020.

Work

Matthew joined Frettens in 2002 and became the Managing Partner in 2011. He has overseen a prolonged period of sustained growth and change at the firm.

Matthew deals with all aspects of non-contentious company and commercial work.  Clients are typically owner-managed SME’s but include larger national clients as well as clients from the sports industry.

Matthew is an active member at the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, sitting as honorary solicitor on the council board, a sign of the high regard in which he is held in the local business community.

Experience

• Ongoing Corporate advice relating to the expansion and joint ventures undertaken following a major equity investment.
• Advised Shareholders of a leading south coast Insolvency Practitioners in connection with their merger with the SKS Benedict Group.
• Ongoing corporate advice and support for a Group expansion in 2020: including acting on behalf of the company in respect of 2 acquisitions, EMI Share Option Schemes and ongoing strategic legal advice.
• Multi-million pound Funding/Facility Agreement advice in connection with the re-location and acquisition of additional freehold premises, EMI Option Scheme implementation and general legal advice.

Play

Life away from work is relatively hectic for Matthew with a busy family life but long dog walks at the beach and in the forest help restore the balance after a busy week. As an optimistic dreamer, he is also bound to follow the trials and tribulations of Southampton FC.

Sport is a big part of life for Matthew, though rather more watching than playing these days. He tries to get out onto the golf course when he can find the time and he obviously talks a very good game at the 19th.