Overview
In May 2026, Sonder, a full-service agency specialising in brand, audience, and creative research, acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Researchcraft Limited. The transaction represents a strategic expansion of Sonder’s capabilities, strengthening its research offering and enhancing its ability to deliver deeper insights to clients.
Despite an initial expectation of a straightforward deal, the acquisition involved a number of complexities arising from Researchcraft’s historic corporate structure. These required renegotiation of certain elements and careful management to ensure a successful outcome within a tight timeframe.
Our role
Hybrid Legal acted for Sonder (the Buyer) throughout the transaction. The team, including Joint Head of Corporate Leanne Consiglio and Corporate Solicitor Lauren Romo, provided end-to-end legal support, guiding the client through the full acquisition process from initial discussions through to completion.
Our role focused on navigating structural complexities, maintaining flexibility as the deal evolved, and ensuring clear, practical communication at every stage. As deadlines intensified, particularly with pressure to complete before the end of the tax year, the team accelerated delivery significantly, completing several weeks’ worth of work in a compressed timeframe to meet critical deadlines.
In addition to managing the immediate transaction, we also provided forward-looking advice to support Sonder’s longer-term strategic objectives, including considerations relevant to a future exit.
Client feedback
Rupert Carter rated Hybrid Legal 10 out of 10, highlighting the team’s responsiveness, commercial awareness, and clear communication. He noted that Hybrid stood out for its ability to explain complex legal issues in practical terms, helping him understand not just what decisions were required, but why they mattered.
He particularly valued the team’s flexibility in adapting to evolving deal dynamics and their ability to work at pace when required. Rupert also emphasised the strong cultural fit and confidence established early in the process, which played a key role in choosing Hybrid over another recommended firm.
Client endorsement
“Hybrid provided outstanding support throughout what turned into a far more complex acquisition than we originally anticipated. Leanne and Lauren were responsive, commercially minded and consistently communicated clearly throughout the process.
What really stood out was their ability to explain issues in practical terms, stay flexible when the deal evolved, and move incredibly quickly when deadlines became critical. Despite the complexity involved, the team remained proactive, forward-thinking and easy to work with from start to finish. I’d have no hesitation recommending Hybrid to any business owner going through a transaction process.”
– Rupert Carter, Sonder
