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Browne Jacobson LLP is strong in both real estate and healthcare financings, with real estate finance expert Nina Armstrong considered ‘practical and commercial in business decisions, swift in responses, and approachable’. In 2011, a team led by Paul Ray acted for LDC on the secondary buyout of Angel Springs, including advising on acquisition finance facilities provided by RBS. Ray also acted for RBS on a buy-and-build acquisition finance facility provided to Spicerhaart Group. Clients include Lloyds TSB, Santander and Yorkshire Bank.

With ‘an informative, strong team’, Freeth Cartwright LLP is noted for its ‘excellent service and competitive pricing’. Phil Baigent is ‘pragmatic, always available, and very professional’, and Chris Freeston ‘has a mind for detail, but takes a commercial view to overcome problems’. In one highlight, Baigent advised The Alumasc Group on the renewal of borrowing facilities of £20m provided by Barclays and HSBC. Clients on the property finance side include Chancerygate Asset Management.

At Gateley, Andy Matthews, Elly Duggins, Alex Smith and Anna Mayfield are important figures in a well-regarded team, and provide ‘prompt responses and quick turnaround times’. Matthews and Mayfield combined to advise HSBC on the refinancing of MJ Barrett Group, with Mayfield negotiating and drafting a suite of agreements and Matthews handling the property aspects.

Eversheds LLP’s banking and finance capacity in the Midlands is based in Birmingham, with Stephen Kitts regularly assisting the Nottingham team in banking matters.

Geldards LLP’s list of clients includes RBS, HSBC and Santander. Department head Hugh Strickland is ‘commercial and hands on, with a drive to get things done’, and in 2011 led a team which advised on Santander’s £18m funding of the acquisition of Equip Outdoors Technologies, a matter which included the seeking of opinions in Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. Senior associate Holly Smith ‘meets tight deadlines when required’.

Shoosmiths has been bolstered by the arrival of the ‘practical and commercial’ Shaun McCabe from Eversheds LLP. Highlights included advising Thorntons on its £57.5m refinance with HSBC, Lloyds TSB and Santander; care homes provider Mimosa on an £18m refinancing; and Chord Developments on its £34m refinancing with RBS.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited is instructed by alternative lenders, such as pension trustees and private individuals, as well as major banks. In one highlight, practice head Michael Lodge acted for Santander on the £2m funding of a nursing home development. The firm’s ‘fee structure represents good value’.

Shakespeares’ team is headed by Roger Harcourt, who takes the lead on bank panel work for Lloyds TSB and Santander Corporate.

Flint Bishop LLP has experience in acting for lenders such as RBS.

Harvey Ingram LLP has broad experience in secured lending and acquisition finance.

Northampton-based Chris Houghton has replaced Keith Gilbert as team head at Howes Percival LLP. The firm advises major banks such as NatWest, Santander, and Lloyds TSB.

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