Firms To Watch: Banking and finance

Anis Waiz leads the banking and finance team at SE-Solicitors, which has a niche focus on complex litigation, delivery up applications, guarantees, indemnity claims, factoring and asset recovery work.

Banking and finance in South East

Blake Morgan LLP

Known for providing ‘very sound guidance’ and taking ‘a commercial approach’, the banking and finance team fielded by Blake Morgan LLP is vastly experienced across a broad suite of lending arrangements including corporate refinancing, acquisition finance, real estate finance, development finance, asset based lending, asset finance, syndicated finance and inter-creditor arrangements. Thames Valley-based Paul Duggan jointly leads the practice alongside esteemed banking and finance practitioner Kath Shimmin, who works out of the firm’s office in Southampton. Duggan primarily represents clearing banks, lending institutions and corporate borrowers, while firm chairman Shimmin advises on the entire gamut of lending and finance transactions as well as securitisations and capital markets transactions.

Practice head(s):

Paul Duggan; Kath Shimmin


Other key lawyers:

Iona Easton


Testimonials

‘The team at Blake Morgan provide very sound guidance, where they take a commercial approach, but ensure that their clients are fully informed of any risks associated. They are typically easy to get hold of and quick to respond to queries, producing work in an efficient manner.’

‘The easiest firm to deal with in the Thames Valley on banking and finance matters! Always responsive, good commercial understanding – always explained in plain English – legal advice balanced with excellent commercial rationale.’

‘Iona Easton and the team are very responsive and reliable, also straight forward to deal with. Able to advise in plain English and both very commercial in outlook, so if any obstacles are ever encountered, they will both always provide a perfectly sensible commercial solution.’

Key clients

HSBC UK Bank Plc


Santander UK Plc


National Westminster Bank Plc


Propel Finance Plc


Nash Business Capital


Metro Bank Plc


Sutton and East Surrey Water Plc


Development Bank of Wales


The National Small-Bore Rifle Association


The Menu Partners Limited


Kyndryl UK Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Nash Business Capital in connection with three separate transactions with the same borrower entity, a care home owning and operating group.
  • Acting for HSBC in connection with a £25m revolving credit facility to a provider of care and nursing staff for the purpose of providing working capital.
  • Advising Kyndryl UK Limited, the UK arm of the global technology services company, Kyndryl Inc. on acceding to a multi-million dollar Global Payment Services Agreement with its lender and highlighting the key risks for the UK entity from a local perspective.

Dentons

Dentons is routinely engaged on a broad range of matters spanning syndicated and club loans, bilateral acquisition and leveraged finance, real estate finance and Islamic finance transactions. Practice head Christopher Colclough is particularly active in the real estate sector, advising on both lender and borrower-side transactions including investment and development loan facilities. Robert Wyatt is a key contact for real estate financings, as head of the real estate finance team. Elsewhere within the group, Faye Garvey acts for major UK banks and her practice emphasises leveraged and acquisition finance transactions. Matthew Exton is another important point of contact and chiefly advises borrowers in the automotive, insurance, real estate and infrastructure sectors.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Colclough


Other key lawyers:

Robert Wyatt; Faye Garvey; Matthew Exton


Key clients

HSBC Bank


NatWest


Metro Bank


Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) (UK) plc


Santander


Bank of Montreal


Royal Bank of Canada


Home Décor GB Limited


Africa Mobile Networks Limited


Fifth Third Bank


Cox Powertrain Limited


Venture Real Estate Limited


Bank of Nova Scotia / Roynat Inc.


R-Biopharm AG


Intercrop Limited


Bank of Ireland


Northern Bank (trading as Danske Bank)


Work highlights


  • Advising on its entry into a £63.5m development term loan facility to finance the extensive redevelopment of the Bloomsbury House in central London.
  • Advising on the amendment and restatement of an existing £175m syndicated leveraged finance facility agreement provided to a specialist audio visual, professional video, audio, lighting and document solutions distributor based in the UK.
  • Advising the borrower on its €150m cross-border debt financing.

DMH Stallard LLP

DMH Stallard LLP‘s deal flow encompasses a wide range of lending arrangements, including acquisition, real estate investment, development, and bridging financings. The hotel and leisure, healthcare, charity and manufacturing industries are core sectors of focus for the ‘technically strong’ and ‘very efficient’ team. The ‘very capable and knowledgeable’ Sarah Naylor heads up the department and primarily advises lenders including major banks, ABL lenders and challenger banks. Ralph Crane‘s practice primarily focuses on secured lending work and the purchase, sale and refinancing of businesses. Anne Milne leads the real estate and property finance team in Gatwick and advises both major banks and charities on a broad range of financing transactions. Tyne Harman‘s practice includes debt finance and refinance matters, including acquisition and real estate financings, asset-based lending work and general corporate banking issues.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Naylor


Other key lawyers:

Ralph Crane; Anne Milne; Tyne Harman


Testimonials

‘Technically strong. High level of customer service. Partner involvement in all deals.’

‘Personable, good natured and a pleasure to work with. Technically strong. Specific kudos to Sarah Naylor.’

‘Any member of the team is very approachable, contactable and quick to react and provide guidance to the task in hand. They collaborate extremely well and articulate and communicate clearly and precisely with the Bank and the clients to help smooth the transaction process often in a time pressured environment.’

‘The team provide first class legal guidance in understanding transactions, undertaking a full and detailed analysis of all documentation and searches, identifying any red flags and providing guidance on how to mitigate such risks.’

‘The team is professional and very efficient. I know that the work will be done well and on time which is invaluable in my business.’

‘Led by Sarah Naylor, the team is very communicative, helpful and has a proven track record in specialised areas. The team is diverse, professional and very well qualified.’

‘Sarah Naylor is very capable and knowledgeable, but also communicative and helpful. She can be completely relied on to deliver and get the project over the line.’

Key clients

Shoreham Port Authority


National Westminster Bank plc (and other members of the NatWest Group, including RBS and Coutts)


Santander UK plc


Caffyns plc


Principle Cleaning Group Limited (and other group companies)


Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited


Paragon Development Finance Ltd


Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP remains a go-to firm in the South East for representing both lenders and borrowers on a broad range of mid-market financing and refinancing transactions, as well as possessing considerable strength in private equity work. Leveraged financings, investment funds and debt fund work are specialisms of the group. Practice head Hugh Jones has considerable expertise in all aspects of corporate finance and banking work, but retains a particular focus on acquisition financings. Rebecca Scott routinely acts for major UK banks, while the ‘excellent’ Laura Hanley predominantly advises lenders, borrowers and sponsors on a range of debt finance transactions including corporate, acquisition and leveraged financings as well as venture and growth lending issues.

Practice head(s):

Hugh Jones


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Scott; Laura Hanley


Testimonials

‘Commercial understanding of banking documentation. Knowing where to push the other side’s lawyers and where to accept the other side’s position. Lots of experience of similar transactions to call upon.’

‘Laura Hanley is excellent in her role.’

Key clients

National Westminster Bank plc


HSBC UK Bank plc


Lloyds Bank plc


Santander UK plc


Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking


Alcuin Capital Partners


Lloyds Development Capital


Growth Capital Partners


Tenzing Private Equity LLP


Ambienta SGR SpA


Shoosmiths LLP

The team fielded by Shoosmiths LLP possesses ‘impressive depth of resource, experience and skill’ and primarily focuses on leveraged and acquisition finance transactions, real estate financings and ABL transactions. Alexandra Triptree leads the banking and finance practice group in the south and is also the national head of structured finance; her practice focuses on highly structured leveraged lending and complex PE-backed transactions. National head Rebecca Mauleverer lends her expertise to the core areas of real estate finance, asset based lending and leveraged, venture debt and corporate lending issues.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Triptree


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Mauleverer; Suzanne Love; Sophie Tyler; Anna Richardson


Testimonials

‘The Shoosmiths banking team provides a multi office, multi resource approach ensuring availability of appropriate level lawyers at any one time.’

‘Alexandra Triptree is an outstanding lawyer with excellent all round knowledge providing real commercial advice in what can be a complex convoluted process.’

‘Rebecca Mauleverer and Alexandra Triptree are always both high energy, with high availability and work very effectively. They are real problem solvers who are able to cut through commercial issues.’

‘A practical and personable team, with deep technical skills and contacts.’

‘Shoosmiths team boasts impressive depth of resource, experience and skill ranging from newly qualified right through to Partner level. Their experience on a wide range of matters allows them to advise clients on a wide range of scenarios both from a technical and practical perspective.’

‘Experienced in working on cross-border transactions, proactive on process, always deliver value in a friendly manner.’

‘Rebecca Mauleverer leads by example, combining experience and friendliness with a keen commercial insight.’

Work highlights


  • Advised Cadence Equity Partners Limited on its entry into a highly structured £33m super senior/senior distribution facilities agreement to partially fund the acquisition of a majority stake in a leading tech solutions company.
  • Advised development finance institution British International Investment Plc on its multi-million-dollar financing for Jinnat Textile Mills.
  • Advised Rotala Group Limited on its financing of its acquisition of AIM-listed Rotala plc, a complex public to private transaction made available on a certain funds basis given Takeover Code requirements.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Stevens & Bolton LLP‘s extensive work portfolio encompasses both lender and borrower-side mandates, possessing demonstrable expertise in real estate finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, asset-based lending, trade finance, venture debt finance and general corporate debt financing and refinancing matters. Guildford-based Andrew Dodds spearheads the practice group and regards acquisition and leveraged finance, real estate finance, asset based lending and structured finance as core specialisms. Matthew Padian advises companies, insolvency practitioners, lenders and individuals, while David Steinberg is a key contact for insolvency work and the restructuring of insurance companies and other regulated financial institutions.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Dodds


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Padian; David Steinberg


Testimonials

‘A complex and overwhelming refinance became a simple easy to follow structure and transaction. The differentiator was the quality of the individuals assigned and the guidance/explanation given….they understood the client needs and knowledge and tailored the engagement accordingly. First class.’

‘Andrew Dodds provided us detailed guidance to establish where the key value was in terms of our security net and kept us fully updated and provided all the documents we needed in a timely manner to ensure we could complete in line with the clients deadline to complete the refinancing.’

‘S&B deliver a very hands on and comprehensive approach which is partner led. Andrew Dodds is in the detail, understands how we work and always delivers a great result.’

‘Andrew Dodds is the partner we deal with. He is very hands on and involved in our transactions which is great. He is always happy to chat through issues and understands how we work and what is important to us.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s deal flow sees asset finance, receivables funding and ABL-related matters, alongside complex borrower-side project and real estate finance mandates. Graham Jeffries and John Connor jointly lead the practice: Jeffries predominantly lends his expertise to complex financing structures including project, asset and property financings, and corporate debt work. Asset finance specialist Nicola Walker is another important point of contact.

Practice head(s):

John Connor; Graham Jeffries


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Walker


Birketts LLP

Birketts LLP acts on behalf of large institutional lenders and alternative funds, as well as a broad range of borrower clients including corporates, developers, councils and other entities. Head of banking and finance Alex Schaafsma handles a broad range of transactions, with a focus on the real estate sector. Real estate finance practice head Devreaux Gravell has a wealth of experience acting on both lender and borrower-side bilateral and syndicated transactions. The arrival of Tom Berisford from Osborne Clarke LLP in September 2023 bolstered the team at partner level, while legal director Susan Mitchell joined from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in the same month.

Practice head(s):

Alex Schaafsma; Devreaux Gravell


Other key lawyers:

Tom Berisford; Susan Mitchell; Lottie Fletcher; Kathryn Palmer


Testimonials

‘This banking and finance practice distinguishes itself through an unparalleled blend of industry-specific knowledge, forward-thinking strategies, and a client-focused approach that prioritises tailored financial solutions. Potential clients, especially those navigating the complexities of modern financial markets, would be interested in the team’s deep sector expertise, their innovative approach to financial legal challenges, and how these strengths set them apart from other firms.’

Key clients

Triple Point Capital


Lloyds Bank plc


HSBC Bank Plc


Metro Bank PLC


TTP Group plc


National Westminster Bank plc/Royal Bank of Scotland


One Savings Bank trading as Kent Reliance


Santander plc


OakNorth Bank plc


Comerica Bank


OCS UK &I Limited (formerly Atalian Servest Limited)


Cripps

Recommended for its ‘great breadth of expertise’, Cripps is home to a banking and finance practice group which is adept at advising both borrowers and lenders on all forms of financing including acquisition finance, asset finance and real estate finance work. Experienced banking and finance practitioner Craig Bowers is recommended for his ‘excellent service’ and jointly spearheads the practice in conjunction with Noel Ruddy, who is a specialist for receivables finance matters, and Dawn Shadwell, who is praised as an ‘attentive listener who is willing to explore a range of solutions where possible and assess the relevant risks’, and lends her expertise to asset based lending, invoice finance and acquisition finance mandates. Julie Hughes is notable for acquisition finance work, particularly on behalf of real estate borrower clients, while Victoria Symons is an expert in funds matters.

Practice head(s):

Craig Bowers; Noel Ruddy; Dawn Shadwell


Other key lawyers:

Julie Hughes; Victoria Symons


Testimonials

‘Great breadth of expertise, good networks outside of the firm for other professional advisers, flexible and responsive, understand pressures we are under and feel like an extension of the core team.’

‘Personable, flexible, good ideas, problem solvers.’

‘Craig Bowers in particular provides exceptional service.’

‘The firm has worked closely with us to develop a suitable service to enable the execution and registration of security document in support of lending facilities we have provided. They have also worked closely with us and provided appropriate and relevant advice and guidance when we have had to seek recourse on default debt facilities.’

‘Dawn Shadwell is an attentive listener who is willing to explore a range of solutions where possible and assess the relevant risks. Consistent in approach.’

‘Craig Bowers is extremely experienced with the lenders documentation and is vary familiar with what we will, and will not, accept.’

Key clients

CH1 Investment Partners LLP


Peer Holdings


Close Brothers Limited


Holiday Extras Investments


TBH Property Holdings Ltd


The Conduit


Santander UK PLC


Paydens


HSBC


ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance N.V.


Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited


Bibby Group


BNP Paribas Commercial Finance Limited


Close Invoice Finance Limited


eCapital Commercial Finance Limited


FSE Group


Investec Group


Nucleus Group


Pulse Cashflow Finance Limited


Pulse Outsource Limited


Adept technology Group


Greymoor Holdings


Chapel Down Group


UKGI Group


Sahara Group


C. Hoare & Co Private Bank


B.P. March & Company Limited


HiiROC Limited


Work highlights


  • Provided a large Investment Fund with regulatory and structuring advice on numerous alternative investment fund structures for high-net-worth investors.
  • Advised a long standing real estate investor client on refinances.
  • Acting for a financier on a £6m receivable finance facility for a company specialising in the wholesale of food products and confectionary.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Field Seymour Parkes LLP routinely handles a broad range of work including corporate finance, acquisition finance, private equity and project finance mandates across the real estate, motor manufacturing and technology sectors. Practice head Alex Illingworth predominantly acts for major clearing banks, private investors and corporate clients on the full range of complex financing facilities. Legal director Daniel Barnhouse devotes much of his practice to representing bank lender clients and private equity houses, alongside other institutional investors.

Practice head(s):

Alex Illingworth


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Barnhouse


Testimonials

‘Alex Illingworth inspires trust due to the proactive approach she takes. I view Alex as part of our team.’

‘The FSP team develops long term and close relationships with clients. They are able to bring in additional expertise from inside FSP and externally when required. The team understands the drivers of our fund and the way in which we invest and are able to act quickly to find a solution that will work for us.’

‘An experienced team who always look to deliver proactive support and add value to the transaction. Alex Illingworth understands the balance required between legal protections and common sense to bring transactions to a successful conclusion.’

‘Easy access to and collaborative working with partners across various disciplines who can deliver prompt, reliable and practical advice.’

‘Highly personable and professional, with the ability to balance legal requirements with the commercial situation.’

‘Alex Illingworth commands respect in the Reading business community and has a long established record. Along with the wider team, she has the skill set and approachability that we need.’

‘An outward looking, dynamic team of legal experts with a keen interest in the economic growth of the Thames Valley.’

‘They are a pragmatic team. They work together well and seem to communicate within the team well. They appreciate the importance of deadlines and keeping the client updated.’

Key clients

Santander UK PLC


HSBC UK Bank PLC


Honda Finance Europe Plc


National Westminster Bank Plc


Secure Trust Bank PLC


BGF


Bewley Homes PLC


Credit Agricole Brie Picardie


On Direct Business Services Limited


OakNorth Bank PLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Private Equity Investor on finance documents for investment with value in excess of £40m.
  • Advised a bank on £8.5m loan to six connected borrowers, to refinance a portfolio of properties.
  • Advised a private lender on conversion of loan notes with value in excess of £68m.

Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal has a strong private equity and acquisition finance practice, acting for many of the major regional sponsors on a broad range of transactions. The group is also adept at both corporate banking and real estate finance work, acting for banks and corporate borrowers in the space. Patrick Long heads up the team based in Reading, garnering praise as ‘an excellent banking lawyer with first-class networking and communication skills’. Anna Mayfield is a key contact as the national head, while Rebecca North advises on leveraged transactions and commercial and corporate lending, as well as real estate finance mandates.

Practice head(s):

Anna Mayfield


Other key lawyers:

Patrick Long; Rebecca North


Testimonials

‘A highly competent firm of lawyers.’

‘Patrick Long is an excellent banking lawyer with first class networking and communication skills.’

‘The team has a great knowledge. They resource the project appropriately and will help us to complete on time. Each member of the team have a friendly manner and good knowledge.’

Key clients

Babble Cloud Holdings Limited


Metro Bank Plc


OakNorth Bank


Brown Brothers Harriman


Network Space


Aldermore Bank


LDC


YFM PE


Santander


Secure Trust Bank


Work highlights


  • Acted for Babble and its subsidiaries on three separate corporate acquisitions in the Telecoms, Media & Technology sector.
  • Acted for LDC in relation to its acquisition of specialist database, cloud and applications managed service provider DSP and then further acquisition of Canada-based Eclipsys Solutions (Eclipsys) to grow its Oracle Cloud services offering and expand its geographical presence in North America.

Paris Smith LLP

Paris Smith LLP splits its banking and finance department across acquisition finance, property finance and project and asset finance teams. Acting for retail banking groups, house builders and developers on real estate finance-related work is a core pillar of the ‘very efficient’ group’s practice, as well as advising UK clearing and challenger banks on leveraged finance issues, debt facilities and working capital facilities. Practice head James McNeil is a key name for all aspects of acquisition, asset, project and property finance transactions. Jonathan Roy has a wealth of experience in M&A and private equity transactions and specialises in acquisition finance mandates.

Practice head(s):

James McNeil


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Roy


Testimonials

‘Highly competent lawyers with an excellent profile in the Solent region.’

‘James McNeil is an excellent corporate lawyer with first rate knowledge but also a high degree of commerciality allied to strong networking skills.’

‘The banking team are very efficient and easy to deal with. The advice is always clear and helpful. ’

‘James McNeil is very dependable and easy to work with. ’

Key clients

Interbay Funding Ltd


Hampshire Trust Bank plc


OakNorth Bank plc


Santander UK plc


Castle Trust Capital Plc


Hampshire Sport and Leisure Holdings Limited


Haskins Garden Centres Limited


Hilliers Nurseries Limited


Stelling Properties Limited and Unilife Limited


National Westminster Bank plc / The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Big Sur (High Street 31) Limited on its funding arrangements with Investec Bank PLC.
  • Advised Castle Trust Capital plc on a £9m bespoke investment facility to enable a borrower to fund the refinance of its 131-bed purpose built student accommodation block situated in Nottingham.
  • Advised a OakNorth Bank plc on a £6.5m facility enabling a borrower to refinance its portfolio of commercial retail sites in Winchester.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is known in the marketplace for providing specialist advice to clearing and overseas banks on the full range of project, real estate and leveraged finance issues. Recognised for his ‘clear, commercial advice and guidance’, John Chater heads up the practice group and routinely dispenses advice to commercial banks, specialist debt funds and alternative lenders on acquisition finance, leverage finance, real estate investment finance, development finance, loan servicing and general corporate banking matters. Andrew Rushfirth is another important port of call and acts on a broad range of lender and borrower-side mandates.

Practice head(s):

John Chater


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Rushfirth


Testimonials

‘The team are commercial in their approach, provide concise and clear explanations of any issues that may present and engage across all levels. They are clearly knowledgeable, experienced and capable individuals in their field.’

‘John Chater is considered a key partner to my team – he provides clear, commercial advice and guidance; keeps us appraised throughout progress of a transaction and works with us to achieve agreed timelines. His team are also a key support and engage with all members of the bank’s team professionally and proactively.’

‘The team consistently operate in a professional manner with a strong understanding of the commercial real estate sector. We have worked with the team on a number of transactions in recent years and will continue to do so in the future given the efficient and reliable service.’

‘We have worked with John Chater, Partner on the Banking & Finance Team, on several transactions and have been impressed with his sensible, responsive and approachable nature which has assisted in progressing transactions and delivering good outcomes.’

‘Small, competent team of lawyers who work together efficiently and their capabilities are complementary. Manage availability and stand-in effectively.’

‘Very fast response times. Have the capability to describe critical contractual points in an understandable way and suggest suitable solutions in case of disputes.’

‘I think for us as a company we know we can pass complex work to John Chater and his team at very short notice and they will get to work on it straight away. If there’s any advice needed, I can always pick up the phone and call John or his team and receive good advice.’

Key clients

Mathematical Market Research Limited


HSBC UK Bank plc


The Magic Bean Co. Ltd


AIB Group (UK) Plc


B.I.G Finance Limited


Saudi Arabia Investment and Manufacturing Group


Treveth Holdings LLP


Bank of China


Carver Group Limited


Frontier Development Capital Limited


Lucy Group


Work highlights


  • Represented HSBC UK Bank Plc in facilitating a £15m term loan for the UK subsidiary of an international renewable energy and hydrogen producer.
  • Assisting AIB Group (UK) Plc with its complex £30m facility to a group operating in the self-storage sector. The facility allowed the group to accelerate complete on a number of acquisitions.
  • Acting for Saudi Arabian Investment and Manufacturing Group on the refinancing of a CHF150m Murabaha Margin Financing Agreement from Credit Suisse to Citibank London Branch.

Trethowans LLP

Trethowans LLP‘s team of ‘genuine banking and finance specialists’ draws on the wider expertise of the firm’s real estate, corporate, agricultural, and insolvency teams to provide a comprehensive service across acquisition finance, development finance, receivables and asset based lending, debt restructuring and Islamic finance mandates. The ‘outstanding’ Steve Cole lends his expertise to complex commercial and property finance matters, as well as Islamic compliant funding structures. Nick Gent is an important port of call for the entire gamut of corporate finance work.

Practice head(s):

Steve Cole


Other key lawyers:

Nick Gent


Testimonials

‘I really value the expertise of the team, genuine banking and finance specialists are few and far between and its comforting to know that Trethowans are able to draw on their expertise ’

‘This team is able to bring elegant and simple banking solutions to what often appear to be complex or even insurmountable problems.’

‘Steve Cole is outstanding. Not only is he a fantastic lawyer, he is always super responsive and ensures his team produce documentation in a timely fashion.’

Key clients

Just Develop It Limited


Shareholders of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Limited


Onyx Asset Finance Limited & Onyx Development Finance Limited


West 28th Street Limited


Doorway Capital Limited


HSBC Bank plc


MSP Capital Ltd


West 28th Street Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for an acquirer on the multi-million-pound financing of the acquisition of a group of companies in the cyber security sector
  • Assisting with banking related matters as part of the sale of the entire issued share capital of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Limited to Britvic Soft Drinks Limited.
  • Acting for lender Onyx on funding arrangements in an aggregate amount in excess of £51m, focusing on development and asset finance.

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP is equally adept advising both lenders and borrowers and places particular emphasis on work arising out of the healthcare and real estate sectors. Contentious banking and finance matters, including the mis-selling of interest rate derivatives and LIBOR rigging, is a key specialism of the ‘very professional’ team. Corporate banking head and health care sector expert Rich Eldridge is a key name for loan, security and inter-creditor arrangements. Joseph Campbell leads on the real estate finance front and lends his expertise to all aspects of secured lending real estate work.

Practice head(s):

Rich Eldridge; Joseph Campbell


Other key lawyers:

Kristian Johnson


Testimonials

‘Good client relations.’

‘Always willing to help and act promptly.’

‘The team at Clarke Willmott are very professional and do all they can to advise and support our needs. We were able to complete the transaction on plan and I was very grateful for their support in achieving this.’

Key clients

The Stafford Hotel Limited


Higher Drive Nursing Home (Holdings) Limited


Boys & Girls Nursery Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising The Stafford Hotel Limited on finance to be provided by three lenders. The finance is to be provided by two senior lenders and a mezzanine lender.
  • Advised Higher Drive Nursing Home (Holdings) Limited on changes to the terms of its financing by Triodos Bank UK Limited.
  • Advising Boys & Girls Nursery Holdings Limited on four loan facilities. The loan facilities will refinance existing debt, finance an acquisition, finance a development and refinance the new development loans after the development has been completed.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore acts for lenders and borrowers alike on the full suite of financing transactions including secured lending structures and asset finance, project finance and acquisition finance mandates, as well as loan note structures and deferred consideration arrangements. Joanne Gallagher and Matthew Grogan jointly lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Joanne Gallagher; Matthew Grogan


Other key lawyers:

Laura Keatley; Faye Cook


Testimonials

‘Committed team. Easy communication. Staff are approachable and communication is smooth. This is very important to us as a client when deals need to be closed in a limited time frame.’

‘Having used the firm for several years now, I have always been impressed by their prompt response and communication. I also like that rather than present a problem and ask what I want to do, they will advise what the problem is, advise what solutions there might be and then recommend one with the reasoning why.’

‘The TSP team are highly professional and work incredibly well together by providing a full position together rather than have a siloed approach with piecemeal updates. The level of knowledge is excellent and the humans you are dealing with are consistently looking to do the right thing which is why they are consistently excellent.’

Key clients

Close Brothers Limited


Paragon Development Finance Limited


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Tarn & Co Limited


Aldermore Bank Limited


Paragon Development Finance Limited


Quantum Development Finance Limited


Invest & Fund


Commercial Acceptances Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Close Brothers Limited in respect of development loan facility of £32.5m for the construction of over 400 residential units in Kent following the completion of phase one works for the construction of 350 residential units and new school.
  • Advised Paragon Development Finance Limited on a £30.7m revolving loan facility to a special purpose vehicle owned by the Earl of Arundel.
  • Advised Quantum Development Finance Limited in respect of a loan facility of £14m to refinance three separate developments sites for the same borrower which was in the process of refinancing its portfolio.