Addleshaw Goddard continues to dominate the regional market and it has increased its headcount by adding James Washington and Catherine Raftery from Squire Patton Boggs and Walker Morris LLP respectively. The sizeable team has extensive expertise in leveraged and acquisition finance, as well as real estate finance. In addition, it has developed a strong presence acting for funders in finance transactions in the social housing sector. Corporate banking partner Andrew Fordham, who 'always offers comprehensive and realistic advice', has over 15 years of experience acting for UK and overseas sponsors, borrowers and lenders. Nick Barlow is an authority on social, sustainable and green finance. Managing associates Thomas Ward, Geoff McGinley and Tom McHugh are also of note.
Banking and finance in Yorkshire And The Humber
Addleshaw Goddard
Practice head(s):
Andrew Fordham
Other key lawyers:
James Washington; Catherine Raftery; Nick Barlow; Thomas Ward; Geoff McGinley; Tom McHugh
Testimonials
‘Excellent availability and service focus, pragmatic approach, straightforward communication.’
‘The most notable thing about AG’s Leeds team is that it isn’t just highly skilled but also has got a huge amount of breadth and depth. They’ve got way more depth than any of their peers outside London. Plus the thing that they do better is consistency, regardless of who is working on the transaction.’
‘Everyone at Addleshaw Goddard is very authentic and approachable and genuinely nice people to deal with regardless of seniority. This is refreshing in an industry where this cannot be said about many. They truly believe in developing relationships with clients as opposed to just seeking further billing opportunities and again this is refreshing.’
‘Nick Barlow – senior partner but always very approachable and available to provide informal advice and counsel on any matters pre/post deal. Provides considered and pragmatic advice and seeks solutions and importantly speaks clear English- always essential for non legal experts! Nick has tremendous sector knowledge and always delivers a good outcome for clients.’
‘Straightforward and down to earth, offering realistic advice and good value for money. Regular contact throughout the deal process ensuring all issues addressed promptly.’
‘Andrew Fordham (partner)- Genuine desire to get the deal done on time and on budget. Always responds to questions and issues promptly. Always offers comprehensive and realistic advice.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
Aviva Investors
Santander UK PLC
William Jackson Food Group Limited
Daniel Thwaites PLC
Harvey Nash Group Limited
Glide Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised William Jackson Food Group on its refinancing with Barclays Bank PLC, being a significant transaction for the Group and its new chief financial officer, Monica Turner.
- Advised Harvey Nash Group on its financing of the acquisition of technology recruitment business Latitude 36 Inc in the US, being part of the Group’s strategic growth in North America, making the combined business one of the 50 largest IT staffing companies in the US.
- Acting for NatWest Bank as the lenders on Renew Holdings plc’s acquisition of Agger Limited and Carnell Support Services Limited.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper's team 'combines experience, commerciality and hard work to great effect' and is recommended for advice on real estate finance, project finance and asset-based lending. Kirstie Allerton, who focuses on real estate finance and education sector finance, assists lenders and borrowers with development facilities and specific project finance matters. Sarah Day acts for UK banks, US banks and finance companies in structured asset-based lending transactions. Legal director Ben Roden focuses on corporate lending to national and international entities, and has additional experience in project finance transactions and restructurings. Fellow directors Robert Cockburn and Laura Gordon have expertise in energy and infrastructure finance. Anna Robson departed for Shoosmiths LLP in late 2020.
Practice head(s):
Kirstie Allerton; Sarah Day
Other key lawyers:
Robert Cockburn; Ben Roden; Laura Gordon
Testimonials
‘DLA Piper know their clients and take the time to understand our needs, wants and nice-to-haves! Each team member plays to their strengths and they combine experience, commerciality and hard work to great effect. Long may it continue!’
Key clients
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
National Australia Bank
Aviva Commercial Finance Limited
Henry Boot PLC
NatWest Bank plc
Town Centre Securities plc
Work highlights
- Advised NatWest as agent and security trustee for a syndicate of six lenders (including NatWest, Ulster Bank, AIB, LBBW, Santander, and Siemens Bank) in connection with the multicurrency loan and letter of credit facilities provided to Dublin-based renewable energy firm NTR (Project Spur).
- Completed a £55m financing by DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale to four special purpose vehicles (SPVs) owned by client, Hines Global Income Trust to finance a portfolio of four logistics properties, including a Royal Mail sorting warehouse in Edinburgh, a Charles Tyrwhitt distribution centre in Bristol and other distribution centres in Milton Keynes and Wakefield.
- Advised Aviva Commercial Finance on refinancing of an existing £39.9m facility agreement to L & C Commercial Limited, part of London & Cambridge Properties, a leading privately owned investment and property management company.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's team has a 'deep understanding of the sector and market trends', and it is also noted for its 'sophisticated approach to negotiations'. Kathryn Walters leads the group, which advises listed companies and the region's largest corporate borrowers on the largest facilities across the full range of financing transactions. Walters specialises in leveraged and structured finance, structured real estate investment finance and structured ABL/invoice finance. Corporate lending specialist Paul Castle, who is an authority in education finance, has a strong client following among universities and further education colleges. David Parry and Susan Ledger are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Kathryn Walters
Other key lawyers:
Paul Castle; David Parry; Susan Ledger
Testimonials
‘The team is very consistent, from the partners who front the transactions, to the detailed up front questioning of the transaction. This detailed questioning is where the firm sets itself apart, allowing a scope of work (and price) which sees few surprises, with no ‘fee creep’ during the transaction. The quality of legal work, and the ability to bring in experts within a particular field from across the Eversheds’ staff, is also particularly impressive.’
‘The banking team is very detailed in its approach. Paul Castle and Kathryn Walters particularly begin any transaction/quotation with detailed questioning, clearly articulating (and probing) key risk areas and areas of less concern, using good examples to further explain the legal position. They are approachable and friendly.’
‘Kathryn Walters leads the engagements undertaken by Eversheds for the bank. Her experience and technical knowledge is stand out among her peers whilst also explaining the commercial rationale for legal points.’
‘Deep understanding of the sector, market trends, deal comps. Sophisticated approach to negotiations – with borrower and with borrowers legal advisors.’
‘Excellent levels of service – people you can trust to do an excellent job -Good partner engagement when appropriate- not always evident with other law firms.’
‘Paul Castle – very knowledgeable, accessible, provides a balanced and informed view based on experience in sector, very clear explanations if we as clients need further clarification. A pleasure to work with.’
‘The team were pragmatic, responsive and had a practical approach to dealing with our banking requirements.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
DFS Furniture plc
Cranswick plc
Harworth Group plc
Globus Group
Santander UK plc
UK Land Estates
British Business Bank
Virgin Money (previously Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank)
Work highlights
- Acted for UK Land Estates in connection with a refinancing of its facilities with HSBC UK Bank plc, Santander UK plc and Barclays Bank PLC.
- Acted for Harworth Group in relation to a refinancing of its debt facilities with a club of banks.
- Advising Clydesdale Bank plc in providing debt facilities in relation to H2 Equity Partners investment in Dales Engineering Limited.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP‘s team in Leeds with other offices to advise clients on a wide range of debt finance offerings, including those involving asset-based lending, structured finance and securitisations. It also undertakes Islamic finance work, education financing and mandates from alternative financial institutions and challenger banks. The group includes Matthew Clayton-Stead, whose practice spans high value corporate and structure finance. Stephen Woods heads up the national derivatives team and he also advises several insurers and reinsurers. Sean Houlihan lends complementary real estate finance support.
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Clayton-Stead; Stephen Woods; Sean Houlihan
Testimonials
‘The team we deal with, led by Matthew Clayton-Stead, have a first class knowledge of the sector and how the bank operates and this make him and his team a pleasure to work with.’
‘Excellent mix of experienced partners and associates, supported by capable junior team members. Able to access the wider Pinsents’ network across a range of legal disciplines and able to deploy those resources to good effect when required.’
‘Professional and personable. Draws on wider regional expertise when required. Works well between offices. No technology issues – processes and signings have been smooth.’
‘Excellent balance between professional and personable. Always approachable, regular engagement.’
Key clients
Beechbrook Capital LLP
Homes England
HSBC UK Bank Plc
HSBC Invoice Finance (UK) Limited
Lloyds Bank Plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
OakNorth Bank plc
Santander UK Plc
Zurich Assurance Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised ALK Capital on the financing of their acquisition of Premier League football team, Burnley FC. This was the first major acquisition of a Premier League side by external investors in almost five years and one of the most significant corporate projects within sport in 2020.
- Advised Zurich Assurance Ltd on their first major longevity transaction. It insured longevity risks relating to the pension scheme of a FTSE 100 company and reinsured the majority share of the risks to Hannover Re.
- Advised Homes England in relation to a new ‘loan to lend’ facility whereby they made available a £25m loan to Invest & Fund for Invest & Fund to on-lend to SME developers to fund the development of residential housing.
Walker Morris LLP
Michael Taylor leads the banking team at Walker Morris LLP, which is an ‘excellent legal firm with top quality professionals’. Taylor is a recognised figure in the North East region, and is noted for advising banks and corporate borrowers on all aspects of corporate banking and debt finance. He advised Santander UK Bank in relation to the provision of £10m trade finance facilities to British Steel in Scunthorpe shortly following its acquisition out of liquidation by the Chinese based Jingye Group. Peter Considine is an expert in syndicated, complex and cross-border financings and investment fund finance. In September 2021 the team team was joined by Philip Scott, who previously led Pinsent Masons LLP' Yorkshire banking team.
Practice head(s):
Michael Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Peter Considine; Philip Scott
Testimonials
‘Excellent legal firm with top quality professionals.’
‘My day to day contact is with Michael Taylor and Peter Considine, both banking partners. They are both strong and knowledgeable on the banking and finance sector.’
‘Both Michael and Peter have excellent market insight and are aware of all changes in banking regulations and drafting.’
‘Collaborative and problem solving, particularly when working alongside other lenders advisors.’
‘Peter Considine – measured and intelligent. Takes ownership to project manage and ensure tight timescales are always delivered.’
Key clients
Santander
Yorkshire Bank
Strata Homes
Servelec Group plc
Proactis Holdings Plc
Moolmoor Investments Limited
Pelsis
Hargreaves Services Plc
Moorgarth Retail limited
Endless LLP
Work highlights
- Advising EVO Business Supplies in connection with the raising of £90,000,000 syndicated multi-currency asset based lending facilities.
- Acted for Marshalls Plc in connection with the provision of £90,000,000 of additional facilities from its existing club of banks in three bilateral, but simultaneous, transactions.
- Advised Proactis Holdings Plc on putting in place significant amendments to its £45m term and revolving facilities with HSBC Bank plc demonstrating our significant international network and cross-border capability.
Clarion
Clarion provides 'excellent value for money' and its team has a 'proven ability to deliver to tight timescales taking a commercial and practical approach'. The practice has a strong regional market presence in real estate and development finance. The 'outstanding' Marie Pugh advises on a variety of banking transactions on behalf of mainstream banks, challenger banks, alternative lenders, asset-based lenders and invoice discounters. 'Client friendly and pragmatic' partner Ben Slack specialises in asset-based lending, while Philip Dine leads on property finance mandates.
Practice head(s):
Marie Pugh
Other key lawyers:
Ben Slack; Philip Dine
Testimonials
‘The finance team provides excellent value for money, providing the same quality of advice as bigger and more expensive firms.’
‘Worked with Ben Slack on a refinancing with very tight deadline. He was very client-friendly and provided pragmatic advice and solutions.’
‘Great work ethic with a proven ability to deliver to tight timescales taking a commercial and practical approach.’
‘Marie Pugh – Outstanding partner who leads a strong team in the banking arena. Marie runs a high volume high deal doing unit with a large variation of transactions running across the team.’
‘Clarion’s banking and finance team are our go to supplier for lender side work. Service is second to none, and transaction deadlines met or exceeded on a regular basis. Direct access to partners is also valued.’
‘Partner, Ben Slack provides an excellent service, both on deals he is directly engaged on, plus providing real time information on his teams work.’
Key clients
Aldermore Bank plc
Reward Finance Group (Reward Capital Limited and Reward Invoice Finance Limited)
Thincats (ESF Loans Limited, TC Loans 1 Limited, TC Loans II Limited and TC CBILS Funding Limited)
Hampshire Trust Bank plc
TFG Capital Limited
HSBC Bank plc
Reparo Finance Limited
Momentum Finance Group Investments Limited
Secure Trust Bank plc
Skipton Business Finance Limited
Ultimate Finance Limited
Shawbrook Bank Limited
Fresh Thinking Capital Limited
ABLrate Assets Limited
4Syte Limited
Breal Zeta CF
Optimum SME Finance Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Thincats (TC CBILS Funding Limited) in relation to two connected CLBILS loan facilities to borrower WRW Construction Limited to support working capital requirements.
- Acted for Aldermore Bank, the lender on a re-finance of a portfolio of 175 student properties in Hull.
- Acted for Chameleon Technology Holding as the borrower, on a unitranche facility for the purpose of an MBO to support growth.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is 'an exceptional law firm', whose team has 'unsurpassed knowledge' across the full scope of banking transactions. Recent work has seen the group support borrower and lender clients with facility waivers, CBILS and CLBILS loan facilities and associated inter-creditor matters related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Paddy Sturman, who is 'respected by his peers', is an authority on syndicated and club financings, as well as bilateral facilities. Senior associate Robert Farrell is a name to note for affordable housing finance transactions and loan and security arrangements with charities.
Practice head(s):
Paddy Sturman
Other key lawyers:
Robert Farrell
Testimonials
‘Exceptional law firm, right up there with best worked with in 20 years. Knowledge is unsurpassed, ability to focus on salient points hugely helpful in matters being dealt with expediently and correctly. ’
‘Paddy Sturman has a reputation among banks that enables us (as his client) to negotiate the best possible arrangement. Respected by his peers and certainly the leading banking lawyer I have worked with.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
Santander UK plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
ICG-Longbow
Bank J. Safra Sarasin (Gibraltar) Ltd, London Branch
Lloyds Bank plc
Octopus Property
ThinCats
HSBC USA
Deutsche Hypothekenbank
Work highlights
- Advised National Clearing Bank on the provision of £40,000,000 term facilities in connection with two significant Manchester city centre real estate assets.
- Advised ICG Alternative Investments in relation to the provision of a £90.7m syndicated term loan facility to refinance debt secured against a significant property portfolio across London.
- Advised Lloyds Bank on a £50m revolving facility to a significant Midlands-based national housebuilder which was shortly followed by a subsequent £30m loan facility made available pursuant to the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP, which has a well-balanced borrower and lender practice, acts for regional institutional lenders and Yorkshire-based borrowers on a variety of structured transactions. Tim McNamara 'ably leads' advice on real estate finance lending transactions, COVID-related financial support and corporate and leveraged banking. Judy Fawcett is recommended for her property finance expertise. Anna Robson, who joined from DLA Piper, strengthens the firm's leveraged finance offering and lends additional expertise in private equity and venture debt.
Practice head(s):
Tim McNamara
Other key lawyers:
Judy Fawcett; Anna Robson
Testimonials
‘Very strong understanding of lender requirements and the art of the possible. Clear advice and able stewardship of the borrowing process.’
‘Tim McNamara ably leads and makes financing as painless as possible.’
Key clients
Cinnamon Care Capital
Net1 International Holdings AS
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Moorfield Group Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Cinnamon Care Capital and subsidiaries in relation to a £12.5m loan facility provided by Fortwell Capital in July 2020 and its subsequent increase to £65m in December 2020.
- Advised Net1 International Holdings AS and its subsidiaries in connection with the amendment and restatement to increase its existing facilities by $35.4m arranged by Gemcorp Capital LLP.
- Advised funds managed by Moorfield Group Limited in relation to the provision of a £12m secured loan facility by a major high street lender. The loan facility was provided to refinance a recently acquired portfolio of residential assets.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs' group demonstrates strong regional, national and cross-border expertise in acquisition finance, real estate investment and development finance and asset-based lending. It also works closely with the pensions team to offer complementary advice on PPF matters, debt finance aspects of pensions matters and liability driven investment mandates. Key partners include Tom Telford for asset based lending; real estate finance specialist Nicholas Bell and the 'very pragmatic and efficient' Jeremy Ladyman, who focuses on treasury and derivatives and regulatory work.
Practice head(s):
Tom Telford; Nicholas Bell; Jeremy Ladyman
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic team who continue to bring good people through their business.’
‘Jeremy Ladyman – very pragmatic and efficient.’
Key clients
Global Autocare Holding Limited
Vp plc
Clydesdale Bank plc (Trading as Yorkshire Bank)
Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited
Primo Water Corporation
Zeus Capital Limited
King Topco Limited
Customade Group
Ligentia Group Holdings Limited
H2 Equity Partners / RAM Bidco Limited
IG Markets Limited
Huntington Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Vp on a Note Purchase Agreement with Pricoa and the amendment of Vp’s existing Revolving Credit Facility with a club of banks.
- Acting for H2 Equity Partners and newco on the acquisition of Remote Access Management Limited.
- Advising Nimbus Ltd in relation to its acquisition of the majority of the Customade Group out of administration.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
John Connor leads the banking practice at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP which specialises in real estate, corporate and public finance. Clients include lenders from high street banks, private equity investors, and local and national government bodies, as well as corporate borrowers. Connor's practice encompasses the sale of loans and securities, restructuring of existing facilities, property finance, corporate debt structures and invoice finance facilities. Mark Casey is also of note.
Practice head(s):
John Connor
Other key lawyers:
Mark Casey
Testimonials
‘John Connor is a partner with good client focus, delegates well and always there if needed.’
‘They have a collaborative approach to deals, bringing in a specialist when required to deliver speedy solutions.’
‘John Connor – banking partner: pragmatic, considered, creative at problem solving, easy to access for guidance.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank PLC
Clydesdale Bank plc / Yorkshire Bank / Virgin Money
Lloyds Bank plc
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Cairngorm Capital
LDC
NorthEdge Capital
Endless LLP
Grainger PLC
Work highlights
- Advised HBSC UK Bank plc in connection with a £30m revolving facility to Hill Marshall LLP, a joint venture vehicle jointly owned by Hill Residential Limited and Marshall Group Properties Limited.
- Acted for LDC in connection with its acquisition of Lomond Group and exit and reinvestment in Linley & Simpson to create a national lettings and estate agency group, with over 22,000 properties under management.
- Continuing to act for the Ministry for Homes, Communities and Local Government in relation to legal matters relating to the design and delivery of the £1bn Building Safety Fund. This includes drafting the grant documentation and working with its delivery partner, the Greater London Authority in connection with the operation of the fund.
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has a notable background acting for lenders and borrowers on corporate refinancings, as well as acquisition finance and real estate finance transactions. It also undertakes banking and finance work connected with the education, healthcare, agriculture and shipping sectors. Practice head Nick Scott, Mark Davies and Andrew Oliver are key figures in the 'friendly and approachable' team.
Practice head(s):
Nick Scott
Other key lawyers:
Mark Davies; Andrew Olive
Testimonials
‘Friendly and approachable, provide a scope of work included when quoting, which is of great assistance when communicating to clients.’
‘Regular contact, more than just a professional relationship.’
‘Mark Davis has complex loan knowledge.’
Work highlights
- Advised SMS Towage Limited on the refinance of existing facilities and additional lending for the purchase of two additional vessels which were registered on the Dutch Flag.
- Advised First Response Group Limited on the refinance of their existing invoice discounting facilities.
Schofield Sweeney
Schofield Sweeney's banking team, which is led by Manjit Virdee, is increasingly active in secured real estate finance, asset-based lending, development funding and invoice finance matters. Virdee is supported by Karen Crutchley, who advises private lenders on peer-to-peer lending for new business start-ups, as well as real estate bridging finance.
Practice head(s):
Manjit Virdee
Other key lawyers:
Karen Crutchley
Key clients
Santander UK PLC
HSBC Bank UK PLC
Shawbrook Bank Limited
United Trust Bank Limited
Recognise Bank
Key Fund Investments
National Westminster Bank PLC
Fresh Thinking Capital Limited
Svenka Handelsbanken
Lloyds Bank PLC
Rotary Development Limited
Avtar Properties
Work highlights
- Acted for Santander Bank on CBils loan for business acquisition and working capital on the dispensing of retail pharmacy and completed confidentially given other significant interest in the portfolio
- Acted for various lenders in checking loan agreements and securitisation documents prior to submission to recoveries teams by the banks for event of defaults.
- Acted for HSBC Bank in respect of loan advance to banks customer for funding for business acquisition and we were required to report on a Share Purchase Agreement between sellers and buyers for funds to be drawn.
Ward Hadaway LLP
Ward Hadaway is particularly adept at real estate, development finance and peer-to-peer lending transactions. Practice head Mark Smith regularly acts for UK and non-UK banks, peer-to-peer lending platforms and borrowers on a range of financing and banking matters. David Pridmore and Lucinda Peters are recommended for property finance advice.
Practice head(s):
Mark Smith
Other key lawyers:
David Pridmore; Lucinda Peters
Key clients
Bank of China
Epta Development Corporation a Canadian Real Estate Developer
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
South Yorkshire Pensions Authority
Santander
Barclays Bank
Northumberland Estates Limited
Royal Bank of Scotland Group
Clydesdale Bank
Brown Shipley
Work highlights
- Advised Epta Development Corporation of Vancouver in relation to the negotiation of their funding of the acquisition of a 100 acre development site called Axis South West in Avonmouth, Bristol. The £18.6 million term loan funding was raised from Tikehau Capital to assist in the acquisition and to fund initial infrastructure works at the site.
- Acting for the Clearing Bank in ensuring finance facility for a UK based dental group.
- Acting for Bank of China (UK) limited in relation to a trade financing facility to a UK-based importer of Chinese manufactured goods.
Gateley Plc
Practice head(s):
Anna Mayfield
CMS
David Stanbridge is the main contact at CMS' Sheffield office. According to a client, he is 'a proactive and practical lawyer who understands the commercial side of legal banking'. Stanbridge, who acts for borrowers and lenders, specialises in real estate finance, asset-based finance, corporate lending and leveraged finance.
Practice head(s):
David Stanbridge
Testimonials
‘David is a proactive and practical lawyer who understands the commercial side of legal banking.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Al Islami UK (formerly ADIB (UK) Limited)
United Trust Bank Limited
Santander UK
TP Group plc
Titan Property Developments
Hegarty International
Lloyds Banking Group
ABC International Bank
Work highlights
- Advised the recently established Godfrey Barnes Care group on an internal reorganisation and related refinancing of their facilities with Santander as part of their growth journey.
- Acted for a number of SPVs related to Titan Property Developments’ negotiating their funding and security documents with their respective lenders (relating to property acquisition, property development and refinancings).
- Advising ABC International Bank plc in relation to the provision of a £20m development facility to Hadley Blackwall Yard Property Limited.
Gosschalks
Gosschalks, which has 'strength in depth', is highly regarded for its transactional lending practice. Paul Plaxton and Stephen Dillon jointly lead the group, whose work covers asset-based lending, bridging finance and general corporate banking work, with a primary focus on acting as counsel to lenders.
Practice head(s):
Paul Plaxton; Stephen Dillon
Testimonials
‘All the team are highly approachable, friendly and give us sound advice in language we can understand.’
‘The team at Gosschalks are really deal-focused and understand the need for both speed and pragmatism in getting a transaction completed. Always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘The Gosschalks banking and finance team has strength in depth, which gives them a strong competitive edge. The quality across the firm and specifically the property and litigation teams, makes the Gosschalks’ total product offering exceptional and best in class that we have found as an experienced lender.’
‘Paul Plaxton as the partner leads by example with both outstanding customer service and exceptional legal knowledge.’
Key clients
TFG Capital Limited / TFG Security Limited
One Stop Business Finance Limited
Inksmoor Capital Limited
Handelsbanken PLC
Lloyds Bank Plc
Work highlights
- Advising Handelsbanken PLC on strategy regarding circa £5.5m liabilities of an ex Lloyds of London agent.
- Instructed by TFG Capital No.2 Limited in connection with two proposed loans totalling £1,753,000 in aggregate in connection with the purchase by the borrower of a portfolio of 49 properties from LPA receivers.
- Instructed by One Stop Business Finance SPV Limited in connection with a proposed loan of £350,000 to assist the borrower in funding the purchase of a property and for general working capital purposes.
Lupton Fawcett
At Lupton Fawcett, Michael Kidd specialises in general corporate finance, acquisition finance and real estate finance (both investment and development), with additional expertise in leveraged and project finance.
Practice head(s):
Michael Kidd
Key clients
Lloyds Bank plc
Santander UK plc
Allied Irish Bank plc
Handelsbanken
Leeds Building Society
National Westminster Bank plc
Whitham Group
Coverings Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for new client Coverings Limited on its acquisition of Tile Giant Limited from Travis Perkins plc and its associated financing requirements.
- Acted for the management team of Whitham Group on their management buyout from Acceleris Capital, for which funding was provided by National Westminster Bank Plc and RBS Invoice Finance.
Wake Smith Solicitors Limited
At Wake Smith Solicitors Limited, Duncan Shepherd is the primary figure for transactional work and corporate refinancing. He has over 20 years of banking and finance experience. Neil Salter is recommended for commercial property and secured lending advice.
Practice head(s):
Duncan Shepherd
Other key lawyers:
Neil Salter
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
Clydesdale Bank t/a Yorkshire Bank
Handelsbanken
Work highlights
- Advised HSBC UK Bank on the provision of funding to a borrower for an £8.5m acquisition.
- Advised Yorkshire Bank on the provision of funding to a borrower to finance the purchase of a pub and restaurant business.
- Advised Clydesdale Bank on the secured lending aspects of the acquisition of a substantial area of agricultural land. The borrower was a farming company with significant property assets.