Rupert Weston > Burges Salmon LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

The hotels and leisure group at Burges Salmon LLP – spanning London, Bristol and Edinburgh – comprises of sector specialists from a range of legal disciplines, including employment, intellectual property, real estate and litigation. Instructed by various clients, ranging from investors, banks and lenders, to hotel owners and operators, developers and leisure-orientated companies, the team is well versed in M&A, financing, portfolio management advice and commercial arrangements. With significant expertise in corporate finance, Rupert Weston co-heads the hotels team, and is also heavily involved in the transport team, advising on M&A and joint ventures. Real estate lead Richard Read, co-heads the team with Weston, advising international and UK investors and occupiers. Splitting his time between London and Edinburgh is third co-head Robert Forman, who focuses on commercial property transactions. Katie Allen acts on finance transactions in the built environment and hotels sector.

The ‘extremely proactive’ and ‘competent’ practitioners at the Bristol-based corporate practice at Burges Salmon LLP are noted for their capabilities in energy and technology M&A. Beyond these sectors, the team is experienced in cross-border work in the hotels and leisure, education, healthcare and food and drink arenas. Practice co-chair Nick Graves – a key contact for the firm’s hotels and leisure work – is experienced in M&A, joint ventures, and corporate and regulatory advice pertaining to listing rules and takeover code. Fellow co-chair Rupert Weston is recommended for assistance with M&A, joint ventures, equity market transactions and regulatory issues. Richard Spink is highly praised for his ‘exceptional advice’ and ‘balanced and pragmatic advice.’ Other key figures include Dominic Davis, who specialises in corporate finance work; Mark Shepherd, who heads the private equity team and also advises public and private companies on various transactions; and Camilla Usher-Clark, who specialises in energy, power and utilities work. Chris Godfrey has now adopted a consultant role.

Burges Salmon LLP  acts for a robust client-base comprised of AIM-listed companies on fundraisings and other transactions, including public M&A, IPOs, secondary fundraisings, demergers and capital reorganisations. The team is also noted for its advice in relation to regulatory and compliance issues. Corporate expert Nick Graves leads the team alongside Rupert Weston, who focuses his practice on corporate finance and equity market transactions.

Widely praised by clients for their strength in depth, the ‘fantastic team’ at Burges Salmon LLP is a key port of call for a diverse range of blue-chip corporates, including a number of energy sector operators, tech companies, and private equity firms. Corporate practice chair Nick Graves regularly handles high-value transactions on behalf of a host of leading tech, manufacturing, and engineering companies, while ‘outstanding’ corporate finance partner Rupert Westonis noted for his capabilities in M&A and joint ventures, with recent highlights including major deals on behalf of wealth management firms and investment funds. Other key figures include private equity head Mark Shepherd; corporate and financial institutions lead Richard Spink, who is also sought out for his expertise in private equity-driven transactions; and Dominic Davis, experienced in both public and private company M&A. Alex Lloyd and Tim Roberts are noted for their work in the tech, education, and leisure sectors. Julie Book focuses on private wealth matters.