Clifford Chance’s real estate team integrates tax, financing, fund, regulatory, environmental and planning law expertise to provide a broad service to its clients. Its work ranges from development projects, leasing, construction, zoning, permitting or contaminated land questions to real estate financing and litigation. Key contact Henri d’Ursel leads the practice, and stands out for his expertise in acquisitions, sales, reorganisations and developments, focusing on significant real estate transactions in both the domestic and international markets. Pieter De Bock specialises in the ESG, environmental, planning and regulatory aspects of real estate transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have been provided with excellent and consistent advice over the years by Henri d'Ursel and his team. He is innovative, creative and commercial minded and has always provided excellent legal advice.’
‘Henri d'Ursel and his team are very knowledgeable in their field and are commercial minded. It also is of great assistance that they know the other players in their market very well and have a good rapport with them.’
‘The team is composed of efficient lawyers who can count on each other.’
‘Really good understanding of the business which helps a lot.’
‘Henri is pragmatic, trustworthy, and always goes the extra mile to help, no matter the complexity of the issue at hand. Alex Ooms is a problem-solver and his fiscal and commercial skills are very useful for the issues at hand.'
‘Strong multi-jurisdictional presence, high-quality work.’
‘Pieter De Bock is a seasoned real estate attorney. Extremely client focused and very knowledgeable.’
Key clients
- Allianz Real Estate GmbH
- ASHT Holding GmbH
- Atenor
- Atream
- Bassac
- Catella Real Estate AG
- Coca-Cola Services
- Ekopak
- Ethias
- Foncière des Practiciens
Work highlights
Advising Cityforward, SFPI/FPIM and Ethias on the tax and legal structuring of the acquisition from the EU Commission of their real estate portfolio, which includes 21 office buildings in Brussels, valued at around €1bn.
Advised Primonial REIM France on the acquisition of a significant part of the shares from Weerts Group and Ethias in the joint venture Weerts Logistic Parks Holding (WLPH).
Advised a sovereign wealth fund on the setting up of a pan-European platform aimed at investing circa €800m in hotel assets in Southern Europe.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Pieter De Bock
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Pieter De Bock
Practice head
Henri d'Ursel
Other key lawyers
Pieter De Bock; Alex Ooms