The multidisciplinary team at Bird & Bird LLP leverages its tech, data, IP and brand protection expertise to advise a host of well-known clients, spanning property owners, luxury hotel companies, and asset managers, as well as some of the largest restaurant chains in the domestic market, handling large share acquisitions, franchise agreements, real estate finance and consultancy service agreements, among other mandates. The team is steered by Karen Friebe who advises on real estate transactions, specialising in the acquisition, development and disposal of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury. James Salford advises on real estate and hotel finance, while Graeme Payne works with retail and consumer focused businesses on their domestic and international growth strategies. Matthew Vance is noted for his expertise in franchising, joint venture and management agreements, licensing and outsourcing issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Huge knowledge of the hotel, hospitality and leisure sector which gives additional confidence to its clients that they are the go-to people for sector specific advice.’
‘Karen Friebe - decades of experience, a true leader within the sector. James Salford - sector-specific knowledge and experience.’
‘James Salford is a longstanding expert in Hotels. His knowledge of the sector and key players in the industry is invaluable in executing transactions smoothly.’
‘Responsive, knowledgeable, diligent and proactive practice that engages with key issues within industry, immerses its lawyers in the issues that concern hotel operators and uses experience to leverage enhanced positions in negotiations. ’
‘James Fowler is conscientious, thorough and readily available to discuss complex issues without a full brief. He is approachable, responsive and treats all work, whatever its value, with the greatest care and respect. ’
‘Diverse team with a wide range of skill sets. Always well prepared, and ready to assist cross functionally across our business.’
‘Karen and Matthew are experts in their field, possessing a deep understanding of their practice. They consistently deliver results that meet clients' expectations, even when working under time pressure.’
‘Matthew epitomises the ideal team player – dedicated, patient, friendly, and firm in negotiations. He is truly stellar.’
Key clients
- Cadogan Estates
- Belmond
- Pret
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
- Allwyn
- Compass Group PLC
- Jet2.com Limited
- Nando’s
- Costa
Work highlights
- Advising Cadogan Estates on the negotiation of a consultancy services agreement to appoint a celebrity pastry chef to develop a new hotel.
- Advising Belmond in relation to their trade mark portfolio, with a focus on supporting the brand in the UK and EU.
- Acting for Leumi UK as lender to provide facilities for the share acquisition and subsequent strip-out, merging and refurbishment of two hotels into a single five star boutique hotel.
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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Matthew Vance
Practice head
Karen Friebe
Other key lawyers
James Salford; Graeme Payne; Matthew Vance