Bird & Bird LLP‘s team has ’a grasp of the industry that sets them apart’. It has well-established capabilities assisting well-known clients in complex national and international matters. ‘One of the most sought-after professionals in the sector,’ Karen Friebe helms the practice and harnesses expertise in the remit of complex transactions, advising hotel clients from budget to luxury end on key acquisitions, developments and disposals, as well as in the negotiation of hotel management agreements. Also well-equipped to handle the transactional side is May 2025 arrival Simon Price. Matthew Vance is experienced advising on collateral impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, including force majeure, terminations and closure agreements, while James Fowler specialises in negotiating management and franchising agreements. Franchising across the food and beverage sector, in particular, is an area of focus of both Graeme Payne and Megan Harrison. James Salford departed in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are naturally very experienced and specialists in the sector, with significant tenure within the field and a detailed knowledge of the business. What I find sets them apart is their grasp of the industry, their flexible thinking style, and their ability to come up with solutions and workarounds that can be adapted to suit the required outcome.'
'I find them an excellent sounding board and they offer realistic advice.’
‘Karen Friebe and Matthew Vance are the most approachable and clear-speaking legal representatives I have dealt with, and there have been a lot.'
'They listen, adapt and offer options and alternatives. When preparing correspondence, they consider the tone of an individual and strength of message, which I find most helpful. Sound yet approachable legal advisers.’
‘Strong focus on the hospitality and leisure sector and many years of experience.’
‘Karen Friebe has years of sector experience and focus. Hugely knowledgeable. One of the most sought-after professionals in the sector.’
Key clients
- Belmond
- Cadogan Estates Limited
- Compass Group plc
- Costa Coffee
- PizzaExpress Restaurants Limited
- Pret a Manger
- Nando’s
- Gecko Development Corporation
- ECM Partners
- Pass the Keys Ltd.
Work highlights
Supporting Belmond by managing over 750 trade marks worldwide, with 65 active disputes across the world.
Advised hospitality recruitment company Gecko Development Corporation on expanding its franchise operations from the US to the UK, which includes work on localising its US franchise documentation for the UK market, related tax advice and advice on compliance with UK/EU data protection laws.
Advising ECM Partners in relation to its development plans for the “Wyndham Grand Novi Vinodolski Resort” property, which it acquired out of an insolvency process.
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
Matthew Vance; James Fowler; Graeme Payne; Megan Harrison; Simon Price