The team at CMS is well-versed in handling a broad array of matters, including high-value and complex real estate transactions. Thomas Page ‘has unparalleled experience in hotel transactions’ and heads up the practice alongside David Roberts. Page acts for some of the team’s best-known investor, operator and banking clients on major hotel portfolio transactions, while Roberts has expertise advising restaurant sector clients in particular. Ian McGarr is a name to note for his specialism in hotel financing, while James Miller is equipped to handle manage-back and lease-back transactions as part of his practice. ’Exceptional’ private equity and corporate finance specialist Louise Wallace acts for well-known clients in significant and frequently cross-jurisdictional transactions, from handling M&A deals to negotiating hotel management and franchise agreements. Michelle Kirkland and Nick Crosbie are also noteworthy practitioners in the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Industry knowledge that is second-to-none combined with a focus on understanding each client's needs and some excellent minds make CMS the go-to adviser in this sector.’
‘The CMS team doesn't just have a deep knowledge of the subject matter and great insight into their clients' needs, but they are also fun to work with and feel like an extension of your in-house team.’
‘Breadth and depth of the hotel team is exceptional. Great knowledge and attention-to-detail.’
‘Louise Wallace is an exceptional hotel real estate and M&A lawyer. She has an incredible knowledge of the industry and a commercial approach to negotiations and contracts.’
‘The team at CMS has been able to assist and advise in matters relating to shareholder priorities, hotel asset management contracts and hotel management agreements. Furthermore, they advise with franchise negotiations/terminations and have been on-hand with our refinancing efforts.’
'Thomas Page's expertise ensures our business operates within legal frameworks while protecting assets and reputation. With in-depth industry knowledge, Tom provides strategic guidance to navigate complex legal challenges.’
‘The hospitality team is second-to-none in the UK market. The partners' experience, knowing the key players, knowing the market and what good looks like, is very helpful throughout the transaction process. What makes the team unique is its ability to deal with all facets of the transaction under one offering, and for the clients to have one interface, whilst the teams work with seamless integration in the background.’
‘Thomas Page has unparalleled experience in hotel transactions, knowing what is market and an ability to cut across/simplify complex issues. James Miller is the best real estate lawyer in this space - his knowledge and understanding of the KPIs and how those affect the legal workstreams is second-to-none.’
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.
Practice head
Thomas Page; David Roberts
Other key lawyers
Louise Wallace; James Miller; Ian McGarr; Josie Hearnden; Michelle Kirkland; Nick Crosbie