Corporate Governance
United Kingdom
10 March 2025
Macfarlanes LLP advises major corporates and private individuals alike, ‘displaying considerable knowledge and commerciality’ throughout each matter. The firm specialises in corporate and private equity real estate matters. It has also seen recent activity in the purpose-built student accommodation space. Clare Breeze is the head of the practice, with experience on financing matters. Dan Marriott regularly advises the full range of investment clients, including borrowers and lenders. Nick Barnes specialises in life sciences assets. Dominic Cunliffe and Tom Pedder retired in April 2023. Steven Pitchford left the firm in August 2023. Tania Barnes made partner in May 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They instil confidence in their clients by displaying considerable knowledge and commerciality in equal measure. They are approachable and friendly and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Nick Barnes is always reliable and helpful. He delivers pragmatic advice in a confident, clear and comprehensive way.’
‘The team are excellent at real estate transactions. The collaboration between the team, but also when working with the other side counsel, is very helpful.’
‘Nick Barnes stands out in his professionalism and knowledge within the sector. They have been instrumental in helping us close transactions.’
Key clients
- Berkeley Homes
- Canary Wharf Group
- Derwent London
- Hillwood Investment Properties
- Industrial Property Investment Fund
- Legal & General
- Realstar Group
- Stanhope plc
- Supermarket Income REIT Plc
- Westmont Hospitality Group
Work highlights
Advised UK developer Stanhope and its Canadian funding partner Cadillac Fairview on their joint venture and acquisition of a 110,000 sq ft trio of properties within Cambridge Science Park.
Advised Legal & General Investment Management on the acquisition of two purpose built-student accommodation assets from Global Student Accommodation, marking the launch of the L&G Student Living Platform.
Advised Hillwood Investment Properties on a forward funding agreement with Crown Packaging in connection with the development and sale of a 632,000 sq ft beverage can manufacturing facility in Peterborough.
Lawyers
Practice head
Clare Breeze
Other key lawyers
Anthony Burnett-Scott; Dan Marriott; Nick Barnes; Tania Barnes