The ’proactive and helpful’ real estate finance team at DLA Piper is experienced working with both lenders and borrowers on large, complex European financing transactions. Described as ‘very detail driven and focused’, practice head Toby Barker recently advised on the refinancing of two student housing schemes in Italy. Paul Gray notably acted for several lenders on a billion Euro construction financing agreement to Futbol Club Barcelona – a novel transaction which used the newly formed Spanish securitisation fund. The ’very personable’ Christopher Chan is an expert in advising clients in financing built to rent and student accommodations. Other key figures include Natalie Thorn, who regularly supports the practice in various development financing and refinancing projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘High quality, partner-led service. Highly responsive with knowledgeable and well-thought-out advice.’
‘The team have strength and depth across the board. They are proactive and helpful. They always make themselves available and are very much "one of the team".’
‘Chris Chan is very personable. He is fun to work with and always fosters a very collegiate atmosphere on a deal between all parties.'
Toby Barker is very detail driven and focussed. He is very clear in his advice and always goes the extra mile.’
Key clients
- Aareal Bank AG
- Aerium
- AIB
- Apache Capital Partners
- ARA Europe
- ARA Venn
- Archer Capital Management
- Ares
- Arrow Global
- Aviva
Work highlights
- Structured and executed EUR 1,450,000,000 in construction financing arrangements made available to Futbol Club Barcelona using a novel Spanish securitisation structure.
- Acting for ICG Real Estate in relation to the £243,000,000 funding provided by it to Related Argent for the delivery of a landmark build-to-rent scheme in Tottenham Hale, London.
- Structured and executed a €320,000,000 investment grade financing secured against the stadium and stadium revenues of Olympique Lyonnais.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Toby Barker
Other key lawyers
Paul Gray; Christopher Chan; Natalie Thorn