Brabners LLP's broad banking and finance practice is well placed to advise both lender and borrower-side mandates, encompassing leveraged and structured finance, acquisition and real estate finance, asset-based lending and mezzanine finance. Andrew O’Mahony in Liverpool and Richard Cowan in Manchester share leadership of the team, with the former frequently advising on borrowing requirements for registered housing providers in the social housing sector, and the latter handling a litany of financing matters, including revolving credit facilities and syndicated financing. Helen Burns strengthens the team in the real estate finance field. Michael Francos-Downs joined the team from Clarion in June 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Responsive and quickly understood our commercial risks and drivers in what was a complicated and rather unusual deal.'
- 'Richard Cowan was assertive where needed and traded commercial points well to achieve our key requirements.'
- 'Attention to detail on technical matters, but able to explain these without overly complicated jargon for counterparts who may not be as familiar with the legal wording. They will provide a tailored solution to a proposal, suggesting ways to improve on the scope of work given.'
- 'Approachable manner whereby you are working in a safe space - the phrase “there are no stupid questions” comes to mind when working with the banking team. Commitment to getting the job done to ensure the end customers achieve their goals - clear timescales provided. The team always provide clear communication regarding any changes in scope as early as possible.'
- 'Always on hand quickly for complex deals and queries.'
- 'Strong client care and dedication.'
Key clients
- National Westminster Bank plc
- Hope Capital Limited
- Santander UK plc
- Phoenix Money Ltd
- The Charity Bank Ltd
- Breeze Capital Ltd
- Clydesdale Bank PLC (t/a Virgin Money)
- TSB Bank plc
- Momentum Finance Group
- Barclays Security Trustee Limited
- Handelsbanken plc
Work highlights
Advised The Charity Bank on the provision of loan facilities to The Eden Project to enable it to refinance its existing facilities with Allied Irish Bank.
Advised National Westminster Bank in relation to financing arrangements in respect of the management buyout of Wirral Roofcare Limited.
Advised Navigate Bidco Limited in relation to financing arrangements with ThinCats to support the acquisition of Compass CHC Limited.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Richard Cowan
Practice head
Andrew O’Mahony; Richard Cowan
Other key lawyers
Helen Burns; Michael Francos-Downs; Lucy Porter-Grocott; Alex Quinn