Dentons fields a team with broad expertise in the real estate sector, with a strong record of covering transactions and operational matters for a range of prominent clients. The team is active throughout the UK and internationally, as well as assisting clients working within Scotland. Leading the team is Brian Hutcheson, who has almost 30 years' experience in the practice area, and handles a broad range of issues including leases, acquisitions, and the management of large-scale property portfolios. Working with Hutcheson are Susan Gillon, noted for her strength in cross-border work, and Liam McCabe, who has notable experience in real estate issues in the telecoms sector.
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Key clients
- M & G Real Estate (Various funds)
- Marks & Spencer Plc
- Redevco (and subsidiaries)
- Viridis
- Abrdn (Various funds)
- Peel Retail Developments Limited
- GE Energy
- Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel)
- GE Capital (including LM Wind)
- Sigma Capital
- Sainsburys
- Royal Mail
- Frasers Group
- Topland
- Fusion Students
- Scottish American Investment Company
Work highlights
Advised on Scottish assets as part of the Mapletree Investments' £1 billion acquisition of a portfolio of student housing assets across the UK and Germany. This acquisition increased Mapletree’s UK portfolio to over 17,000 beds, marking a significant expansion in the student accommodation sector.
Acted for the Scottish American Investment Company on its acquisition of Pease Pottage Motorway Service Area and as a separate transaction, part of Curbridge Business Park from BAE Systems Pension Fund.
Advising Virdis Real Estate on the acquisition of a property in Edinburgh for redevelopment as student accommodation. This acquisition represented Viridis' first venture into the Scottish market, expanding their presence in the UK.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Brian Hutcheson
Other key lawyers
Susan Gillon; Liam McCabe