Member Article

Leeds law firm's real estate team expands after assisting in £1 billion worth of deals

Addleshaw Goddard’s Yorkshire-based real estate team is predicting a strong 2014 after undergoing a major expansion over the past 12 months.

The team assisted with more than £1bn worth of investment deals during the 2013 calendar year, in addition to other projects, and as a result has boosted its team numbers.

Notable deals acted upon by the team during 2013 include their advising on property aspects of the conversion of the Standard Life Investments UK Property Fund from an authorised property unit trust (APUT) to a property authorised investment funds (PAIF).

Extensive work with Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd. including three new supermarket schemes, handling nearly 100 new concession lettings and 75 new convenience store acquisitions.

They also advised Muse Developments in relation to schemes in Stockton, Leeds, Wakefield, Liverpool, Manchester, Hucknall, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, Bristol and Plymouth and instructed on an exclusive basis to advise HS1 in relation to their real estate work across St Pancras, Stratford, Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations.

Michael Reevey, partner in the real estate team in Leeds, said: “We’re delighted with our recent performance and are really pleased to be able to expand the team in such a substantial way. We’re planning to continue to build on this positive momentum throughout 2014.

“We feel the need for the new additions reflects the increased confidence of our clients as well as our commitment to this sector.

“What’s more, there are undoubtedly continuing signs of market recovery. A prime example of the positive upturn of the economy is the new KPMG office, which is based close to us in the centre.

“This is sure to be first of many large projects in the centre of Leeds as property development picks up pace.”

It has recruited 10 new lawyers, along with a number of client services co-ordinators, to service the ever increasing workload from clients.

New recruits include Christopher Batten, Jessica Bennett, Rebecca Davies, Sioned Davies and Jonathan Kay.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .