Druces LLP

Corporate and Commercial 

Christopher is the Head of Corporate and is a member of Druces Executive Committee which manages the firm’s direction and vision for the future.

He deals with a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including AIM and AQSE work, national and international joint ventures and group restructuring. He specialises in mergers and acquisitions in regulated industries and has particular expertise in advising financiers, investors, owners and operators in the leisure and healthcare sectors. He is also experienced in dealing with Sharia’a compliant transactions.

Christopher is a contributing author of Jordans “Care Standards: A Practical Guide” (2009).

He read Economics at Exeter University before switching his interests to Law and being called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincolns Inn and cross qualifying as a solicitor in 2003. He joined Druces in October 2007 from another City practice where he was a Partner. He lives in Canary Wharf with his wife Claire. His interests include fine wine and food, the theatre, reading and he occasionally remembers that he is a member of a gym.

In Legal 500, 2020, Christopher is recommended for his work on corporate and commercial M&A, “health sector transactions” and is renowned for his “extensive experience in acting in regulated environments.” He is recognised for making clients “feel very valued” while “also being extremely professional”. Chris heads the Islamic Finance team, well known for “offering timely and commercial advice”, who act for Middle Eastern investors in property investment deals. He also heads the real estate finance team which is “hands-on, pragmatic and focused on execution”, noted for its niche specialisms in sharia-compliant transactions and syndicated property investment.

In Legal 500 2019, Christopher is recognised for his work within the healthcare sector, a sector strength for the Druces LLP team, when he acted for Montreux Healthcare Fund on its acquisition of Active Assistance (UK) Group, and advised part of Pickstock Group on the sale of a residential nursing home to Guide Total Care Group. Christopher heads the real estate finance team who are said to “demonstrate an excellent technical ability, are thorough and methodical, and best of all are an absolute pleasure to deal with”. He also heads the Islamic Finance team who have particular experience in real estate securities.

• “Chris Axford, on the banking side, is always working hard to ensure our documentation is up-to-date in all respects and keeping us well-protected”

Called to the Bar in 2000 by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2003; Quartson & Co, London – assistant solicitor 2003-05; Middleton Potts – assistant solicitor 2005-06; Middleton Potts – partner 2006-07; Druces LLP (formerly Druces & Attlee) – partner 2007 to present.

City of London Law Society; Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.