England - London • Industry focus
Bird & Bird LLP
The multi-disciplinary, full-service hotels, hospitality and leisure team at Bird & Bird LLP has ‘unrivalled knowledge of the hospitality industry'. The team is well versed in advising notable clients, including Costa and Belmond, on franchising and management contracts, hotel finance, branding, data protection and employment work, and also fields a dedicated food and beverage sub-group. The practice is led by go-to hospitality and leisure practitioner, Karen Friebe, who is described as operating in a ’league of her own', and specialises in high-profile M&A transactions, hotel management agreements and commercial property work. Focusing on franchising, distribution and supply chain agreements is Graeme Payne, who works with consumer-focused businesses. Highly experienced finance partner James Salford has knowledge of senior and mezzanine debt and preferential equity transactions, as well as hotel operating agreements. ‘Real top performer’ Matthew Vance is instructed by brand owners and shareholders, and has a broad commercial workload which spance franchising, joint venture and management agreements, licensing and outsourcing issues. Also of note is senior associate James Fowler, who regularly drafts, negotiates and reviews commercial agreements relating to hotels, and food and beverage consultancies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have the utmost trust in this practice that the negotiated outcome is the best possible. They are tough both externally and internally but fair and also work to tight timescales. The individuals have unrivalled knowledge of the hospitality industry.'
‘Karen Friebe operates in a league of her own in this field, she is the best and has the reputation to go with it. Karen's ability to distil complex information into a concise understandable note was exceptional. Matthew Vance is a real top performer in this team, his ability to work to very tight timescales, going above and beyond and helping support others in the deal team was exemplary.'
‘Bird & Bird have a thorough understanding of their technical craft and more importantly how this interacts with the hospitality industry through a variety of stakeholder lenses.’
‘Karen Friebe has an empathetic and collaborative approach that is evident in all interactions. It is a joy to work with Matthew Vance. The approach is again collaborative and Matthew's understanding of the technical solutions that we needed and how they interfaced with a variety of stakeholder interests is exception. What that allows is a strong degree of trust and confidence in the solutions that are brought forward.’
‘They are very knowledgeable and user friendly. The team is very diligent and commercial.’
'I had the privilege of working with the exceptional legal team at Bird & Bird. Their unique approach and unmatched expertise truly sets them apart from other firms in this industry. The team has a deep understanding of the hotels and leisure sector. Their team works seamlessly together, pooling their collective expertise to deliver the best outcomes for clients.'
'James Fowler has extensive knowledge of the industry and a meticulous approach to legal challenges which was outstanding. He navigated complex matters, ensuring our interests were well protected. Collaborating with James was seamless. He was responsive, keeping me informed throughout the process and providing timely support.'
'Karen Friebe is a highly skilled and dedicated partner. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to effectively resolve any legal challenges we have presented her with. Her exceptional skills, dedication, and active involvement in advancing the industry make her an invaluable asset to Bird & Bird's team. Her ability to tackle legal challenges, mentor her team, and contribute to industry initiatives sets her apart as a remarkable legal partner.'
Key clients
- Belmond
- Costa
- Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Cadogan Estates
- Neat Burger
- Rogue Fitness
- Compass Group
- Bank of Ireland
- Creams Café
- Cheyne Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for Belmond in the longstanding international IP dispute between the client’s Hotel Cipriani and Arrigo Cipriani.
- Advising Cheyne Capital on a £108m facility to the Champneys Hotel group.
- Advised Cadogan on its appointment of a new manager, Iconic Luxury Hotels, at The Draycott Hotel in West London following Cadogan’s acquisition of the same.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Rising stars
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Karen Friebe