A key port of call for various iconic hotels and market-leading pensions funds, Clifford Chance LLP leverages its vast experience across real estate, finance and restructuring to advise on complex projects in the leisure sector, regularly handling large refinancings, lease and development agreements, acquisitions, and disposals. Global real estate co-chair Alis Pay advises on commercial real estate transactions including direct and indirect acquisitions and disposals, development, forward fundings, solvent and insolvent restructurings and real estate financings. Sarah Thomas specialises in commercial and corporate real estate and hotel-related transactions including hotel operating agreements. Andrew Carnegie is noted for his expertise in real estate finance, insolvency, structured finance and securitisations. Emma Matebalavu specialises in UK and European real estate financing, while Angela Kearns is noted for her focus on Japanese and inbound investment from the Asia Pacific Region. Other key figures include Barry O’Shea, a specialist real estate finance, and Ian Painter, who advises on all aspects of complex mixed use developments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Alis Pay and Ben Redding are excellent. Available, knowledgeable. They will go the extra mile for you and you feel in safe hands with them.’
Key clients
- Rothesay Life Plc
- Corinthia Hotels
- Cale Street
- Sadler's Wells Foundation
- Helical plc
- Ares Management LLC
- Bank of America Europe DAC
- Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
- The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Rothesay Life Plc on the real estate aspects of its £4bn pension scheme buy-in with the Co-op Section of the Co-operative Pension Scheme.
- Advised Ares as lead arranger on a refinancing of the Generator Hostels portfolio of 13 hostels located in 9 European jurisdictions.
- Advised Banco Santander and its investment vehicle Moon GC&P Investments on the acquisition of a 38.2% stake in the share capital of a subsidiary of the Melia Group for € 300m.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alis Pay, Sarah Thomas