CMS

Leading fund managers, institutional investors, and high-profile sovereign wealth funds all regularly turn to CMS for significant and strategic work. The group is noted for its work in sustainable investment strategies, working with multiple funds aiming to facilitate net-zero transitions. Co-head Amanda Howard regularly advises on the structuring of and equity raising for real estate funds. Darren Stolzenberg works with clients at all stages of the fund lifecycle, covering open and closed-ended funds. Through her busy funds and indirect real estate practice, Victoria Henry works with institutional investors who are looking to invest in the UK and EU property markets. Patrick Groves has amassed considerable experience in the establishment and operation of open and closed-ended real estate funds. Justin Coaley focuses on high-value transactions, often concerning student accommodation and logistics assets. Other key figures include William Lawrence, whose workload includes private funds and joint ventures investing in real estate.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The unified approach between offices in different jurisdictions - dealing with CMS as 'one team, one voice' is really helpful and streamlined as a client. They handle this well.’
‘Patrick Groves is efficient, pragmatic, knowledgeable - he's a trusted partner to the work we do in our fund.’
‘The team has a broad level of capability on all matters to assist clients with real estate funds and depth across its resources which is beneficial to clients as there is always someone within the team who can assist and answer questions.’
‘Justin Coaley is very knowledgeable on all areas and aspects surrounding real estate funds and investment structures and is very commercial in his advice by being able to draw on his experience across the market which is really helpful to clients.'
‘The practice is uniquely positioned to provide a full scope of services to cover all needs of a global business in this industry. The team demonstrates broad and in-depth knowledge of funds and corporate transactions and reliably considers all necessary tax, regulatory and real estate-specific matters.'
‘The team as a whole are always on hand to advise and support on a variety of matters and queries. They are also well-versed on commercial and strategic considerations and so provide valuable legal advice which can be easily digested and relied upon by the wider business.
‘The real estate and funds team at CMS is exceptional and staffed with very strong people with industry specific expertise.’
‘Patrick Groves is a valued resource to our firm and funds. His in-depth understanding of the legal history of our funds, real estate transactions is fantastic. He provides prompt advice that is commercial and pragmatic. His breadth of expertise in real estate is impressive. ’

Key clients

AIMCo
APG
Aviva Investors
Government Pension Investment Fund
Nuveen
PATRIZIA
Principal Global Investors
QuadReal
Savills IM
Schroders
Tristan Capital Partners
UBS Asset Management

Work highlights

Advised Principal on the launch and closing of its inaugural European data centre fund.
Advised Kinrise on the launch of its second discretionary closed-ended UK real estate investment fund.
Advised UBS on the launch and closing of its UK life sciences fund with a targeted gross development value of £2.5bn.

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