Carrying ‘a high quality brand and service in the investment world’, Linklaters LLP advises clients on pure real estate investment transactions as well as investment-related matters, including real estate finance and tax, disputes, structured finance, environment and planning. The firm regularly advises international investors, developers and occupiers. At the head of the practice, Andy Bruce advises on acquisitions, financings and disposals across Europe. Siobhan Burton advises funds, corporates, and insolvency practitioners. Matthew Plaskow is an expert on real estate M&A transactions, whilst Tom Watkins specialises in private equity real estate. Kathryn Griffiths covers matters in the logistics, hotels, retail and student accommodation spaces. In 2023, Martin Elliott retired from practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Commercial and proactive.’

  • ‘Kathryn Griffiths is very proactive and pragmatic, providing clear and commercial advice.'

  • 'Tom Watkins will always deliver advice in a tailored and concise manner, which is easy to follow and makes commercial sense.’

  • ‘It is a very knowledgeable team.’

  • ‘Linklaters carry a high quality brand and service in the investment world. They are also able to easily integrate investment expertise into multi faceted projects easily.’

  • ‘Individuals are available, present and able to be creative to achieve an end.’

  • ‘Linklaters can be relied on for high-profile transactions that involve multiple parties and deep complexity. They keep the deals running like clockwork and are always responsive and effective.’

  • ‘Matthew Plaskow is an exceptional strategist and thoroughly understands the nuances of real estate M&A and provides practical solutions to complex problems.’

Key clients

  • City Developments Limited
  • DigitalBridge Investments
  • Gamuda Berhad
  • GIC & Greystar
  • Ho Bee Land
  • Lendlease Europe
  • Obayashi Corporation
  • The Co-operative Group

Work highlights

  • Advising City Developments Limited on the purchase of the landmark 23-acre St Katharine Docks, located in central London, from funds advised by Blackstone for £395m.
  • Advising Gamuda Berhad, a Malaysian property company, on the joint acquisition of Winchester House, London, for £257m.
  • Advising Obayashi, a Japanese investor, on the purchase of the freehold interest in 60 Gracechurch Street in the city of London.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Andy Bruce

Other key lawyers

Siobhan Burton, Matthew Plaskow, Tom Watkins, Kathryn Griffiths