Banking and finance

DLA Piper

Joseph Frew leads DLA Piper's Manchester-based banking and finance group, which is well-regarded for its 'remarkable' experience in asset financing. The group acts for a diverse client list, which notably includes Lloyds Bank and Santander. The group regularly advises on high-value asset based lending (ABL) related matters, an area in which Frew and Alastair Carruthers are experts. The team is also recommended for its expertise in refinancing and development finance facilities. Matthew Christmas is a specialist in international leveraged finance, and is frequently supported by Alex Yeramian and Eleanor Mountain. Charles Weems was promoted to partner in April 2023. Asset finance lead Rebecca Williams is a key figure in the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The DLA team in Manchester work very closely with us. They are very familiar with our documents and are always available for small queries.’
‘Eleanor Mountain is the day to day contact and provides a very good, efficient service. Matthew Christmas also gives a good, knowledgeable service.’
‘Matthew Christmas is a trusted advisor with good, practical, up to date advice and Charles Weems provides good advice in a nice manner.’
‘The team's knowledge and expertise in the asset finance space are remarkable, making them one of the best in my opinion. The quality of their work is top-notch, with attention-to-detail and thoroughness evident in everything they do.'
'What sets this team apart is their personable approach. Working with them has been a delight, as they are not only professional but also friendly and approachable. I would highly recommend the asset finance legal team for their performance, expertise, and overall pleasant working experience.’
‘Rebecca Williams is an exceptional legal professional. Rebecca's technical expertise is truly impressive, and she consistently goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding results and her dedication to her clients is evident in her proactive approach to communication. I recommend Rebecca to anyone in need of expert legal assistance in the asset finance sector.’
‘There is a depth of resource across the DLA team which ensures work is undertaken in a timely and responsive manner. There is also a good skillset across the whole team and the client-focused ethos is visible with all the contact points.’
‘Charles Weems stands out for his accessibility, clarity, consistency and depth of knowledge; he has a strong understanding of his clients' needs and is therefore able to take a commercial approach to the advice given.’

Key clients

Tosca Debt Capital
National Westminster Bank plc
INEOS
Permira Debt Managers
Pemberton Capital
Lloyds Bank
AO World Plc
Biffa Plc
Maslow Capital
Santander UK Plc
Arrow Global

Work highlights

Acted for IG Design Group in relation to a new $125m invoice discounting facility (governed by New York law) provided by HSBC (also agent) and NatWest.
Advising Close Brothers and Leumi ABL on a £90m asset-based lending transaction of facilities to Endless-backed EVO Business Supplies.
Acted for Maslow Capital on a development finance facility to support Union Property Development’s 356 bed PBSA scheme in Paddington, London, with a gross development value of over £200m.

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