Shakespeare Martineau LLP, in addition to its strength in real estate finance and corporate banking, maintains ‘a powerful niche’ in Islamic finance. Its clients include leading national commercial banks; it advises on credit policy, risk and governance issues. Naomi Tudor, whose expertise includes bilateral and syndicated transactions for corporate and property financings, leads the Birmingham practice alongside Mohammed Saqub, who is central to the firm’s Islamic finance strength. Christopher Gayle is noted for his broad practice, advising on leveraged, property, project and trade financings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Shakespeare Martineau have built up a highly respected banking and finance practice.'

  • 'They have a powerful niche in representing Islamic finance lenders.’

  • ‘Mohammed Saqub is the master of all matter relating to Islamic finance. He leads the team and has a very strong and loyal client following from major Middle Eastern financial institutions. He is pre-eminent in his field.’

  • ‘They are extremely professional and knowledgeable ensuring all aspects are catered for in providing legal services to fulfil the banks security requirements.’

  • ‘There are a number of team members with whom we liaise with in particular Naomi Tudor who will provide guidance and help in ensuring all aspects are catered for to ensure both client and bank get the outcome needed.’

Key clients

  • Lloyds Bank plc
  • Reliance Bank Limited
  • Santander UK Plc
  • Cynergy Bank
  • The Charity Bank Limited
  • Yorkshire Bank
  • Virgin Money
  • Habib Bank Zurich plc
  • Handelsbanken
  • Leumi ABL
  • United Trust Bank Plc
  • Aldermore Bank Plc
  • Gatehouse Bank Plc
  • Al Rayan Bank Plc
  • Westgate Healthcare Group
  • Cambridge Capital Partners Limited
  • Sherwood Oak Homes Limited
  • Qatar International Bank Plc
  • OFFA
  • Primary Finance
  • Unity Trust Bank
  • Ahli United
  • BLME

Work highlights

  • Acted for Lloyds Bank plc as lender to the group of companies providing various secured loan facilities across the various businesses in the group including holiday parks and developer and operator of private crematoria and memorial park.
  • Acted for Valsoft PLC and its UK subsidiaries on its securing further funding from Toronto Dominion Bank.
  • Acted for Averon Park Limited as investment vehicle of Foresight Group LLP (a global independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager) as the noteholder in connection with an internal restructuring of loan note investment.

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.

Naomi Tudor, Mohammed Saqub

Other key lawyers

Christopher Gayle, Hannah Pickering, Stephen Lane