Charities
This team is praised by clients for its ability to give guidance on a wide range of issues: “It gives us proper advice on complex issues and responds swiftly to our needs.” Alan Banes is at the team’s helm. The firm acts for the Multiple Sclerosis Society on ongoing matters while other clients include Alexandra Palace Charitable Trust, the NSPCC and the Criterion Theatre Trust.
Corporate Finance: AIM
Property deals are a natural habitat for this “highly competent West End firm,” though it is well able to transcend this sector area when the opportunity comes. Given this property expertise, hotel and leisure work is a mainstay for the corporate team, and its continuing presence in this area was evidenced by its advising Washington Hotels regarding the purchase of 19 hotels from Corus with a total consideration of £115 million - one of a string of substantial deals in this area. Howard Kennedy is also well known for its presence in AIM, with its advising Bollywood film distributor The Eros Group on its £27.5 million admission, indicative not only of the firm’s international profile, but also of its increasing share of the media market. Alan Banes heads up the corporate department.
Clients/Work Highlights: Ballymore Properties, Cartier Investments and Wellness Foods. AIM clients include Nabarro Wells and Vigilant Technology.
Corporate Finance: Lower Mid-Market
Property deals are a natural habitat for this “highly competent West End firm,” though it is well able to transcend this sector area when the opportunity comes. Given this property expertise, hotel and leisure work is a mainstay for the corporate team, and its continuing presence in this area was evidenced by its advising Washington Hotels regarding the purchase of 19 hotels from Corus with a total consideration of £115 million - one of a string of substantial deals in this area. Howard Kennedy is also well known for its presence in AIM, with its advising Bollywood film distributor The Eros Group on its £27.5 million admission, indicative not only of the firm’s international profile, but also of its increasing share of the media market. Alan Banes heads up the corporate department.
Clients/Work Highlights: Ballymore Properties, Cartier Investments and Wellness Foods. AIM clients include Nabarro Wells and Vigilant Technology.
Defamation/ Reputation Management
Clients praise this “experienced and robust team,” which delivers "prompt and pragmatic advice” on a range of issues within defamation, privacy and reputation management. It provides regular advice on pre-publication and clearance issues to Reed Business Information, the publishers of titles such as Estates Gazette and the New Scientist. “An impeccable judgement and a wealth of knowledge” are attributes that well describe Susan Aslan. Sources also praised the “inspiring and smart” Sue Charles, recognising them both as experts in their field. Aslan and Charles advise on all aspects of media law for a client base that includes high-profile names from the broadcasting, publishing, online, production and private sectors. Since their move to Howard Kennedy, their clients and contacts have continued to instruct them and they have also attracted several new clients. Clients praise this “experienced and robust team,” which delivers "prompt and pragmatic advice” on a range of issues within defamation, privacy and reputation management. It provides regular advice on pre-publication and clearance issues to Reed Business Information, the publishers of titles such as Estates Gazette and the New Scientist. “An impeccable judgement and a wealth of knowledge” are attributes that well describe Susan Aslan. Sources also praised the “inspiring and smart” Sue Charles, recognising them both as experts in their field. Aslan and Charles advise on all aspects of media law for a client base that includes high-profile names from the broadcasting, publishing, online, production and private sectors. Since their move to Howard Kennedy, their clients and contacts have continued to instruct them and they have also attracted several new clients.
Licensing: Liquor
This licensing team has an excellent grounding in commercial property law, putting it in good stead to advise on the disposal, acquisition and investment in licensed premises. Over the past year, the group has been particularly busy undertaking due diligence for lenders and investors with significant portfolios of licensed properties, and acting for such clients on litigious matters arising out of tenants’ breaches of the Licensing Act 2003. The two-solicitor practice has also been advising casinos, bookmakers and Internet gambling operators, among others, on the new Gambling Act 2005. Highlights from the past year include advising Ronnie Scott’s jazz bar and lounge on a split variation licence designed to cover two floors whilst the premises were being redesigned, and advising retail outlets and investors in leisure property on a range of licensing issues.
The Lawyers: Senior contact Guy Bishop “responds quickly to clients’ concerns” and “gets the job done with the minimum of fuss.” He has an extensive understanding of property law that complements his clients’ needs.
Clients/Work Highlights: Admiral Taverns; CHE Hotel Group; Chez Nico Restaurants; Comland Commercial; Farri and Loco Locale.
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