A significant number of sales of commercial, residential and development properties are structured as sales of the corporate vehicle that owns the real estate.
We regularly advise both buyers and sellers on such “corporate wrapper” real estate M&A transactions.
When acting for buyers, we work with our real estate team in conducting a full due diligence on both the property and the company, to mitigate and protect the client in relation to potential issues and unknown liabilities. We are experienced in negotiating comprehensive warranties and indemnities to protect the position of our clients, and know how to tailor these to the specific type of real estate asset being acquired.
When acting for sellers, we assist with the disclosure exercise to ensure a smooth and timely process, helping give the buyer confidence to proceed, whilst limiting the liability of the sellers.
With the growing popularity of warranty insurance in this sector, we have considerable experience of working with brokers on both the buy-side and the sell-side to further protect the interests of our clients.
Examples of experience
- Advising a UK-based real estate investment on its £121 million acquisition of the corporate vehicle that owns an office building in the City of London.
- Advising a family office client on the £22 million acquisition of the corporate vehicle that owns a mixed-use building in Mayfair, London.
- Advising a major UK property developer on the acquisition of the corporate vehicle of a property in Knightsbridge.
