International law firm Reed Smith's London office has advised a European mid-market private equity firm in relation to its acquisition of the Hobhouse Court Estate in St James's, Central London adjacent to the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square for in excess of £30 million. The Hobhouse Court Estate is a mixed use site of 12 buildings (87,300 sq ft), comprising offices, retail space, education institutions and residential as follows: The University of Notre Dame London campus, seven office buildings, The Philippine Embassy, eight retail/restaurant units, basement vaults and six residential flats.

The Reed Smith team was led by real estate partner Lawrence Radley who was assisted by senior associates Danielle Martin, Emma Parsons and Joanna Monkhouse on the property aspects, Laura Riddeck on construction and Carl De Cicco on employment.

Lawrence Radley, real estate partner, commented:

"This was an exciting deal to advise on. It is not often that the freehold interest in such an estate reaches the market. The period from instructions to completion was less than a month and I'm very pleased that our team was able to work so swiftly to completion on such a complicated deal. It demonstrates Reed Smith's considerable real estate, construction and employment expertise."

ENDS

Note to Editors:
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