International law firm Olswang has announced Andrew Besser, an experienced Real Estate Finance lawyer, will join the firm from 1 July 2014 as a partner in the London office. Andrew joins from Addleshaw Goddard, where he was a Banking partner in the finance and projects division.
With over 25 years' experience in the finance sector, Andrew has advised on all aspects of banking law, but specialises in acting for lenders and large property companies involved in complex real estate financings in the UK and Europe. His expertise in working with institutional lenders in the UK and Germany will strengthen Olswang's cross-border offering in the two territories. Olswang's Real Estate Finance practice will also benefit from Andrew's expertise in the structuring and financing of indirect property investment and property investment vehicles.
Andrew's clients include leading international banks such as RBS, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC Group, Citi, and a large number of German banks including pbb, Deutsche Hypo, Westimmo and HSH Nordbank. His real estate clients include Heron and F&C REIT. Andrew's recent highlights include working on the financing of the Heron Tower, the City of London's tallest building, and his involvement in the development of MediaCity UK in Manchester.
A leading individual in property finance in both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories, Andrew is also a member of the Loan Market Association Real Estate Finance Working Party.
Andrew comments: "Olswang is giving me the opportunity to join a pioneering firm and a strong Real Estate Finance practice with a track record of innovative finance structures and deals that are market-firsts. This means I can continue to work with institutional lenders, but also extend my practice to more entrepreneurial lenders, such as mezzanine and non-bank lenders as well as property-debt investors."
Charles Kerrigan, Partner and Head of Finance at Olswang, added: "Our Finance practice needed somebody like Andrew, who can help a really busy Real Estate Finance team. Andrew is joining with a talented Senior Associate, Kate Norris, whom he's worked with for many years, so we are giving our practice a real boost with an accomplished, cohesive team. Andrew's track record of real estate financings with UK clearing banks and German mortgage banks means our London and Berlin offices can count on an extra pair of hands with big real estate finance transactions, including new loan transactions, solvent loan restructurings and loan servicing advice."
Olswang's Finance group comprises dedicated lawyers in the UK, Germany, France and Spain, together with finance, corporate, real estate, technology, media, telecommunications, tax, pensions, employment and litigation lawyers involved with lending, borrowing, restructuring and insolvency matters. The firm's Real Estate Finance group offers expertise in acting on both the borrower and the lender sides of transactions. Landmark deals include advising Delancey Real Estate Asset Management on the £600 million purchase of the Olympic Village, in east London, and on the long-term management of the site.
