Iain Thomas | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I have a particular expertise in real estate financing acting for a range of lenders, from domestic and international banks through to non-bank lenders, debts funds, life funds and non-UK institutions in connection with the provision and restructuring of debt finance (both investment and development) secured on a range of asset classes.
 
I have also represented:- 

  • developers in connection with agreements with landowners for the development of land for commercial and leisure related purposes
  • investors in connection with the acquisition and disposal of landmark Central London hotels
  • private equity funds in connection with the acquisition of care home portfolios
  • real estate investment funds in connection with the acquisition, financing and asset management of Central London office investment properties

I have acted on a large number of multi-property portfolio acquisitions and financings. These have required coordination and management of teams of lawyers to deliver due diligence output and associated transactional inputs in a consistent style and manner, whilst providing the client with single point of contact for advice and progress reporting.
 
I acted as co-counsel with a major US firm in connection with the sale of a major Central London hotel (at the time the highest value single asset European hotel deal ever) to an overseas investor. Working alongside five different law firms across several different time zones on a complicated and challenging transaction required strong organisational skills and flexibility to deliver against a challenging timetable.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Legal 500
...an extremely personable individual and very experienced lawyer, with business acumen and a commercial approach. ...fantastic and a great guy to work with. He really understands the issues that are important to clients and delivers tailored, commercial advice.  

Authored pieces

All Resources
Insight

Five practical tips for development lenders in a challenging market

10.08.2023
For lenders facing a convergence of market pressures, taking a few simple steps can help weather the storm.
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Close-up of a modern building's glass facade, revealing its structural framework. The geometric design features a grid of metal beams and glass panels, with red railings and metal conduits visible within the structure. The image has a blue tint.
Insight

2023 – a tricky year ahead, but is it all doom and gloom?

10.01.2023
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Two people wearing light blue shirts are reviewing architectural blueprints on a table in a brightly lit room. One person is pointing at the blueprints with a pen, while the other rests their hands on the table. A laptop is visible to one side.
Press Release

Fieldfisher advises Puma Property on £33mn redevelopment of iconic Grade II listed Mountbatten House

27.09.2022
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Press Release

The UK real estate market is anticipating a fundamental shift in revenue generation

11.03.2021
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Insight

Development finance: Luring lenders in an evolving market

23.01.2020
Economic, political and social pressures have recalibrated the expectations of funders in the real estate market, forcing developers to adapt significantly and swiftly. Fieldfisher partners Helen Andrews, Phil Abbott and Iain Thomas consider which assest classes are proving to be most attractive to lenders, and why. 
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What others say…

Legal 500
...an extremely personable individual and very experienced lawyer, with business acumen and a commercial approach. ...fantastic and a great guy to work with. He really understands the issues that are important to clients and delivers tailored, commercial advice.