International legal practice Norton Rose LLP has announced today that Neil Biswas will join the real estate team as a partner in the London office on 16 January. Neil was previously a partner in the real estate practice at Nabarro LLP.

Neil acts for a range of blue chip developers and investors, in particular those active in the London investment market. He has extensive experience acting on “big ticket” transactions, including major headquarter relocations and town centre regeneration schemes.

Neil’s appointment signals the continuing growth of Norton Rose LLP’s real estate team in London. Real estate finance partner Duncan Hubbard also joined the team from Nabarro in February last year, and real estate litigation specialist Charlotte Bijlani joined from Herbert Smith LLP and was recently promoted to the partnership.
Lindsay Morgan, practice head of real estate at Norton Rose LLP, commented:

“In the last twelve months we transacted over £1.2billion worth of London investment deals involving inward investment. Part of that is due to the international reach of our network, and our ability to provide a one-stop-shop for deals which depend on capital originating outside the UK.”

“Neil’s appointment is a further step towards our strategic goal to grow our successful transactional team, which is benefiting from the international expansion of the Group. He brings a wealth of experience, working for real estate institutions, PLCs and major occupiers.”
Neil Biswas commented:

“It’s an exciting time to join Norton Rose’s real estate team. The market is well aware of the international growth Norton Rose Group has seen in recent years. The opportunities this presents for the real estate team in London is proving to be significant. I’m looking forward to playing my part in the continued success of the team.”

Norton Rose’s London real estate team continues to act on a number of high profile transactions involving inward investors into London, more recently including the acquisitions of W Hotel (Al Faisal Holding Company(Qatar)); 26-40 Kensington High Street (Khoo Teck Puat Foundation (Singapore)); 100 Leman Street, Holland House and Renown House in the City (Stena Realty (Sweden)); and advice to SP Setia (Malaysia) on its bid to acquire the iconic Battersea Power Station site for regeneration.

During 2011 the London real estate team continued to advise DP World on its £2 billion, 1500 acre container port and adjacent logistics park development at London Gateway and advised Bank of Ireland on the sale of a £1.3 billion property loan book to Kennedy Wilson.