Retail: Scotland
Biggart Baillie is one of the strongest firms in the Scottish retail market and continues to impress with the quality of its work. The group handles the full range of issues in this space, although it is particularly known for its expertise in real estate matters. A recent highlight saw the firm's solicitors advise Motherwell Investment LP on the £36 million acquisition of the Brandon Shopping Centre. Commentators are impressed with the group's performance, and regard it as "a real force" in the sector. Notable clients include Card Factory, Jack Wills and Morrisons.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Property partner Iain McLean is the key contact.
Brodies boasts an impressive retail team that advises domestic and international clients on a broad sweep of issues. Practitioners have a great deal of expertise in matters relating to both high-street stores and out-of-town shopping centres, and high-profile clients include such brands as Boux Avenue, Polo Ralph Lauren and Poundland. It has been working for US fashion retailer Forever 21 on its launch in the UK and the opening of a store in Glasgow. Clients reveal that the team is "extremely commercial and to the point," as well as "capable of getting things done."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Morrison is head of the firm's retail practice.
Following a recent merger between the two firms, Bell & Scott's retail team now operates under the banner of Anderson Strathern. The team specialises in commercial real estate work and the retail sector is one of its key areas of expertise. The firm is organised along sector lines, and in the retail space solicitors work with developers, landlords and tenants on a wide variety of issues. Commentators admire the group's consistent performances in handling high-street developments, out-of-town shopping centres and roadside retail establishments. The team's list of high-profile clients includes Country Casuals, Waterstone's and Austin Reed.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Paul Jennings is the key contact.
This Edinburgh practice is known for its expertise throughout the sector, most notably on retail property matters. It handles acquisitions, disposals and lease negotiations on behalf of an interesting mix of clients, including Peacocks, the Money Shop and Boots. A recent highlight has been the firm's work with BB's Coffee & Muffins, helping the client to adjust its leases following the administration of a previous company.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Robin Mitchell heads the team.
McGrigors prides itself on its well-integrated team that operates effectively throughout the UK. Its Scottish presence comprises offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and the retail sector group draws on specialists working in a range of practice areas throughout the network. Notable clients of the team include Holland & Barrett, Superdrug and Office Shoes, and solicitors recently assisted German fashion and accessories retailer Bijou Brigitte on its expansion into the UK.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Alison Newton is the key contact.
The strength of Semple Fraser's retail offering lies in its well-established presence in the Scottish real estate market. It advises such high-profile retailers as Nike Retail, Thorntons and TK Maxx on acquisitions, disposals and other matters relating to property. It also continues to work extensively with long-term client Tesco, recently assisting the supermarket chain with the release of around £685 million from its real estate portfolio through a series of sale and leaseback arrangements.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Real estate partner Elspeth Carson is the key contact.