Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised leading real estate and leisure investment firm London and Regional Properties (L+R) on its acquisition of Holiday Inn Express Folkestone for its Atlas Hotels brand.
Located near the Eurotunnel, the Folkestone acquisition supports Atlas Hotels’ vision to grow in key locations across the UK and strengthens its position as the largest franchisee of Holiday Inn Express hotels in Europe.
Burges Salmon’s Hotels team, part of the firm’s cross-disciplinary Built Environment sector group, advised L+R on the acquisition, providing real estate, corporate, tax, licensing, employment and construction expertise. The deal was led by Danny Lee, Niall Mackle and Scott Paterson from the corporate team, along with Robert Forman and Will Hall from the real estate team. Burges Salmon has a longstanding relationship working with L+R on M&A transactions, having advised on seven of its acquisitions in the last five years including that of the Chardon Hotels portfolio in Scotland, the Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter and The Mole Resort in Devon.
Niall Mackle comments: "It has been a pleasure working with L+R on another acquisition to support its ambitious growth strategy across the UK. The cross-disciplinary expertise within our Hotels team meant we were well-positioned to guide our client through this new venture and we’re proud to have played a role in this acquisition. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with L+R in the future."
Neil Kirk, CEO of L+R Hotels UK and Europe, adds: “Burges Salmon was a pleasure to work with, the transaction involved many moving parts and the firm’s experience in advising L+R for a number of years was key in helping to bring the transaction to a successful conclusion.”
Sean Lowe at Atlas Hotels, says: “Holiday Inn Express Folkestone has long been a preferred destination for travellers passing through the Eurotunnel and is a key part of the economy around the Channel ports. We look forward to enhancing the guest experience and welcoming the team to the wider Atlas family.”
Burges Salmon’s Built Environment sector group provides strategic and practical legal advice on all forms of UK real estate and is supported by a dedicated Hotels team that works with owners, operators, investors and lenders on a broad range of projects, from acquisitions and disposals to management agreements and operational matters.