STEPHEN JOHN
PARTNER
Admitted as a Legal Executive: 1981
CONTACT DETAILS
Tel: 020 3026 2628
Email: stephen.john@djblaw.co.uk
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Commercial Property
Development / regeneration
Landlord and tenant
Real estate finance
R
Stephen is a household name in real estate law, holding several high-profile roles at leading UK and US law firms. In 1999, for example, he was headhunted to join Weil Gotshal Manges in London to head up their Corporate Finance Real Estate Practice. Then in 2005, he was headhunted again this time to work with another lawyer, who now works with DJB, to set up Fried Frank’s European Real Estate practice from scratch.
Stephen has worked on a great number of real estate deals all over the world, involving many complex internationally organised investment structures.
The Legal 500 has consistently recognised Stephen as a leading lawyer, stating that he is “a lawyer of choice”.
WORK HIGHLIGHTS
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Advising the Qatari JV partner on the development project, ownership, financing and management arrangements of the prestigious One Hyde Park, London then the most expensive residential space in the UK at £6,000 psf.
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Advising the owners of the Churchill Hotel, London on the refinancing to include a working capital facility for refurbishment of the hotel.
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Advising Coach Stores on its launch in the UK and flagship store in New Bond Street, London.
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Advising Investec Bank Plc on their most complex, high profile and challenging transactions.
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Advising KKR on the acquisition of a mezz piece from Goldmans Secured over 49 hotels within the Queens Moat Hotel Portfolio;
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Advising MSCI on relocation of its UK Operation to new head quarter building within the City of London.
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Advising Qatari owners on the sale of the Portman Hotel, London;
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Advising on the acquisition and development of one of the most expensive residential properties in London (a penthouse at One Hyde Park, London);
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Advising Lord Bath on a property litigation matter resulting in an eight figure settlement;
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Advising Priory Healthcare on the restructuring and refinancing of its Nursing Home Portfolio;
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Advising Virgin Media on its Real Estate Portfolio and strategy for contingent liabilities for vacant and excess space;
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Advising University College London on development of a £100m medical research facility and its student accommodation portfolio.