Reflecting on 60 years of success
Sep 26 2008 The Journal
MINCOFFS is celebrating its 60th birthday year building on recent achievements both here in the region and nationally and is set to become Mincoff Jacksons in October following its merger with Teesside firm Jacksons.
Its corporate services department, headed by Paul Hughes, continues its close relationship with Northern Bear plc, and has been at the forefront of their acquisitions activity, totalling nearly £15 million. The team has provided a complete re-finance of the company’s bank facilities, setting in place a new banking structure worth over £12.5 million.
The growth of new corporate clients seeking Mincoffs’ advice is testament to the firm’s placing in the region to provide the same level of expertise that might be expected elsewhere at a more competitive cost.
The range of corporate work undertaken by the department includes the restructuring of a group of 20 offshore companies based in Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man and Switzerland, with a net asset value of over £100 million. Paul has also been instrumental in this transaction in advising on new investment and re-financing of existing bank facilities worth of over £50 million. He believes; “the firm’s ability to provide client-focussed teams of lawyers across a range of sectors is significant when providing quality legal advice.”
Despite the economic downturn, particularly in the construction sector, Mincoffs commercial property department has continued to grow. The recruitment of partner Phil Dean from Ward Hadaway demonstrates the firm’s intent for the future.
Phil has over 10 years’ experience representing both public and private sector clients. Howard Gold, senior partner describes him as a “valuable asset” to the firm. He has lead on a number of multi-million pound redevelopment schemes throughout the UK, as well as representing some of the biggest high street names.
Sara Keating, joined the firm last year as head of commercial litigation. Sara has a wealth of litigation experience and provides the best assistance for companies seeking representational matters involving commercial disputes.
Richard Arnot’s licensing and regulatory department continues to have high profile presence. He has recently received a number of instructions from Tesco and Iceland Foodstores, representing them in the North West and South Yorkshire.
In addition, another national plc with premises in almost every High Street in the country has asked him to represent them on a number of matters. Although the licensed trade is less active than in previous years, the firm’s regulatory practice continues to expand. The department successfully tendered for the Security Industry Authorities’ work in the North East.
Henry Cave, commercial property partner has worked on deals with a value in excess of £100 million in new constructed care homes for clients such Metnor Group plc, Helen McArdle Care Limited and Careline Lifestyles (UK) Limited.
The department has worked on deals in excess of £725 million this year and is looking forward to bucking the trend that other commercial property law firms appear to be experiencing.
