Advising on the sale and leaseback of company headquarters

How teamwork and specialist advice helped achieve ambitions   

Location

Bristol, UK

Value

Global Headquarters over £50 million

UK Headquarters over £15 million

 

Imperial Brands Plc were keen to undertake a sale and leaseback of their global headquarters in Bristol and their UK headquarters on the same site. 

How we worked together

The objective was to maximise value whilst ensuring the day-to-day business remained unaffected. Imperial Brands could then invest the sales proceeds back into growth areas of their core business. Efficient teamwork was crucial and our Bristol capital markets team, together with the London corporate capital markets team, worked with Imperial Brands and their chosen solicitor, providing an initial response covering key matters and regular on-site meetings. 

Considerable due diligence and advice covered property matters such as recommended rents, lease terms and marketing. We also worked with solicitors on lease clauses, financial analysis comparing different forms of leases and tax issues. In addition, we advised on confidentiality for the FTSE 100 Company and other related non-property matters.

Resolution

By working together, Imperial Brands were able to reach a sale and leaseback agreement within the required timeframe.  The Global Headquarters was sold for over £50 million and the UK Headquarters for over £15 million.