Insights: August 2014

If you want to give something away but retain some control over it, chances are that an English lawyer will tell you to use a trust. I am a great fan of trusts but, let’s be honest, they have some potential drawbacks. For example, if an individual puts more than £325,000 into trust, a 20% […]

Fladgate LLP advised 4C Hotels Limited on the £32.5m purchase of The Minories Estate in Aldgate, London back in 2012 and the site has now been granted planning consent for a mixed use scheme comprising over 500,000 square foot of development. The high quality mixed use scheme proposes a new residential building with 87 apartments, […]

Size and reputation mean little when an unannounced inspection (or a dawn raid, as they are commonly known) is conducted by a regulatory authority. Often, it will signal the start of protracted proceedings against an organisation, which can cause disruption and distress to the business and individuals alike. Preparation is key. Whilst it will never […]

Fladgate LLP advised Jack Wolfskin, a leading German retailer of outdoor equipment and clothing, on the acquisition of a store at the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Fladgate has a strong track record of advising in the retail and leisure sector, with a cross firm team advising on real estate, employment, intellectual property, e-commerce, disputes and […]

It is fair to say that the UK high street has taken a bit of a battering over the past few years. It has been reported that one in six shops across the UK lies empty. A number of household names have vanished and demand for the resulting vacant premises has been low. The market […]

A court case over the £42 million residuary estate of the painter Lucian Freud has resulted in its true recipients remaining a closely guarded secret, despite the fact that his will was made public when it was proved at the Probate Registry. So how was this feat achieved and, for anyone not wanting the world […]

Fladgate LLP has advised on the sale of shares in Supercover Insurance Limited, an FCA regulated specialist insurance broker and claims administrator serving more than 1.5m policyholders, to the Markerstudy Group. Supercover Insurance Limited was set up in 1995 and provided extended warranty cover and insurance to mobile phone retail customers. Supercover has expanded its […]

Where one judge may find that wording is ambiguous, another three (more senior) may find that it is crystal clear. This arose in a case in which extensive works had been carried out in the home of Mr and Mrs West. The work was defective, the contractor became insolvent and the Wests sued the architect. […]

Fladgate LLP has, again, retained a top 20 ranking in the AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, July edition. In the latest issue, the firm is in joint 15th position having moved up one place, acting for 24 AIM companies. The firm is also ranked in the sector tables for Basic Materials, Consumer Goods, Financials and Oil […]

Fladgate LLP has advised hotel owner-operator Lowy Group on the £11.1m acquisition of the Queens Hotel Brighton. The 94 bedroom, grade II listed hotel is located on Kings Road, Brighton’s sea front and near to Brighton Pier. The hotel also comprises an All Bar One situated on part of the ground floor. Real estate partner […]

The Intellectual Property Act 2014 has now been passed and should come into force in stages, commencing 1 October 2014. Some of its provisions are relevant to the fashion industry. The law in this area is far from being “user friendly”, with four types of protection for designs: UK or the entire EU; registered or […]