Property Restructuring & Insolvency

It is an inevitable consequence of the cyclical nature of the economy and especially the real estate sector that things do not always work out in real estate projects. Wedlake Bell’s commitment to the finance sector means that it has many years of experience of dealing with the fallout. In certain cases, usually involving long term appointments with complex property and/or insolvency issues, we act as fixed charge receivers (three of our partners are qualified to take appointments as such) and we regularly provide advice and backup to other professionals acting as receivers or administrators in relation to distressed property situations. Our own experience as appointees means that officeholders can trust us to understand the pressures and difficulties of their role and the sensibilities of the lending environment.

Sometimes, the resolution of a particular matter can involve complex restructuring of the ownership of real estate assets so as to ensure a better outcome for lender clients (or the acquirers of distressed debt).

Landlords and tenants also require strategic advice when a stakeholder is experiencing financial difficulty – this may include advice in relation to landlord or tenant insolvency and procedures such as company voluntary arrangements (CVAs).

Our approach is very much multidisciplinary, both internally (involving lawyers in our real estate, insolvency and restructuring, banking and property litigation teams) and externally (where we work closely with professionals in related disciplines including asset managers) in order to achieve the best outcome.