John has broad experience acting for borrowers and lenders across different and diverse product lines and sectors, including real estate finance, general corporate lending, leveraged and event-driven acquisition finance.

He has particular focus on cross-border real estate finance, advising major international clients on landmark investment and development financings of residential, office, retail and commercial properties, logistic asset portfolios, as well as student accommodation, hotels and care homes.

John has previously been on secondment in Global Banking & Markets (Loan Markets) at RBS.

Experience

Representative matters

  • A global arranger and lender on the financing of PATRIZIA's acquisition of the Project Mercury portfolio of logistics assets in France, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy.
  • As part of the acquisition a portfolio of the bank’s non-performing loans, including real estate portfolios, with a nominal value of several billion euros were sold to independent investors. This deal marks the first successful privatization of a German state bank.
  • A global arranger and original lender for term and investment facilities for MARK (formerly Meyer Bergman) to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of 60 apartment buildings in Frankfurt, known as "Hella Portfolio".
  • The lenders on a term and capex facility to affiliates of Blackstone to refinance the take-private of Sponda Oyj, a listed Finnish real estate company. This deal represents the largest Finnish real estate transaction ever completed and is a significant investment by Blackstone into the Finnish market.

Speaking Engagements

  • Panel host, LMA Syndicated Loans Conference, Real Estate Finance, September 2023
  • Guest speaker, LMA Loan Documentation Course, Credit Protection, November 2019
  • Panel host, CREFC , Autumn Conference, Lending in Europe, September 2017
  • Panel host, CREFC Spring Conference, Lending in Europe, April 2016

Qualifications

Admissions

England and Wales, 2006 (Solicitor)

Academic

PgDL and LPC, BPP Law School, 2002-2004

MA, History, University of St Andrews, First Class Honours, 1998-2002

Languages

English
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.