“Clarkslegal were very supportive and innovative in closing a milestone deal”
Clarkslegal LLP (Reading, England) has advised a Reading charity on obtaining finance for its acquisition of a prominent former corporate HQ building in Reading. The deal was based on Islamic financing, structured around the principles of diminishing Musharakah.
Led by Corporate Partner Ashan Arif, Clarkslegal worked closely with a leading London based Islamic finance scholar to put together a deal structure that satisfied both the client’s key objective (Sharia compliance) as well as being acceptable to the lender. Clarkslegal drafted and negotiated the key finance and security documents and also advised the trustees of the charity on the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
A delighted client thanked Clarkslegal’s for its contribution:
“This was a ground-breaking deal for us. Clarkslegal, through Ashan Arif, was instrumental in helping to put together a Sharia compliant financing structure; the only basis upon which we would do this deal. This involved complex documents and negotiations with the funder and throughout the entire process Clarkslegal were very supportive and innovative in closing a milestone deal that more than satisfied all the stakeholders.” General Secretary.
Ashan was pleased with the skill and determination demonstrated by his team in handling the complex negotiations:
“From the outset, we were fully aware of how important this deal was for our client. Negotiations were sometimes tricky and there was real pressure from the seller to complete the sale. Yet again, my team excelled in understanding and delivering on the client’s key objectives to achieve an outstanding result.”
City lawyers SNR Denton acted for the lender. Maclay Murray and Spens acted for the seller of the building.
About Clarkslegal LLP
Clarkslegal LLP is a leading commercial and private client law firm with a proven track record across the UK and internationally. The firm has offices in London, Reading, Cardiff and Swansea and is a legal adviser to a number of multinationals, FTSE 250 companies and public sector clients. Clarkslegal is a member of the TAGLaw global network of law firms and a member of the UK Trade & Investment Professional Advisory Network.
We are genuinely different from other law firms. Our offices also host the consultants and scientists working for our subsidiary HR and Environmental consultancies, Forbury People and Forbury Environmental. This means that our people work in a highly innovative, multi-disciplinary environment, which is a world away from that of a traditional law firm.
