Healey & Baker, one of the world's largest surveying firms, is going set up their new UK headquarters in 43-45 Portman Square, which is owned by Haslemere. Lovells advised Healey & Baker on the acquisition. This is the largest West End letting deal completed so far this year and, remarkably, it was done without any leaks into the market.
Healey & Baker has secured an assignment of Chevron UK Limited's lease on 6,503 sq m (70,000 sq ft) of the 100,000 sq ft building at 43-45 Portman Square and will be moving in on a phased basis from March 2002.
John Travers, Senior Partner of Healey & Baker, said:
"Moving to Portman Square enables us to stay in the West End and retain proximity to that essential element of the market".
Senior property lawyer Peter Farrell, under the supervision of partner Michael Stancombe, with assistance from Jude James, led the Lovells team for this transaction with Kathryn Gates of Edwards Geldard acting for Chevron UK Limited. Peter Farrell also advised Healey & Baker on its disposal last July of its City office at 27 Austin Friars to Devonshire Business Services Group. Lovells have been Healey & Baker's principal lawyers for over five years and recently advised Healey & Baker in connection with its merger with the American firm Cushman and Wakefield.
Michael Stancombe said:
"Healey & Baker are excellent clients of the firm and old friends and we are delighted that we have been able to assist them in securing a magnificent UK headquarters that will allow them to bring together the whole partnership under one roof."
Ends….
Notes to Editors:
Lovells' property practice consists of over 150 lawyers including 34 partners and this year won both Legal Business Property Firm of the Year and NACORE Advisors of the Year Awards.
Lovells also advised Healey & Baker in connection with all aspects of its 1998 merger with the giant US consultancy Cushman & Wakefield. It also advised this year on an overriding underlease of its City Office at 27 Austin Friars to Devonshire Business Services Limited.