Hogan Lovells advises Shaftesbury on its £300m equity capital raising

Press releases | 26 October 2020

London, 26 October 2020 – International law firm Hogan Lovells have advised Shaftesbury on its equity capital raising which intends to raise gross proceeds of approximately £297 million by way of a fully underwritten firm placing and placing and open offer. Up to a further approximately £10 million in gross proceeds may also be raised by way of an offer for subscription which is not underwritten.

Shaftesbury is a real estate investment trust with a portfolio that extends to 16 acres in the heart of London's west end, where the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures to contain it have had, and continue to have, a material adverse effect on normal patterns of activity and business. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shaftesbury are carrying out the capital raising to help ensure its group maintains a strong financial base, is positioned to return to long-term growth as pandemic issues recede and, should conditions improve, is able to invest further in its exceptional portfolio.

The Hogan Lovells team was led by Corporate & Finance partners Nicola Evans and Raj S. Panasar with support from partners Jonathan Baird, Gill McGreevy (Real Estate) and Elliot Weston (Tax).

Commenting on the transaction, partner Nicola Evans said: "We are delighted to have partnered with Shaftesbury on this significant transaction which ensures Shaftesbury is in a stronger position to deal with the continuing impact of COVID-19. Agility in helping companies with the optimal type of capital raise for the circumstances is key at the moment, as the business environment can change daily."