28 January 2010

James Furber, Senior Partner, said, "Following his highly successful career at Great Portland Estates, Richard’s experience and insights into the commercial property sector are second to none. We are delighted that he will be working with us, to expand our presence further in that sector, providing advice that is pertinent and valued in the post recession era and supplementing the team’s experience here.”

He continued “A key part of our strategic programme is to continue to invest in the firm and we have been taking the opportunity to recruit top quality individuals in all areas. In the past few months our commercial property expertise has been enhanced with the addition of John Clark on the property finance side, and Clive Lovatt who has joined as a consultant on the construction side.   We have also invested in the recruitment of three new solicitors, Joanna Gliddon, Tom O’Malley and Jemma Regan-Cummins.  Richard’s input will help us shape our strategic plan."

Richard Peskin commented: "I have enjoyed my relationship with Farrers since 1997 when they started advising Great Portland Estates following the acquisition of Ilex. I am excited about the potential the firm already has in the commercial property sector and look forward to working with James and the team to develop that further."

Notes to Editors

About Richard Peskin

Richard Peskin was until last March Chairman of Great Portland Estates, a well known publicly quoted REIT currently capitalised at just under £900m.  He is a Capital Partner and Chairman of Internos Real Investors LLP, which recently bought GPT Halverton, which has €1.7b under management in Germany and Holland.  He is also on the Advisory Board of The Alpha Rockmount UK Fund, a partner in, and consultant to, S&T Asset Management LLP and a consultant to Glacial Properties.

About Property at Farrer & Co

The firm has two property teams:  Commercial Property and Estates & Private Property (as well as a Banking team that advises on property finance). Collectively, the teams advise on all aspects of property, including development work, planning law and construction law, investment and fund work.