First UK flotation of a real estate unit trust

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised Peel Hunt, the corporate broker, on the AIM IPO of Circle Property completed this week. The IPO values the regional property investment company at £42 million.

Circle Property is chaired by Ian Henderson, Land Securities’ former chief executive. Other directors include Jamie Hambro, the Duke of Roxburghe and John Arnold as chief executive. Its portfolio of 16 commercial properties across England is held through a Jersey unit trust and has been valued at over £70 million. The company acquired all units in the trust on completion of the IPO.

Expert Opinion

“We are delighted to have assisted Circle Property and its broker, the sector leader, with the IPO process for what counts as the first UK flotation of a real estate unit trust.”

Simon Griffiths - Partner

Irwin Mitchell’s corporate team is one of the fastest growing teams at the firm. Irwin Mitchell has invested heavily in this sector and following the recent merger with Thomas Eggar in December 2016, creating a £250 million nationwide legal services businesses, will have corporate capabilities in six UK city locations, providing M&A and ECM services to some ambitious, fast growing businesses, both privately owned and quoted.