Buzzacott provided tax structuring, transfer pricing, financial due diligence and tax due diligence services to Aceso in support of the £90m refinancing of its UK commercial property portfolio.

Overview of the deal

We were delighted to support Aceso on the on the £90 million recapitalization of 55 Mark Lane, a 162,000 square foot multi-let office asset in the City of London's EC3 insurance district. Proceeds will refinance the existing mortgage and fund a capital improvement plan.

Working closely with Atoz Advisers in Luxembourg, the Buzzacott team delivered joined-up cross-border advice covering tax structuring, FDD, and TDD. The deal involved multiple jurisdictions and a tight timeline, requiring close collaboration across service lines to deliver a smooth and timely completion.

Who was involved

Aceso is a listed company in Hong Kong (stock code : 00474) which is an investment and asset management group, with a focus on real estate and alternative investments across the UK, Europe and Asia. The Group previously completed the acquisition of the property in the first half of 2018.

Castleforge LLP is a London-based real estate investment firm, and will serve as lender, asset manager, and development manager.

Buzzacott team

Tax due diligence and structuring: Maurice von Bertele, Sarah Prothero, Catriona Soden, and Kam Chauhan

Financial due diligence: Matt Katz, James Wood, and George Mayo

Transfer pricing: Lauren Smyth

Atoz team

Tax due diligence and structuring: Samantha Hauw, Justine Guilluy, Thibaut Boulange, Yolina Stoyanova

What we liked about this deal

This transaction highlights Buzzacott’s continued work with international investors and property groups, advising on cross-border refinancings, acquisitions and structuring projects across the UK real estate market, and showcased Buzzacott’s ability to deliver integrated advice combining deep real estate sector insight with technical tax and financial expertise.

It was a pleasure to work with Atoz advisers, whose professionalism and responsiveness were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome for the client.

“Buzzacott were a trusted partner throughout this process. Their joined-up approach and responsiveness made a complex refinancing feel smooth and well-managed from start to finish. ”

— Aldous Li, Aceso