Dentons has strengthened its Hotels practice with the hire of Chris Heath as a partner in London. With over a decade’s experience within the industry, Chris is a hotels specialist with a broad international practice covering the acquisition, development, financing, restructuring and operation of hotels, leisure facilities and related asset classes. He also advises on commercial agreements, hotel operations, consumer affairs, brand development and commercialisation, corporate communications, crisis management and other matters affecting the sector. As Vice President and Senior Counsel for Hilton, he was part of the senior leadership team within Hilton’s EMEA business, providing strategic legal and business counsel on challenging issues and complex transactions.
Jeremy Cohen, Dentons’ CEO for the UK and Middle East, said, “Chris is a true hotels expert and his arrival significantly strengthens Dentons’ market-leading global hotels practice, which is currently ranked Band 2 in Chambers UK, and both the firm and individuals have been ranked National Band 1 in the US for over a decade.
“With his deep expertise as a senior in house lawyer within the sector, Chris will add a further dimension to our global hotels team, which is already regarded as a trusted adviser to some of the world’s leading hotel groups, owners and investors across the full range of legal, commercial and day-to-day operational issues they face.”
Recent deals advised on by the hotels practice include:
Aprirose Limited on its acquisition and the related financing of QHotels Group, which includes a portfolio of 26 four- and five-star regional hotels and golf courses across the UK. This was one of the largest hotel portfolio acquisition deals in the UK in 2017. We also advised on subsequent disposals from the portfolio including the Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Hilton in connection with its development efforts, including negotiation of hotel management and franchise agreements around the world, including the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Park Hotels on in its £135 million sale of seven UK hotels, as well as separate sales of hotels located in the Netherlands and Germany.
