Shoosmiths spearheads BPF’s merger with UKPA
October, 2023 - Milton Keynes, England
Shoosmiths has advised The British Property Federation (BPF) on its merger with The UK PropTech Association (UKPA).
The law firm’s corporate M&A specialists led on the deal that unites the BPF’s membership of property owners, investors, developers and advisors with the UKPA’s community of entrepreneurs, solution providers, venture capital investors and proptech firms.
The merger was first announced in April 2023 and completed in October following the UKPA consulting its members and reaching the 75 per cent approval threshold.
On the merger, Melanie Leech, Chief Executive at the British Property Federation, said:
“The merger of the BPF and UKPA brings together two strong and successful brands to create a single united voice for property and proptech. I look forward to working with the UKPA members and team to deliver on our shared vision for a modern, innovative property sector harnessing the power of technology to tackle the challenges facing us including decarbonisation, and to deliver outstanding outcomes for local communities.”
Shoosmiths provided corporate advice on the merger, as well as due diligence on pensions, dispute resolution and data protection. Leading the team advising the BPF was corporate partner Sanjeev Sharma, supported by principal associate Amardeep Vangar and Jake Bowdler.
Sanjeev Sharma, corporate partner at Shoosmiths, said:
“This merger brings together two of the leading voices from the UK real estate industry. By joining forces, the BPF and UKPA can accelerate the development and adoption of technology across the real estate sector – working with their members to unlock its full potential.
“We’re proud to have advised the BPF on the deal, with our team of corporate specialists helping guide it through the various phases of the merger over the course of six months.”
Nathan Rees, co-head of Shoosmiths’ real estate investment group and client partner for the BPF, added:
“Shoosmiths has built a strong relationship with the BPF. We share many of its values and commitment to championing the UK’s real estate industry. This milestone merger with the UKPA is key to driving technological innovation across the property sector.”
