Freeths announces key partner hire to launch banking practice in Leeds

Leading law firm Freeths has appointed banking & finance partner Andrew Curtis to its Leeds office, establishing the service line in the region. He joins from Clarion Solicitors.

Andrew brings with him more than 10 years’ experience in leverage finance, general corporate finance and development and investment real estate finance. He has previously worked for clearing banks providing funding to private equity backed business across Yorkshire, as well as acting for private equity houses when obtaining clearing bank/debt fund financing.

A renowned lawyer in his field, Andrew regularly advises on multi-jurisdiction finances for both borrowers and lenders and has previously acted for Frasers Group and a number of clearing banks and alternative lenders.

Joining the Freeths team, which has 13 offices across the UK, Andrew will work closely with the national banking & finance team, consisting of over 30 specialist banking lawyers, to continue to bolster services for clients. He will also support the leading Leeds corporate team in advising on high-profile transactions across the region such as its recent deal advising the shareholders (including its private equity backer) of the sale of the Pink Stuff cleaning brand to RPM International Inc, a NYSE-Listed company.

Reflecting on Andrew’s appointment, Partner and Head of Banking & Finance Chris Freeston said: "Andrew’s hire provides a key banking presence for the firm in Leeds and is a further opportunity for our rapidly growing banking & finance team to support high-profile funders and borrowers on banking and finance transactions in the region and across the UK more broadly.”

Managing Partner of the North John May continued: “Andrew’s strategic appointment to our Leeds cohort will be instrumental in the continuation of developing and expanding our regional capabilities. The strength of his cross-sector knowledge is also invaluable in building a leading banking offering in the North, providing a well-rounded service.”

Andrew Curtis added: “With some of the most reputable clients in the industry, I’m looking forward to supporting the Freeths team in its continued, organic growth. Anticipated regulatory changes will certainly make for an exciting start to the next stage of my career.”