Hospitality Investment Solicitors
We provide clear, pragmatic legal support to help you maximise the returns of private equity investment in the hospitality industry. Trust us to underpin deals that work for you and your portfolio.
Expert advice from sector specialists, tailored to your business and goals
Highly ranked by the Legal 500 for our work in hospitality and leisure
National reach with 12 offices across the UK, from London to Glasgow
Experts in private equity and venture capital investment in hospitality
The hospitality industry is a dynamic and highly competitive space, with private equity and venture capital investors seeking high-growth opportunities across hotels, restaurants, bars and other leisure venues. Navigating the complexities of these investments requires legal expertise and a deep understanding of the sector's unique challenges.
At Freeths, we cut through the noise, offering clear, practical advice that helps you secure and grow your investments. With our industry knowledge and pragmatic approach, we simplify complex transactions and minimise risk, making sure you're always one step ahead.
How we can help with hospitality investments
Our expert team is here to make sure that your transactions are both strategically and legally sound. We'll focus on mitigating risk, ensuring compliance and maximising commercial outcomes for you and your key stakeholders.
We can support with:
Due diligence and risk assessment: A good place to start is by conducting a comprehensive legal health check, reviewing contracts, leases and ownership titles to identify potential liabilities. We can also scrutinise operational agreements like Hotel Management and Franchise Agreements, making sure terms and obligations are clearly understood. If needed, we'll confirm that all required licenses and permits are in place and transferable, so your investment is fully compliant from day one
Transaction structuring and execution: Whether you're acquiring, selling or entering a joint venture, we can advise on the most advantageous legal and tax structures for your deal. Our team can draft and negotiate core transaction documents, such as the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), and represent you in financing talks
Operational and management contracts: We can draft and negotiate key contracts, including Hotel Management and Franchise Agreements, to align with your objectives and protect your interests. These agreements define operator responsibilities, performance standards and your rights, underpinning a smooth, legally secure relationship
Property development and construction: For new builds or significant renovations, we can guide you through the process of securing planning permissions and negotiating construction contracts. We have particular expertise in Assets of Community Value listings, providing strategic advice to mitigate their impact on your development timeline
Ongoing compliance support and dispute resolution: Post-investment, we can offer ongoing advice on regulatory changes and help resolve any commercial disputes. Our team provides continued support to keep your operations running smoothly and legally compliant
"With any investment, the key is building a solid foundation that can withstand the ups and downs of the market. At Freeths, we take the time to understand the unique challenges our clients face, from the intricacies of hotel management contracts to securing the right financing. We work with you to structure deals that make sense not just legally, but commercially, helping you avoid risks and unlock long-term value. Our goal is simple: to make sure your investment is protected, your operations run smoothly, and your business is positioned for sustainable growth."
Leo Skinner
Head of Drinks, Hospitality and Leisure
Key contact
Leo Skinner
Partner, Head of Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure
Get in touch
Why choose Freeths for private equity investment advice in hospitality?
We're an established, full-service law firm with over 1,200 colleagues. You can count on us for support with venture capital investment, private equity matters and many other legal considerations in the hospitality industry
We've received several awards, including Law Firm of the Year at the City AM Awards 2025. The Legal 500 and Chambers UK Legal Guide have also given us top rankings for our reputation and impact
We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in England and Wales, as well as the Law Society of Scotland
FAQs about private equity investment in hospitality
Buying a hotel, pub, bar or restaurant comes with risks that go beyond the typical M&A deal. You may need to think carefully about:
Hotel Management/Franchise Agreements: These contracts often have strict termination rights, performance standards and transfer restrictions that can impact the asset's value. We can make sure they align with your investment goals and timeline
Licensing & permits: Failing to properly transfer essential licenses like alcohol and entertainment, licenses can disrupt operations significantly. We can ensure all permits are in place and transferable to protect your investment straight away
Employment liabilities: The transfer of staff often triggers TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)) regulations, bringing complexities around employee rights and consultation. We can manage these issues to deliver a smooth transition
We take a pragmatic approach to these risks, providing practical solutions that protect your investment and keep things moving forward.
An Asset of Community Value (ACV) is a designation that can be applied to properties like pubs and bars, if they are seen as important to the local community. This designation can complicate efforts to redevelop or change the use of the property, making it harder to obtain planning permission for such changes.
Our team has successfully resisted over 60% of ACV nominations we've handled and regularly helps clients achieve their planning goals, even with an ACV designation in place. We work with you to manage the complexities and ensure your investment continues to perform as planned.
Yes, our expert team can support you with all aspects of an acquisition or takeover in the hospitality space. Our one-stop offering means we'll help deliver your project on time and on budget, covering everything from contractual obligations and property issues to tax and TUPE.
Testimonials
MA
“Leo and his team at Freeths act for The Big Table Group. I have had a longstanding relationship with Leo including my present role as Director of...
Matt Ainger, Property Director
Big Table Group
MG
“Freeths LLP have been our long term legal partner providing expertise and professionalism in handling both our everyday needs as well as supportin...
Mark Grunnell, Co-founder and Chief Executive
Red Oak Taverns
KA
“I have worked with Leo since April 2021 and he has provided me with inciteful and commercial support which can only come from someone who understa...
Kamran Aziz, Managing Director
RedCat Pub Company
HS
"Peach Pubs grew through acquiring freeholds and leaseholds (both private and pubco) over 20 years. Freeths became part of our success in the la...
Hamish Stoddart, Co-founder
Peach Pub Company
PD
“Leo and all of the team at Freeths are undoubted leisure sector specialists and are both commercial and pragmatic in their advice. They are able...
Phil Derbyshire, Group Property Director
The Restaurant Group Plc
RM
“Partnering with Freeths has provided us with invaluable support for our property activities. Their expert guidance and seamless service have prove...
Richard Maslin, Property Director
The Liberation Group
JD
“We have worked with Freeths for well over a decade for matters concerning our wine business and wine bars and restaurants, and are consistently im...
James Davy, Chairman
Davy’s
GB
"I have worked with Freeths for over two decades, firstly as an advisor alongside them when acting for a client, and more recently as the principal...
Graeme Bunn, Property & Acquisitions Director
Red Oak Taverns
TD
“Leo and his team at Freeths act for BKUK Group Limited and have done so since the inception of the business in its current form in 2017. I have ha...
Tim Doubleday, CFO
BKUK Group Limited
NB
“Freeths has provided unrivalled legal advice to our portfolio businesses in the pubs sector for many years. Their team regularly goes above and be...
Noah Bulkin, Managing Partner
May Capital
JL
“I have used Freeths for many years now, both on property and transactional matters. There are many reasons that I have used them so much, but top...
John Leslie, Chairman
Oakman Inns
PM
"The Late-Night sector has had some particularly difficult trading conditions over the last year, which meant unfortunately we had to take on board...
Peter Marks, Chairman
Neos Hospitality
Related insights
Speak to our hospitality investment experts today
Adding a hotel or bar to your portfolio? Struggling to get planning permission for a new investment? Our specialist team provides clear, practical advice tailored to the unique demands of the hospitality industry.
Reach out today to connect with expert solicitors who understand the challenges you face and how to overcome them. Whether you're new to hospitality or expanding your empire, Freeths can help you stay compliant and protect your interests.
Get in touch
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