Ashfords appoints London banking partner to strengthen real estate finance and healthcare offering

read time: 2 min
01.05.25

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed Deborah Rowntree as a partner in its London banking and finance team, specialising in real estate finance with a sector focus on healthcare. 

Deborah's arrival will complement both the firm's current healthcare and real estate finance offering. Our finance offering covers both bilateral and syndicated lending for both UK and cross border transactions. Our sector team advises a wide range of healthcare clients on finance and M&A transactions and on commercial, real estate, employment and regulatory matters.

Deborah has extensive experience acting for lenders, real estate investors, operators, and developers on a variety of funding transactions. She regularly advises on acquisition finance, development funding, real estate investment, restructurings, general corporate financings, complex syndicated lending and re-financings.

Deborah said: 'I'm excited to be joining Ashfords as part of our growing banking team which has a reputation for providing pragmatic and commercial advice. I'm also looking forward to continuing to focus on the healthcare sector and working alongside my colleagues to provide the full range of legal services required to support the many funding and investment opportunities in this vibrant sector.'  

Rebecca Dury, partner and head of banking at Ashfords, said: We’re delighted to welcome Deborah to Ashfords. Deborah's knowledge of real estate finance and her healthcare specialism will strengthen our current offering - I look forward to watching the team grow and continue to achieve successful outcomes for our clients.'

Ashfords’ banking and finance team works with a range of lenders and the businesses they finance, helping to negotiate and secure funding across the business lifecycle, to meet lender expectations and deliver what businesses need to succeed. The firm's healthcare and life sciences team guides operators and investors on strategic transactions and through complex regulations, managing workforce challenges, protecting assets, and resolving disputes.

The banking team recently advised Lloyds Bank plc on a new £30 million revolving credit facility for a UK housebuilder and Fort Bovisand Developments Limited on their project to restore and develop the historic fort in Plymouth. Our healthcare team has most recently advised an international group on the strategic acquisition of a UK company specialising in disease models and advanced biomarker development.

For further information, please contact our banking and finance team.

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