A&O strengthens Quinlan ties on deal for hotel chain

Allen & Overy (A&O) has cemented a strategic relationship with Irish group Quinlan as the acquisitive property investment company opens a London office.

The magic circle firm advised Quinlan on its e1.17bn (£790m) purchase of the Jurys Inn hotel chain along with regular Irish adviser A&L Goodbody. Senior corporate associate George Knighton led on the deal under corporate partner David Broadley and corporate finance partner Alison Beardsley.

Quinlan's London-based head of transactions Pauline Bradley, formerly of A&O client JER Partners, helped secure the work for A&O.

A&O corporate partner Eileen Kelliher manages the relationship for Quinlan and many other Irish companies. A&O is keen to capitalise on Quinlan's new London presence, which includes ownership of hotels Claridge's and The Berkeley.

Quinlan bought the Jurys Inn chain from JDH Acquisitions, which was advised by William Fry, Vincent & Beatty in Ireland and Hammonds in the UK. William Fry originally advised JDH - the investment vehicle of the founding families of Jurys Doyle Hotel Group - when it took the chain private in 2005.

McCann FitzGerald advised Anglo Irish Bank on the debt financing for Quinlan.