Olswang cements Minerva relationship with St Botolph's deal

Olswang has closed a deal for property development and investment company Minerva, overseeing the signing of a 20-year lease on a landmark City of London building.

Under advice from real estate partner Julien Allen, who was assisted by real estate associate Tristam Fitzhugh and tax associate Natasha Kaye, Minerva signed the deal with St Botolph's House anchor tenant Lockton International. Lockton was advised by commercial property consultant Michael Daniels of Heald Nickinson.

Minerva, which initially became an Olswang client in 1991 with the arrival of real estate partner David Kustow, had been strongly associated with former Olswang chief executive officer Jonathan Goldstein. Goldstein had a close personal relationship with former Minerva chief executive Andrew Rosenfeld and handled corporate matters for the company.

The relationship has been maintained since both Goldstein and Rosenfeld moved on, with departments across the firm

being involved in transactions.

Recent work includes acting for Minerva in its joint ventures with Northacre to acquire the Thistle Lancaster Gate Hotel in Bayswater and the Odeon in Kensington for redevelopment. The firm also represented Minerva in the sale of The Criterion in Piccadilly Circus to London property investor Golfrate.