London – LAWFUEL – The Legal Newswire – DLA Piper is pleased to announce that asset finance specialist Stephen Marais is to join its London office as a partner in its Finance & Projects Group. Stephen’s expertise covers a broad range of asset finance work and focuses primarily on ship finance.
Stephen has over 10 years experience as a specialist in asset finance and has particular expertise in the shipping and aviation sectors, advising a range of financial institutions on UK and cross border financing. His practice includes advising intergovernmental organisations, international shipping and aviation organisations and banks on operating leases, UK tonnage tax financing and double dip tax structures. Stephen also negotiates contracts, lease agreements and has experience advising on settlement arrangements following borrower insolvency. Most recently he has advised a number of banks on a financial deal utilising a Murabaha Islamic finance structure.
“Stephen’s reputation and experience as an asset finance specialist make him an ideal addition to the team,” said Michael Burton, UK head of Finance & Projects. “He is particularly strong in an area that we are keen to build – ship financing – and will work well with our existing team, in London and our teams in other offices across the globe. His strong relationships with leading banks in the UK will also enhance the work that we are already doing with our clients in this sector.”
Stephen joins DLA Piper from Denton Wilde Sapte’s London office.
