Objective
Leading specialist liability insurance provider Marketform identified the need to relocate from its existing premises in Lime Street, EC3 to larger, higher-specification premises to support the burgeoning needs of the business.
Marketform’s objective was to occupy a single floor of 12-15,000 sq ft within the ‘Lloyds Triangle’. The premises needed to be of a regular configuration and capable of accommodating a minimum of 50 staff, with provision for 25% headcount expansion over the next 4-5 years.
Services Provided
A realistic budget was determined and after an extensive market search, a larger, self-contained building providing 20,000 sq ft was identified as a potential suitable option. Nick established that the building’s owner, Capital & Counties plc, wanted to sell its freehold interest in the property and that in order to maximise investment value, it needed first to secure a letting. This provided the opportunity for Nick to leverage a highly favourable transaction for Marketform.
Result
Nick was able to negotiate a new 10-year lease on the property at a low initial rent that would rise each year up to the rent review in five years time. Also at this time the tenant would benefit from an option to determine the lease. In the event that the tenant elected to retain occupancy, no rent would be payable in year six — effectively allowing Marketform to benefit from an 80% gearing after the reviewed rent had been determined.
The ground floor was sub-let on a short-term lease to reduce Marketform’s exposure to property costs while affording the future flexibility needed to expand its operations in the building.
