Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP is advising LXi REIT plc (LXi) on its proposed merger with Secure Income REIT plc (SIR).

LXi is a UK REIT which invests in UK commercial property assets let or pre-let on very long, inflation-linked leases, and SIR is a UK REIT that invests in real estate assets that provide long term rental income with upwards inflation protection. The planned merger of the two property trusts, which will create a combined group with assets of almost £4 billion, will generate a portfolio of operating assets that are let on long-term, index-linked leases to tenants across a diverse range of property sectors. The firm is acting for its long term client, LXi, on all aspects of the merger including the substantial real estate due diligence exercise and the £385 million acquisition finance facility.

The Stephenson Harwood team is being led by funds partner William Saunders, with support from a team of more than 50 lawyers across the corporate, real estate, finance, employment and tax departments.