Shoosmiths in Birmingham has advised developer Court Collaboration on two Chinese-backed real estate deals in the city in two months. The latest deal concerns the 1960's former Cadbury office building, Franklin House in Bournville, which is now being lined up for a high quality residential scheme with up to 96 units.

It has been purchased by Court Collaboration in conjunction with Chinese developer Headland Developments, and is the second Chinese-backed real estate deal advised on by Shoosmiths in Birmingham in the past two months after the let of 130 Colmore Row in Birmingham city centre to restaurant group Lasan was achieved in September.

Shoosmiths' Birmingham-based real estate partner, Jason Jackson, said: 'This is a ground-breaking deal which will bring high quality new homes to Bournville. Franklin House is a substantial building in a prime location in one of Birmingham's most sought-after suburbs and it is a really positive move for the city that this has happened with a Chinese-based investor.

'The team included myself as well as real estate senior associate Catherine Hood, partner Al Peet and associate Alistair Hammerton in our corporate team. We also advised on the tax implications of the joint venture. We really have the ability here at Shoosmiths to advise on complex joint venture developments which require not just real estate advice, but also tax, corporate and commercial input.

'The depth of our expertise in the Shoosmiths real estate team in Birmingham means we can handle the full range of letting and development transactions all under one roof. With a team of more than 100 real estate lawyers and staff in Birmingham, Shoosmiths' continues to build one of the city and region's leading real estate practices.'