Leading law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised global real estate advisory firm JLL on its acquisition of Bluu.

Bluu is an office design and fit-out specialist with offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester.  The acquisition will bolster JLL’s UK Tétris business, which provides design, fit out and refurbishment services to occupiers and landlords.

The Irwin Mitchell team was led by corporate partner Edward Persse assisted by Paul Smith, Melanie Belford and Harriet Clarke.  Julie Morrissy and Emily Sinclair advised on construction issues.

Guy Grainger, JLL UK chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome the 120-strong Bluu team joining with our existing Tétris business in the UK.  Both businesses share the same core commitment to client service excellence and innovative high quality approaches to design and fit-out in what is a fast-moving and rapidly evolving sector.  This is an exciting and mutually beneficial combination. Bluu brings over 15 years’ heritage and a leading position in the UK.  We believe that by joining Bluu with our international platform, we can further enhance client service and create new opportunities through linking with JLL’s broader UK and international platform.”

Robb Simms-Davies, CEO Bluu, commented: “This is the coming together of two great companies who are strategically aligned and we fully believe that both will benefit from the partnership. Bringing together our leading teams of designers, market knowledge and high quality delivery, along with Tétris’ global platform and corporate client base will ensure we are the market leaders in multi-disciplinary fit-out. This is a key moment for our business and a decisive move to take it to the next level.”

    Expert Opinion

    We have advised JLL on 10 completed transactions to date and we are proud to have represented them again. The merger with Bluu will facilitate significant growth for JLL’s existing Tetris division. As a national corporate team, we continue to see significant mid-market M&A activity in the real estate sector.

    Edward Persse, Partner