Stevens & Bolton has advised M.J. Bale UK Ltd on its 10-year lease of a prominent retail unit at 48-50 Jermyn Street (St James's, London) which will become the Australian menswear brand's flagship London store and first physical presence outside Australia.
Stevens & Bolton advised M.J. Bale throughout the acquisition of the new lease, including negotiating and completing an agreement for lease whilst the building was undergoing redevelopment. Our team worked closely with the client to navigate the complex legal completion process, including fit-out approval requirements and the co-ordination of multiple landlord consents arising from the property's ownership structure. We also advised on the development and fit-out obligations of both landlord and tenant, helping to ensure the project could progress in line with the client's ambitious launch plans.
The transaction forms a key part of M.J. Bale's international growth strategy, bringing the high-end Australian fashion brand to one of the world's most renowned menswear retail destinations. The 2,636 sq ft store will occupy a prominent corner position within GPE's (Great Portland Estates) newly developed 30 Duke Street St James's scheme.
The deal also reflects M.J. Bale's long-term commitment to sustainability. The lease incorporates green provisions which align with the brand's environmental objectives and wider focus on responsible sourcing and conservation-led initiatives.
Matt Jensen, CEO & Founder of M.J. Bale, commented: "Opening on Jermyn Street is a significant milestone for M.J. Bale and an important step in our international growth journey. Securing the right location was critical to our UK launch, and the Stevens & Bolton team provided commercially focused, practical advice throughout the transaction. Their support helped us successfully navigate a complex leasing process and keep our plans on track for opening."
Ian Craig, Real Estate Partner at Stevens & Bolton, commented: "We are delighted to have supported M.J. Bale on this landmark transaction, which involved a number of development and occupation considerations. The matter demonstrates our expertise in advising international fashion and luxury brands on their UK expansion plans, and it was a pleasure to work alongside the M.J. Bale team and Paul Souber at Colliers to help bring the vision to fruition. We are really looking forward to seeing the store when it opens in the Autumn."
The Stevens & Bolton team was led by Ian Craig with support from Tom O'Dell (real estate).
M.J. Bale was advised on property matters by surveyor Colliers. GPE were advised on legal matters by CMS.