Deloitte, the business advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Nick Ritblat to its real estate practice. Nick Ritblat is widely regarded as one of the most influential participants in the UK property market. He spent 19 years at British Land, of which the last 15 years were as an Executive Director, and was President of the British Property Federation for the past year, playing a major role in the launch of REITs and the establishment of the Property Industry Alliance.

Nick will bring valuable insight into property markets and the needs of the Firm’s clients. He will advise on strategy, as well as originating transactions and advising clients. He will work particularly closely with the Real Estate team in corporate finance, lead by Robin Priest.

Deloitte now has a 350 strong Real Estate Practice encompassing strategic advice, real estate capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, tax and accounting.

John Connolly, Senior Partner and Chief Executive of Deloitte, commented: “We are delighted to announce Nick Ritblat’s appointment. Nick has been widely recognised for his superb representation of UK property interests. His broad experience will provide a real competitive edge for our firm in this important sector. His appointment follows other senior industry appointments which enhance our ability to deliver innovative ideas and value to our clients.”

Nick Ritblat said: “I am greatly looking forward to working with Deloitte and especially in a role which will enable me to continue making a contribution to the success of the UK property market. I have been hugely impressed by the quality and independence of the work undertaken by Deloitte and look forward to helping to bring the firm to a wider audience.”

Robin Priest, lead partner for Real Estate Corporate Finance Advisory Practice said: “Nick has always been regarded as a thoughtful and astute observer, analyst and principal in the real estate industry. He will bring a new dimension to our offering for the real estate industry and I am looking forward to working closely with him.”

Nick’s arrival follows a series of high profile business appointments by Deloitte, including Margaret Ewing who joined Deloitte from BAA, Kari Hale from the FSA, and Dame Sue Street, previously Permanent Secretary at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Ends
Deloitte has the largest specialist real estate division in the UK and brings together professionals from assurance, tax, corporate finance, transaction due diligence and other support, forensic and reorganisation services. We have a proven record of providing quality advice founded on longstanding experience of working on the most complex transactions in the sector.

Real estate is one of Deloitte’s fastest growing industry groups. Our clients include many of the industry’s largest real estate investors, fund managers, investment advisors, developers, property management and leasing companies, REITs, mortgage brokers and bankers, pension funds, syndicates and insurance companies.

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP which is among the country’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services. Deloitte & Touche LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (‘DTT’), a Swiss Verein whose member firms are separate and independent legal entities.  Neither DTT nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other’s omissions.  Services are provided by member firms or their subsidiaries and not by DTT.  Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.