Mark Simpson's practice focuses on UK and international business tax issues. He heads the UK real estate tax group and has extensive experience of tax planning in relation to property transactions including direct tax issues, stamp duty land tax planning opportunities and VAT. He acts for a wide range of clients, including developers, investors, public sector bodies and funders.

Mark also regularly advises on corporate finance transactions including M&A, IPOs, demergers and takeovers, private equity, banking and finance transactions. He is also adept at advising on the choice, implementation and administration of employee long term incentive and share plans.

Mark is listed in the most recent publication of the Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.

Mark is a trustee of the Northern Aldborough Festival, which is an annual music festival held in North Yorkshire.

Representative Experience

• Advising property companies and other entities on tax efficient property development and investment structures, including the use of innovative approaches to maximise the availability of tax reliefs and incentives.
• Advising a UK property investment company on a planned IPO and conversion into a REIT.
• Implementation of stamp duty land tax efficient acquisition and disposal structures for developers, investors and corporate occupiers.
• Advising public sector and private sector participants in major regeneration projects across the UK, including the use of joint venture and tax increment finance structures.
• Advising on property financing structures.
• Advising listed and unlisted companies on the establishment and operation of cash and equity incentive arrangements for senior management and other employees.
• Advising on tax efficient corporate restructurings and demergers and the return of value to shareholders.