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18 February 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Asserson—Michael Francos-Downs

Manchester real estate finance practice welcomes legal director

International law firm Asserson has appointed Michael Francos-Downs to its Manchester real estate finance practice as a legal director. He joins from Brabners, where he was a senior associate, and will support commercial projects in the north west and across the UK, as well as colleagues internationally.

Francos-Downs advises borrowers, banks, institutional and private lenders, and development finance funders on complex, high-value secured finance transactions across a range of asset classes, including landed estates, healthcare properties, industrial and logistics sites, buy-to-let portfolios, large-scale residential developments and multi-let retail buildings.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining Asserson at a time of real momentum for the firm. The calibre of our existing talent… really stands out. I look forward to using my experience to support the growth of the real estate finance practice.’ Michael Clavell-Bate, partner and head of the Manchester office, added: ‘Michael’s arrival further strengthens our real estate finance team… His appointment is another milestone in our continued growth in the region.’

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Corporate team expands in Birmingham with partner hire

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