Vertu Motors has appointed a company law specialist with extensive experience in corporate finance and acquisitions.

Previously a partner at a North East law firm, Nicola Loose’s (pictured) specialist areas of expertise are in corporate finance and company law with specific sector expertise in motor retail.

She was voted the North East Corporate Lawyer of the Year at the 2010 and 2013 Insider Dealmakers Awards. She also advised UK Land Estates on the winning deal of the year at the Insider Dealmakers Awards 2013 and she was the lead adviser on the £173 million sale of the Visage Group to the Li and Fung Group, which won the Deal of the Year in 2010.

Loose, who acted for Vertu Motors in its acquisition of Bristol Street Motors Group Limited and its re-listing on AIM in 2007, will develop the Group’s in-house legal capability and work in conjunction with its external advisors on compliance matters as well as continuing to drive growth through corporate deals.

Robert Forrester (pictured), Vertu Motors' chief executive, said: “Nicola is a highly respected lawyer, who has a wealth of corporate legal experience and knowledge.  As the Group expands we feel it is important that we have the required in-house expertise in the legal area and compliance.

“She will be a tremendous asset to Vertu Motors as we grow and develop, because she knows the business and the sector exceptionally well having advised the group since its flotation.”