Chris Elias, who over the past 30 years has led corporate banking and credit underwriting teams at Barclays Corporate and NatWest in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, joins the commercial law firm at its Swindon offices.
In his new role, Chris will work alongside Thrings corporate partners John Davies and Simon Hore, sharing his vast experience of advising clients in the fields of corporate finance, banking, commercial lending, fundraising, portfolio management, business relationship management and business planning.
He will also facilitate introductions and help develop relationships with new and existing clients on behalf of Thrings’ corporate, commercial, property and banking teams.
Chris said: “The political and commercial arenas are currently so dynamic that change is going to be the one certainty for several years to come. When regional, national and global market places are so fluid, it is essential to have a team of professional advisors who can understand, digest and provide guidance swiftly.
“Change will undoubtedly open new markets for local businesses, and it’s great to see that the teams at Thrings are geared towards helping and supporting their clients whenever such opportunities arise.”
The appointment is set to boost Thrings’ corporate and banking team which in recent months has advised cyber security software firm CybSafe on a £3.5 million fundraising, acted on the MBO of telecoms and IT solutions service provider Excalibur Communications, and led fibre-optic infrastructure firm TrueSpeed Communications through its £75m investment from insurance giant, Aviva Investors.
John Davies, who is also head of Thrings’ Swindon office, added: “Chris has an unparalleled knowledge and understanding of local and regional markets, having excelled in the banking industry for more than three decades.
“Thrings’ corporate team has worked alongside Chris on a number of company sales, acquisitions, restructures and structured finance deals in recent years, and we have seen first-hand why he remains one of the most respected financial services professionals in the South West region.
“The team at Thrings is ambitious and we are looking to further cement our reputation as the region’s go-to commercial law firm. Chris will use and share his practical knowledge and industry experience with our corporate, commercial, property and banking teams, enabling us to explore new markets, add value to existing relationships, and, ultimately, help clients meet their commercial objectives.”
