Philip Lewis, the deputy chairman of UK commercial property consultant Lambert Smith Hampton, is to work with Nathan Kirsh, the South African investor who last year made a hostile takeover bid for Minerva, a London-based property developer, Property Week reports.  

Mr Lewis has been appointed to the board of the Kirsh Family Office, part of the Kirsh Group. He will be based in London and continue in his role at LSH, the publication reports.

“Lewis is retaining his association with LSH in this role, which will allow greater focus on business development and will increase opportunity for LSH with respect to the Kirsh Family Office property interests in the UK,” Ezra Nahome, chief executive of Lambert Smith Hampton, reportedly said.

According to the report Mr Lewis’s role at the Kirsh Family Office is unclear, but is likely to include a renewed attack on Minerva through Kifin, Mr Kirsh’s bid vehicle.