Taylor Wessing has scored a headline role for Soho Estates on a "dynastic" real estate deal which is set to see the relocation of the iconic Foyles Bookstore on Charing Cross Road.

The real estate developer has bought the bookstore and adjacent properties, covering more than an acre in London's Soho district, for a price tag of over £70m. The space has been in the Foyles family ownership since the launch of the flagship book store in 1906, but the sale will see it relocated to a purpose-built building nearby.

The deal marks a first-time appointment for Taylor Wessing from Soho Estates, which has traditionally turned to Howard Kennedy for advice. The Taylor Wessing team was led by City real estate head Keith Barnett, alongside finance partner Ross Caldwell and senior associate Cyrille West.

Meanwhile, the Foyles family instructed the Chelmsford office of Essex firm Tolhurst Fisher.

Barnett commented: "Soho Estates' acquisition of the Foyles Bookstore completes a very rare opportunity to purchase an acre of prime central London real estate.  It is something of a dynastic purchase which I think in the future will be looked upon as one of the great property plays of the decade."