Infrastructure

Our infrastructure practice covers a wide array of infrastructure projects and transactions across all of the principal infrastructure sectors. With more than three decades of expertise in this area, our team of seasoned experts have advised on large scale UK and international infrastructure projects, particularly within a number of sectors, including energy infrastructure; transport infrastructure (including airports, roads and rail), logistics, ports, terminals, water and digital infrastructure to name a few. In short, we know the industry inside out.

Our scope of infrastructure work is comprehensive, covering corporate mergers and acquisitions, financing arrangements, project development, dispute resolution, and regulatory guidance. Whether it's a transformative project or a nuanced regulatory issue, our team is equipped to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.

Our corporate team are widely recognised as being a market leader in supporting clients on high profile and complex transactions in the sector, having been ranked as Band 1 for Infrastructure M&A and Acquisition Financing by leading legal directory Legal 500 UK in 2024.

We have maintained a strong presence across all key infrastructure sectors, including emerging technologies such as CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) and hydrogen, as well as long-term commercial contracts involving infrastructure assets, and digital infrastructure.

Our clients trust us with deals that demand innovative strategies, highly creative solutions, and nuanced advice that goes beyond standardized approaches. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide deep insights into the regulatory frameworks governing various infrastructure assets.

Key experience

Buckeye Partners L.P

We advised Buckeye Partners L.P. on the English law aspects of the sale of its 50 per cent. equity interest in VTTI BV, one of the world’s leading owners and operators of oil storage terminals, to IFM Investors and Vitol for US$ 975m.

Department for Transport

We advised the Department for Transport (DfT) in relation to the tender of the new West Coast Partnership (WCP) franchise for HS2, the high-speed line which will ultimately connect Britain’s largest cities.

Ferrovial

We advised Ferrovial, the Spanish-headquartered global infrastructure operator, on the disposal of the Amey group to a UK company controlled by One Equity Partners and Buckthorn Partners. The transaction was subject to regulatory approval in the UK, and the carve-out of the waste treatment business from the Amey group.

Global Infrastructure Partners

We advised Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the leading independent infrastructure investor, on the sale together with its co-investors of a 50.01% shareholding in London Gatwick Airport to VINCI Airports. The transaction values Gatwick at £8.3 billion on a cash and debt free basis.

KKR

We advised KKR on the acquisition of Viridor Limited by one of its infrastructure funds for an enterprise value of £4.2 billion. Viridor is one of the UK’s leading recycling and residual waste businesses with a large portfolio of energy from waste facilities as well as landfills.

UK Infrastructure Bank

We advised UK Infrastructure Bank in relation to a £50m loan to Portsmouth Water. The loan represents UKIB’s first investment in the UK’s water industry, with the proceeds being used to finance the construction of the Havant Thicket Reservoir, Hampshire. The reservoir will help to protect internationally rare chalk rivers by providing additional water supplies and resilience to the South of England, an area with significant risk of water shortages due to climate change and a growing population.