The short-term contract will see Virgin Trains run the franchise for the next two years and nine months for a premium of £430 million.
The team – led by Mike O’Connor, Head of Infrastructure, Projects and Energy at Addleshaw Goddard, with support from Andy Sykes, Jacqui Langley-White, Ben Traynor and Andrew Maskill – advised the DfT on the franchise agreement and rolling stock elements of the deal.
The news follows the appointment of rail and transport expert Paul Hirst, who joins Addleshaw Goddard as Head of Transport from DLA Piper. The investment highlights the firm’s continued development of a leading international transport practice, which forms a key part of the firm’s strategy to strengthen its core Infrastructure, Projects and Energy (IPE) practice.
Mike O’Connor commenting on the deal: “The West Coast line is a key route between London and the North West and Scotland, and we were pleased to work alongside the Department for Transport for the first time to secure a deal that will see significant improvements for rail passengers”
“Our rail practice is going from strength to strength – building a client base and work portfolio that positions Addleshaw Goddard as a leading firm in the sector, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the future.”
