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A longstanding presence in the market and widely respected for his historical influence on the privatisation of the UK water sector, Trevor Turtle at Herbert Smith LLP is ‘hugely well informed’. Noted for its regulatory expertise, the practice also handled a host of corporate transactions in 2011, including advising Severn Trent on the update of its €4bn Eurobond medium-term note programme; and Bristol Water on a £40m index-linked bond issue. Global in scope, the group advised on water projects in Africa, the Middle East and China.

With a strong corporate element, Linklaters LLP’s broad practice includes regulatory, financing, outsourcing and M&A. The firm advised the lenders, including Barclays Capital, on the £1.3bn financing of Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings’ offer for the entire issued share capital of Northumbrian Water Group. Julian Davies’ group has also been very active advising water companies on holding company refinancing, whole business securitisation and private financing placements into the US.

With a strong reputation in structured finance, Conrad Andersen at Allen & Overy LLP advised the bank and bond arrangers on three holding company refinancings, including that of Greensands, the holding company of Southern Water. Anderson and Susan Howard advised Capstone Infrastructure Corporation on its CAD$215m acquisition of a 70% stake in Bristol Water from Sociedad General de Aguas de Barcelona.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s substantial water group acted for key client Thames Water on a wide range of planning, environmental and regulatory matters, on diverse projects including the Thames Tunnel and the Lee Tunnel. The team is also advising on Thames Water’s claim before the Court of Appeal for judicial review of a competition decision by Ofwat. Team head Patrick Somers is noted for his in-depth knowledge of the sector.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s water group is headed by Mark Lane, who has strong industry relationships. It continues to act for major client United Utilities in several environmental, regulatory and contentious matters, including a claim for damages brought by Manchester Ship Canal Company. The firm was also appointed to advise the UK Water Industry Research Council on the implications of reform of the sector.

Norton Rose LLP is advising major client Ofwat on the financing, procurement and regulatory aspects of the Thames Tideway Tunnel. The firm also won tenders to assist the regulator on Water Industry Act 1991 claims, and modification of water licences. International projects include advising Sumitomo Corporation on a desalination plant in Peru.

Structured finance expert Edward Hickman at SNR Denton has a longstanding relationship with Southern Water Services, and has advised it on numerous financings, including its 2011 holding company refinancing. Hickman joined from Linklaters LLP in January 2012.

Shearman & Sterling LLP advises corporates, lenders and governments, primarily on major international hydropower projects. 2011 highlights included advising Export-Import Bank of Korea and other lenders on the financing of the Muharraq wastewater project in Bahrain.

Mike Webster at Baker & McKenzie LLP is advising Southern Water on contractual issues relating to capital expenditure and asset maintenance arrangements for its UK water networks. Richard Pike is acting for Independent Water Networks in a judicial review case brought by Thames Water regarding an Ofwat decision; and also in relation to a complaint under the Competition Act 1998.

Public law specialist Bircham Dyson Bell LLP acts for an impressive array of water company clients on regulatory and corporate matters. It has recently been advising the Environment Agency on a number of matters, including the consents for a £22m tidal barrier across the River Orwell.

Dundas & Wilson LLP displays ‘good water and waste management industry knowledge’. Strong in environmental, regulatory and contentious matters, it assisted the Environment Agency in overcoming objections to the Banbury and Cobbins Brook flood alleviation schemes. Other clients include Scottish Water. Mark Brumwell and Graeme Young co-head the team, and Michael Wrigley is also recommended.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP advised Saudi Arabia’s Electricity and Co Generation Regulatory Authority on the country’s Desalinated Water Transmission Code. Robert Lane is recommended.

In 2011, DLA Piper UK LLP was appointed to the legal panels of Northern Ireland Water and Scottish Water. Other highlights included acting for a consortium of Kelda Water Services and Morgan Sindell on two procurement bids for water projects in Wales.

Eversheds LLP is advising a major UK water company on a wide range of issues including the transfer of sewerage operations and the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision on sewerage infrastructure.

Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP ‘combines extensive knowledge and experience with practical, strategic and tactical advice’. Team head Stephen Tupper is ‘very clearly a leader in the regulatory sphere’. Clients include Southern Water and Bristol Water.

Osborne Clarke’s litigation team continues to act for Thames Water in a large group action relating to Mogden sewage works. Recent work also includes advising a water technology company on its joint venture with an international services company to sell a new product.

In 2011, Simmons & Simmons LLP advised various water companies on corporate, regulatory and contentious matters. Regulatory specialist Charles Bankes is a key contact.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a strong record on Middle East waste water treatment projects, recently acting on several major PPPs for corporate and government clients.

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