Sidley Austin LLP advises on the full spectrum of infrastructure transactions, with a focus on private equity-backed M&A and complex financing structures. The team supports fund clients across asset classes including transport, digital infrastructure, utilities and energy transition, offering integrated corporate and finance expertise on cross-border mandates. Team head James MacArthur is a leading M&A practitioner who advises marquee funds and industry players on transactions spanning a wide range of core and core-plus assets. Ed Freeman is lauded as an ‘outstanding corporate partner’ and has recently led on major port infrastructure acquisitions, significant telecom investments, and social infrastructure transactions. Ben Thompson handles bespoke and complex infrastructure financings for a broad spectrum of sponsors and lenders, having joined the firm from Travers Smith LLP in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Team is very commercial and works like an extension of your own equity investment team, working like a true deal partner.’
‘Ed Freeman stands out to me as an outstanding corporate partner - he's very commercial.’
'Exceptional team, with great collaboration and attention to details when it matters. An extension of our own team.'
'James MacArthur is an exceptional partner with outstanding commercial judgement, attention to details and will go the extra mile to make sure a deal closes right. Ed Freeman is an extremely talented partner with exceptional availability and engagement.'
'James MacArthur is a hands on partner but optimises the efficiency of his team. Highly responsive and able to push transactions along.'
'James MacArthur is able to take complex commercial arrangements and provide simple and clear drafting. He is excellent at negotiation and able to think quickly on his feet to solve problems.'
Key clients
- Northleaf Capital
- DigitalBridge
- EQT Infrastructure
- Fortress Investment Group
- Class B creditors of Thames Water
- Pictet Alternative Advisors
- Stonepeak Partners
- Macquarie Asset Management
- InfraBridge
- Terra Firma
- iCON Infrastructure
- Apollo
Work highlights
Representing the Class B creditors in relation to ongoing financing matters in their debt position in respect of Thames Water.
Represented Northleaf Capital Partners in its acquisition of CCT Group, a leading tri-modal container port terminal business, from iCON Infrastructure Partners.
Advised InfraBridge, a leading infrastructure investment manager, on its agreement with Swiss Life Asset Managers for the acquisition of a co-controlling equity stake in, and investment into, Telecom Infrastructure Partners by Swiss Life.
Lawyers
Hall of fame: Corporate M&A
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners: Corporate and M&A
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James MacArthur
Other key lawyers
Ed Freeman; Ben Thompson