Clifford Chance LLP remains a go-to adviser for institutional investors and lenders acting on complex, cross-border infrastructure transactions. With a deep bench of dedicated specialists, the team advises across the full investment lifecycle and breadth of core subsectors, including energy, digital, and transport. Charlotte Madden leads the practice and regularly advises top-tier sponsors and funds on a variety of brownfield transactions, with recent activity spanning large-scale data centre developments and circular economy projects. Co-head Michael Bates is a seasoned debt finance expert, demonstrating longstanding relationships with corporates, lenders, and sponsors. Nicholas Hughes focuses on high-value domestic and cross-border M&A and private equity transactions, while Alexandra Dimsdale-Gill is noted for her strength in debt finance matters. Also recommended are Matt Dunn, who maintains a strong portfolio of data centre work; Thomas Fisher, who frequently advises prominent financial sponsors on digital infrastructure and energy transition transactions; Jonathan Dillon, who is highly active in the renewables sector; and Julia House, a go-to adviser for cross-border M&A expertise across broad asset classes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Clifford Chance's infrastructure team consistently delivers exceptional results, demonstrating unparalleled expertise and dedication. The team has an extremely strong bench of partners that excel across all sectors in the infrastructure M&A and finance space.'
‘Tom Fisher is commercial and responsive – a pleasure to work with. He is proactive, always available and delivers considered advice.'
- 'Charlotte Madden is a market leader on top developments and in the technical detail. She is calm and measured. I have no hesitation in recommending Charlotte to any client.'
‘The most incredible work-ethic. I have never worked with such an outstanding M&A team. We felt like we were in good hands the entire time. From day 1 the team knew exactly what we were looking for and how we like to work and make decisions.’
‘Nicholas Hughes is a complete and utter professional who knows what he is talking about and is able to unblock issues quickly and efficiently. He is able to quickly grasp the client's risk appetite and has an exceptional ability to steer difficult negotiations. His response time is second to none and you can tell client service is his utmost priority.'
‘Their commitment to excellence is evident in every mandate they undertake for us.’
'When having the CC team on a transaction, you are sure the right level of expertise, track-record and deliverability is onboarded.'
‘Partners Charlotte Madden and Thomas Fisher's ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver on tight deadlines is truly impressive. They have been so supportive and their innovative approach and strategic thinking set them apart in the infrastructure sector.'
'Very receptive to debating, strong interpersonal skills and commercially very strong.'
'Team has significant bench strength - across all levels. Great client engagement, turn around time and thorough risk assessment both legally and commercially.'
Key clients
- Partners Group
- KKR
- Infracapital
- Brookfield
- Ardian
- EQT
- GI Partners
- Asterion
- Igneo Infrastructure Partners
- Macquarie
- 3i
- DWS
- Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
- IFM Investors
- Blackstone
- CVC
Work highlights
Advised Ardian who, alongside PIF, acquired a 37.6% stake in Heathrow Airport from Ferrovial for $4.12 billion.
Advised on the acquisition of a majority stake in leading global renewables developer Neoen and the launch of a mandatory tender offer for 100% of the company.
Advised Iberdrola on the acquisition of Equitix's 88% stake in Electricity North West, for an equity value of £2.1 billion.
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.
Leading partners: Corporate and M&A
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Charlotte Madden
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.
Julia House
Practice head
Charlotte Madden; Michael Bates
Other key lawyers
Nicholas Hughes; Alexandra Dimsdale-Gill; Matt Dunn; Thomas Fisher; Jonathan Dillon; Julia House