Freshfields demonstrates a strong portfolio of work acting for a wide range of financial sponsors on high-value and complex transactions, including infrastructure, pension, and sovereign wealth funds. Core areas of expertise for the group include the energy, digital infrastructure, and aviation sectors. The practice is co-led by Jessamy Gallagher, who regularly handles public and private M&A transactions, and Richard Thexton, who continues to guide both buyers and sellers through private capital-focused infrastructure transactions. Key recent areas of focus for Stuart Rowson include transactions in the utilities, fibre, and telecoms sectors. Jenny McIvor is sought after for her know-how on the financing and refinancing of infrastructure assets, while Richard Johnson acts for domestic and international clients alike on major deals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Richard Johnson did a great job coordinating and managing the Freshfields team. He steered the team to deliver good and timely advice and made sure he had the right team in place as the perimeter of the transaction evolved over time. I could pick up the phone to him on any issue or point, and he would be on top of it. Trusted adviser in the infrastructure M&A space.
Key clients
- AGS Airports
- APG Asset Management
- Arcus Infrastructure Partners
- AST SpaceMobile
- AustralianSuper
- BP
- Brookfield Asset Management
- Community Fibre
- Coöperatieve Rabobank
- CPP Investments
- CVC DIF
- Deutsche Bahn
- EDF Energy
- Eiffel Investment Group
- Electricity North West
- Equans
- Esken
- Eurostar Group
- ExxonMobil
- Global Infrastructure Partners
Work highlights
Advised Teck Resources Limited on its c.USD 53 billion merger of equals with Anglo American plc to form Anglo Teck plc.
Advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board on the separate sales of its stake in Brussels Airport Company SA to the Flemish region’s investment fund; its stakes in Birmingham, Bristol, and London City airports to Macquarie Asset Management and its stake in the Copenhagen airport to ATP.
Advised PD Ports on its c. GBP 745 million refinancing through a multi-sourced common terms debt platform, including private placements and bank facilities.
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.
Stuart Rowson
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.
Jenny McIvor
Practice head
Richard Thexton; Jessamy Gallagher
Other key lawyers
Stuart Rowson; Jenny McIvor; Richard Johnson; Ally McKechnie