Clifford Chance LLP advises investors, operators and suppliers on high‑value rail transactions in the UK and internationally, with particular strength in rolling stock and infrastructure financings. The cross‑practice team combines sector knowledge in procurement, leasing and project finance with firm-wide expertise in corporate, regulatory, competition, and tax matters, ensuring that the team is capable of handling complex mandates such as PPP concessions, fund investments, and restructurings alongside big‑ticket M&A. Paul Carrington, co-head of the firm’s rail industry group, specialises in financing, leasing, M&A, and restructuring transactions in the rail sector, with extensive experience on high-value UK and European rolling stock and PPP deals. Michael Pearson, who leads alongside Carrington, is the driving force behind the infrastructure side of the practice. Ranbir Hunjan specialises in transport financings and logistics, while Dominic Watts has extensive experience across the rail sector in both UK and Continental Europe.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Partner availability, engagement, involvement and knowledge is excellent. They look to solve problems, thinking one step ahead in order to reach solutions between parties. ’

  • 'Partner is very strong and involved in the deal from the start to the end.'

Key clients

  • Network Rail
  • Rock Rail
  • Hitachi Rail
  • SMBC
  • NatWest
  • Equitix
  • Medlog
  • Abrdn
  • Infracapital
  • Proxima

Work highlights

Advised Network Rail on a long-term concession for the design, deployment, and funding of new public communications networks and infrastructure.
Advised Rock Rail and Infracapital on the financing of a new fleet of electric rolling stock for the Leipzig Central German S-Bahn Network 2025+.
Advised Rock Rail and Abrdn on the acquisition, leasing, and financing of 31 Alstom Talent 3 Plus 6-car EMUs for the Baden-Württemberg and Saale-Thuringia-Southern Harz (STS) networks in Germany.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Paul Carrington

Other key lawyers

Michael Pearson; Ranbir Hunjan; Dominic Watts