The rail industry has an opportunity to create innovation to meet the needs of the 21st century.
The global rail industry has not been immune to recent global challenges, such as the crisis in the financial markets, the slowdown in the manufacturing sector across many industries and shifts in global trade, and it is struggling to meet the increasing demand for freight and passenger transportation.
With an anticipated US$300 billion being invested globally to upgrade, expand and initiate railway networks during the next five years, the rail industry needs to solve substantial business issues, such as capacity and congestion, operational efficiency and reliability, structural and competition issues, and safety and security.
Clifford Chance's Rail Industry Group works with its clients locally and internationally to help them address these issues, drawing on industry knowledge gained from our consistent involvement in some of the most important, innovative and complex projects in this sector.
Offering clients the benefit of a leading Rail Industry Group
Clifford Chance's dedicated, cross-practice Rail Industry Group – part of our global Transport & Logistics Group – comprises a team of leading professionals in the field who have worked extensively in the rail industry in the UK and internationally and offer clients an in-depth knowledge of the rail sector and projects market.
Members of our Rail Industry Group have worked on some of the most significant rail-related projects in the UK and internationally, including the British Rail privatisation, and the majority of major UK rolling stock new build projects since then. We advise on both heavy and light domestic and international projects and act for governments/public sector entities, infrastructure operators, passenger rail operators, project sponsors, banks and financial institutions, leasing companies and equipment manufacturers.
Private finance and the public sector
Clifford Chance is a recognised market leader in PFI/PPP projects that invariably need strong legal input to achieve workable structures to meet the needs of all concerned. Our lawyers have advised on domestic and international transactions, providing legal services to project sponsors, financial institutions and advisers, consortia, independent contractors and governmental bodies.
Areas of expertise
The broad range of disciplines and experience available within our Rail Industry Group enables us to offer clients comprehensive and efficient advice on all aspects of complex projects involving a wide range of connected issues:
- Competition and Regulation
- Corporate
- Employment
- Finance
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Real estate
- Securities
- Tax structures
