Transport: Rail: Franchising
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7638 1111About
Provided by Ashurst
Ashurst is a recognised market leader in the rail sector, advising on the largest and most complex global rail transactions and projects. We have dedicated rail practice whose rail and transit experience is unsurpassed, both in terms of structuring workable and financeable solutions and in helping clients understand and address the demands and requirements of the differing stakeholders involved in these exciting and ambitious projects.
The team has first rate experience of working on deals across all key aspects of the rail sector, including rolling stock, light rail, freight and franchising.
Chambers Review
Ashurst has noteworthy expertise across the board in rolling stock, franchising and infrastructure projects. It also excels in complex rail M&A. The firm is frequently sought out by an enviable client roster featuring some of the largest players in the rail space to advise on high-value and high-profile projects. The department possesses a strong light rail practice, which sees its lawyers advising on operational and infrastructure matters.
Work Highlights
- Ashurst advised Transport for London and Docklands Light Railway Ltd on the £2.3 billion refranchising of the DLR.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ashurst have a very strong team."
"My first port of call will always be Ashurst."
"They have a keen understanding of our critical path milestones, meaning they anticipate future pressure points well in advance."
"Ashurst have a very strong team."
"My first port of call will always be Ashurst."
"They have a keen understanding of our critical path milestones, meaning they anticipate future pressure points well in advance."
Notable Practitioners
Naomi Horton is a highly regarded practitioner with enviable expertise in the rail industry. She represents key clients in infrastructure projects, rolling stock procurement and commercial contracts. Horton also advises on franchise bids and mobilisation.
"She is able to cut through everything to get to the nub of the issue and focus on what's required to get a resolution."
"She is very talented and very good with the detail. She is a very robust lawyer."
"Naomi is responsive, supportive and always on top of everything."
Terry van Poortvliet is the head of the rail department at Ashurst. He advises on a plethora of rail matters and has particular expertise in project financing. He also advises on rolling stock procurement and sale and leaseback, as well as rail-related M&A.
"Terry is a trusted adviser. He is technically brilliant and applies that brilliance commercially and pragmatically."
"He is approachable and engaging, combining great client-facing skills with deep industry knowledge."
"Terry is an excellent rail lawyer, being extremely knowledgeable about the sector and very personable. He is a very safe pair of hands."
Mark Elsey has significant experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects. His clients include government bodies, local authorities and private companies.
"He regularly uses his wealth of experience on previous matters to provide strategic input into decision-making."
Senior associate Rachael Chapple has considerable experience of the rail industry, having completed a two-year secondment at the Department for Transport. She advises on matters including franchising, rolling stock and financings.
"She really understands the rail industry and our own priorities, and is able to advise on tricky areas in a really user-friendly fashion."
"Rachael is a go-to senior associate."
Ranked Lawyers at
Ashurst
UK-wide