Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has advised Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) on a transformational rolling stock project for Wales. The deal saw CAF purchase 77 new diesel trains for the Wales and Border franchise, operated by KeolisAmey; CAF, which has already begun the design and engineering work for the fleet, will also provide associated equipment and maintenance.
“These new trains will be transformational for Wales, which is replacing the majority of its fleet,” said Tammy Samuel, partner, Stephenson Harwood. “It's the culmination of a year's work, from the competitive tender process – on which we also advised CAF – through to these negotiations with KeolisAmey and its financiers. Drawing on expertise from across the firm's practice areas, many of which have particular experience advising on matters in the rail industry, we were able to support on the full range of legal issues involved.”
The Stephenson Harwood team advising CAF was led by rail partner Tammy Samuel, who was supported by associate Jordan Oldham, partner Suzanne Tarplee and associate Stefan Eilts. Employment advice was provided by partner Anne Pritam and associate Natalie Edwards, pensions advice by partner Graham Wrightson and senior associate Naeem Noor, tax advice by partner Hugo Jenney and senior associate Kate Worthington, and corporate advice by partner Andrew McLean.
Stephenson Harwood has a long-standing relationship with CAF, and has advised the manufacturer on more than £2 billion of rolling stock orders over the last 5 years.