Water
Praised for its "ability, knowledge and passion to deliver" (Legal 500 2007)
We have one of the most experienced and longest established water industry practices in the UK, serving a long list of domestic and international clients.
The practice operates through a multi-disciplinary team of highly experienced lawyers with a deep knowledge of all aspects of the industry. Their skills cover the key areas of banking, competition, construction, corporate, environment, finance, litigation/dispute resolution, outsourcing, projects, property and regulatory as well as support areas such as HR, tax, IT and business and technical services.
Our clients comprise many major companies in the UK water sector, including water and sewerage companies, water only companies and construction and research companies, as well as overseas governments and some of the largest international utility companies.
We advise commissioning authorities, governments, project promoters, financiers and participators in the construction and engineering sectors and promote projects from pre-planning and site selection stages through to securing construction powers, finance and post-construction claims settlements. We are able to oversee the environmental assessment processes from inception to completion that are central to all modern large scale projects.
Our range of services include:
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advising on the acquisition, merger and transfer of interests in water assets, undertakings and companies;
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advising on competition issues including Competition Commission referrals;
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advising on regulatory, supply and quality issues;
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drafting and negotiating water and sewerage project documentation;
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advising on all means of financing the water industry including bond issues, securitisations and financial restructurings;
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dealing with disputes arising from water and sewerage projects;
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advising on promotion of major infrastructure projects;
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advising on planning, environment and compulsory purchase issues associated with water and wastewater projects;
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advising on all property issues including the development of surplus lands in accordance with OFWAT procedures;
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advising on all aspects of the structure of the industry particularly in relation to the implementation of unbundling arrangements.
