Landmark UK public sector bus deal supported by specialist team at Addleshaw Goddard

International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has advised the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on its landmark deal to purchase the bus business of West Midlands Travel Limited t/a National Express West Midlands from Mobico Plc - the largest ever deal done by the WMCA. 

The transaction, which aligns with the UK government’s aim to enable local authorities to have more public control over local transport networks, saw new Prime Minister Andy Burnham visit Birmingham in support of the move to public ownership.

The Addleshaw Goddard team was led by Partners Sara Gilmore and Roger Hart, and featured specialists from across the firm’s Corporate, Transport and Public Sector teams including Katy Oakes, Catherine McCallister, Chris Batten, James McCarthy and Caitlin Biggs. 

Sara Gilmore, who previously advised WMCA in relation to its bus franchising assessment, said: “This is a landmark transaction for the West Midlands and we are delighted to have supported WMCA on a deal that will play an important role in shaping the future of transport in the region."