Pinsent Masons has advised HSBC and RBS on the financing of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board's (CPPIB) £1.1 billion acquisition of student accommodation company Liberty Living.

The deal, which will see CPPIB acquire over 40 Liberty Living residences across 17 UK university towns and cities, represents the largest European real estate transaction undertaken by CPPIB to date.

The Pinsent Masons team was led by finance partner William Oliver and Frances Mallender with support from across the firm's banking, real estate and tax teams.

Commenting on the deal, William Oliver, said: "Having advised on the financing of the Liberty Living portfolio over the last few years we were delighted to continue to work with them with respect to their acquisition by CPPIB."

CPPIB is a Toronto-headquartered professional investment management business which invests on behalf of its 18 million contributors and beneficiaries. Maintaining a diversified portfolio it invests in a range of sectors including public and private equities, real estate, infrastructure and fixed income instruments.

Liberty Living owns over 16,700 rooms across the UK and is one of the longest-standing and highly regarded owners and operators in the sector.