Eversheds Sutherland has advised longstanding client Network Rail on the transfer of a significant number of strategically important Carillion contracts to Amey Rail following Carillion’s collapse. The arrangement will safeguard over 700 Carillion jobs and provide security for other companies involved in the rail industry.

The transfer of the high-profile contracts, including the Midland Mainline Upgrade and North West Electrification Programme, was carried out over two weeks with the Eversheds Sutherland team meeting particularly challenging timescales.

In the days following the liquidation of Carillion, the global legal practice also advised on an agreement with the Official Receiver and the special managers PwC. This will enable works on critical Network Rail projects to go ahead and Eversheds Sutherland will work closely with Network Rail as it seeks long-term transition arrangements for remaining contracts and staff.

The Eversheds Sutherland team was led by construction Partner Chris Pickens, with assistance from restructuring Partner Jamie Leader and construction Partner Simon Chamberlain. Slaughter and May represented Official Receiver and special managers PwC. Amey Rail was represented by its in-house team.

Chris Pickens said:

“Despite the particularly sensitive circumstances involved in this deal, we are delighted that we were able to support the successful         transfer of these high-value, strategically important contracts for our longstanding client Network Rail. The in-depth knowledge and     expertise of our team also enabled completion within a tight timescale.”