DLA Piper is advising National Grid on real estate matters arising from the sale of 61% of its gas distribution arm, valued at £13.8 billion.

The team, led by partners Tim Field (Leeds) and Tom Kelsall (Manchester), is advising on the separation and transfer of the land and properties required by the gas distribution business. Senior associate Fiona Strachan acted as the in-house legal workstream lead for the real estate aspects of the project.

 DLA Piper is one of four firms on the National Grid legal panel dealing with this major exercise, which involves the transfer of some 20,000 properties and the first registration at the Land Registry of sites acquired over more than 200 years of the UK gas industry.

 Partner Tim Field said:

"This is the UK's largest ever infrastructure disposal, and we are delighted that thanks to new technologies and our close work with partners, it is progressing as efficiently as possible. We will be working with National Grid closely over the projected period and are excited to be involved in this landmark project."

On the team are partner Monique Sutherland in Birmingham, with Head of Legal Project Management James Northin, legal director Ruth Williamson, senior associates Sarah Woolmer and Qari Asim, legal executive Cheryl Murray and associates Claudia Barham, Veronica Eagleton, Victoria Hughes, Dean Peachey and Kaptuiya Tembo, all based in Leeds. 

Members of DLA Piper's Manchester office involved with the project include legal director Paul Burney, senior associate Claire Henderson  and associate Andrew Brown. The Sheffield office team includes associates Adele Merifield and Liam Staniland.