International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised XC Trains Limited on the £1.5bn extended franchise agreement with the Department for Transport.

XC Trains Limited, a subsidiary of Arriva plc, will manage the new three year franchise agreement under the CrossCountry brand. Stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance the franchise will be the longest passenger route in the UK, covering 2,000km+ network and serving more than 100 stations.

The Osborne Clarke team that advised on the extended franchise agreement was led by Partner Lara Burch and supported by Partner Clive Smith, Associate Director Jeremy Godley, Senior Associate Declan Goodwin and Associate Kulraj Badhesha.