Competition and regulatory

We have in-depth knowledge of rail regulatory matters across Europe and other jurisdictions worldwide. We advise on EU and national competition laws, EU state aid rules and EU procurement laws, helping clients with bids for rail franchises and new rolling stock orders, in both the heavy and light rail sectors. We have been legal adviser to the UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) since 2002, working closely with the Office both when it has had - and when has been without - its own legal department.

The rail sector in the EU is currently being transformed as the European Commission pushes ahead with the construction of an integrated European rail area. This revolution in the provision of rail services is creating new opportunities for market entrants and new challenges for incumbents. We have the expertise that industry players will require if they are to take advantage of opportunities arising in this changing environment; we have the judgement to help them manage associated risks.

Given that the EU regulatory framework increasingly provides the template for those structures investors expect to see in place, our team’s expertise has relevance well beyond the existing frontiers of the EU.

We also advise on:

• EU and national competition laws
• EU state aid rules
• EU procurement laws

Key contacts