Addleshaw Goddard has appointed rail and asset finance specialist Clive Smith as a partner in its London-based banking practice.
Smith joins from Osborne Clarke, where he was a partner advising banks, lessors and operators, as well as manufacturers, on a range of asset classes with a particular emphasis on rolling stock fleets.
He has built up considerable experience and industry recognition while at Osborne Clarke and in other roles with DLA Piper and Norton Rose Fulbright.
The appointment comes following a string of successes for Addleshaw Goddard in the rail sector in the rail sector, including advising Hitachi Rail Europe on a series of projects for the supply and maintenance of new rolling stock fleets in a period of major investment.
The team has also recently secured a milestone appointment to tier 1 of the Department for Transport’s inaugural rail panel.
Amanda Gray, divisional managing partner for finance and projects, said: "Clive is very highly regarded in the asset finance world. We already have a successful asset finance practice covering aviation, shipping and rail but also a broad spectrum of other assets. Clive's broad asset finance experience coupled with his rail expertise will complement both our finance practice and the firm's transport sector focus.”
Addleshaw Goddard head of transport Paul Hirst said: "We have significantly grown our transport practice over the past three years, particularly in rail, which is a key focus for us. Clive's reputation, expertise and client base will support our plans to continue growing our rail practice into a top tier practice. We are very pleased he is joining us."
The company’s finance practice, with more than 130 lawyers internationally, covers a range of finance related advice as well as asset finance and leasing, including real estate finance, asset based lending, corporate banking, derivatives, finance for professional practices, funds finance, hotel finance, Islamic finance, leveraged finance and social housing.
The rail sector team supports clients from public and private organisations, including Network Rail, Department for Transport, Hitachi Rail Europe, Freightliner, Keolis, Amey Rail, and Metroline.
