Shoosmiths continues to bolster fibre broadband access across the UK
October, 2022 - Milton Keynes, England
LAW firm Shoosmiths’ specialist digital infrastructure team has advised Foresight Group LLP (Foresight), a sustainably led alternative asset manager, in a significant investment in F&W Networks Limited as it looks to support the roll out of F&W Network’s full-fibre-to-the-premise network.
The funding will add to the 185,000 premises already benefitting from F&W Networks infrastructure and create additional local jobs across the South of England. The investment by Foresight is its latest in a series focusing on increasing fibre broadband in the UK.
This latest transaction further cements Shoosmiths’ digital infrastructure’s team go-to reputation in the market, having advised on over £550 million worth of transactions within the sector in the last two years.
The deal was led by corporate partner Helen Burnell and James Wood-Robertson, head of the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure sector. The cross-divisional team spanned commercial, corporate, tax, incentives, banking and finance, employment and construction practices – highlighting the depth and breadth of Shoosmiths’ expertise.
Helen Burnell said: “It is wonderful to work with Foresight Group on such a pivotal transaction as they look to sustainably improve fibre broadband access for all in the UK. The dedicated and thorough support of such a cross-divisional team highlights Shoosmiths reputation in the digital infrastructure market as a ‘one stop shop’ for high calibre and complex investments such as this.”
James Wood-Robertson added: “We wish Foresight and F&W Networks every success in this exciting new chapter for the fibre broadband sector. Our digital infrastructure experts are at the forefront of supporting the delivery of next generation digital infrastructure in the UK – as our integrated team continues to help institutional and infrastructure investors attracted by globally leading digital infrastructure assets.”
Corporate advice was provided by senior associate Mandip Riar and associates Elizabeth Roberts and Alice Richmond. Tax and incentives support was provided by legal director Sarah Buxton, partner Dan Sharman and associate Marie Mann. Senior associate Kat Raanan and partner Anna Robson provided banking and finance advice. Employment principal associate Pav Clair supported on the transaction, alongside construction support from partner Rick Atha and principal associate Stephanie Kosaka. Further real estate advice was provided by principal associates Richard Wilcox and Gillian Wood.
