Addleshaw Goddard advises on Freightliner sale

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UK law firm Addleshaw Goddard has advised on the acquisition of Freightliner Group Ltd by Arcapita, an international investment firm based in Bahrain. The team from Addleshaw Goddard advised Freightliner's owners - 3i, Electra Private Equity and Freightliner management. The deal is subject to competition clearance by the European Commission.

Freightliner is a successful and growing rail haulage organisation with over 1800 staff and an excellent reputation for reliability and innovation in a demanding market. During 3i and Electra’s ownership, Freightliner has expanded its activities to include the haulage of bulk freight as well as becoming the largest haulier of maritime containers in the UK. It has also developed into Europe with an operational subsidiary in Poland.

The change of ownership will ensure that Freightliner can continue to invest in and develop its Intermodal and Heavy Haul businesses, and enhance its international activities.

The operating companies, executive directors, management and staff, will continue with little change to lead the company in the future.

The team from Addleshaw Goddard was led by corporate partner William James, with Nick Pearey, Geoff Yates, Gary Fearn, Richard Hodgson and David Wall.

Addleshaw Goddard has acted for Freightliner since its privatisation from British Rail in 1996 and has acted for the Group and its shareholders on every major transaction since then. Corporate Partner William James who has been working with Freightliner since its privatisation says: "It has been extremely satisfying to work so closely with a business, its managers, employees and investors over such a long period of time. We will now be working hard to maintain this relationship over the next 12 years."

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