Addleshaw Goddard's commitment to growth in Projects and Healthcare continues with the announcement of the recruitment of specialist Barry Francis as a consultant in its London-based Infrastructure, Projects and Energy ("IPE") Group.

A respected legal and strategic adviser in commercial and financial transactions in the health sector, Barry was, until April 2016, Head of Healthcare at Pinsent Masons, and saw his team named 'Best Legal Adviser in Transactions' by 'Health Investor' publication for three successive years (2014 - 2016).

Barry has a wealth of experience in this sector – he led the legal team advising on such diverse transactions as the Midland Metropolitan Hospital – the NHS pilot PF2 hospital (a new pipeline of projects is expected in 2017), models for financing and delivering new hospitals and healthcare services around the world, and major outsourcings of pathology and diagnostic services.

Mike O'Connor, National Head of the IPE Group, said: "We are delighted to have Barry on board. His extensive networks, as well as his experience concentrating on large scale outsourcing, joint venture and PPP transactions in the NHS, will supplement our already strong National team and reflects our commitment to be a pre-eminent force in providing legal services across the health sector not only in the UK but in Europe and the Middle East."

David Hartley, head of the London IPE team said: "Barry's contribution to the team will build on the investment we are making in London and the South, following quickly after the recent hire of projects and healthcare expert Matthew Newing. The London healthcare market is facing many opportunities and challenges in the NHS and private sectors and our continued expansion increases our ability to add value and support to clients in improving their offerings in this important market."

Barry Francis commented that "I am glad to be supporting such a powerful firm as Addleshaw Goddard in its expansion in the healthcare market. Working with an able team will add to the depth of service I can offer to clients alongside my consultancy activities."