Addleshaw Goddard has announced the appointment of rail and asset finance specialist, Clive Smith, as a partner in its London based banking practice, demonstrating its commitment to the continued development of its asset finance team and capitalising on its expertise in the rail sector.

Clive 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.

Clive, who will join the firm on 2nd October 2017, has built up considerable experience and industry recognition while at Osborne Clarke and other previous roles in the City offices of DLA Piper and Norton Rose Fulbright. He is ranked in Band 2 (UK-wide) for both Transport Rail and Asset Finance (Rail Finance), with one client commenting that he is "incomparable when it comes to understanding client requirements and tailoring advice accordingly".

AG has enjoyed a string of recent successes 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.

Commenting on the hire, 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."

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."

Notes to editors

• Our finance practice, with over 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.
• Our Rail sector team has a burgeoning list of clients from public and private organisations, including: Network Rail, Department for Transport, Hitachi Rail Europe, Freightliner, Keolis, Amey Rail, and Metroline. As well as Clive's appointment, the 30 strong team has recently been boosted by the arrival of Ursula Gould as Legal Director, with specialist expertise in light and heavy rail mandates.
• The team has advised on key mandates, such as the joint venture between Keolis UK and Amey Rail on the contract to operate and maintain Greater Manchester's Metrolink - the UK's largest light rail network – and is currently advising the DfT on the West Coast Partnership franchise competition which will include initial operation of HS2 in addition to West Coast services.