Contractors & engineers
Speechly Bircham has a notable reputation in the construction and engineering sectors. We deliver a comprehensive and integrated international service, clients praise our “..robust knowledge of the sector combined with a sound commercial awareness” (Legal Director, Bouygues UK) as key to the success of transactions.
Our clients range from Fortune 500 engineering firms through to major contractors, specialist sub-contractors and consultants. We support our clients across a range of markets including energy, infrastructure, building and dredging & marine. For each market we field experts who understand the unique issues that affect these projects across a range of jurisdictions. At any stage of a project, be it structuring or bidding, dispute avoidance or resolution, our lawyers will help to drive your project forward and keep it on track.
Some highlights of our recent experience include:
Advising Bouygues Bâtiment International on its acquisition of a majority interest in Leadbitter Group from Dutch group Heijmans NV.
The target group (which includes Denne Construction) has revenues of approximately €400million.
Advising a market leader in the field of off-shore contracting and engineering and a marine dredging contractor on a sub-sea pipeline joint venture.
We initially supported the client on the European landing of this gas pipeline. This project is the world’s largest sub-sea pipeline installation, covering a 1,200 kilometre route and transporting 55 billion cubic metres of gas each year.
Advising a Fortune 500 organisation on a £12m arbitration claim in relation to an energy plant
The arbitration relates to the design, fabrication, construction and errection of mechanical equipment and pipework. We advised our clients, the subcontractor, on the merits and strategy for arbitrating the claim between themselves and the main contractor which resulted in the matter recently being settled with our clients receiving a significant settlement payment.
Providing procurement advice to a leading engineering and design consultancy
Representing a world leading engineering and design consultancy in setting aside the award of a major engineering contract by a major utilities company under the EU public procurement rules.
Acting for a major global engineering company on a series of substantial disputes relating to two City of London sites
The disputes relate to the manufacture and installation of the lifts in both a part new, partly refurbished building and a refurbishment site. This case involves allegations of delay in completion and of defective work, which it is said to have caused the project to be completed late.
Advising on the Lancasters development, a complex restoration project turning 15 houses into 77 luxury apartments
Advising on all the construction elements of Northacre’s Lancasters development - an exclusive Northacre revival scheme with 77 prime apartments overlooking Hyde Park. Formerly Lancaster Gate Thistle Hotel, this Grade II Listed terrace gained planning consent for conversion to residential accommodation. This is an extremely complex construction scheme; the revival of this Renaissance style Ambassadorial Terrace (originally 15 houses) will involve a complete 90ft high façade retention. The building will be restored to its original form with an underground car park beneath private landscaped gardens.
Compliance and regulatory matters for US multinationals
Representing several publicly traded US multinational construction and engineering firms in respect of compliance and regulatory matters including anti-bribery programs, ethical reporting and data privacy.