Freeths advises Porterbrook on acquisition of Corelink fleets

Law firm Freeths has advised leading rolling stock financier and asset management company Porterbrook on its acquisition of 404 rail vehicles from Corelink Rail Infrastructure Limited.

Owning and managing around 25% of Britain’s passenger rail fleet, Porterbrook, a long-standing client of top 50 UK law firm Freeths, is a key player in driving innovation and sustainability across the rail industry.

Corelink is a joint venture between Infracapital and Pan-European Infrastructure II, a fund managed and advised by DWS Group. 

The acquired fleet comprises 324 Class 730 Aventra electric units and 80 Class 196 diesel units, which together account for 60% of West Midlands Trains’ network operations. The Aventra units will be maintained at the Bletchley Train Maintenance Depot, which underwent a £66 million upgrade funded by Porterbrook last year.

This deal will allow Porterbrook to strengthen its established partnership with West Midlands Trains and ensure the continued delivery of modern, energy-efficient fleets across key UK routes.

Leading the Freeths team on this acquisition was Partner Tom Johnson. He was supported by Corporate Partner Dahren Naidoo, Commercial Director Rachel Crosier, Corporate Director Melanie Mapstone, Corporate Managing Associate Megan Atack and Commercial Senior Associate Michael Wells.

Tom Johnson commented: “This transaction marks a pivotal moment for Porterbrook as it continues to shape the future of UK rail. Our team was delighted to play a role in a deal that not only enhances operational resilience for West Midlands Trains, but also accelerates the industry’s transition towards greener, more efficient transport solutions. As a certified B Corp, we’re passionate about working on projects that deliver long-term environmental benefits.”