Our international Outsourcing Group has extensive expertise and experience in all types of outsourcing transactions. We are regularly recognised as market leaders in this complex area, most recently by Chambers Europe 2007 which gave our international group a tier 1 ranking for outsourcing work.

We advise customers and suppliers on a wide range of technology and BPO outsourcing transactions, many of which have a multi-jurisdictional or offshore dimension. Examples of our recent experience include deals involving the outsourcing of IT systems and infrastructure, applications maintenance and development services, communications networks, finance and accounting functions, logistics and supply chain management, cash management and payroll, commercial print activities and billing systems.

We assist our clients at all stages in the lifecycle of an outsourcing project and provide commercially focused advice in all relevant areas, including:

• procurement models and transaction structuring
• offshore issues
• tax efficient structures
• use of joint ventures and special purpose vehicles
• HR related issues
• in-sourcing of previously outsourced functions
• re-tendering
• regulatory issues specific to particular sectors, such as communications and financial services
• financing arrangements
• outsourcing by government, for example under the UK Public Finance Initiative (PFI) and Public/Private Partnership (PPP) schemes

As well as handling the initial contract negotiation process legally, we regularly advise on legal aspects of contract management, change control, contract renegotiations, dispute handling, and options on contract termination.