The changing needs of the railway globally demand a new look at the ways the industry does business both within itself and with its suppliers, customers and advisors. New physical infrastructure and rolling stock is part of the solution, but the greater part will come from innovation and technology. 

Our rail sector group brings together our global experience advising industry participants on diverse mandates including:

• financing of rolling stock and related infrastructure
• M&A
• real estate
• commercial and outsourcing
• IP
• regulatory
• planning and environment
• dispute resolution

We can advise you on just about every agreement, transaction, regulatory issue or type of dispute that the industry presents.

We work with lessors, train operating companies, manufacturers, project sponsors, funders and other investors, as well as public bodies. As a result we bring a measured and commercial approach to their transactions. 

We are particularly active in rail project financing - acting for funders or sponsors - and we are familiar with all transaction types in the sector, including hybrid PPP/asset finance, private or public bonds and structured debt finance. 

Bird & Bird actively helps the rail industry as a member of the Rail Working Group (RWG), a not-for-profit organisation helping to press for the implementation of the 2007 Luxembourg Protocol to the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment in as many countries as quickly as possible.  Once in force and with sufficient geographical coverage, the uniform recognition of creditors' rights is expected to facilitate an increase in private sector funding. 

Looking to the future, our long-standing rail sector experience, combined with our focus on technology and innovation in the digital world means we are well placed to guide you through the challenges and opportunities posed by technology and digitalisation of the railway.