Member Article

York's Langleys Solicitors adds Govia to transport client list

York-based Langleys Solicitors LLP has been appointed to act for rail operator Govia which is set to manage the largest rail franchise in the UK.

Govia, formed in 1996 as a joint venture betweenGo-Ahead (65%) and Keolis (35%) to bid for rail franchises during the privatisation of British Rail.

It currently operates the Govia Thameslink Railway, Southern, Southeastern and Great Norther (TSGN) franchises.

Langleys adds Govia to a growing list of transport clients. The firm acts for First Capital Connect, East Coast and the West Yorkshire Passenger Executive. Langleys has also worked for First Transpennine Express and First Great Western.

Langleys’ work for Govia will cover a range of areas including strategic management and advising on landlord and tenant issues from lease renewals and security of tenure to debt collection and disputes.

Partner Matthew Pugh, (pictured) who heads Langleys’ Property Litigation team, said: “Rail and transport across the UK continues to be a fast-growing sector alongside Government investment in proposed schemes such as HS2.

“We want to capitalise on this growth area with the extensive experience and knowledge we have developed in acting for major rail operators and transport companies.

“We are delighted to have been appointed by Govia as it prepares to run the largest rail franchise in the UK.”

Govia also runs three other major rail franchises, Southern, Southeastern and London Midland. Ahead of taking on the TSGN franchise, it is already the UK’s busiest rail operator, currently providing 28.7 per cent of all passenger journeys.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .