Eversheds Sutherland advises on the transfer for South Western rail services into public ownership

South Western Railway is a large GB rail operator employing more than 5,000 workers operating 1,500 train services a day serving nearly 200 stations and carrying more than 220,000 people a day. 

The Transport Secretary announced on 4 December 2024 that South Western Railway would be the first private sector operator to be brought under public control as part of the Government’s ‘Public Ownership Transition Programme’, and a new public sector operator would be appointed with effect from 25 May 2025.

The new operator, South Western Railway Limited, was successfully appointed at 02.00am on Sunday 25 May 2025.

A large, cross-practice team from Eversheds Sutherland advised the DfT and DfT Operator Limited throughout the process, providing rail, commercial, real estate, employment, pensions and data protection support.

Eversheds Sutherland’s rail team was co-led by Partners Mike Turner and Agnes Koko, Head of Transport, with support on various aspects of the project from: William Spickett, Partner, Andrew Bell, Legal Director, Lucy Griffiths and Anne Harris (both Consultants), Madhulika Kanaujia, Principal Associate, and Thomas Holt, and Eleanor Gill (both Associates). They were supported by colleagues across the global law firm including Partners Phillip Tunney, Liz Fitzsimons, Lorna Doggett, Tom Bray, Mark Latimour and Richard Matthews, Isobel Carruthers, and Ridah Iqbal (both Legal Directors), Lisa Highet and John Morgan (both Principal Associates), Anna Allen and Alexandra Emery (both Senior Associates) and Sarah Perry (Associate).

Wider legal support for the project was provided by the Government Legal Department (GLD) and DfT Operator Limited in-house lawyers. GLD lawyers were led by Jessica Walters, Matthew Box and Andrew Hudson and DfT Operator Limited lawyers were led by Jenny Henderson and Sarah Keir.

Mike Turner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:
"We’re thrilled to have successfully assisted the DfT in delivering this groundbreaking deal. This project represents a significant initial step in the reform of the GB rail industry, and we are honoured to have played a pivotal role in its realisation. The teamwork exhibited throughout was truly exceptional, with every individual demonstrating relentless dedication to fulfilling the Department’s strategic requirements. We very much look forward to supporting them on future opportunities."

Agnes Koko, Eversheds Sutherland, said: 
"We’ve had the pleasure of acting as a trusted advisor to the DfT for many years. Having the opportunity to combine our extensive experience within the industry and deep understanding of our client’s strategic vision to help secure this key milestone – for both our client and the GB rail industry as a whole – couldn’t be better!"