Wragge & Co LLP PFI Team has helped Solihull Council bring a £75 million education project to financial close. A team led by PFI partner David Fennell advised the council on its deal with a special purpose vehicle established by BAM PPP to deliver four new secondary schools. The deal is a key milestone in the government's Building Schools for the Future scheme.

The Wragge & Co team comprised PFI experts Kate McKenna and Keith Gamble, technology specialist Purdey Castle, construction director Paul Green and antitrust lawyer Andrew Maxwell. Victoria Leybourn and Juliet Abraham provided additional pensions and employment law advice. They worked alongside Michael Blamire-Brown and Andrew Kinsey from Solihull Council's in-house legal team.

David Fennell said: "Solihull is taking a lead in showing how the public and private sectors can work together to deliver tangible benefits for residents and communities. Building Schools for the Future is a big, ambitious scheme and we are working hard to make its vision a reality. Our experts worked as one team with the council and its other advisers to complete the first part of this important long-term project."

Mark Fenton, BSF Project Director at Solihull Council said: "The Wragge & Co team provided excellent advice and support to help us deliver on our promise: a brighter future for children and young people."

Building Schools for the Future is a £45 billion national scheme to rebuild or refurbish secondary schools. Solihull is one of the authorities participating in Wave 1 of the programme. Wragge & Co won its role advising on Buildings Schools for the Future following a competitive tender. Last year, the firm completed its first deal as part of the programme, advising Solihull Council on a £6.4 million ICT contract with RM Group.

BAM PPP is the specialist PPP investment arm of European construction firm Royal BAM Group. It was advised by McClure Naismith.

Wragge & Co's national PFI Team advises contractors, sponsors and funders on PFI, PPP and international projects. Working with the firm's experts in finance, construction, planning, IT and real estate practices, it delivers a bespoke service that anticipates clients' requirements and supports their objectives.

The 11-lawyer team advises private sector organisations – Amey on its bid for a £2.2 billion highways project in Birmingham; and public sector bodies throughout the UK including the London Borough of Southwark, East London Waste Authority and Bristol City Council. Highlights from the past 12 months include a £1.15 billion accommodation project for the Ministry of Defence and social housing projects for Croydon Council and Gleeson Homes.

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For further information about this press release, contact Kathryn Hobbs on +44 (0)121 213 2397, Alexa Highfield on +44 (0)121 213 2396 or Amie Ryalls on +44 (0)121 213 2360

This press release may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.