Wragge & Co advises client Vodafone UK on strengthened network collaboration with Telefónica UK

Wragge & Co's commercial real estate experts have advised existing client Vodafone UK on its intention to strengthen its existing network partnership with Telefónica UK.

The companies plan to pool basic network infrastructure to create one national grid of 18,500 sites running each operator's independent spectrum.

The plan will deliver real benefits for today's mobile phone users by creating two competing networks that will be able to offer indoor 2G and 3G coverage targeting 98% of the UK population by 2015, delivering mobile coverage and mobile internet services to the vast majority of UK households.

A team of five real estate specialists, led by commercial real estate partner Jack Jacovou, worked closely with Vodafone UK's in-house legal team on the property aspects of the deal.

Jack Jacovou said: "This is an excellent project to be involved in - a large, complex property transaction for a longstanding and valued client."

The team included real estate tax partner Lee Nuttall; property litigation director Alison Hardy, advising on landlord and tenant issues and code powers; consultant Tim Steele, advising on the full range of commercial property issues and transactions; and Ruth Nagle, projects and team manager, advising on and designing procedures and processes to support the implementation of the project.

Wragge & Co has provided real estate advice to Vodafone UK for more than a decade.

A team of 25 Wragge & Co lawyers provide advice on telecommunications transactions and commercial issues affecting network operators.

Providing a sector-focused service, Wragge & Co's 180 real estate specialists act for investors, developers, major corporates, financial institutions, housing associations and local authorities in the UK and worldwide. The firm has 33 real estate partners.

Other real estate highlights from the past 12 months include US private equity firm Blackstone's £600 million acquisition of the Mint Hotel chain and Queensberry Real Estate.