1 September 2009

Mallesons Stephen Jaques has acted for Metro Trains Melbourne on its successful tender to operate the Melbourne Metropolitan Train system.

Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), a consortium comprising MTR Corporation of Hong Kong, United Group Rail and John Holland, has signed a franchise agreement with the State of Victoria to operate the Melbourne Metropolitan Train system for eight years, commencing 30 November 2009. The signing of the Franchise Agreement is the culmination of a worldwide tender process.

Mallesons advised MTM on all legal aspects of the bid, including:

• bid strategy and negotiations
• commercial and risk issues
• reviewing and advising on all legal documentation
• undertaking due diligence and advising on legal risk and issues.

Mallesons is continuing to advise MTM on transition arrangements with the State and with the outgoing operator.

The Mallesons team was led by Melbourne-based partner Cheng Lim and included partners Louis Chiam, Philip Ward and Michelle Levy.

Cheng Lim noted: “It has been a challenging and complex transaction. We needed to be proactive, strategic and commercial in assisting MTM to assess risk and find solutions. We’re proud to have worked with MTM and have really enjoyed this process.”

More information:

Aleks Czerwinski, Communications Consultant

+61 2 9296 3703 or + 61 411 350 611

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