Herbert Smith Freehills LLP assists clients on all aspects of technology and outsourcing, from systems implementation and technology procurement to communications, data protection and cybersecurity. The practice is well-versed in handling disputes in addition to M&A transactions for disruptors and start-ups. The practice is co-led by Nick Pantlin, who specialises in multi-jurisdictional technology procurement, and David Coulling, who advises on joint ventures in the telecoms arena. Stephen Wisking is well-versed in competition, regulation and trade, with involvement in competition and regulatory cases, while James Farrell has experience in IT-related disputes. Jeremy Purton, who handles transactional and sourcing work, is another key contact in the group.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Genuine interest in our unique issues and commitment to finding practical solutions, via a collaborative approach.’
‘The HSF is friendly, approachable and value their client's subject matters.’
‘Jeremy Purton shows an impressive knowledge of IT service management and infrastructure.’
‘The HSF Team is exemplary in its collaborative approach and very much feels like a trusted partner in delivery.’
‘Excellent team, who are always willing to go above and above.’

Key clients

11:FS
Bharti Airtel
BP and bp Pulse
British American Tobacco
ClearBank
Comcast
Facebook
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
IBM
IHS Towers
Inchcape
Inmarsat
Kismet Capital Group
Lloyds Banking Group
Ministry of Defence
OneWeb
Orange
Reliance Communications
Sky
Standard Chartered Bank
Tata Communications
Telefonica
Telefonica UK (O2), Telefonica S.A.
Transport for London
UBS
VEON
Virgin Media/O2
Vodafone
Wisetech

Work highlights

Advised ClearBank on the appropriate intra-group outsourcing arrangements for its technology and 'banking as a service' platform.
Advised IHS Towers on its acquisition of 5,709 telecommunication towers in South Africa from MTN (Mobile Telephone Networks Proprietary Limited), as well as providing Power-as-a-Service to MTN at approximately 12,800 sites across South Africa (including the acquired 5,709 sites).
Advised TfL on the re-procurement of mobile services for its estate of c. 60,000 SIMS cards, covering corporate and operational staff mobile device users, as well as machine-to-machine communications for equipment such as Oyster card readers, the ULES cameras, iBus tracking systems, and others.