William Downs, Practice Group Leader of the firm's Corporate Department has more than 30 years experience as a business and transactional lawyer.  His work involves acting for a range of corporates and private equity houses involving domestic and international acquisitions, disposals, investments and joint ventures.

William has dealt with clients throughout the world, negotiated and managed major asset sales, acquisitions, flotations and joint ventures.  In addition, William has played a leading role in developing the firm's Energy & Utilities practice, advising on several innovative transactions.  He also advises boards and senior management on corporate governance.

Representative Experience

• Advising Beaufort Wind Limited on its acquisition of four wind farms from Npower Renewables Limited, valued at £165 million. The transaction also involved the refinancing of Beaufort Wind Limited's £300 million loan facility.
• Advising Englefield Capital LLP on its wind energy business investment in Zephyr Investments Ltd, valued at £400 million, and subsequent exit.
• Advising Englefield Renewable Energy Fund on it first investments in wind energy and a wood fuelled generation project.