International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised Whitehelm Capital, one of the world's largest independent infrastructure managers, on its initial £80 million investment into Smart City operator Connexin.

The funding will further strengthen Connexin's position and help it become the leader in the smart infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) sector. The new investment will support the expansion of the business to meet the expected growth in demand for smart networks in UK cities and their connecting infrastructures, enabling better connectivity, as well as smarter, more efficient services to communities.

UK citizens will be set to benefit from societal impacts of Connexin's work – improved quality of life, reduction in pollution and decrease in water loss.

Connexin has already achieved many ground breaking achievements in a short time frame. In 2019, Connexin delivered the UK’s first purpose built Smart City Operating System for Hull City Council and this year helped Amey implement Connexin’s CityOS platform to improve highway maintenance services across Sheffield. The added investment from Whitehelm will enable Connexin to accelerate its business strategy and maintain resilience, whilst responding to the market demand for smarter infrastructure and technology.

Tom Maher at Whitehelm Capital said: "We have had a great experience working with the Osborne Clarke team. Their deep knowledge and experience in the smart infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) sector, combined with clear, pragmatic, and commercially focussed advice delivered win-win solutions for all parties."

The Osborne Clarke team was led by Partner Greg Leyshon and Associate Director Pippa Byrne (Corporate / Private Equity). The team included Partners Jon Fell (Commercial Telecoms) and Alexandra Gower (Construction, Planning and Environment); Associate Directors Hannah Drew (Commercial Telecoms), Eleanor Williams (Commercial Telecoms) and Victoria Dingle (Banking); Senior Associate Chris Voelker, Associate Hannah Rossi and Trainee Ben Pearlman (all Corporate / Private Equity).

Smart cities innovate how we live, work and travel resulting in a better quality of life. Our experts have a deep understanding of all the issues relating to urban dynamics and the development of smart cities.  Osborne Clarke brings together finance, technology and infrastructure expertise to help realise smarter cities.

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