Linklaters picks up lead mandate on Chinese Thames Water bid

London partner William Buckley and Hong Kong partner Matthew Middleditch advised CIC on the deal, whose value was not disclosed but is believed to be at least £500m.

Corporate managing associates Tom Matthews in London and Judie Ng-Shortell in Hong Kong were also involved in the mandate.

The transaction, CIC’s first infrastructure deal in the UK, sees Santander Private Equity and Portuguese investment vehicle Finpro acquire the 8.68pc stake from Kemble, according to reports.

Linklaters previously advised GDF Suez opposite CIC when the Chinese investor took a 30 per cent stake in the energy giant’s exploration and production division (17 August 2011).

The instruction follows Middleditch’s transfer to the magic circle firm’s Hong Kong office at the start of this year (10 October 2011).

The legal advisers to the sellers have not been disclosed.