CC and Pinsents negotiate Wembley-Multiplex truce

Clifford Chance and Pinsent Masons have helped negotiate an end to the bitter dispute between Multiplex and The FA subsidiary Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) that will allow the ground to open in 2007.

Clifford Chance litigation partner Alex Panayides advised Multiplex in its negotiations with WNSL and The FA.

Panayides had earlier advised Multiplex in its successful breach of contract High Court claim against steel manufacturer Cleveland Bridge, and was retained for the dispute with WNSL.

Pinsent Masons construction partner Martin Harman was retained to negotiate the dispute with Multiplex after representing WNSL on the stadium redevelopment.

The FA was advised by its in-house legal team, led by head of legal and business affairs Alistair Maclean. The Lawyer understands The FA regular adviser Bird & Bird played a background role.

In a statement issued on The FA’s website, the parties said they had “agreed a comprehensive settlement of all outstanding disputes”.

The joint statement read: “This agreement will avoid a lengthy and expensive legal dispute and all parties are committed to working together to ensure that the stadium opens for business as early as possible in 2007.”

Clifford Chance, Pinsent Masons and Bird & Bird declined to comment.