Osborne Clarke keeps Babcock role on Devonport extension

The contract, an extension of the Warship Support Modernisation Initiative, will see Babcock continue to provide management services to the base until 2013.

Osborne Clarke projects partner Julia Wood is a longstanding adviser to Babcock, previously as part of the legal team advising Devonport Management Limited (DML), which was subject to a £350m takeover by the engineering group in 2007.

“For the projects team this is just one example of the kind of work we’re doing,” said Wood. “It’s a part of the practice we see growing and enhancing its contribution to the firm.”

Under the agreement Babcock provides engineering support to Royal Navy ships and submarines, waterfront support ­services, logistics services, transport and estate facilities management at HM Naval Base Devonport.

Denton Wilde Sapte energy, infrastructure and project finance partner Ian Hodgson led the team advising the MoD after being instructed by MoD commercial lawyer Andrew Fox.

The eight-strong Osborne Clarke team was led by Wood and included health and safety partner Richard Bretton. The Dentons team was supported by energy partner Tom Eldridge.