Charles Steward

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised National Grid plc (National Grid) on the sale of its Grain LNG business to a consortium of multinational energy company, Centrica plc and energy transition infrastructure investment firm, Energy Capital Partners LLC, part of Bridgepoint Group plc. The terms of the transaction comprise total proceeds of c.£1.66 billion, including a pre-completion dividend. The final consideration will be subject to certain completion adjustments.

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised The Unite Group plc (Unite), one of the UK's largest purpose-built student accommodation providers, on its recommended cash and share offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Empiric Student Property plc (Empiric). Unite announced a firm intention to make an offer for Empiric in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers on 14 August 2025 (the Offer).

In July 2025, there were five Rule 2.7 announcements made across the UK public M&A market and three further possible offers announced.