The State has appointed Land Services WA – a consortium comprising Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) and Australian industry superannuation funds, Sunsuper and HESTA – to deliver, improve and maintain Landgate's automated titling services for a 40 year term. The services include the processing of property transactions and searches of the title register. The consortium was selected following an open and competitive market process.
The appointment has realised A$1.41 billion in upfront proceeds, as well as ongoing revenue for the State.
Ashurst acted as external legal adviser to the State, working together with the State Solicitors Office, to advise the State on this transaction.
The Ashurst team was led by corporate partner Carl Della-Bosca, with support from partner Anita Choi and associates Joe Ablitt* and Ivan Biros. IT and intellectual property advice was provided by partner Angela Summersby, consultant Georgina Adams and counsel Robert Dearn. Partner Martin Coleman and associates Anthony Pitruzzello and Angelee Patel* advised on financing aspects while partner Andrew Gay and associate Andra Lang advised on property aspects. Competition law advice was provided by partner Justin Jones and insurance advice by partner Rehana Box.
Partner Carl Della-Bosca commented:
"We are delighted to have assisted the State on this significant transaction which has delivered an outstanding outcome for Western Australia. This matter is an excellent example of the collaborative way we work at Ashurst, drawing on the specialist expertise of our teams across all five of our Australian offices to deliver the best result for our client."
*Joe and Angelee are both admitted in England and Wales, not admitted in Australia.
