London law firm Howard Kennedy advised Moto Hospitality on a significant agreement with the Department for Transport and National Highways to secure long-term lease extensions across multiple motorway service areas.
Led by Partner Ellis Gardner-Browne, the mandate involved guiding Moto through a complex, multi-stakeholder transaction to secure over 75 years of additional tenure across key sites, unlocking a £500 million investment programme.
The extended leases establish a stable platform for Moto's investment in site modernisation, customer amenities and future-facing infrastructure. This builds on the more than £300 million already invested by Moto in its estate over the past five years.
Ellis Gardner-Browne worked closely with Moto to structure and negotiate the agreement, balancing commercial objectives with public sector requirements while preserving flexibility for future development and investment.
Commenting on the transaction, Ellis Gardner-Browne said: "This landmark agreement gives Moto the long-term certainty to continue investing in the future of the UK's largest motorway services network. We’re proud to have supported Moto on a complex transaction that balances public sector priorities with long-term commercial value. It reflects our commitment to be the outstanding legal partner to our clients, known for excellence, insight and impact.”
A key focus for Moto, the UK's largest operator of motorway service areas, is the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with the company already having installed over 1,000 ultra-rapid charging bays across its network. The investment programme is designed to support increasing demand and enable further innovation as transport and energy requirements continue to shift.
The team was led by partner Ellis Gardner-Browne alongside partners Amanda McNeil, Edward Cooper, Consultant Mark Stephens - CBE, Legal Director Tara Edwards, and Senior Associate Imogen MacLean.
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