Freshfields advises Ontario Teachers’ on sale of its interest in Westerleigh Group

Global law firm Freshfields is advising Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (‘Ontario Teachers’) on its agreement to sell Westerleigh Group, a leading independent developer and operator of crematoria and cemeteries in the UK which is jointly owned by Ontario Teachers’ and Universities Superannuation Scheme (‘USS’), to ICG’s European Infrastructure team.

Under the 10 years’ ownership of Ontario Teachers’ and USS, Westerleigh has expanded its network significantly and is the UK's largest developer of new crematoria, opening 21 since 2016, with additional sites under development..

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory conditions and approvals and is expected to complete in Q4 2026.

The Freshfields team is being led by Ontario Teachers’ relationship partner Richard Johnson and senior associate Martha Davis, together with Emily Szasz on tax matters, Jenny McIvor on financing matters, Claire Harrop on regulatory matters and Alex Potter on antitrust matters.