Allen & Overy (A&O) has advised De Montfort University on a 30-year £110m bond issue – a deal that marks the first bond offer by a UK university in more than 10 years.

A&O fielded a team led by London-based capital markets partner Geoff Fuller and counsel Beth Collett, assisted by associate Joanna Bell.

Linklaters advised Barclays, which served as book-runner on the bond issue, which is the first since the University of Greenwich raised funds through a public bond issue in 1998. The magic circle firm's team was led by partner Nigel Pridmore.

The 30-year bonds, which were rated Aa1 by Moody's, were bought by M&G Investments, Legal & General, Scottish Widows and Kames Capital.

The bulk of the proceeds will be used to invest in the university's infrastructure, with De Montfort expected to plough £90m into improving its campus, while £20m will be held in reserve to gain interest.

Commenting on the deal, Fuller said: "The capital markets have provided a way to fill the gap in funding for public sector entities. Housing associations have been issuing bonds for the past five years and have met strong investor interest because of their stable business model. We expect universities to follow suit."