Projects & Energy: Oil & Gas
Global Guide 2024 : Africa-wide
Band 2
Contact number
+44 207 448 4200About
Provided by Bracewell LLP
Bracewell's London and Dubai offices focus on emerging economies such as those in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, as well as the more developed markets of the UK and continental Europe. During the course of the last year, Bracewell has advised on a range of impressive matters, including:
Projects:
- Acting as international counsel to the mandated lead arrangers and lenders, comprised of Absa Bank Limited and the Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited, on the financing of the acquisition by Infinity Renewables Energy B.V. (a 100 percent subsidiary of Infinity Power Holdings BV, which is a joint venture between Cairo-based Infinity Energy and Abu Dhabi-based Masdar group) of Lekela Power B.V., the owner and operator of over 1 GW of operational wind projects across Africa.
- Advised Egyptian Refining Company (Takrir) S.A.E. in relation to a major restructuring of their project financing required because of COVID-19’s drastic impact on ERC’s refining margins. The firm also leads the advice to Egyptian Refining Company (ERC) in relation to the settlement of disputes with the EPC contractor.
Energy:
- Advising Savannah Energy Plc in its acquisition of Exxon and Petronas’ entire interests in the Doba oil field in Chad and their shareholding in the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline and Floating, Storage and Offloading vessel la.
- Advising Impact Oil & Gas on the proposed sale of its Namibian assets.
Chambers Review
The London office of Bracewell is well known for its comprehensive and wide-ranging energy practice, which has longstanding capabilities in oil and gas. The firm's lawyers are regularly mandated on transactions relating to hydrocarbon assets in Western, Central and Eastern Africa. The team is well reputed for its handling of upstream deals, including interest and asset acquisitions, as well as assisting with corporate and debt restructuring. It is further well equipped to handle contentious proceedings arising from energy projects.
Work Highlights
- A Bracewell team advised the senior lenders, represented by Citibank and The Standard Bank of South Africa, on the finance package for Seplat Energy's acquisition of a stake in Mobil Producing Nigeria from ExxonMobil.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The beauty of working with Bracewell is that we are able to benefit from significant partner time but they also know when to include junior members to ensure there is a seamless but efficient closing."
"Their team are extremely experienced and have worked on a wide range of projects. They are able to offer solutions to most complex issues because the team members have often worked on transactions that have presented similar issues."
"Bracewell are very committed to delivering high-quality work and meeting clients' tight deadlines."
"They're very knowledgeable in the oil and gas sector and knowledgeable about the jurisdictions. Their advice is quick and to the point."
"The beauty of working with Bracewell is that we are able to benefit from significant partner time but they also know when to include junior members to ensure there is a seamless but efficient closing."
"Their team are extremely experienced and have worked on a wide range of projects. They are able to offer solutions to most complex issues because the team members have often worked on transactions that have presented similar issues."
"Bracewell are very committed to delivering high-quality work and meeting clients' tight deadlines."
"They're very knowledgeable in the oil and gas sector and knowledgeable about the jurisdictions. Their advice is quick and to the point."
Notable Practitioners
London managing partner Jason Fox offers expertise in oil and gas-related matters, particularly in the upstream space. He is particularly noted for his capabilities in reserve-based lending finance.
"His ability to find solutions and work with all stakeholders is immediately impressive. His easy-going manner helps negotiation but this is backed by a strong intellect and knowledge of his subject matter."
"He is one of the leading lawyers for financing in oil and gas."
Adam Blythe is an increasingly visible lawyer whose work has a strong focus on oil and gas. In this regard, he has extensive experience advising on the acquisition of African hydrocarbon assets as well as providing guidance on disputes arising from alleged breaches of commercial agreements in the sector.
"Adam Blythe is exceptional and very commercial."
"Adam is very user-friendly and great to have opposite you on a transaction."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bracewell LLP
Africa-wide