Energy & Natural Resources - Australia
What the team is known for
King & Wood Mallesons' respected practice offers substantial bench strength across the oil and gas, utilities and mining spectrum. It advises leading domestic and international players on major sector-specific M&A transactions, assisting with the acquisition and divestment of interests in assets at all stages of their life cycles. The practice is also recognised for its high-level interactions with official bodies concerning the future evolution of national energy policy, particularly within the electricity sector. The firm has a notable profile in the renewables sector, including solar and hydro power projects. Its key clients include Glencore, EMR Capital and Navarre Minerals.
Strengths
"Its a very good team of partners who are accessible and nice individuals. They are pleasant to work with and dedicated to their clients."
"They really understand what we need commercially, know when the issues need to be raised, are also able to come up with solutions and understand the market really well."
Work highlights
King & Wood Mallesons advised Navarre Minerals on its purchase of Queensland’s Mt Carlton Gold Mine and associated assets from Evolution Mining.
Notable practitioners
Vishal Ahuja is based in Sydney and enjoys a high reputation for advising on regulatory issues in the energy sector. He also has extensive experience handling energy supply and power purchase agreements. "Vishal has unparalleled knowledge of energy regulation, corporate structuring of energy projects and offtake agreements." "He is very responsive, knows the way we operate, takes into account the broader organisation and is good at thinking about issues. He meets tight deadlines and is good at working closely with internal lawyers, and those who don't have a legal background."
Craig Rogers is based in Brisbane and maintains a broad practice, encompassing energy infrastructure projects, financing, acquisitions and purchase agreements. In addition, he boasts expertise in oil and gas-related issues.
Peter Vaughan is based in Perth and draws upon deep experience in the sector to advise clients on the development of large LNG and carbon capture projects, including joint venture, service and tolling agreements, as well as procurement and regulatory issues. "Peter is highly regarded and well connected."
Scott Langford is based in Melbourne and maintains an impressive track record of advice on mining sector transactions, including takeovers, joint ventures, divestments and acquisitions as well as IPOs and investments. "Scott Langford is very good at details, very client-focused and knows us well."
Lorenzo Pacitti stands out for his considerable experience acting for prominent mining companies on corporate and commercial issues, including complex investment and transactional mandates. He is based in Perth. "He has a deep understanding of our business, a good understanding of what is important for us and what our risk appetite is. That allows him to provide tailored client-centric advice in the first instance."
Nicholas Pappas is based in Sydney and is particularly well regarded for his handling of transactions in the mining sector. "He is a long hand in the resources space who understands what needs to be done."
Robert Jackson is based in Brisbane and focuses principally on advising on transactional and other matters relating to the mining industry and its supporting infrastructure. "He is a very good lawyer who adds value."