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Energy lawyers
The energy sector is experiencing a state of flux unprecedented in recent history. Major trends in the sector are continuing to alter the world's energy generation, consumption and efficiency. And opportunities are presenting themselves to the most innovative.
Whether you are an individual with investments in the energy sector or an organisation operating in this field, we have the sector knowledge to help you protect and further your interests.Sector knowledge
Our lawyers have experience advising some of the world’s largest energy companies, governments and shareholders on acquisitions, contracts and disputes. Having advised on projects spanning the globe, we take the time to understand your objectives and work out the optimal strategy to achieve them. We understand the intricacies of the sector and the differences between countries that have to be understood.
Taking on the biggest opponents
The global energy sector means organisations and individuals have interests in multiple countries, with varying restrictions. Disputes can arise in relation to investments in energy projects, including with states and regulators. We have advised clients on the best way to conduct these disputes in cases across the world to make sure that their investment is protected, or that they are properly compensated for breaches of their rights.
How we can help
Our highly skilled commercial litigators assist with complex, multi-jurisdictional cases of all kinds, whether acting for an investor, business or brand.
ConstructionBuilding things should be inspiring. Whatever your project, our construction and real estate teams offer proactive, commercial, and pragmatic advice that will help you to realize your ambitions despite an undeniably challenging time for the industry.
Employment contractsOur lawyers will make sure your employment contract puts you in a strong position – whether in regard to benefits or post-termination restrictions.
Our firm is unusual in acting more often for individuals than institutions. Our highly knowledgeable team has regulatory and market experience and is known for getting results.
HR supportOur HR teams handle all kinds of employment issues, from overseeing training and drafting employment contracts to handling misconduct and redundancies. We will work as an extension of your team, offering HR support and guidance on how to manage these issues sensitively and effectively.
Mergers and acquisitionsOur team has acted in the full range of transactions, getting the deal done quickly, within regulations and with minimal fuss.
We are proud to help international banks and borrowers as they bring major new developments to life. Our global team is here to meet your unique business needs throughout the project lifecycle.
TechnologyOur Withers tech venture capital and technology arm is passionate about technology and thrives on supporting firms of all sizes by taking a ‘more startup’ attitude to solving problems.
Track record
Hydropower company disposes of commercial units valued at HK$330 million
Acted for the subsidiaries of a People's Republic of China (PRC) based hydropower company in the disposal of the strata title of commercial units in Wanchai, Hong Kong for a consideration of more than HK$330 million.
Credit Suisse First Boston LLC
Represented Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, as an initial purchaser, in the underwritten Rule 144A private offering of US$25 million 10% Senior Notes Due 2012 of PetroQuest Energy, Inc.
Republic of Croatia
We advised on a grant agreement between the Republic of Croatia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and development. This included advising on the project implementation agreement and overall financing structure in connection with a global environment facility trust fund grant for renewable energy projects in Croatia.
Privatisation of the Scottish electricity industry
We advised on the privatisation of the Scottish electricity industry. This privatisation included the whole pre-IPO reorganisation, and hiving off of the Grid and the Nuclear industry.
US$147 million mining project in Russia
We advised a multilateral agency on a US$147 million financing for a mining project in Russia.
US$32 million loan for the indirect acquisition of stakes in Indonesian coal mining company
We acted for Oceanpro Investments Limited as borrower on its US$32 million loan facilities from a major bank. This loan was used for the purpose of indirect acquisition of stakes in an Indonesian coal mining company, PT Kutai Bara Nusantara.
€123.5 million loan to finance a hydroelectric power plant
We represented a multilateral agency on a €123.5 million loan to Hrvatska Elektroprivreda DD to finance the construction of a 68MW Ombla hydroelectric power plant at the Rijeka Dubrovacka Bay near Dubrovnik.
Ariston Thermo SpA acquisition of a UK distributor of boilers
Ariston Thermo SpA is one of the world's leading manufacturers of boilers, burners and solar thermal equipment, with a current turnover of €1.1 billion, they have 6,500 employees and are present in 10 countries with 18 production sites and distribute their products in over 150 countries. Withers have advised on the acquisition of a UK distributor of boilers on Ariston Thermo SpA's behalf.
Azerbaijani oil company
We are advising an Azerbaijani oil company in a dispute relating to an off-shore drilling platform.
Biofuels plant development
Withers have represented a developer of a biofuels plant in St Petersburg, Russia.
Hydropower company disposes of commercial units valued at HK$330 million
Acted for the subsidiaries of a People's Republic of China (PRC) based hydropower company in the disposal of the strata title of commercial units in Wanchai, Hong Kong for a consideration of more than HK$330 million.
US$32 million loan for the indirect acquisition of stakes in Indonesian coal mining company
We acted for Oceanpro Investments Limited as borrower on its US$32 million loan facilities from a major bank. This loan was used for the purpose of indirect acquisition of stakes in an Indonesian coal mining company, PT Kutai Bara Nusantara.
Republic of Croatia
We advised on a grant agreement between the Republic of Croatia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and development. This included advising on the project implementation agreement and overall financing structure in connection with a global environment facility trust fund grant for renewable energy projects in Croatia.
Privatisation of the Scottish electricity industry
We advised on the privatisation of the Scottish electricity industry. This privatisation included the whole pre-IPO reorganisation, and hiving off of the Grid and the Nuclear industry.
€123.5 million loan to finance a hydroelectric power plant
We represented a multilateral agency on a €123.5 million loan to Hrvatska Elektroprivreda DD to finance the construction of a 68MW Ombla hydroelectric power plant at the Rijeka Dubrovacka Bay near Dubrovnik.
Ariston Thermo SpA acquisition of a UK distributor of boilers
Ariston Thermo SpA is one of the world's leading manufacturers of boilers, burners and solar thermal equipment, with a current turnover of €1.1 billion, they have 6,500 employees and are present in 10 countries with 18 production sites and distribute their products in over 150 countries. Withers have advised on the acquisition of a UK distributor of boilers on Ariston Thermo SpA's behalf.
Enfinity Group's photovoltaic projects
Enfinity Group is a Belgian based fully integrated project developer, financier, operator and trader of photovoltaic and wind power energy systems. Withers are proud to have represented Enfity Group on all aspects of their photovoltaic projects, particularly in Italy.
EPC contract advice for a waste-to-energy project
We advised a developer on an EPC contract to deliver a waste-to-energy project in London.
Feasibility, development and implementation of photovoltaic projects for AEE Renewables Plc
AEE Renewables Plc is a German-based integrated project developer of photovoltaic and hydro power energy systems. Withers has represented AEE Renewables on all aspects of the feasibility, development and implementation of its photovoltaic projects in Germany, UK and Turkey.
IPO for Hightex Group
Hightex Group is a UK, Swiss and German membrane and renewable energy company. Withers has acted for Hightex Group on their IPO on the AIM market. We have also advised Hightex Group on their reverse takeover of West 175 Media Group Inc., the acquisition of HighTex International (HTI) AG, and on the acquisition of SolarNext AG, a German company active in the solar and alternative energy sectors.
Master Chem Oil Ltd for the financing and development of an oil receiving terminal
Withers has represented Master Chem Oil Ltd on a range of projects including the financing and development of an oil receiving terminal in the Black Sea, Romania, along with general advice on the company's financing arrangements.
Representation for €50 million worth of sustainable energy projects
Withers have represented a multilateral agency as lead international counsel on €50 million worth of sustainable energy projects. This representation included the securing of loans to companies in Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia and Croatia for the development of hydro power plants, a biomass plant, and to support energy efficiency improvements.
Feasibility, development and implementation of photovoltaic projects for AEE Renewables Plc
AEE Renewables Plc is a German-based integrated project developer of photovoltaic and hydro power energy systems. Withers has represented AEE Renewables on all aspects of the feasibility, development and implementation of its photovoltaic projects in Germany, UK and Turkey.
Credit Suisse First Boston LLC
Represented Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, as an initial purchaser, in the underwritten Rule 144A private offering of US$25 million 10% Senior Notes Due 2012 of PetroQuest Energy, Inc.
EPC contract advice to retro-fit coal fired power stations with 'green' technology
We advised an American specialist engineering contractor on EPC contracts to retro-fit existing coal fired power stations with 'green' technology. These contracts were based on various FIDIC, NEC3 and bespoke terms. We also offered additional advice on joint venture arrangements with other specialist contractors.
US$147 million mining project in Russia
We advised a multilateral agency on a US$147 million financing for a mining project in Russia.
Biofuels plant development
Withers have represented a developer of a biofuels plant in St Petersburg, Russia.
Recognition
Our team
Camilla Gambarini
Special counsel | London
Guan Feng Chen
Consultant | Singapore
Eleni Polycarpou
Partner | London
Hussein Haeri KC
Partner | London
Lesley Timms
Partner | London
M. Ridgway Barker
Partner | Greenwich
Pauline Page
Partner | London
Peter Wood
Partner | London
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