Bracewell (UK) LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Bracewell (UK) LLP Offices
TOWER 42
25 OLD BROAD STREET
LONDON
EC2N 1HQ
England
Bracewell (UK) LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 2
Energy and natural resources are the principal focus of Bracewell (UK) LLP, where the emerging markets group is ‘technically very good, always available and easy to work with‘. Lead partner Jason Fox
is currently acting for the senior lenders in the financing of a proposed acquisition involving major hydrocarbon interests in Nigeria, alongside Oliver Irwin, who advises lenders and sponsors on cross-border projects across a broad range of industries. Transactional lawyer Eimear Murphy, who focuses on upstream oil and gas financing, is among the firm’s many talented practitioners, as is newly promoted corporate partner Nicholas Neuberger, who frequently advises on energy transition projects. Olivia Caddy and Tom Jamieson also have significant project development and finance experience in the energy sector. For Adam Blythe, upstream, midstream, and downstream M&A, and project development are the main areas of activity. Solicitor advocate John Gilbert focuses on litigation and arbitration. Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Eimear Murphy; Olivia Caddy; Oliver Irwin; Tom Jamieson; Adam Blythe; John Gilbert; Sam Phillips; Rory Wilson; Alexandra Smith
Testimonials
‘The team is very experienced and extremely skilled and offers full legal support and advice on every aspect of the transaction.’
‘The individuals are always available and ready to give full support to the client in order to successfully close the transaction. Special mention to Adam Blythe and Alexandra Smith.’
‘The team is technically very good, always available and easy to work with.’
‘Jason Fox, Adam Blythe, Sam Philips and Rory Wilson are all very friendly, personable – but intellectually rigorous and technically adept.’
Key clients
Absa Bank and The Mauritius Commercial Bank
Citibank N.A. and The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (as documentation banks) on behalf of the senior lenders
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Établissements Maurel et Prom S.A.
Egyptian Refining Company (Takrir) S.A.E.
Impact Oil & Gas Limited
Savannah Energy Plc
Sungara Energies Limited
Eni S.p.A.
New Age (African Global Energy) Ltd.
Qalaa Holdings and Egyptian Company for Solid Waste Recycling
Consortium of: Vision International Investment Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) and Gulf Investment Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised lenders Absa Bank and The Mauritius Commercial Bank on the acquisition by Infinity Power of the pan-African wind power developer, Lekela Power.
- Advising Impact Oil & Gas on the farm down to TotalEnergies of its interests in the two blocks offshore Namibia that contain the Venus discovery, which is believed to be sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest ever oil discovery.
- Advising Eni S.p.A. on its sale of NAOC Ltd (owning upstream oil and gas interests in Nigeria) to Oando plc. This mandate is notable because it would be one of the largest M&A deals in Nigeria.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2
Bracewell (UK) LLP acts for oil and gas majors on energy transition matters, in addition to international arbitration and litigation relating to energy projects. Practice head Jason Fox has 35 years of experience as an energy finance lawyer and focuses on upstream oil and gas deals. Other key practitioners include Olivia Caddy, whose multi-jurisdictional focus secures her a workload of upstream debt financings from across the globe, Adam Blythe, who handles upstream, midstream and downstream M&A and project developments, particularly in Africa, and John Gilbert, who is well versed in handling arbitration and litigation. Mark Hunting is another key contact in the group. Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Ben James; Olivia Caddy; Adam Blythe; John Gilbert; Mark Hunting
Testimonials
‘Always available and ready to give full support to the client in order to successfully close the transaction.’
‘Ben James is exceptional in his knowledge of all things oil and gas. Incredibly trusted and a safe hands.’
‘If you want to do an oil and gas transaction, Bracewell is the go-to firm. Their commercial and sector knowledge is second to none.’
‘In-depth industry knowledge, availability and clarity of responses.’
‘The team is very experienced and extremely skilled, offering full support and advice on every aspect of the transaction.’
‘Ben James is a truly trusted adviser.’
Key clients
Impact Oil and Gas Limited
Savannah Energy Plc
Sungara Energies Limited
Eni S.p.A.
Établissements Maurel et Prom S.A.
DNB Bank ASA, London Branch
Neptune Energy Group Holdings Limited
Neptune Energy Deutschland GmbH
Citibank, N.A., London Branch
ING Bank N.V.
Premier Oil UK Limited (part of the Harbour Energy group)
Work highlights
- Advising Impact Oil & Gas on the farm down to TotalEnergies of its interests in the two blocks offshore Namibia that contain the Venus discovery, which is believed to be sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest ever oil discovery.
- Advising Savannah Energy Plc in a transaction in which it will acquire Petronas’ entire oil and gas business in South Sudan through the acquisition of Petronas Carigali Nile Limited, for a total cash consideration of up to $1.25bn.
- Advising Eni S.p.A. on its sale of NAOC Ltd (owning upstream oil and gas interests in Nigeria) to Oando plc. This mandate is notable because it would be one of the largest M&A deals in Nigeria.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 3
Bracewell (UK) LLP is highly experienced in large-scale energy and infrastructure projects in the MENA region, most notably pioneering energy transition, renewables, utilities, and soft infrastructure ventures in the Gulf. Practice head Jason Fox is chiefly noted for his finance work in the upstream oil and gas sector. Project finance head Oliver Irwin is regarded as a ‘top project finance expert’ who advises a wealth of multilateral and export credit agencies and financial institutions on multi-sourced financings for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, particularly in the Middle East. Tom Jamieson presides over low-carbon and energy transition ventures in the MENA region, including consequential soft infrastructure PPPs, transport infrastructure, and carbon capture and sequestration mandates. Ro Lazarovitch has a broad practice that covers energy, infrastructure and mining assets and is regularly instructed by sponsors, developers and lenders, while Gordon Stewart often works with PE outfits and corporates on both acquisitions and financings.
Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Bracewell LLP are very good in project finance and acquisition finance transactions, including across multiple jurisdictions and in cross-border transactions. Bracewell LLP are one of the top London-based firms in this sector.’
‘Tom Jamieson and Gordon Stewart are exceptionally talented and hard-working, and bring a wealth of experience to transactions that Bracewell LLP are retained on.’
‘The team brings a breadth and depth of experience and a dedication to client service that is well appreciated by us.’
‘Oliver Irwin is a top project finance expert and we consider him a global leader in his work. His approach combines a blend of technical advice with a pragmatic approach that takes into account the unique considerations of the client.’
Key clients
Natixis, Alinma Bank, Riyad Bank
Miahona and Thabat
Rabobank
Harmony CS Limited, Harmony CTF Limited and Harmony CTF 2 Limited
Consortium of: Vision International Investment Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) and Gulf Investment Corporation
Consortium of: Vision International Investment Company and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA)
Alinma Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi and Al Rajhi Bank
SAB/HSBC, Alinma Bank and Riyadh Bank, NIF
Eldorado Gold Corporation and its subsidiary Hellas Gold S.A.
Egyptian Refining Company S.A.E.
Vårgrønn A.S.
Lloyds Bank PLC
Synergia Energy
Qalaa Holdings and Egyptian Company for Solid Waste Recycling
Work highlights
- Advising the lenders to Tamasuk Holding Company and Alghanim International on the development and financing of the Al Ansar PPP project in KSA being procured by competitive tender by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia.
- Advised a consortium of lenders led by Almar Water Solutions and Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company in relation to their successful bid for and financial closing of the Zulu industrial water processing plant.
- Advising the sponsors – Miahona (a Vision Invest portfolio company) and Thabat – on their project financing for the Makkah Long Term Operation and Maintenance Project, KSA, which was procured through a competitive tender by the National Water Company of Saudi Arabia.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Renewables Tier 3
Led by energy finance specialist Jason Fox, Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s energy team assists clients with a range of renewable energy and sustainability matters, including wind, solar, battery storage, and carbon capture. Gordon Stewart is a key contact for acquisitions, joint development arrangements, and the financing of renewable assets. Tom Jamieson is recognised for his expertise in project development and finance in the energy sector, particularly focusing on energy transition and low carbon projects. Oliver Irwin is noted for his recent work in wind and battery energy storage. Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Depth of knowledge and willingness to engage in difficult situations to find a solution.’
‘Excellent cross-border connectivity and collaboration.’
‘Gordon Stewart in the London office has been a strong partner for his clients.’
Key clients
Absa Bank and The Mauritius Commercial Bank
Riyad Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation
Vårgrønn A.S.
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, China Construction Bank
Engie and Albawani Company
Harmony CS Limited, Harmony CTF Limited and Harmony CTF 2 Limited
Rabobank
Total Energies, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Alternative Solutions for Renewable Energy LLC
Westa Solar
Bank of China, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, China Construction Bank, Siemens Bank
Maamba Collieries Limited
Botswana Power Corporation
Natixis and Rabobank
Absa Bank and The Mauritius Commercial Bank
Riyad Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Absa Bank and The Mauritius Commercial Bank as lenders on the acquisition by Infinity Power (a joint venture between Masdar and Infinity Energy, alongside AFC and EBRD) of the pan-African wind power developer (and the owner of c. 1 GW of wind assets across Africa), Lekela Power.
- Acted as international counsel to Riyad Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation as lenders on the development and financing of the 300-MW Saad solar PV IPP in Saudi Arabia, one of the REPDO Round 3 projects.
- Advised Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, China Construction Bank as lenders on a bidding consortium led by Marubeni Corporation on Round 4 (wind) of the REPDO programme, Saudi Arabia.
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 5
Bracewell (UK) LLP is entirely focused on energy-related financings and is thereby able to provide a very focused offering to both lenders and borrowers across the full scope of financings in the space, including in the context of project and acquisition finance. 'Commercially minded' team head Jason Fox is 'best in class'Â for upstream oil and gas work and is one of the most prominent lawyers in the market for reserve-based lending matters. Olivia Caddy also excels at handling reserve-based lending and is particularly adept at handling work in Francophone Africa. The firm has successfully adapted to meet its clients' needs and now manages a significant number of renewable energy mandates. Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Olivia Caddy; Oliver Irwin; Ronen Lazarovitch; Tom Jamieson; Gordon Stewart
Testimonials
‘Energy is their DNA, covering much of the financing and advisory work necessary in the industry. They are adaptive to current challenges of liquidity constraints in commercial banks for the sector.’
‘Jason Fox is best-in-class and commercially-minded.’
Key clients
DNB Bank
ING Bank
Absa Bank and The Mauritius Commercial Bank
Citibank N.A. and The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (as documentation banks) on behalf of the senior lenders
The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited
Natixis and Rabobank
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Riyad Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation
Eldorado Gold Corporation and its subsidiary Hellas Gold S.A.
Établissements Maurel et Prom S.A.
Vårgrønn A.S.
Neptune Energy Group Holdings Limited
Neptune Energy Deutschland
Egyptian Refining Company (Takrir) S.A.E.
Vaalco Energy, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised the lenders on the acquisition by Infinity Power (a joint venture between Masdar and Infinity Energy, alongside AFC and EBRD) of the pan-African wind power developer (and the owner of c. 1 GW of wind assets across Africa) Lekela Power.
- Advised Eldorado Gold and its subsidiary Hellas Gold S.A. on the project financing of the construction, development and operation of the €1.5bn Skouries gold mine in Greece.
- Acted as lenders’ counsel for the bank syndicate led by DNB Bank ASA, London branch, on a $525m senior secured reserve-based financing for Serica Energy plc.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5
Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s construction practice specialises exclusively in the energy sector, handling EPC and operation and maintenance contracts. Renewable energy projects, particularly wind, solar, and hydro, are another key strength of the team. With experience in commercial contract matters, team head Tracy London leads on international Greenfield power plant mandates.Practice head(s):
Tracy London
Testimonials
‘The advice is to the point and provides direct answers and solutions to issues raised. This makes the advice highly valuable and both time and cost effective.’
‘High reliability as the lawyers will pick up issues which are relevant and may not have been addressed in any brief of the assignment.’
‘Tracy London is an excellent counsel. Value adding and pragmatic advice. High accessibility and short delivery times.’
‘This practice is extremely dynamic; they know how to balance the commercial risks of the company with the important principles of UK law to provide timely advice.’
‘The team has an amazing legal and commercial approach. Their availability is 100% and have helped in very difficult negotiations and discussions in very demanding short notice and with a lot of urgency. They have led negotiations with contractors and managed to get contractors to agree to very favourable conditions for the Employer.’
‘Tracy London is the Partner that we have engaged more and she has amazing negotiation skills. She is able to provide many different arguments and options during the negotiations that are all favourable to the Employer and manages to agree on very client favourable agreements.’
Key clients
Tè Power Company S.A.S.U.
Alcazar Energy Partners
EOG Resources
GEA Group
Work highlights
- Advised Tè Power Company S.A.S.U. on its 50-MW greenfield power plant under construction in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.
- Advising EOG Resources on the engineering procurement and construction matters.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 6
Specialising in the energy sector, Bracewell (UK) LLP represents clients in a broad range of disputes related to energy projects. Practice head John Gilbert is regarded by clients as ‘calm, unflappable and seriously impressive’, and boasts particular expertise in disputes concerning gas sales agreements and power generation. Alistair Calvert - a key contact for joint venture disputes - has extensive litigation experience at the High Court. Robert Meade handles contentious issues stemming from various contracts and agreements, including joint operating agreements and production sharing contracts. Jameela Bond, Laura Watt and Madalena Houlihan are other names to note.Practice head(s):
John Gilbert
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘John Gilbert and Rob Meade are standout lawyers. They each have superb strategic capabilities and know their client’s businesses like the back of their hands.’
‘The team provides cohesive response to legal issues. Thier ability to work on cross-border issues is second to none.’
‘The Bracewell team is focused on energy/oil and gas work, and they are first-rate experts within that sphere. ’
‘Alastair Calvert is one of the best around. One of the (very) few litigators that I (a commercial KC) would send my own litigation to, were I to have some. There is, in my book, no higher praise. He is an excellent litigator, and a thoroughly nice person too. John Gilbert is very good. Jameela Bond is first-rate. Her drafting is excellent.’
‘They are experts in the field, based on the advice provided it is clear the extensive experience they have in the industry and the field. The advice they give is not only legal, but they also understand the commercial concerns of the company and seek to provide advice that covers both aspects.’
‘John Gilbert has a broad upstream energy knowledge. He is readily available and gives clear concise advice which is helpful and pragmatic.’
‘John Gilbert: calm, unflappable and seriously impressive.’
‘John Gilbert is an old-fashioned litigator, utilising all the tools in the book. He will guide you through any dispute.’
Work highlights
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6
Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s London office acts in a range of energy project-related international arbitrations. John Gilbert is ‘an extremely skilled litigator’ and Alistair Calvert acts in energy-related international arbitrations. Robert Meade‘s experience includes disputes arising out of joint ventures and asset acquisitions. Other key practitioners are Jameela Bond, an expert in international commercial arbitrations conducted under the ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL rules. Laura Watt assists with disputes in the oil and gas, power and renewables sectors.Practice head(s):
John Gilbert
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Bracewell is excellent. Their focus is on energy and oil and gas work, with a lot of that (of course) taking place in arbitration. Within that sphere, they are excellent.’
‘Truly deep subject matter expertise.’
‘Bracewell London provides excellent and efficient legal services. The team is well-versed in international oil transactions and a wonderful resource. Pragmatic, intelligent and very responsive!’
‘John Gilbert is an extremely skilled litigator, with extensive experience in litigation, arbitration and international arbitration.’
‘Alastair Calvert is one of the best around. He is an excellent litigator and a thoroughly nice person too. And he really knows his way around the arbitral world.’
‘Alistair Calvert and Jameela Bond are exceptionally knowledgeable and responsive individuals.’
‘Jameela Bond is first rate. Her drafting is excellent.’
‘Robert Meade and Laura Watt are both excellent and personable lawyers. Robert Meade is a calming hand at the tiller in sometimes stressful contentious matters.’
Bracewell (UK) LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Bracewell is a leading law and government relations firm primarily serving the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.
Principal areas of work: Bracewell (UK) LLP’s London office has established a unique position in the London legal market. It is the only London office of an international law firm that is dedicated exclusively to the energy industry.
Our London team focuses on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, finance and project development transactions, and disputes in the oil, gas and power sectors. As the hub of the firm’s European and emerging markets practice, we represent many of the world’s leading energy companies on global projects and have assisted multinational companies, banks and government on projects across the globe.
Oil and gas: We advise on all segments of the sector, from upstream exploration and production, to midstream pipelines, transportation and storage, including LNG and downstream refining and marketing. We also provide advice on complex and large-scale petrochemical projects.
Power: We have acted on some of the world’s largest and most innovative conventional power projects. Our experience also comprises deep knowledge of the renewables sector, including solar, wind, hydro and thermal. Our representations include M&A, project development and financing, and conventional and non-conventional power disputes.
Finance: Lenders, underwriters, issuers and borrowers turn to Bracewell’s finance team for our extensive capabilities to assist with high-level and complex financing deals. We advise sponsors and lenders in financings of all forms, including reserve based financings and project financings, corporate loans, capital market debt and restructurings and workouts.
Transactional and international energy disputes: Bracewell handles matters spanning the full energy spectrum. Our capabilities span from the wellhead to market, in emerging and developed markets, on new country entries, asset acquisitions, project developments, farm-ins, corporate M&A, project financings and upstream financings. We act for (and opposite) development finance institutions and export credit agencies.
Clients: Representative clients include Apache Corporation, Africa Oil, BP, Carlyle International Energy Partners, Citi, Deutsche Bank, ENI, Genel Energy, Hunt Oil, Impact Oil and Gas Ltd, lNG Bank, NEO Energy, Savannah Petroleum, Seplat, Société Générale, Total Solar and Vargronn AS.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firm managing partner | Gregory Bopp | [email protected] | +1.713.221.1511 |
| Managing partner | Jason J Fox | [email protected] | +44.(0).207.448.4206 |
Lawyer Profiles
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Adam Blythe | Partner | View Profile |
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Jameela Bond | View Profile | |
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Olivia Caddy | Partner | View Profile |
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Alistair Calvert | Partner | View Profile |
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François Feuillat | François Feuillat has over 25 years’ experience handling complex cross-border mergers and… | View Profile |
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Jason Fox | Senior Partner | View Profile |
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John Gilbert | Partner | View Profile |
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Mark Hunting | Mark Hunting is a qualified solicitor-advocate specializing in internal and external investigations,… | View Profile |
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Oliver Irwin | Partner | View Profile |
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Mr Ben James | Partner | View Profile |
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Tom Jamieson | Partner | View Profile |
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Ronen ("Ro") Lazarovitch | Partner | View Profile |
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Ronen ("Ro") Lazarovitch | Partner | View Profile |
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Robert Meade | Partner | View Profile |
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Eimear Murphy | Partner | View Profile |
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Nicholas Neuberger | View Profile | |
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Darren Spalding | Partner | View Profile |
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Gordon Stewart | Partner | View Profile |
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Ms Laura Watt | Senior Associate | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 16 Number of other UK fee-earners : 19- Industry focus > Emerging markets
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
Firm Rankings
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Renewables