Described as ‘one of the most comprehensive practices in the energy space’, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is equipped to handle the public and private law aspects of energy, mining and infrastructure projects in France and abroad. Core pillars of the practice are M&A work, project finance mandates and regulatory and public law matters. Pre-contentious dispute resolution is another key area of activity. Rebecca Major oversees matters and frequently guides French and Japanese clients through resources acquisitions and disposals. Nina Bowyer is well versed in cross-border restructurings and financing arrangements. Mathias Dantin has seen an increase in instructions relating to the energy transition sector such as battery energy storage. Olga Melo Zanelli bolsters the unit’s ability to handle major projects in emerging markets. Bertrand Montembault assists with energy projects in Francophone Africa.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team has very good knowledge of the energy sector, sending the latest sector-related and legal news to its clients.’
‘Mathias Dantin possesses excellent knowledge of the energy sector.'
‘A unique feature of HSF's energy team that I value is its ability to advise with equal strength in almost any legal regime. HSF has advised me in a number of English, French and Arabic-speaking countries. Its Paris office is probably the best for matters in Francophone Africa. That, combined with its strong disputes practice, gives it one of the most comprehensive practices in the energy space.’
‘Nina Bowyer is one of the best negotiators I have ever worked with. She has a special talent for breaking through difficult issues and closing transactions. She also has a unique talent for explaining civil law issues in a way that common law attorneys can understand.’
‘The team is very efficient. They master their subject perfectly. They are pragmatic and deal-makers. I highly recommend them.’
‘Michaël Armandou is an excellent lawyer.’
‘ The team is efficient, fast and always trying to find innovative solutions.’
'The team has extensive knowledge of, and experience of working in, the legal and contractual environment of the upstream oil and gas business in West and Central Africa and is able to field lawyers who are fluent, and can draft, in both French and English.'

Key clients

ACT Commodities
Africa50
Albioma
Air Liquide
Akuo Energy
Aquind
Amarenco
Arcelor Mittal
Bboxx
BNP Paribas
BP
Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations
Centrica Energy
CGN Energy Europe (CGN EE)
Chevron
CMA CGN
Corio Generation
Dalkia
Diamond Generating Europe (DGE) (Mitsubishi Corporation)
EDF
Engie
Enel
Eni SpA
EOG Resources
BNP CIB
Banque des Territoires
Crédit Agricole CIB
GIC
Glencore
Hartree
Helexia
Indigo
Inpex
International Finance Corporation
Macquarie (Green Investment Group Limited)
Marguerite
Maurel & Prom
Meridiam
Mirova
Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
Nala Renewables
Neoen
OMV
Perenco
PowerCo (Volkswagon Group)
Renault
RTE
RWE
Sinopec
South Atlantic Petroleum Company (SAPETRO)
Statkraft
Total Eren
Tullow Oil
Valeo
Verso Energy
Voltalia
West African Power Pool
Woodside

Work highlights

Advised Renault on agreeing with Voltalia the largest corporate power purchase agreement signed in France.
Advised Total Eren on a major project in Kazakhstan for the construction of 1GW onshore wind farm combined with a 600 MW battery storage system.
Advised Etablissements Maurel & Prom on the potential circa £61.7 million acquisition of Wentworth Resources plc, an independent Tanzania-focused natural gas production company listed on AIM.