Projects and energy: International firms and joint ventures

Norton Rose Fulbright

Advising Japan-based clients on outbound energy and infrastructure projects is a particular strength of the team at Norton Rose Fulbright. The projects and energy practice provides a full-service offering, extending beyond project development and finance to include advice on corporate and M&A matters and dispute resolution. George Gibson, head of the firm’s Tokyo office, leads the team; his broad experience across a range of sectors sees the group advise on power, water, oil and gas, petrochemicals and nuclear projects. Paul Coggins focuses his practice on the international shipping and offshore sectors and has led the team on a number of LNG vessel matters. The firm has an extensive and varied client base, including ECAs, international banks and sponsors, and counsel Andrew Clarke advises Japanese corporate clients and utilities. The addition of Akihiko Takamatsu in February 2023 from Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo) has strengthened the team’s advice inbound energy and infrastructure projects, with particular expertise in solar PV and renewable energy projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘NRF has strong capability in new energy matters such as green and blue ammonia projects.’
‘The team is spread out to various cities in Australia and Japan, but using the online systems there is a good communication among the team members including ourselves.'
‘They are able to create a team with the appropriate expertise for each transaction throughout their global network. They also put legaltech into great use, efficiently managing large volume document review and transaction progress.’
'Norton Rose are professional as to the legal matters and know well about the Japanese clients' internal decision making process that helps us in negotiating with the counterpart because Norton Rose takes the timing of our internal decision making process into account.'
'Andrew Clarke, has excellent communication skills that enable the clients to consult with him frankly. Also, he approaches the counterpart frequently with a relaxed manner to listen to the counterpart's real concerns that make the negotiation efficient.'
'George Gibson is an excellent coordinator, overseeing the entire team and regularly follows up for feedback to improve performance.'
‘Norton Rose Fulbright has an excellent network system between its offices. They always collaborate well with offices in other jurisdictions and the teamwork makes the project management efficient and good quality.’
‘George Gibson, always takes care of his team's performance and manages them very well. Also, he knows when to respect commercial decisions and preferences so our management relies on his advice.’

Work highlights

Advising Chuden on a potential investment in OMC Power Private Limited through a subscription for new shares for 25% of the equity on a post-issuance basis.
Advising Shizen Energy on the $480bn investment by CDPQ in connection with accelerating the energy transition in Japan and key international markets, including development of solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, and biomass power.
Advising Marubeni Corporation and Transelec Holdings Rentas Limitada as winning bidders in the tender by the National Copper Corporation of Chile (CODELCO) of a $1.2bn BOOT contract for the construction of a water desalination plant in Antofagasta, Chile.