Emerging markets

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Client Satisfaction

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has a broad focus on emerging markets from London, where partners act on matters in Africa, Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS, and, increasingly, in Latin America. The work spans investments, M&A, projects, disputes and joint ventures for major financial institutions, private equity firms, international strategic investors, governments, energy and natural resources companies, telecommunications companies and African corporates. Geoffrey Burgess, who is ‘an exceptional lawyer, very pragmatic, very commercial’, is active in M&A in Africa, where Patrick Taylor is a key name in commercial and investment treaty arbitration. Chair of European and Asian litigation Lord Peter Goldsmith KC is also recommended. Goldsmith KC acted for an oil major in its largest ever litigation, which concerned alleged oil spills in the Niger Delta. Alan Kartashkin has in-depth experience of the Russian market. International counsel Vera Losonci is recommended for equity and debt offerings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I think the Debevoise team excels in terms of legal knowledge and execution - in general, the quality of the team members is really exceptional, which leads to a higher level of work product.’
‘I would point out Alan Kartashkin who moved to London from the Moscow office and is implementing his over 20 years of experience from Moscow to the Eastern Europe emerging markets. Alan is a true legal and business leader in his ability to coordinate and move forward large projects.’
‘They have deep understanding of emerging markets, and they are servicing their clients in a multidisciplinary manner. For example, their ESG team has people from various departments and their service offering is seamless. They work well within their teams and with local counsel.’
‘Geoffrey Burgess - is an exceptional lawyer, very pragmatic, very commercial and a deep understanding of the law, the client's needs and the market. Mark Hume is very effective, clear, prompt and engages well with all parties.’
‘The firm's practice stands out for its knowledge of each emerging market and its peculiarities. You will always reach one member of the team that knows the specific rules applicable in that market and the specific market's practices. The practical experience of the team really adds value to the firm's services. ’
‘Geoffrey Burgess is efficient, sharp and with a superb commercial approach. He gets the deal done, knowing how to manoeuvre in complex scenarios.’
‘D&P combines fierce client representation with a forward-thinking approach to achieve the best possible outcomes. Their team isn't afraid to get into the weeds with complex data sets, giving the client a strategic edge. They are very collaborative.’
‘I have worked with Lord Goldsmith. An outstanding figure in the international arena. He possesses a thorough understanding of the law in his practice area. He conceives compelling legal arguments. These qualities differentiate Lord Goldsmith from competitors who might rely solely on experience or reputation.'

Key clients

Evercare Health Fund
Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz
Baring Vostok
Republic of Azerbaijan

Work highlights

Advised Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz in its U.S. initial public offering of 11.3 million American depositary shares representing 11.3 million common shares by selling shareholders at a price to the public of US$92.00 per ADS, for gross proceeds of $1.04 billion.
Acting for Shell Plc in the Bille & Ogale proceedings, the largest litigation claim faced by Shell Plc. In the last 12 months we have handled two major hearings, worked on the defence of the claims and have been heavily engaged in a wide scale disclosure exercise.
Representing Republic of Azerbaijan in its claims against the Republic of Armenia for breaches of the Energy Charter Treaty and international law, in connection with Armenia’s misuse of Azerbaijan’s energy resources during the near 30-year occupation of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory between 1991 and 2020.