England - London • Industry focus
The 'top-notch' emerging markets practice at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has 'a great group of partners and associates who are diligent, smart, and highly commercial'. Among them are Geoffrey Burgess, who has an active international M&A practice and frequently handles transactions in Africa, India and Russia/CIS; capital markets partner James Scoville, who recently advised Baring Vostok Capital Partners on an $85m accelerated bookbuild sale of approximately 1.2 million global depositary receipts; chair of European and Asian litigation Lord Peter Goldsmith KC and co-chair of the Africa practice Patrick Taylor, who together assisted Shell Petroleum as claimant in an ICSID case against the Federal Republic of Nigeria concerning breaches of the Netherlands-Nigeria Bilateral Investment Treaty. 'Super-smart, gracious, natural dealmaker' Alan Kartashkin, who previously led the firm's Moscow office, is now head of the firm's London-based Eastern European practice. International counsel Vera Losonci focuses on equity and debt offerings, including cross-border M&A deals and corporate governance matters. 'This practice is exceptional - agile, flexible, resourceful and very collaborative', say clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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'Alan Kartashkin combines years of experience doing Russian deals with a strong cross-border background. Alan is super-smart and also gracious which makes for a natural deal-maker.'
‘The emerging markets practice at Debevoise is top-notch. They have a great group of partners and associates who focus on transactions and fundraising in emerging markets, with a special focus on Africa. They are diligent, smart, highly commercial, and problem solving oriented. It's always great working with them’
‘Debevoise understands the market and do not take a "one size fits all" approach. They have strong relationships with local firms in emerging markets and work well with them in delivering a seamless experience.’
‘Geoffrey Burgess is very well versed with the emerging market and has a deep understanding on how deals are done in these markets. He is practical and gets a deal done in an efficient manner and with the best outcome approach.’
‘Deep understanding of the myriad legal issues as well as the business objectives clients pursue. Emerging markets are incredibly difficult and the firm consistently delivers A advice.’
‘Geoff Burgess is a pleasure to work with. Focuses on key issues and risks.’
'This practice is exceptional. They are of course subject experts with years of experience in a variety of jurisdictions in the emerging markets. They are agile, flexible, resourceful and very collaborative. Working with them is a pleasure and always and yields great results for the clients.'
'Geoff Burgess is extremely knowledgeable about Africa and he has a really collaborative approach to working with clients and co-counsel. He is a real stand out for his knowledge and experience but also for his wonderful negotiation and interpersonal skills. I would recommend Geoff to anyone doing business in the emerging markets, particularly in Africa.'
‘A team of professionals of the highest level - the key difference from other law firms is a deep immersion in the client's industry and the ability to provide solutions that are the most commercially and legally sound.’
‘Alan Kartashkin as a partner always shows himself to be a professional, whose advice combines the balance of legal and business interests.’
Leading individuals
Geoffrey Burgess is a corporate partner with a broad international practice in Europe (including Russia), Africa and India, with particular focus in the private equity, TMT, healthcare and aviation industries.Mr. Burgess co-leads the India and Africa practice groups at Debevoise and is also a leader in the firm’s Alternative Assets Transactions and Liquidity Solutions Group, with a focus on GP replacement projects.
Alan Kartashkin is a partner based in the Moscow office. Mr. Kartashkin advises boards of directors and special committees of independent directors of leading Russian companies on corporate governance issues. He has led some of the largest public M&A transactions in Russia, including the mergers of Uralkali with Silvinit and RTS with MICEX. Mr. Kartashkin has represented major Russian enterprises in public equity and debt offerings in the international capital markets, including premium listings on the London Stock Exchange, as well as in a diverse range of financing transactions.
Next Generation Partners
Vera Losonci is a U.S. and English qualified international counsel in the Corporate Department. Her practice covers a broad spectrum of cross-border transactions, with a special focus on capital markets and securities work and transactions in emerging market jurisdictions. She also advises clients in significant cross-border mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions, as well as on corporate governance matters.
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Geoffrey Burgess, James Scoville, Lord Peter Goldsmith QC, Patrick Taylor