A&O Shearman has ‘deep knowledge of the law and a problem-solving approach to complex legal matters’. Particularly strong in structured and debt finance, project development, sovereign debt, and restructuring, the firm also handles arbitrations, regulatory, and M&A matters in frontier markets. Finance and restructuring partner Kathleen Wong and trade, commodities and export finance specialist Greg Brown oversee the ‘positive, proactive, efficient and organised’ emerging markets group in London. Head of the export credit agency practice Lorraine Bayliss takes the lead on many complex multi-jurisdictional matters, and US corporate finance partner Sachin Davé handles equity and debt offerings, including Rule 144A, Regulation S and other private placement transactions. Emerging talents Oleg Khomenko and Catherine Lang-Anderson are standout practitioners for complex cross-border financing transactions and trade finance respectively. In the junior ranks, Milan Sýkora is a key adviser to lenders and borrowers in Africa, the Middle East, and CEE.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A&O has deep knowledge and experience in the emerging markets (including Nigeria). The team combines global reach with a detailed knowledge of the situation on the ground. A&O is well-equipped to assist in the most challenging jurisdictions in the world – irrespective of the place, they keep a steady course and drive the deal towards completion.'
'A&O is pragmatic and collaborative in negotiations. A&O takes technical excellence seriously – they know the law and documents inside-out. A&O is joined-up across jurisdictions – they work seamlessly with our colleagues in other jurisdictions and we have a great network of local law firms working with us across the globe. ’
Work highlights
- Advised the finance parties on the design, procurement, development, financing, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of a greenfield “on purpose” polypropylene production facility in the Province of Adana, Republic of Turkey.
- Advised ABSA Bank as Documentation and Facility Agent, and a syndicate of international lenders as MLAs in respect of USD 695m revolving credit and term loan facilities made available to Puma International Financing S.A. and guaranteed by Puma Energy Holdings Pte. Ltd.