Clifford Chance‘s substantial Singapore office has a major focus on energy projects and transactions. The firm is widely rated for its expertise in M&A and fund investments in the energy sector. Singapore partner Nicholas Wong was previously co-head of the firm’s global energy and infrastructure group, and leads the team jointly with corporate partner Melissa Ng, who has made a particular impression energy M&A across Asia Pacific, historically with an especially strong record in Indonesia. The firm has an impressive client list of project sponsors and developers, funds and investors, and lenders. It is further distinguished by having a dedicated construction team led by Matthew Buchanan, that has played a pivotal role in large-scale offshore wind projects, amongst many other engagements. The Singapore team frequently works alongside colleagues across Asia Pacific, including those in Perth and Sydney. Ross Howard is another key project finance partner with particular experience in Vietnam and Japan.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Ross Howard and team are great. Coordination accross teams (offices, practices), negotiation support and mandate staffing are second to none. The energy team is simply the best legal advisor I work with in the region, by far.'
- 'The best team in the Singapore energy legal market. A go-to-firm for many energy clients.'
- 'Nicolas Wong and Matthew Buchanan are the best lawyers in the market. Always satisfactory.'
- 'Great firm, excellent energy experience and strong knowledge of the regional market.'
- 'The usual blend of technically excellent partners (market knowledge and commercial approach) means that working with CC is always a great experience.'
Key clients
- Indonesia Investment Authority
- Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
- United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
- PTT International Holding Limited
- Keppel Infrastructure Trust
- ACEN Corporation
- Star Energy
- PT Medco Energi Internasional Tbk
- Actis
- Partners Group
- Intermediate Capital Group
- CVC Capital Partners
- Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
- Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
- Macquarie Capital
- Ørsted
- Swancor Renewable Energy
Work highlights
- Advised Partners Group, acting on behalf of its clients, on the international aspects of its acquisition of a majority stake in Sunsure Energy, advising on all aspects of the transaction, including the investment and shareholders' agreement and various other ancillary documentation.
- Advised the Ayala Group's listed energy platform ACEN Corporation, through ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd. and ACEN International, Inc., on the international aspects of its partnership with and investment into renewable energy producer BrightNight’s India platform.
- Advised Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) on the approximately $2.7bn co-investment in the Greater Changhua 1 offshore wind farm and associated holdco financing.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Melissa Ng, Nicholas Wong