Firms To Watch: Project finance

Gibson Dunn welcomed a team who joined the firm from Linklaters in July 2023, including new practice head Darko Adamovic. Adamovic is well-versed in the development and financing of infrastructure and renewables projects.

Firms in the Spotlight Project finance

Vivien & Associés

Vivien & Associés logo

Vivien & Associés offers competitive legal services and representation across a broad range of key practice areas:

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CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES

CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES logo

A FULL-EXPERTISE HUMAN RESOURCES LAW FIRM   Founded in 1987, Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) is one of the main French law firms whose activity is exclusively dedicated to employment law and all other legal areas related to human resources management (insurance law, tax law…).

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Project finance in France

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance's project finance group is praised by clients for its 'in-depth' knowledge and, is well-placed to assist clients with the financing of high-profile domestic and international projects. The practice is jointly led by a group of eight practitioners, comprising Anthony Giustini, Nikolaï Eatwell, Delphine Siino Courtin, Richard TomlinsonMilica Zatezalo-FalatarDaniel ZerbibDavid Préat, and Gauthier Martin. Corinne Duvnjak specialises in both development and finance transactions across the renewables space, while Courtin frequently advises lenders on solar projects in Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mozambique. Banking and finance expert Zerbib is well-versed in financing transactions concerning greenfield and brownfield projects, and Martin maintains a French public law focused practice, advising sponsors on biomass power plant and seaport projects.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Giustini; Nikolaï Eatwell; Delphine Siino Courtin; Richard Tomlinson; Milica Zatezalo-Falatar; Daniel Zerbib; David Préat; Gauthier Martin


Other key lawyers:

Corinne Duvnjak


Testimonials

‘The team has in-depth knowledge of international and local markets and offer tailor-made advice on strategy, structure and content.’

‘Richard Tomlinson was always available on short notice, flexible and with excellent commercial understanding.’

‘Anthony Giustini is extremely solution-oriented being able to advise on complex issues on the spot to find acceptable solutions to the various needs of the negotiating parties.’

‘Very high skill and availability. Dealmakers; great proximity to customers.’

‘Daniel Zerbib is one of the best on the market. Very good trainer for his colleagues. Very attentive to his clients and he always finds solutions.’

Key clients

African Development Bank


Asian Development Bank


Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank


DEG


EBRD


EIB


FMO


Japan International Cooperation Agency


IFC


Inter-American Development Bank


Inter-American Investment Corporation


MIGA


OeEB


OPIC


Proparco


The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund


The Korea Development Bank


Agence Française de Développement


Africa Finance Corporation


Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund


FMO


OPEC Fund for International Development


Ethiopian Electric Power


Government of Namibia


French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy


Ministry of Water Irrigation and Energy, Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia


Bpifrance


Euler Hermes


K-sure


SACE


UK Export Finance


BNP Paribas


CACIB


Natixis


Société Générale


Abu Dhabi Fund for Development


Barclays


HSBC


Macquarie


First Abu Dhabi Bank


Santander


Standard Chartered bank


Türkiye Garanti Bankasi A.Ş.


UniCredit


MUFG


Bouygues


Eiffage


ENGIE


Meridiam


Total


Vinci


CNPC


Globeleq


Mota Engil


Hydrogène de France


Work highlights


  • Advised a consortium of banks as finance parties for the 500 MW Zarafshan wind power project in Uzbekistan. Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) acted as a parallel lender.
  • Advised AFD as partial risk guarantor on their first political risk guarantees in respect of a solar project in Mozambique.
  • Advised CGHV (Compagnie Générale d’Hydroélectricité de Volobé) on the structuration and implementation of the 120 MW HPP to be located on the site of Volobe Amont and on the negotiation of the project documentation.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

Rated by clients as ‘an essential reference on the French market’, Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. regularly acts for public institutions, manufacturers, investment funds and lenders, and is known for its expertise in the structuring and financing of projects. The group is particularly adept at advising on projects across the construction, oil-and-gas, nuclear energy and logistics industries. The practice is jointly led by Marie Bouvet-GuiramandJohn CrothersFarah El-BsatVictor GrandguillaumeLaetitia Lemercier, Stéphane Vernay, and the ‘extremely competent and very responsive’ Thomas Courtel. Ex-practice co-head Nicolas Jean left the firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Marie Bouvet-Guiramand; Thomas Courtel; John Crothers; Farah El-Bsat; Victor Grandguillaume; Laetitia Lemercier; Stéphane Vernay


Testimonials

‘The Gide project finance team is an essential reference on the French market. It benefits from recognised expertise and stands out for its flawless support on particularly complex files. It can rely on the expertise of all the firm’s lawyers thus ensures perfect project management.’

‘Thomas Courtel is extremely competent and very responsive. His perfect knowledge of the sector and the different players allows him to be proactive and always find appropriate solutions. I have great confidence in Thomas.’

‘Marie Bouvet-Guiramand – expertise in project financing, good knowledge of commercial banks and development banks. Tax expertise and experience of Africa.’

Key clients

Equinix


Toulouse Football Club


Volvo


Region Grand Est


Cap Gemini


SNCF


Transdev


International Chamber of Commerce


Olympique Lyonnais Group


Viasat Inc.


Skylogic France


Carrefour


Société du canal de Provence


Rivage Investments


Comax


Colas


Hynamix


Energie de Strasbourg


Immo Mousquetaires


Uniper


Work highlights


  • Advised the lenders of Grand Est Mobilités on the drafting and negotiation of the contractual documentation enabling it to finance the acquisition and management of rolling stock owned by the Grand Est Region.
  • Advised the Consortium formed by NGE Concessions, Transdev, Chamber of Commerce, and Industry for Oise Department on the tender for operating Paris-Beauvais Airport.
  • Advised Vinci and Bouygues on all aspects of the tendering procedure for the sale or the renewal of the Stade de France concession, including assisting them with the financing of the project.

Linklaters

Distinguished by its ‘great ability to understand the expectations and issues faced by the client’, the team at Linklaters handles all aspects of project structuring and financing. Its expertise cover the gamut of sectors, and it has particular strength with regards transportation, renewables, and infrastructure projects. The group is led by Bertrand Andriani, who has vast knowledge of major infrastructure and energy project financings in France and Francophone Africa. Additional key figures include François AprilStephen Le Vesconte, Justin Faye, and the ‘particularly efficient’ Samuel Bordeleau. Darko Adamovic left the firm in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Bertrand Andriani


Other key lawyers:

Justin Faye; Samuel Bordeleau; François April; Stephen Le Vesconte


Testimonials

‘The team demonstrates a great ability to understand the expectations and issues faced by the client.’

‘Justin Faye stands out for his availability, responsiveness and creativity. He is constantly looking for solutions to best safeguard the interests of clients.’

‘Very high availability. The team gives the feeling that we are being listened to. When we make a request, it is respected and the result is provided on time, even when the situation is sometimes complex.’

‘Samuel Bordeleau is particularly efficient and has a very good knowledge of our activity as well as our organisation. He is always available and responds precisely to our expectations, particularly under the pressure inherent to our activity. This is a real asset for the smooth running of our projects.’

Key clients

Africa Finance Corporation


Boralex


Bpifrance


Ecobank Development Corporation


European Investment Bank


ENGIE Green France SASU


Fortescue Metals Group


Glencore Energy UK Limited


Green Investment Group Limited


GuarantCo


Helexia SA


International Finance Corporation


Meridiam SAS


Mirova


National Bank of Kuwait


Octopus Renewables Limited


Proparco


Q Energy


The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund


The Export-Import Bank of Korea


Valeco


Voltalia S.A.


Windvision Belgium NV


Yunneng Wind Power Company Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and a syndicate of 16 banks on all aspects of the limited-recourse financing of the 488 MW Iles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier offshore wind farm.
  • Advised Helexia as sponsor on all aspects of the limited-recourse refinancing of c.600 solar power plants and energy efficiency projects, including the structuring and implementation of a cross-border corporate restructuring carried out before the refinancing.
  • Advised on a debt and equity rebaselining arising as a result of significant cost overruns during the construction of the 640MW Yunlin offshore wind farm in Taiwan.

White & Case LLP

The ‘expert’, ‘multidisciplinary’ team at White & Case LLP regularly assists clients with the financing of renewable and conventional energy, mining, transport, and social infrastructure projects. The team is known for its broad experience in the financing of major telecoms infrastructure projects and rolling stock. The practice is jointly led by public law and energy specialist Jean-Luc Champy and Amaury de Feydeau, who is noted for providing ‘quality advice’, and his ‘excellent knowledge’ of digital infrastructure players. Quirec de Kersauson is a key name within the practice.

Practice head(s):

Amaury de Feydeau; Jean-Luc Champy


Other key lawyers:

Quirec de Kersauson


Testimonials

‘Very high-level team, available and complete.’

‘Amaury de Feydeau is always attentive to the client’s expectations.’

‘A lot of proximity, and open-mindedness regarding the requests that we were able to make. The complexity of the proposed arrangements did not hinder the simplicity of communication.’

‘It is a real multidisciplinary team, with special mention to Amaury de Feydeau, Jean-Luc Champy and Quirec de Kersauson for their tenacity and perspective.’

‘Very good knowledge of the digital infrastructure sector. Complete expertise in all aspects of the financing and operations file.’

‘Amaury de Feydeau – excellent knowledge of digital infrastructure players, quality advice on all aspects of the transaction.’

‘Excellent technical skills, particularly with regard to concession/PPP type infrastructure projects involving a pronounced public law component. Great availability and responsiveness of the team.’

‘The team is expert and shows the ability to support projects that are both very complex and innovative. They are customer-oriented, greatly facilitating the negotiations that they lead with pragmatism, while defending the positions and interests of their clients.’

Key clients

Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité


Eranove


Emerging Capital Partners


Eiffage


Iberdrora Renovables


Verso Energy


Vinci Concessions


Themis Energy


Bouygues Telecom


Altitude Infrastructure


Vauban Infrastructure Partners


DIF Capital Partners


Natixis


Société Générale


Caisse des dépôts et consignations


Fonds Gabonais d’Investissements Stratégiques


Katara Hospitality


Transdev


Coriance


Republic of Gabon


LCL


Société Eiffage de la Concession de l’Autoroute de l’Avenir


Neoen


CDPQ


GRTgaz


Work highlights


  • Assisted Altitude Group, a fibre network developer specialising in Public Initiative Networks, with its acquisition of infrastructure fund Quaero Capital’s stake in the two major fibre-to-the-home concessions of the Grand Est region.
  • Assisted the potential lenders of the consortium composed of Acciona Agua, Green of Africa and Afriquia Gaz with the Casablanca Sea Water Desalination Project.
  • Assisted Eiffage and Groupe Arcade-Vyv with a concession contract granted for outsourced management of a housing estate owned by the Ministry of Armed Forces for a total amount of more than €7bn.

Ashurst LLP

The ‘very dedicated and hardworking’ team at Ashurst LLP regularly assists commercial banks, project sponsors, infrastructure funds, and governments with the financing of energy, natural resources and infrastructure projects. The group advises clients on a range of domestic, and international projects based in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The practice is co-led by financing specialists Mark Barges and Tom Longmuir. Longmuir is known for his focus on transactions in frontier markets, while Barges has deep knowledge of both conventional and renewable energy projects. The ‘attentive and very dedicatedSamia Khennous and Cédric Gamambaye Dionmou, are key names of note.

Practice head(s):

Mark Barges; Tom Longmuir


Other key lawyers:

Samia Khennous; Cédric Gamambaye Dionmou


Testimonials

‘The team is proactive in providing advice and has solid experience in guarantees, development finance institutions, insurance and reinsurance. great availability and good follow-up.’

‘Tom Longmuir was very present and gave good advice throughout the transaction and particularly during the negotiation of the agreements. Samia Khennous took care of the daily work and was very attentive and very dedicated to our needs. ’

‘Ashurst’s team is very dedicated and hardworking, with a profound understanding of the transaction at hand.’

Key clients

J.P. Morgan


UK Export Finance


Citi


Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank


BNP Paribas


Natixis


Deutsche Bank


African Development Bank


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


Goldman Sachs


Standard Chartered Bank


Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft


Banco Santander


ING Bank


Banque Centrale Populaire (Morocco)


La Banque Postale


Bpifrance


Attijariwafa Bank


Octopus Investments


Kasada Capital Management


Engie


Skyborn Renewables (formerly known as wpd Offshore)


Managem


Société Générale


ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms


EIB


Chariot Oil & Gas


NSIA Banque Bénin


Banque Internationale pour l’Industrie et le Commerce


Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement


Vinci


BGFI Bank Bénin


GuarantCo


Work highlights


  • Acted for Citi and UK Export Finance on a UKEF-guaranteed reconstruction facility to Ukraine to finance the reconstruction of six bridges around Kyiv which were damaged or destroyed by the Russian military.
  • Acted for BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank on combined €2.3bn Hermes and SACE-backed facilities for the development of Project Green Line, Egypt’s first high-speed rail network.
  • Advised lenders Bpifrance, LPB and LBP AM on the non-recourse financing to Helexia through its subsidiary Concordia SA for a portfolio of 583 solar PV and energy efficiency projects located in eight European countries.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei

The group at De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is active on PPP transactions and renewable energy project financings, routinely assisting private sector clients, including credit institutions, and investment fund sponsors. The team handles a broad range of mandates involving the management of tender procedures, preparation of bids, and the drafting of contracts and financing documents. Jean-Renaud Cazali heads the practice, and is noted for his deep expertise in financing matters, while Antoine Payen is known for his deep expertise in the telecoms, infrastructure, and energy segments.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Renaud Cazali


Other key lawyers:

Antoine Payen


Testimonials

‘Antoine Payen has demonstrated in various files his proactivity and his ability to defend the interests of lenders.’

DLA Piper

DLA Piper maintains its strong track record for handling mandates concerning the development and structuring of projects, and project contracts and financing for its broad client base of lenders, and borrowers. The team’s workload concerns a wide variety of projects, including social and transport infrastructure, in addition to wind, hydroelectric, solar, and geothermal energy. The team is jointly led by project finance specialists Eric Villateau and Jérôme Pentecoste, who both have notable expertise in public-private partnerships (PPP).

Practice head(s):

Eric Villateau; Jérôme Pentecoste


Key clients

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


Idex


Glennmont Partners


Omnes Capital


Mirova (now Vauban Infrastructure)


Proparco


Urbaser Environnement


French Ministry of transports


Crédit Industriel et Commercial


Covage


Société Générale


Conquest Asset Management


3i Group


Engie


Bouygues Construction


Dalkia


Département de la Meuse


Eiffage Concessions


Altitude Infrastructure


NGE


Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s group is well-equipped to handle the financing, structuring, and development of projects across an array of sectors, including renewable energy and power, oil-and-gas, natural resources, transport, and telecoms. Leveraging its international network, the team handles projects in France, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Co-leading the team, Michaël Armandou assists a broad client base of industrial sponsors, lenders, and institutional investors, while Régis Oréal‘s primary area of focus is the financing of renewables projects. Ex-practice co-head Eric Fiszelson departed in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Michaël Armandou; Régis Oréal


Key clients

Agence Française de Développement


Akuo Energy


Albioma


Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi


BNP Paribas Group


BPCE


Natixis Group


Bpifrance


Caisse des dépôts et consignations


Crédit Agricole Group


DIF Infrastructure


ENGIE


Indonesia Eximbank


International Finance Corporation


La Banque Postale


Marguerite Adviser


Marubeni


Meridiam Infrastructure Partners


Neoen


Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale


Proparco


Puerto Bahia Colombia de Uraba, Puerto Antioquia Holding, and Fideicomiso Puerto Antioquia


Samsung Life Insurance


Société Générale


Orrick

Orrick's practice regularly advises domestic and international clients on the financing of projects undertaken in France, Francophone Africa, and Latin America. The team’s broad expertise extends from projects involving renewable power generation plants – namely wind, hydro, and solar – to railways, highway concessions, airports, ports, and social infrastructure. The team is directed by Christophe Lefort, who specialises in the construction and financing of major energy and infrastructure projects. Yves Lepage majors on the financing of PPP, infrastructure, and power generation projects. Carine Mou Si Yan left the firm in December 2023.

Practice head(s):

Christophe Lefort


Key clients

Africa50


AMP


Ardian


Bouygues Construction


Colas


EGIS


ENEO


Eramet


Eranove Group


Fayat


Gridworks


Groupe ADP


IGY


Société Générale


Total Eren


Vinci Airports


Vinci Concessions


Voltalia


Work highlights


  • Advised the consortium formed by FAYAT, RAZEL-BEC (FAYAT Group) and Egis in connection with a public-private partnership contract for the construction and operation of 14 toll stations on Cameroon’s main road axes.
  • Advised several lenders of the consortium in the bidding process for the A412 motorway concession launched by the Ministère de la Transition Ecologique.
  • Advised Total Eren and Visolar on the project financing of the Villarpando 100 Mwac solar PV plant in the Dominican Republic.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

The project finance team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regularly assists clients with issues regarding greenfield and brownfield project acquisitions and project development and financing transactions. The group is known for its vast knowledge of energy, power, telecoms, natural resources and infrastructure projects. Practice head Amir Jahanguiri specialises in the development and financing of public and social infrastructure projects, including highways, airports, and hospitals. Antoine Bouzanquet's primary areas of expertise are financing mandates within the telecoms, transport and energy sectors.

Practice head(s):

Amir Jahanguiri


Other key lawyers:

Antoine Bouzanquet


Key clients

Ardian


Bouygues


BW Ideol


CMA CGM


EDF Renewables


Eiffage


iCON Infrastructure


Meridiam


Nareva


Republic of Djibouti


Ronesans


Vinci


Voltalia


Work highlights


  • Advised Rönesans and Meridiam on the acquisition of 51% of the shares in Gaziantep Hastane Saǧlik Hizmetlei İşletme Yatirim, and on the restructuring and refinancing Gaziantep Hastane Saǧlik Hizmetleri İşletme Yatirim’ s debt.
  • Assisted CMA CGM and iCON Infrastructure with the refinancing of GMP, the concessionaire of the Port of Le Havre and the financing of future expansion capex (two additional berths), general corporate needs and working capital.
  • Advised Voltalis, the selected bidder in the context of the AOE 2023 tender, where RTE allowed for the project to be financed on a non-recourse basis.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP's ‘highly professional and highly technical’ group handles a broad range of infrastructure and renewable energy mandates, and is noted for its deep transactional, and contentious expertise. The team regularly acts for a varied client list of banks, credit agencies, construction companies, and government bodies. Driss Bererhi steers the practice and is supported by public law expert Romaric Lazerges; energy specialist Alexandre Ancel; and Adrian Mellor, who is adept at handling financing mandates. Amine Bourabiat and Tzvetomira Pacheva are key contacts within the practice.

Practice head(s):

Driss Bererhi


Other key lawyers:

Romaric Lazerges; Alexandre Ancel; Adrian Mellor; Amine Bourabiat; Tzvetomira Pacheva


Testimonials

‘Amine Bourabiat’s team – highly professional and highly technical.’

‘Amine Bourabiat is an excellent professional, management of deliverables, quality of advice, pragmatism in finding solutions and defending our interests as lenders.’

Key clients

Altitude Infrastructure


Bpifrance


Bolloré Group


Deme Group


Infravia Capital Partners


Vinci


Phoenix Towers International


African Development Bank


Altitude Infrastructure


BMCE


Bolloré Group


Canada Pension Plan Investment Board


DIF Infrastructure


Domo Chemicals


Engie


IFC


Infravia


Natixis


Omnes Capital


Predica


Work highlights


  • Advised Les Eoliennes en Mer/ENGIE on the EUR 5.3bn financing of offshore wind farm projects in, Iles d’Yeu, Noirmoutier, Dieppe and Tréport for a total capacity of 1 GW.
  • Advised Bolloré on its divestment of 100% of Bolloré Africa Logistics, comprising all the transport and logistics activities of the Bolloré Group in Africa, to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA.
  • Advised Natixis and Santander on the refinancing and additional acquisition and capex financing of Phoenix Tower International and Bouygues Telecom’s telecom towers joint venture in France.

Asafo & Co.

The team at Asafo & Co. is known for its expertise in project finance and development mandates on the African continent. The group is frequently instructed by governments, sponsors and investors seeking support with renewable energy and infrastructure projects, as well as those relating to the mining and petrochemicals sectors. The practice is jointly led by transactional specialists Simon Ratledge and Pascal Agboyibor, who co-founded the firm.

Practice head(s):

Simon Ratledge; Pascal Agboyibor


Testimonials

‘The quality of service went beyond expectations, with care and consistency in follow-up that never ceased to amaze me.’

Key clients

African Development Bank


Opec Fund for International Development


Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa


West African Development Bank


European Investment Bank


Danmarks Eksportkredit


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development


Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo


West Africa LNG


Lion’s Head (now Cygnum Capital Group)


Work highlights


  • Advised AfDB, BADEA, BOAD and OPEC Fund on the financing of the 130 MW heavy fuel oil power plant developed in Malicounda (Senegal) by Melec Power Gen, Africa 50 and Senelec.
  • Advised EIB, EKF and EBRD as senior lenders on financing aspects of the equity restructuring of a 55 MW wind farm located in Sainshand, Mongolia.
  • Advised West Africa LNG on the development of a liquefied natural gas import terminal and the associated distribution network in the Republic of Guinea.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton's practice handles an array of domestic and international project financings across a range of industries, namely mining, renewables, oil-and-gas, and wastewater. Sovereign and state-owned companies, development finance institutions and foreign governments routinely feature on the group’s client roster. The ‘brilliant, responsiveBarthélemy Faye leads the team, specialising in the financing and acquisition of energy and natural resources projects across the African continent.

Practice head(s):

Barthélemy Faye


Testimonials

‘Very competent, diligent, available. Proven knowledge in different sectors of activity, notably infrastructure development.’

‘Barthélémy Faye is very brilliant, responsive and has always provided us with quality documents and gotten out of the most complicated situations. In short, he provides very good advice and is always very diligent.’

Key clients

Institut Pasteur de Dakar


Gemini Global Development Holding SARL


Petrosen


The Republic of Senegal


Work highlights


  • Advised Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal on the development and financing of a large-scale manufacturing facility for the production of vaccines against COVID-19 and other endemic diseases.

Mayer Brown

The team at Mayer Brown is well-placed to assist lenders, sponsors and governments with the financing, development and management of international projects. The group exhibits broad expertise in the oil-and-gas, natural resources, renewables, and infrastructure sectors. The practice is co-led by Alban Dorin, who is particularly experienced in mining and infrastructure projects in Africa. Alongside Dorin, practice co-head and project finance specialist Olivier Mélédo advises on a range of projects based in both France and Africa. Elise Baha is noted for her deep knowledge of structured finance mandates.

Practice head(s):

Alban Dorin; Olivier Mélédo


Other key lawyers:

Elise Baha


Testimonials

‘Excellent – the team’s knowledge of the environment in which the client operates, diligence in processing files and above all availability at all times.’

‘Alban Dorin and Elise Baha: always available and attentive. Knowledge of the field of activity and the environment for the implementation of discussion and negotiation strategies. In-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations (finance and mining) to better advise English-speaking customers.’

‘This team demonstrated all-round capabilities and knowledge of investment in African countries. They demonstrated expertise in the written law and conveyed advice promptly, clearly and concisely. It is the level of service I would expect from a top tier firm.’

‘Alban Dorin stood out for providing clear, comprehensive and commercial advice on an African commodities investment. His team was also very capable.’

Key clients

Africa Finance Corporation


Africa Legal Support Facility


Caterpillar Financial Services


Coris Bank International


En/Power


Générale du Solaire


Karadeniz Holding


Millennium Challenge Corporation


QatarEnergy


Storengy


ENGIE


The Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania


The Government of the Republic of Benin


The Government of the Republic of Gabon


The Government of the Republic of The Gambia


The West African Power Pool


Total EREN


Work highlights


  • Advised the Government of Gabon on a PPP toll road project (The Transgabonaise) developed by Société Autoroutière du Gabon, an affiliate to French infra fund Meridiam.
  • Advised Africa Finance Corporation on its additional financing and investment in Nouvelle Gabon Mining, a company holding major manganese concessions in Gabon, and related infrastructure issues.
  • Advised an international bidder on a potential acquisition of Carlyle backed Assala Gabon, the holder of several oil & gas properties offshore Gabon.

Shearman & Sterling LLP

The practice at Shearman & Sterling LLP is well-placed to advise on a wide variety of project financing mandates across the oil-and-gas, mining, transportation, renewables, and infrastructure sectors. The practice is headed by Lachlan Poustie, who specialises in assisting development sponsors, commercial lenders, and export credit agencies on the financing of infrastructure and energy projects. Kate Buchanan primarily assists financiers with renewable energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Lachlan Poustie


Other key lawyers:

Kate Buchanan


Key clients

International Finance Corporation


BPIFrance


European Investment Bank


Asian Development Bank


European Bank of Reconstruction and Development


Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised IFC on the €100m financing of OCP for the development of four solar photovoltaic power generation plants in Morocco.
  • Advised IFC and Proparco on the acquisition financing for Uni Confort Maroc Dolidol SA, including assets in Nigeria.

Dentons

The team at Dentons regularly acts for a diverse range of clients, including  contractors, investment funds, and public authorities. The firm is noted for its expertise in renewable energy, infrastructure, and public transport projects. Practice co-head Marc Fornacciari specialises in PPP mandates, while Jean-Marc Allix's primary areas of expertise are domestic and cross-border financings for public facilities and energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Marc Allix; Marc Fornacciari


Testimonials

‘Proactive team that knows how to find consensus with partners.’

‘Jean-Marc Allix stands out for his great expertise in financing contracts and negotiation.’

‘Competent, precise and constructive team.’

Key clients

French State


Agence Française de Développement


BNP Paribas


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


EGIS


Hello Paris


La Banque Postale


Meridiam


Société Générale


Work highlights


  • Advised a consortium controlled by EGIS and Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations on the award of the concession of Tahiti Faa airport.
  • Advised Hello Paris, operator of the future CDG Express railway line, on the consequences of the delay in the construction of the infrastructure.
  • Advised Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations on several projects, including the financing, construction and maintenance of a photovoltaic farm located in the Département du Gard.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

The practice at Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP is known for handling the financing and development of infrastructure projects, with particular focus on projects across the Africa. The team acts for a varied client list of contractors, sponsors, and lenders in mandates concerning transport, infrastructure and renewables projects. The practice is co-headed by acquisition, project and structured finance specialist Olivier Fille-Lambie, and with Bruno Cantier, who handles PPP mandates in Francophone African Regions.

Practice head(s):

Bruno Cantier; Olivier Fille-Lambie


Other key lawyers:

Alexandre Salem


Testimonials

‘The Hogan Lovells team has great expertise and experience in the financing of infrastructure projects. I give a lot of credit to the team’s continuous efforts in supporting their clients and achieving their goals. A hard-working and dedicated team with an impressive track record and experience. ’

‘Olivier Fille-Lambie: his experience and deep understanding of Africa is a fantastic combination for clients.’

‘Alexandre Salem: his dedication and hard-working behaviour is everything a client wants to see in their legal counsel. He is a talent to watch and I am sure he will grow into a great lawyer under the supervision of Olivier.’

Key clients

Albioma


China Baowu Steel Group


bpifrance


Caisse d’Épargne Grand Est Europe


CIP


DIPF Djermaya Holdings


EDF


Engie


Meridiam


Themis Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised Themis Energy on the construction and operation of a 44MW hydroelectric power plant in Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Advised the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Bank for Red Sea Trade and Industry (BCIMR) as lenders in connection with the establishment of a $155m facility in favour of Great Horn Investment Holding to finance a series of development projects in the Damerjog Industrial Development Free Zone in Djibouti.
  • Advising Denham Capital (through DIPF Djermaya Holdings) on the acquisition of the project company in charge of the 34 MW Djermaya solar power plant alongside InfraCo Africa.

Jones Day

Jones Day's practice is well-versed in matters involving the financing of infrastructure, renewable energy, waste, and transportation projects. The group is jointly led by energy and infrastructure project specialist Rémy Fekete; Nicolas Brice, who has broad expertise in concession contracts, and infrastructure and utilities-related PPPs; regulatory expert Philippe Delelis; and Florent Bouyer, who is known for his expertise in capital markets transactions. Sophie Chevallier left the team for an in-house position in October 2023, while Carine Mou Si Yan joined the practice in December 2023 from Orrick.

Practice head(s):

Sophie Chevallier; Nicolas Brice; Rémy Fekete; Philippe Delelis; Florent Bouyer


Key clients

Agence des Participations de L’Etat


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


Djibouti Telecom


Fluence Water Israël


International Finance Corporation


The Government of Ethiopia


Mauto Holdco DMCC


Ministry of Mining and Energy in the Republic of Togo


Ministry of Urban Planning and Ministry of Economy and Finance in the Republic of Togo


Presidency of the Republic of Togo


TDF Fibre


The Ministry of Primary, Secondary, Technical Education and Crafts  in the Republic of Togo


Meridiam


Togolese Agency for Rural Electrification and Renewable Energies


TotalEnergies


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations with its €16m co-investment with Sipartech in Fiberspirit.
  • Advised Electricité de Strasbourg on the creation and the financing of a joint venture with Eramet, a French player in the mining and metallurgy industries.
  • Assisted Fluence with the negotiation of an Addendum to an EPC contract that concluded with the Ministry of Hydraulics, which consists of the design and construction of a $200m water treatment plant.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Regularly acting for financial institutions and investment funds, Norton Rose Fulbright assists clients with the full gamut of matters involving the financing, transfer and acquisition of projects. The group is jointly led by the firm’s global energy lead, Anne Lapierre; energy and infrastructure specialist Arnaud Bélisaire; and Simon Cudennec, who noted for his expertise in the financing of renewable energy projects in regions across Francophone Africa.

Practice head(s):

Anne Lapierre; Arnaud Bélisaire; Simon Cudennec


Key clients

Total Energies


African Development Bank


BpiFrance


Auxifip


Africa Finance Corporation


FMO


The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund Limited


The OPEC fund for international development


Treis Partners Advisory Limited


MASEN


Work highlights


  • Assisted Masen with all phases of the tender for the development and operation of a 200MWac photovoltaic power plant combined with a battery energy storage system to be built in Midelt, Morocco.
  • Advised the lenders on the €174.3m senior financing of a hydro power project in Côte d’Ivoire, arranged by the African Development Bank.
  • Assisted Bpifrance with financing for the construction of a wind farm in France named Kernebet developed by TTR Energy and held indirectly by Hexagon Renewable Energy.

Pinsent Masons LLP

The project finance offering at Pinsent Masons LLP assists clients with a broad range of projects across the renewable energy, nuclear, and oil-and-gas, and transport infrastructure sectors. The group has vast experience in assisting clients with projects based in France and Francophone Africa, and has extensive contentious capabilities. Eran Chvika heads up the team and has broad expertise in the structuring, development, and financing of energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Eran Chvika


Key clients

Monaco Energies Renouvelables


GreenYellow


Energiter


International Finance Corporation


Norddeutsche Landesbank


Photosol


Neoen


Société Generale


La Banque Postale


WPD


Valeco


Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised Monaco Energies Renouvelables on the refinancing by Société Générale and Unifergie of a portfolio of 12 photovoltaic power plants with a total capacity of approximately 100 MW.
  • Advised NTR on the acquisition from SAMFI INVEST of a French SPV owning a six-turbine onshore wind project, under construction, with a total capacity of approximately 15MW.
  • Advised International Finance Corporation, an international organisation hosted by the World Bank, on a partnership put in place via a risk sharing agreement entered into between IFC and the fully digital bank, Orange Bank Africa.