Michael Corbett > Slaughter and May > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Slaughter and May’s practice is known for its abilities advising on the full gamut of projects across the energy space. It is co-headed by Michael Corbett and Hywel Davies and advises on the acquisition, financing and development of key projects spanning the sector, including solar PV, battery storage, offshore wind and green hydrogen, with which the team has a focus on the African market. Additionally, the team is equipped to assist with regulatory matters, particularly regarding new nuclear, carbon capture and storage. ‘Absolute superstar’ Oly Moir stands out for his capabilities handling large-scale projects in international contexts and Richard Todd is also noted for his ‘deep experience in project finance’. Another noteworthy individual is Daniel Mewton, who is described as ‘the most exceptional associate’.

Active on large and high profile international work with the quality and capability to undertake novel, complex mandates, Slaughter and May‘s infrastructure team continues to make a strong impression on the market with a wide coverage of asset types. Although Michael Corbett helms the infrastructure practice, his focus on M&A allows Azadeh Nassiri to lead a large number of financing and development matters, with a strong and well-rounded understanding of the project financing piece and working on substantial energy builds, including one of the world’s largest vertically-integrated green hydrogen projects in Namibia. Steven Galbraith leverages over 30 years of experience to competently guide financial institutions, private equity enterprises and governments on a range of infrastructure developments, most notably oil and gas, while Richard Todd lends considerable critical regulatory knowledge to a range of projects. Samay Shah is also recommended.

With its entrenched reputation for high-end M&A across a host of sectors, Slaughter and May has a strong focus on the infrastructure market, with digital and renewable assets forming the cornerstone of the blockbuster deals it regularly advises on. The depth and breadth of the practice’s bench allows the team to advise on large-scale transactions for global industry titans, advising on holding company sales, business reorganisations and carve-outs that require integral corporate, financing, and construction expertise.  Considerable global reach is also displayed through the team’s advice in energy deals across India, Africa and notably the Middle East – a jurisdiction where the group advised Blackrock on a multi-billion dollar equity stake in Saudi Aramco. Team head Michael Corbett is an M&A specialist, boasting impressive credentials overseeing complex cross-border transactions initiated by infrastructure and energy funds and strategics, as well as wielding a wealth of experience dealing with governmental and public bodies. Hywel Davies advises on a wide array of M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings, with a strong focus on energy and infrastructure mandates in Europe. Oly Moir has shown an impressive level of activity over recent months, working on mandates for a number of the team’s key clients, with a far-reaching skillset that is especially concentrated on traditional and renewable energies. Iain McCann and Daniel Mewton also come recommended.