Charles Bond > Gowling WLG > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Praised for its ‘excellent international understanding’, the team at Gowling WLG has a robust track record for complex cross-border work including mining project management, alongside handling start-up transactions, joint-ventures and farm-ins, as well as equity and debt financing work. Mining sector private and public M&A transactions also form a core component of the group’s practice in the space. Practice leader Charles Bond is well-versed advising clients in emerging and established markets on corporate matters. Consultant Andrew Wright  is another key contact.

Gowling WLG has a thriving projects and infrastructure practice in London that is ‘technically sound, pragmatic and risk aware not risk averse, professional and culturally sensitive‘. Head of international projects Jonathan Brufal is ‘not only willing, but keen, to get into the detail on projects‘. He worked with project finance specialists Andrew Newbery and Imran Mufti to support Saudi construction company Alfanar Company in the development of five Construction Villages procured by the NEOM Company, each with accommodation for up to 10,000 individuals who will ultimately oversee and deliver a new urban area in Tabuk Province. Corporate energy partner Gareth Baker  ‘provides pragmatic and sound legal advice, taking time to understand the commercials‘, and impact finance partner Alasdair McKenzie ‘has a clear interest and passion for emerging markets work and his advice is sound and pragmatic‘. Together they advised InfraCo Africa on a $15m loan to to UK-registered next generation utility company Bboxx for its Africa-focused off-grid solar business. Head of natural resources Charles Bond and standout partner for international arbitration Gordon Bell are also active in emerging markets.

Gowling WLG’s ECM offering combines a strong funds practice with a separate team that advises on both Main Market and AIM transactions, with the latter having key experience of acting on landmark IPOs and major transactions in the space. Other core specialisms include technology mandates, cross-border matters and work on behalf of mining companies listing on AIM. Practice head Charles Bond has over 30 years of ECM experience across a wide variety of sectors. Jeffrey Elway – a ‘very knowledgeable partner with a wealth of experience‘ – is also recommended.