Bracewell (UK) LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Bracewell (UK) LLP Offices
TOWER 42
25 OLD BROAD STREET
LONDON
EC2N 1HQ
England
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Bracewell (UK) LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 2
At Bracewell (UK) LLP, energy and natural resources are the core areas of focus, and the firm's oil and gas practice remains central to its emerging markets offering. It has nevertheless continued to branch out into new areas, notably renewable energy. Jason Fox leads the practice and in his long career advising on upstream oil and gas matters he has advised on more than 150 reserve based lending (RBL) financings, as well as numerous other financings. Oliver Irwin and Eimear Murphy are recommended for cross-border financings and upstream oil and gas. Fox and Irwin acted for BP Exploration Operating Company Limited and Eni S.p.A. on their project to combine all of their Angolan oil and gas assets into a new incorporated joint venture, which included advice on a $2.5bn senior secured term loan facility structured as a pre-export financing. Olivia Caddy and Tom Jamieson also has extensive project development and finance experience in the energy sector. Solicitor advocate John Gilbert is among the partners who handle both conventional and renewable energy projects. Key partner Adam Blythe handles upstream, midstream and downstream M&A, project development and other commercial arrangements.Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Eimear Murphy; Olivia Caddy; Oliver Irwin; Tom Jamieson; Adam Blythe; John Gilbert
Key clients
BP Exploration Operating Company Limited and Eni S.p.A.
Egyptian Refining Company (Takrir) S.A.E.
Eldorado Gold Corporation and its subsidiary Hellas Gold S.A.
Eni S.p.A.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures
Impact Oil & Gas
Marubeni Corporation and Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company/South Rabigh Renewable Company
Maurel & Prom West Africa S.A.
New Age (African Global Energy)
Petraco Oil Company Limited
Savannah Energy Plc
Seplat Energy Plc
Sungara Energies Limited
Vaalco Energy, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Eni S.p.A and BP Exploration Operating Company Limited combined all of their Angolan oil and gas assets into a new incorporated joint venture.
- Representing Savannah Energy Plc in its acquisition of Exxon’s entire interest in the Doba oil field in Chad and its shareholding in the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline and floating, storage and offloading vessel for a total consideration of up to $407 million.
- Acted as international counsel to the mandated lead arrangers and lenders, comprised of Absa Bank Limited and the Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited, on the financing of the acquisition by Infinity Renewables Energy B.V. of Lekela Power B.V., the owner and operator of over 1 GW of operational wind projects across Africa.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2
Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s core oil & gas practice is extremely active across the sector, with the team’s deal flow seeing high-profile transactions in the space. The London-based team continues to advise oil & gas companies on business-critical energy transition matters, alongside leveraging the vast experience of the disputes practice to advise on international arbitration and litigation arising out of energy projects. Managing partner and practice head Jason Fox has more than 35 years of experience as an energy finance lawyer, focused on upstream oil & gas. He is praised for his ‘exceptional knowledge of the industry, with corresponding advice’. Olivia Caddy advises oil and gas upstream debt financings, with particular experience in reserve-based lendings. Adam Blythe is experienced across the upstream, midstream and downstream spectrum in M&A, project development and other commercial arrangements in the industry.Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Darren Spalding; Alastair Young; Eimear Murphy; Adam Blythe; Olivia Caddy; Ronen Lazarovitch
Testimonials
‘Very strong team in relation to RBL financing for oil & gas companies. Exceptional industry knowledge and commercial insight as well as the professional legal advice you would expect. We have never had an issue with their work or advice, would highly recommend.’
‘Jason Fox has exceptional knowledge of the industry, with corresponding advice. Very hands-on as a partner and does not just hand out work to associates without knowledge or his own input.’
Key clients
BP Exploration Operating Company Limited and Eni S.p.A.
Savannah Energy Plc
Impact Oil & Gas
Sungara Energies Limited
Citibank N.A.
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Petraco Oil Company Limited
Eni S.p.A.
Seplat Energy Plc
NEO Energy Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Eni S.p.A and BP Exploration Operating Company Limited combined all of their Angolan oil and gas assets into a new incorporated joint venture.
- Representing Savannah Energy Plc on its acquisition of Exxon’s entire interest in the Doba oil field in Chad and its shareholding in the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline and floating, storage and offloading vessel for a total consideration of up to $407 million.
- Advising Impact Oil & Gas on the proposed sale of its Namibian assets. These materials include the blocks containing the Venus discovery, which is believed to be sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest ever oil discovery.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 3
Acting for governments, sponsors and lenders and possessing a wealth of expertise in oil and gas mandates, Bracewell (UK) LLP has a wide international reach, working on largescale infrastructure and energy developments across Central Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The firm regards itself as a go-to for first-of-its-kind financing matters, as evidenced by some of its financing work on windfarm projects and mandates in Saudi Arabia. The team also has expertise in water, battery storage and waste treatment matters. Jason Fox helms the practice, and has considerable experience in reserve-based lending financings and oil and gas matters, while Oliver Irwin 's practice covers cross-border multi-source project financings. Tom Jamieson , who specialsies in financing energy transition and low carbon ventures, and Gordon Stewart, who is highly proficient in holdco debt financing work, are also recommended. Nina Howell left to join King & Spalding LLP in March 2022.Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Acciona Agua, S.A.
Almar Water Solutions and Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company
Rabobank
Harmony CS Limited
Harmony CTF Limited
Harmony CTF 2 Limited
Alinma Bank
Banque Saudi Fransi
Al Rajhi Bank
Vision International Investment Company
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC
Gulf Investment Corporation GSC
Alinma Bank, the Saudi British Bank, Riyadh Bank
A bidding consortium
Hellas Gold Single-Member S.A.-
Egyptian Refining Company (Takrir) S.A.E.
Work highlights
- Advising the lenders to the winning consortium on their proposed bid for the Al Ansar PPP Project in KSA being procured by competitive tender by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia.
- Advising lenders to the bidding consortium with respect to the Zuluf waste treatment PPP, currently under procurement by Saudi Aramco, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Acting for the lenders (Alinma Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi and Al Rajhi Bank) with respect to the bidding consortium led by Tamasuk Holding Company concerning the financing of the construction and operation of two-times-large-scale Construction Village projects for the NEOM megacity in Saudi Arabia.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 3
Energy finance specialist and managing partner Jason Fox leads Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s power practice, which also Alistair Calvert has extensive experience handling both international arbitration matters and domestic litigation work with an energy focus. John Gilbert also has expertise in energy-related dispute resolution work regarding both conventional and renewable power generation projects. Oliver Irwin is another name to note in the team for his experience handling the financing aspects of significant energy projects. Jo En Low departed to Ashurst in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Alistair Calvert; John Gilbert; Tracy London; Oliver Irwin; Darren Spalding; Ronen Lazarovitch; Gordon Stewart
Testimonials
‘A specialist boutique law firm, which has the breadth and depth to advise on complex financing transactions in the power sector.’
‘They are very reliable especially when we are going on transactions with very tight timelines.’
Key clients
Vårgrønn A.S.
Absa Bank Limited
The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited
Eni S.p.A.
Marubeni Corporation
Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company
South Rabigh Renewable Company
Riyad Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation
Harmony CS Limited,
Harmony CTF Limited
Harmony CTF 2 Limited
Rabobank
TotalEnergies, Toyota Tsusho Corporation
Alternative Solutions for Renewable Energy LLC
CTGI Renewable Energy Limited
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures
Harmony HB Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Vårgrønn in its 20% acquisition in the Dogger Bank offshore wind project.
- Acted as international counsel to the mandated lead arrangers and lenders on the financing of the acquisition by Infinity Renewables Energy B.V. of Lekela Power B.V., the owner and operator of over 1GW of operational wind projects across Africa.
- Acted as international counsel to the lenders on the development and financing of the 300MW Saad solar PV IPP in Saudi Arabia, one of the REPDO Round 3 projects.
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 5
Combining deep industry knowledge with financing expertise, Bracewell (UK) LLP is able to ‘create structures and solutions to complex cross-border issues in the energy space’ for both lenders and borrowers. Much of this work is within the upstream oil and gas space, with team head Jason Fox, who has an ‘unparalleled ability to structure deals and translate commercial drivers into legal documentation’, particularly skilled at advising on reserve based lending (RBL) financings. The firm has also successfully pivoted to reflect its clients’ needs and now handles a considerable amount of renewables mandates.Practice head(s):
Jason Fox
Other key lawyers:
Olivia Caddy; Oliver Irwin; Ronen Lazarovitch; Tom Jamieson; Eimear Murphy; Gordon Stewart
Testimonials
‘They can create structures and solutions to complex cross-border issues in the energy space.’
‘Jason Fox has an unparalleled ability to structure deals and translate commercial drivers into legal documentation.’
‘Olivia Caddy is very experienced, knowledgeable, and a very nice person to work with.’
‘Ronen Lazarovitch is extremely adaptable, innovative when we needed to find solutions, and connects very well both with the client and the other side.’
Work highlights
- Advised the joint venture between Eni S.p.A and BP Exploration Operating Company Limited in their role as sponsors in connection with a $2.5bn senior secured term loan facility which is structured as a pre-export financing.
- Advising Eldorado Gold and its subsidiary Hellas Gold S.A. on the project financing of the construction, development and operation of the €1bn Skouries gold mine in Greece.
- Advised Vårgrønn in its 20% acquisition in the Dogger Bank offshore wind project.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5
With an exclusive focus on the energy sector, Bracewell (UK) LLP’s areas of expertise include the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. Tracy London, the head of the team, focuses on preparing and negotiating construction-related documentation, with experience in energy projects across Africa, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.Practice head(s):
Tracy London
Key clients
Tè Power Company S.A.S.U. (majority owned by Endeavor Energy)
Alcazar Energy Partners
EOG Resources
GEA Group (including subsidiaries)
Work highlights
- Advising Tè Power Company S.A.S.U. in relation to its 50 MW greenfield power plant under construction in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.
- Advising EOG Resources with respect to the proposed engineering procurement and construction, and transportation and installation and other service related agreements being utilised by the client in its projects in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Advised GEA Group and its subsidiaries on a number of different projects throughout the year.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 6
Bracewell (UK) LLP's practice has a 'specialist expertise in energy sector disputes', acting on high-profile matters across the wind, solar, battery storage, and carbon capture industries, assisting companies in their transition towards alternative energy forms. 'Strategic thinker' John Gilbert is the head of the team, advising on a wide range of disputes related to oil and gas exploration and production, with 'standout operator' Alistair Calvert also integral to the team.Practice head(s):
John Gilbert
Other key lawyers:
Alistair Calvert; Robert Meade; Madalena Houlihan; Laura Watt; Jameela Bond; Laura Watt
Testimonials
‘Bracewell are real specialists. Part of their strength is that they operate as a relatively small team, which allows them to act quickly and efficiently. Bracewell compare very favourably to other firms. They are a pleasure to work with.’
‘The key individuals are John Gilbert, Robert Meade and Maddie Houlihan. Each of them are incredibly good, easy to work with, and very collaborative. Clients love them. They are hugely responsive, commercially savvy and tactically minded.’
‘Excellent lawyers, specialising in the oil and gas and energy sectors.’
‘Alistair Calvert is a standout operator. He is one of the few people that I would send my own litigation to, were I to have any. I can think of no higher praise. I would also highlight Jameela Bond, an excellent associate doubtless soon to be made up to partner.’
‘A well rounded practice which can draw on a broad range of expertise, but with good expert knowledge of particular sectors drawn from previous experience.’
‘They have a specialist (almost boutique) expertise in energy sector disputes, with real experience of trials in this sector.’
‘John Gilbert is a strategic thinker who provides practical advice, with real understanding of the technical and regulatory issues that arise in this context. Laura Watt is an up and coming star who works tirelessly for her clients on complex and challenging matters.’
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6
‘An excellent firm', Bracewell (UK) LLP‘s London office focuses exclusively on energy sector work. John Gilbert routinely assists with disputes concerning oil and gas exploration and production, as well as the construction and operation of pipelines and downstream sector-related arbitrations. The majority of Alistair Calvert's recent caseload involves North Sea and Africa-related instructions, while Robert Meade acts in international disputes concerning oil, gas, power, infrastructure, construction and international trade. Jameela Bond is ‘an excellent senior associate‘.Practice head(s):
John Gilbert
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An excellent firm, specialising in the oil and gas/energy sectors.’
‘Alistair Calvert is a standout operator.’
‘Jameela Bond is an excellent senior associate, who will doubtless soon be made up as partner.’
Bracewell (UK) LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Bracewell is a leading law and government relations firm primarily serving the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.
Principal areas of work: Bracewell (UK) LLP’s London office has established a unique position in the London legal market. It is the only London office of an international law firm that is dedicated exclusively to the energy industry.
Our London team focuses on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, finance and project development transactions, and disputes in the oil, gas and power sectors. As the hub of the firm’s European and emerging markets practice, we represent many of the world’s leading energy companies on global projects and have assisted multinational companies, banks and government on projects across the globe.
Oil and gas: We advise on all segments of the sector, from upstream exploration and production, to midstream pipelines, transportation and storage, including LNG and downstream refining and marketing. We also provide advice on complex and large-scale petrochemical projects.
Power: We have acted on some of the world’s largest and most innovative conventional power projects. Our experience also comprises deep knowledge of the renewables sector, including solar, wind, hydro and thermal. Our representations include M&A, project development and financing, and conventional and non-conventional power disputes.
Finance: Lenders, underwriters, issuers and borrowers turn to Bracewell’s finance team for our extensive capabilities to assist with high-level and complex financing deals. We advise sponsors and lenders in financings of all forms, including reserve based financings and project financings, corporate loans, capital market debt and restructurings and workouts.
Transactional and international energy disputes: Bracewell handles matters spanning the full energy spectrum. Our capabilities span from the wellhead to market, in emerging and developed markets, on new country entries, asset acquisitions, project developments, farm-ins, corporate M&A, project financings and upstream financings. We act for (and opposite) development finance institutions and export credit agencies.
Clients: Representative clients include Apache Corporation, Africa Oil, BP, Carlyle International Energy Partners, Citi, Deutsche Bank, ENI, Genel Energy, Hunt Oil, Impact Oil and Gas Ltd, lNG Bank, NEO Energy, Savannah Petroleum, Seplat, Société Générale, Total Solar and Vargronn AS.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Firm managing partner | Gregory Bopp | greg.bopp@bracewell.com | +1.713.221.1511 |
Managing partner | Jason J Fox | jason.fox@bracewell.com | +44.(0).207.448.4206 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Adam Blythe | Partner | View Profile | |
Jameela Bond | View Profile | ||
Olivia Caddy | Partner | View Profile | |
Alistair Calvert | Partner | View Profile | |
François Feuillat | François Feuillat has over 25 years’ experience handling complex cross-border mergers and… | View Profile | |
Jason Fox | Senior Partner | View Profile | |
John Gilbert | Partner | View Profile | |
Mark Hunting | Mark Hunting is a qualified solicitor-advocate specializing in internal and external investigations,… | View Profile | |
Oliver Irwin | Partner | View Profile | |
Ben James | Partner | View Profile | |
Tom Jamieson | Partner | View Profile | |
Ronen ("Ro") Lazarovitch | Partner | View Profile | |
Ronen ("Ro") Lazarovitch | Partner | View Profile | |
Tracy London | Partner | View Profile | |
Robert Meade | Partner | View Profile | |
Eimear Murphy | Partner | View Profile | |
Nicholas Neuberger | View Profile | ||
Darren Spalding | Partner | View Profile | |
Gordon Stewart | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 16 Number of other UK fee-earners : 19- Industry focus > Emerging markets
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
Firm Rankings
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables)