Ashurst LLP ‘s project finance practice advises across the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors with notable expertise in agency, development and export financings. The firm is regularly instructed by commercial banks, financial institutions, sponsors, infrastructure funds, corporates and government entities. Practice head Mark Barges specialises in the development and financing of energy-transition projects, while fellow practice head Tom Longmuir has extensive experience leading multilateral credit-supported financings throughout Africa. Samia Khennous offers expertise in financings backed by multilateral agencies and ECAs in emerging markets, while Cédric Gamambaye Dionmou routinely leads negotiations and advises on front-end issues related to structuring transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm consistently demonstrates strong technical expertise and plays a key role in navigating complex structuring issues that arise during all the transactions. They are overall a very efficient firm and good at the support they provide on financing transactions.’
- ‘Ashurst has deep industry knowledge, highly personalised client service, and an innovative solution-oriented approach to complex challenges which makes them different. Ashurst's team takes a tailored approach that aligns legal, commercial and strategic priorities for each client and is deeply invested in long term client success, not just with a one-off mandate.’
- ‘We truly recommend Cedric Dionmou. He distinguishes himself not only through legal excellence but also through a rare combination of commercial instinct, strategic foresight and unwavering commitment. We acknowledge his ability to distill complex issues and deliver actionable advice quickly and clearly. Mark Barges is renowned for combining razor-sharp technical knowledge with unmatched commercial pragmatism.'
- ‘The team worked rapidly and confidently; their meticulous attention to detail enhanced the process rather than slowing it down, allowing the clients to shape the project framework seamlessly and make it easier to work with them.’
Key clients
- Engie Africa
- Facility for Energy Inclusion
- Prosolia Internacional
- African Development Bank
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
- AXA IM
- Banque Centrale Populaire
- Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement
- BNP Paribas
- Bpifrance
- CACIB
- Chariot Limited
Work highlights
Advised the lenders on a major non-recourse financing for Helexia, a subsidiary of Voltalia, supporting a portfolio of 583 solar PV and energy efficiency projects across eight European countries. Structured in multiple tranches, this transaction sets a new benchmark for the financing of distributed renewable energy assets at a European scale.
Advised Engie Africa on structuring and securing a $65m financing, provided by Standard Bank of South Africa, for the deployment of solar home systems and mini-grids in eight African countries.
Advising BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole CIB, Deutsche Bank AG, and HSBC Bank Middle East Limited on the €4.41bn ECA-Backed Financing for Egypt’s High-Speed Rail Network. This transformative infrastructure project is a cornerstone for Egypt’s sustainable transport development and regional connectivity.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Mark Barges; Tom Longmuir
Other key lawyers
Cedric Dionmou; Alix Damecour; Joe Newton; Gaëlle Cognet; Samie Khennous