King & Spalding's team has considerable expertise in the energy sector, with a comprehensive offering that encompasses conventional, transitional and renewable energy transactions. The department has a strong presence in LNG, low-carbon hydrogen, and onshore wind projects. John McClenahan leads the team alongside Mark Davies; McClenahan regularly advises on oil and gas and mining mandates, while Davies is singled out as an ‘expert’ on the full gamut of energy-related issues, from procurement and joint ventures, to those involving investments and regulatory aspects. Michael Arruda has amassed considerable experience advising on carbon capture and storage matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is extremely knowledgeable and has extensive experience in M&A transactions, particularly in the energy sector. It has in-depth knowledge, not only on the commercial aspects, but also on the technical aspects of the transactions. The team is also very familiar with Indonesian transactions and this helps bridging gaps in the negotiation, allowing for quicker and more efficient conclusion of the transaction.’

  • ‘Mark Davies stands out as a brilliant M&A lawyer with solid legal knowledge and skills, but also in-depth familiarity with Indonesian transactions. His approach is practical, allowing speedy conclusion of the transaction without sacrificing the interests of his clients.’

  • ‘Given that they are one of the best in the market, they cover all aspects of the energy market, including procurement, PPA, off-take agreements, contracts, JVs, general to specific advice with sophistication and correctness. Flexible, inclusive, and adaptive to suit the purpose.’

  • ‘I have been working with Mark Davies for almost 5 years - apart from his knowledge and experience about the industry and Japanese business, he brings many other qualities required to provide tailored solutions to our specific needs. Mark is the right fit for us and, needless to say, he is an expert.’

  • ‘The expertise and knowledge of King & Spalding regarding projects and energy is outstanding, compared to other firms. The firm is also very flexible and can meet the schedule, etc., requested by the client.’

  • ‘The team, especially Mark Davies, has outstanding expertise and knowledge regarding project & energy. He knows how to meet the needs of the client.’

Key clients

  • Intermediate Capital Group
  • AP Ventures Fund III
  • Verde Tech Group Ltd
  • BW Gas limited
  • Consortium of Korea Electric Power Corporation
  • Korea East-West power Corporation
  • Keppel Capital Holdings Pte. Ltd
  • Korea Electric Power Company
  • Korea Gas Corporation
  • Masdar
  • Emirates Water and Electricity Company
  • Masdar, EDF, Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.

Work highlights

Advising Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) on the acquisition of a stake in Obton Japan’s renewablepower platform in Japan which comprises numerous solar power projects.
Advising Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) on its winning bid and the development and financing of the Jafurah cogeneration power project in Saudi Arabia and KEPCO and East-West Power on Guam's first IPP.
Advising Verde Tech Group on all aspects of the development of a 650MW solar power project to green hydrogen and ammonia project in Malaysia.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Gaiben

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

John McClenahan; Mark Davies

Other key lawyers

Michael Arruda